CDT Names Three to Leadership Roles in Tech Innovation

The California Department of Technology has named three technology professionals “to support CDT’s vision and maintain the state’s leadership position” in driving innovation. All three will report to Jonathan Porat, the state chief technology officer.

Ivy Teng Lei, a veteran of the private sector, has been named the state’s first chief digital strategy officer. She was most recently with Exygy, where she began as growth marketing lead and then advanced to head of growth, senior director of growth and then vice president of growth before joining CDT in March. Lei’s previous affiliations include Interpublic Group, Gap, the Immigrant Civic Leadership Program at Coro New York Leadership Center, Thesis and Ladder.io. In addition, she served in Coro Northern California’s Women in Leadership and with the Digital Services Coalition, a group focused on incorporating human-centered design into civic technology and government.

“As the state’s first chief digital strategy officer, I’ll be focusing on the intersection of emerging technology, digital strategy, policies, and the communities we serve,” Lei said in the CDT announcement. “I’m thrilled to collaborate with government, technology, and community leaders to realize our vision of a more inclusive and equitable California.”

The department’s announcement added: “With a background as a New York native, DREAMer, and immigrant, Ivy’s passion lies in creating digital solutions for real-world problems.”

CDT also announced the appointment of Renoir “Ren” Pope as the state’s chief enterprise architect, leading the Office of Enterprise Architecture within CDT.

“Pope is tasked with developing the state’s architectural framework, outlining how information and technology will support business operations and benefit government stakeholders,” CDT said in the announcement.

Pope leads the department’s digital transformation efforts and “evaluates new technology adoption to ensure it aligns with the needs of the state government and its residents,” CDT said. “With three decades of experience in technology, Renoir has held leadership positions in federal and state governments, as well as the private sector. He is also a former commissioned officer and veteran of the U.S. Air Force.”

In addition to his more than five years in service with the Air Force, Pope was with the Defense Information Systems Agency, where he served as officer in charge of contingency operations for DISA and the U.S. Defense Department’s Global Information Grid. His previous private-sector affiliations include General Dynamics, ManTech, Bluemont Technology & Research, Industrial Medium, Etsy and Info-Do.

“The Chief Enterprise Architect’s role is to develop the tools and vision needed to meet the state’s business needs, and the needs of California’s residents,” Renoir said in the CDT announcement. “In my capacity, I will lead the Office of Enterprise Architecture as a resource for state leadership, providing insights into their technology investments and assisting in making strategic business decisions.”

And, as previously reported in Industry Insider — California, Chaeny Emanavin has rejoined CDT, now serving as deputy state chief technology officer.

Emanavin has more than 25 years’ experience in civic technology, including web application development and enterprise technology modernization efforts. Emanavin “enjoys coaching teams to apply private-sector methodologies adapted for public-sector use including product management, human centered design, iterative/agile methodologies, and design thinking,” CDT said.

He is a veteran of the public sector, having been an IT specialist with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, digital program manager for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, director of product for U.S. Digital Service, director of product for CDT’s Digital Services, and director of the Office of Innovation for the California Health and Human Services Agency.

Emanavin’s private-sector affiliations include IGEN International Inc., Aspen Systems, DC Living Real Estate, and the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University.

“I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity to join the team!” Emanavin said in the CDT announcement. “I’m passionate about CDT’s vision to transform the business model, and excited to apply my knowledge of product management and customer focus to help provide world-class customer service as well as reaffirm CDT’s position as the preferred technology partner for departments statewide.”

Of the three appointments, CDT said: “In their respective roles, these executives are poised to advance California’s technological landscape, ensuring that it remains inclusive and responsive to the needs of its residents. Their expertise and passion for innovation will contribute to the state’s continued success as a global tech leader.”