IE 11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

John Nixon

Director, Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget

During his four-year tenure as Utah’s budget director, Nixon oversaw the state’s $11 billion budget, teaming with CIO Steve Fletcher to successfully consolidate IT services. As a result, Utah is now one of a small handful of states with fully centralized IT operations.

Nixon then headed to Michigan where he now serves as director of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. Since his arrival, he has led major efforts to strengthen the state’s IT operations.

“I saw a state that had been down for over a decade,” Nixon said. “I saw a state that was poised to make a strong comeback.”

And that it has. Earlier this year, the Michigan Legislature approved a $2.5 million innovation fund, which will in part be overseen by Nixon. The fund will be used to execute IT projects that cost in the $100,000 to $200,000 range. Nixon said the projects will help state agencies work together to consolidate and share IT services.

Since Nixon took office, the state also has combined its physical and cybersecurity offices — making both sets of operations technology driven, and he intends to continue pushing the IT realm on all fronts.

“I think that our people are ready for change,” he said, “and I think they’re excited.”

14d3da1b29dc431fae3b570be5c101e5

Miriam Jones is a former chief copy editor of Government Technology, Governing, Public CIO and Emergency Management magazines.