As part of Industry Insider — California’s ongoing efforts to inform readers about state and local agencies, their IT plans and initiatives, here’s the latest in our periodic series of interviews with IT leaders. Responses have been lightly edited.
Jamil Niazi, seven months into his role as director of information technology for the port city of Stockton, characterizes himself as “passionate about people and technology.” He came to the job with a deep background as a technology executive with almost 25 years’ experience, moving seamlessly between the public and private sectors.
Before assuming the Stockton role, he had most recently served as IT division head for infrastructure and cybersecurity for the city of Concord, including its police department. His previous roles included director of infrastructure and cybersecurity for Alameda Health System; IT director for Basil Seed Works Inc.; IT manager for the Contra Costa Water District; CIO for the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office; IT manager for Ross Stores; IT manager for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency; IT director for Crescent Mortgage Co.; and director of IT for the San Francisco Mayor’s Office.
Among the many skills Niazi cites in his LinkedIn profile, one that’s prominent is data center management. That’s an attribute that comes in handy in Stockton as the city embarks on a contract for data backup and disaster recovery with Nautilus Technologies’ floating data barge. The vessel, which sits in the Port of Stockton, will house the city’s backup data center in an unusual configuration: It’s based on water and it’s water-cooled — a significant change from the traditional land-based, air-cooled data centers.
With a fistful of professional credentials in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other tech disciplines, Niazi also serves on committees in professional organizations, including the Municipal Information Systems Association of California (MISAC).
Industry Insider — California: What’s the best part of being the chief information officer for the city of Stockton?
Jamil Niazi: The team that I have the privilege of working with, and the leadership. They love their job and take pride in their commitment to excellence working for the city of Stockton.
IICA: How far along is Stockton in its digital transformation — and will it ever be finished?
Niazi: It is making great progress. Several of the departments are implementing document management systems and utilizing tools like Microsoft SharePoint and AI soon.
IICA: Does the city have any specific plans or initiatives specifically involving artificial intelligence?
Niazi: Yes, we were fortunate enough to get accepted to Microsoft’s AI workshop, where they will develop an AI app for the city at no cost to Stockton. We are also working on a proof of concept for illegal dumping and smart drones for the fire department.
IICA: Does the city have a strategic plan? How big a role will you play in writing the next strategic plan?
Niazi: We just completed the RFP and finalizing the top vendors. My role will be key in making sure all the departments have a voice and are heard for smart city capabilities and use of AI.
IICA: What is your estimated IT budget, and how many employees does Stockton’s IT team have?
Niazi: We are going to be close to about $23 million this upcoming new fiscal year, and a team of 52 employees so far.
IICA: What big initiatives or projects are on the horizon for Stockton? What sorts of developing opportunities and RFPs should we be watching for in the next six to 12 months?
Niazi: We have a big RFP that was just concluded to help us choose a vendor for our new CAD system for fire and police. Then another RFP will go out for a vendor to implement our CAD and RFP soon. We’re doing network refresh for our transportation network, colocation data center and cybersecurity hardening. We want to expand our Rubrik footprint and purchase one more dedicated to public safety. Rubrik has been a game-changer in terms of backup and recovery with all the cybersecurity features.
IICA: How do you prefer to be contacted by vendors, including via social media such as LinkedIn? How might vendors best educate themselves before meeting with you?
Niazi: Reach out on LinkedIn.
IICA: If you could change one thing about IT procurement, what would it be?
Niazi: All the red tape, but it’s necessary.
IICA: What do you read to stay abreast of developments in the gov tech/SLED sector?
Niazi: I attend several conferences annually, online webinars, and I also serve on the GovAI Coalition and the MISAC Cybersecurity Committee. Also, I just completed an extensive AI class at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.
IICA: What are your hobbies and what do you enjoy reading?
Niazi: During football season, that is my only hobby! I enjoy lifting weights, going to movies, swimming, reading all types of books and autobiographies, and watching good movies and series on TV.
Stockton IT Chief: ‘Passionate About People and Technology’
