The past 25 years of my career as a government chief information officer (CIO) have been a journey marked by significant milestones, meaningful relationships, and invaluable lessons learned. Serving Nevada County — one of the most awarded counties in the nation for digital initiatives and public-sector innovation — has offered me profound insights into what it takes to build and sustain impactful IT leadership. As I transition to a new chapter in leadership coaching and consulting, I want to share the hard-earned wisdom that I hope will guide the next generation of government IT leaders.
START WITH PURPOSE AND GOALS
Understanding your purpose and defining clear goals is essential. IT is not an end in itself — it is the means to achieve strategic objectives that genuinely make a difference for your organization and community. Throughout my tenure, I have seen firsthand that aligning IT initiatives with broader organizational goals fosters progress that transcends individual projects or deadlines. Continuous forward momentum, driven by a well-articulated vision, is more valuable than being consumed by any one milestone. Remember, deadlines are important, but sustainable progress is more strategic.
RELATIONSHIPS DRIVE SUCCESS
One of the most critical lessons I’ve learned is that relationships drive everything. Whether collaborating with department heads, gaining buy-in from your board of supervisors, or partnering with external stakeholders, relationships are the foundation on which effective IT governance is built. Vision alone does not deliver customer value — it is through the trust and action by your teams and partners that vision becomes reality. Cultivating these relationships with integrity and empathy will be one of your most powerful leadership assets.
LEADERSHIP IS STEWARDSHIP
Embrace your role as the temporary custodian of your department and its people. Leadership is about stewardship — guiding, nurturing, and ultimately leaving your department and team better than you found them. Your people are at the heart of your success. Invest in them, mentor them, and celebrate their growth. Some of my proudest moments have been watching employees start at entry-level positions and, through years of growth and support, rise to become the next CIOs.
BALANCE AMBITION WITH SELF-CARE
A career in government IT is demanding. The pace, the challenges, and the high expectations can be relentless. Therefore, it’s vital to be protective of your time and prioritize self-care. Burnout is real, and your ability to lead effectively diminishes if you don’t maintain balance. Remember that leadership is a long game; pace yourself and ensure you remain resilient for the journey. My relief is keeping a mountain bike in my office and riding it at lunch whenever I can — and taking a few team members with me.
INTENTIONAL LEADERSHIP CHANGES THE STATUS QUO
Know that without your deliberate and intentional leadership, the status quo will never change. True progress requires your proactive leadership that does not wait for change but initiates it. Be humble yet confident enough to recognize that the most pressing issues on your list may not align with the immediate priorities of your boss, peers or staff. However, building strategic organizational systems that create a high-performing environment will yield dividends for everyone involved.
AVOID THE HYPE AND FOCUS ON WHAT WORKS
Don’t get caught up in hype cycles or the pursuit of “best practices” that may not suit your organization. It’s easy to feel as if others are always ahead, but that’s rarely the case. Focus on solutions that make sense for your specific context, at a scale that fits your team’s capabilities and your community’s needs. Authentic progress is made through tailored, thoughtful approaches rather than chasing trends.
EMBRACE THE UNIQUE ASPECTS OF GOVERNMENT IT
Government IT is unique. It involves balancing IT governance, securing board and CEO support, and fostering a forward-thinking department culture. In this sphere, the role of government technology isn’t just about deploying software or building systems — it’s about enhancing community well-being. Enhancing the quality of life for your community's residents can be profoundly meaningful, so much more than making a buck, be sure to share that connection and drive it down through your organization to every employee.
TECHNOLOGY EVOLVES, BUT PEOPLE AND PROCESSES REMAIN FUNDAMENTAL
While technology changes rapidly, the core elements of effective IT leadership — people and processes — remain the same. Technology doesn’t matter; your people do. To be truly effective as a CIO, you must master these fundamentals. Prioritize building a sophisticated, adaptable workforce, and foster a culture that values continuous learning and innovation. Solutions may evolve, but the capability of your team and the strength of your processes will determine your long-term success.
PURSUE PASSION PROJECTS AND BUILD A LEGACY
Finally, find your passion projects — those initiatives that light a fire within you and inspire others to join. For me, these have included direct impacts on community projects, nurturing friendships across the state and country, and building robust mentorship networks. I have cherished building leadership programs and teaching at the CSAC Institute to shape the future of public-sector IT leadership. One project of particular pride for me was building and implementing a community technology center. It only became possible when a mentor told me to stop focusing on the “impossible” barriers and build on what could be possible.
THE ROAD AHEAD
As I move forward into continued leadership coaching and consulting, I remain committed to mentoring the next generation of IT leaders and engaging in work that advances both the profession and our communities. For those interested in building healthier, high-performing local government IT organizations, I invite you to reach out to me through my consulting and coaching firm, LGOV LLC. I look forward to continuing this journey of growth, impact and shared success. Remember, your leadership makes a difference. Approach it with intentionality, compassion, and a focus on continuous progress, and you will not only achieve success but also create a legacy that endures.
