Even a brief conversation with Secretary of State CIO Ed Lacroix will tell you everything you need to know about why he does the work he does. He’s not in it for the titles or paychecks, he’s in it to serve. Now, he’s passing that torch, hopeful the next generation of IT leaders will carry it forward with as much care.
The 64-year-old has spent the lion’s share of his life in public service — first with the U.S. Air Force and then in California state government — and jokes that he's just an all-American cowboy. The recurring theme throughout that career has been effecting change, improving services and ultimately making life better for citizens wherever he can.
“You will find that in a lot of IT leadership. People in top positions have the same thing, we care about what we do,” he said. “We care about technology, but we care about the organizations.”
“It's a commitment. I'm gonna tell you,” he added.
Lacroix has been a part of some of the state’s most consequential projects of the last two decades — think REAL ID, Financial Information System for California, and Enterprise Data to Revenue, among others — but he says the time is right to hand off this sort of work to the next generation of thinkers and leaders.
The CIO said he had to ask himself if what he would bring to the table at this point in his career was what the state, and in particular the Secretary of State’s Office, really needs.
“I've been in public service since 1982, joining the military and fighting for this country to being 26 years with the state; I am a public servant, and it's just in my blood,” he said. “But I had to say — it's kind of a hard thing — am I going to be effective for the time I have remaining?”
Lacroix began his state career as a developer with the State Personnel Board in 2000, and would go on to hold positions with the departments of Developmental Services, Corrections and Rehabilitation, Conservation, Motor Vehicles, the State Controller’s Office and the Franchise Tax Board, all before joining the Secretary of State’s Office in 2022.
While Lacroix plans to enjoy his retirement and time with his family to the fullest, he doubts he’ll be walking away from the work completely, even offering to serve as a sounding board for his colleagues whenever they need him.
His message for those same colleagues and the next generation of IT leaders is simple: “You are a service to the business and the mission of your department or organization. Do not lose sight of that.”
Lacroix’s last day with the department is Oct. 31. While the office searches for his permanent replacement, his colleague and CTO Sharon Sweet will lead IT operations, Lacroix said.
Ed Lacroix, California’s Cowboy CIO, to Ride Off Into the Sunset
Military and IT veteran Ed Lacroix will step away from his role as CIO for the California Secretary of State's Office at the close of the month. His 27-year state IT career has touched some of the most important projects in recent memory, and it was never about the paycheck, he told Industry Insider.
