She took over that job in Wisconsin in 2020, bringing more than two decades worth of state government experience in such areas as housing, health care and economic development. Zanow started out in the private sector but was drawn to public agencies because the work better aligns with her values: protecting and supporting other people and putting their needs first.
“I am deeply grateful to be able to work in government,” she said.
During her tenure as a technology leader, Wisconsin has gained positive attention for the state’s digital ID push, an online portal for drug monitoring, the consolidation of child welfare records and cybersecurity upgrades.
She continues to help build what she called a “great customer experience” for state residents and businesses and strengthen data governance and policy. Wisconsin has also embraced a whole-of-state approach to cybersecurity under Zanow, bringing together numerous officials from various departments and governments to share resources and expertise to defend against digital criminals.
“It takes a village, it takes a lot of people” to build cybersecurity and bring other technologies to state government, and that’s why Zanow emphasizes the role of relationships for effective CIOs.
She also talks up the problem-solving potential of government, even if the public sector and the scrutiny that comes with it can make it seem less rewarding than other types of tech work.
“There are so many different opportunities to take advantage of in government,” Zanow said.
This story originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of Government Technology magazine. Click here to view the full digital edition online.
