His appointment comes just three months after being named the city’s deputy CIO in February. Austin’s previous CISO Shirley Erp recently announced her retirement on LinkedIn, where she reflected on five years with the city and 20 years of public service.
“My career has exceeded my wildest expectations, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have been part of this remarkable journey and contributed to our collective successes,” Erp said on LinkedIn. “I am deeply appreciative and will cherish the memories and valuable experiences we have shared.”
Before joining Austin, Gardner served the city of Dallas as its CISO for five years before becoming chief technology officer and eventually being named its interim CIO, a role he held for nearly a year.
During his time in Dallas, Gardner was credited for implementing the city’s first cyber fusion center and security operation center.
Prior to joining the public sector, Gardner provided IT security services for Air Medical Group Holdings, Brink’s, CHRISTUS Health and Accenture.
Gardner received his Bachelor of Science in economic fraud and investigation from Utica University in 2010, his Master of Science in computer and information systems security from Lewis University in 2011 and a Doctorate of Philosophy in information technology from Capella University in 2016.
Erp, his predecessor, first joined the public sector in 1980, as a systems programmer for the city of San Antonio. After 20 years in the private sector, she rejoined public service as CISO for the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Erp also served as CISO for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for five years before her time with the city of Austin.
Coverage of Erp’s departure and Gardner’s selection first appeared in Industry Insider — Texas, part of e.Republic, Government Technology's parent company.
