Tomes has led MNIT since April 2019, overseeing the technology services that support Minnesota’s executive branch agencies. His exit marks the end of a nearly seven-year tenure during which the agency navigated enterprise modernization efforts, cybersecurity planning and the growing role of digital services in the state's government operations.
According to a university announcement, Tomes will become vice president for information technology and CIO at the University of Minnesota on March 16, where he will oversee IT strategy across the system’s campuses — after years of navigating complex technology demands at the state level.
Appointed by Gov. Tim Walz early in his first term, Tomes was reappointed to the governor’s cabinet in November 2022 after Walz won a second term. For his customer-centered approach and marshalling multiagency collaboration, the CIO was recognized in the spring of 2022 as one of Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers.
Walz pointed to that experience in announcing Tomes’ departure, noting that Tomes helped lead Minnesota through some of its “most complex technological challenges” — including the technology behind Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave.
Tomes’ departure from state service sets in motion a planned leadership transition at MNIT. Eichten will step in as interim CIO to provide continuity as the administration weighs its options for a permanent successor, with the timing of both moves aligned to coincide with Tomes joining the university in March.
The outgoing CIO described his time as Minnesota’s CIO as “an incredible honor” in the announcement, crediting Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for “their leadership and their steadfast commitment to investing in, leveraging, and relying on technology innovation to transform government,” enabling MNIT to deliver secure, accessible, people-centered services.
