Kentucky Taps Veteran Tech Leader to Drive Future of IT

Kentucky has officially named veteran tech leader Jim Barnhart as the state’s new chief information officer of the Commonwealth Office of Technology (COT), formalizing a role he has frequently filled during his two decades of service.

Barnhart has served as acting CIO for three previous administrations, providing consistent support to the state's digital evolution.

“Throughout his tenure at COT, Jim has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including leading the Executive Branch IT Consolidation, modernizing statewide microwave infrastructure and driving Kentucky’s cloud migration strategy,” wrote the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet in a LinkedIn post announcing his advancement to the role.

Barnhart could not immediately be reached Thursday for further comment.

Barnhart previously helped coordinate critical disaster recovery efforts with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the state of Kentucky. This background could prove invaluable in the near future as Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear just submitted an expedited major disaster declaration in a request for FEMA assistance for the state following deadly tornadoes that killed 19 and destroyed or severely damaged more than 1,500 homes.

He also facilitated the rapid COVID-19 remote work transition for more than 30,000 employees. He serves on the Kentucky Communications Network Authority Steering Committee and is also chair for the Kentucky Wireless Interoperability Executive Committee.

Barnhart will replace former CIO Ruth Day, who retired at the end of 2024 after filling the role for five years.