Workforce and People

The 2025 Fall Cybersecurity Summit at Thiel College in Pennsylvania last week involved a variety of speakers on three different panels focused on industry, education and military and government affairs.

A public community college in Illinois will use grants from the National Science Foundation to coordinate AI workshops for faculty across disciplines and create a cybersecurity toolkit for college employees.

The Colorado Office of Information Technology empowers government accessibility through its Technology Accessibility Program, which includes initiatives such as the Lived Experiences Library.

The new Coaching Lab will test and scale evidence-based coaching methods to retain students and keep them on track as colleges and workforce programs face skepticism and tougher job prospects for graduates.

The National Association of State Chief Information Officers has announced its executive leadership for the program year ahead, while also welcoming new directors to its Executive Committee.

Memphis, Tenn., Deputy CIO Augustine Boateng said that as cyber threats become more sophisticated, AI-powered tools can help local government keep up.

Expanding Denver CIO Suma Nallapati's role to include AI, both in title and scope, is intended to support the advancement of the technology within government operations to better meet residents' needs.

Plus, North Carolina has set standards for digital literacy, Alabama has launched a workforce initiative to improve digital skills, Massachusetts is investing $23 million to expand device access, and more.

Harford County Public Schools will use a state grant to expand their partnership with Defense Interns, which gives students access to registered apprenticeships that combine classwork with hands-on experience.

Elevated from state chief information security officer, Tony Sauerhoff arrives during a strategic shift for the Department of Information Resources as it expands support for agencies exploring AI and emerging tech.

At its annual conference, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers recognized Ohio’s Holly Drake for her cybersecurity leadership, while also doling out other tech awards.

Elyse Rosenberg, who transitioned from interim CIO to permanent earlier this year, is leveraging decades of technology experience to shape a strategic vision for accessible, trustworthy digital services.

State CIO Amaya Capellán and Chief Technology Officer R. Brian Andrews have both departed state government. It’s essential, Capellán said recently, “to deliver for our workforce and make sure they are equipped.”

The endeavor is intended to train thousands of staffers on AI fundamentals using real-world applications, through a collaboration with InnovateUS. Other state and local governments are engaged in similar training.

IT leaders in the state’s most populous county said they will utilize new Texas Cyber Command services after a shift in national support, while building their own cybersecurity teams and training programs.

Co-hosted by the American Public University System and Rasmussen University, the 2025 Nationwide Virtual Career Fair will offer online access to employers in technology and other high-growth industries.

Burris announced her departure this week after nearly a decade at the state IT department, where she helped strengthen data governance and AI readiness. She was named chief data officer in January 2024.

A collaboration between the Connecticut Department of Education and the Office of Workforce Strategy has enlisted industry partners to work with high schools on offering more than 300 Industry Recognized Credentials.