Tech Veteran Nichols Takes Executive Role With HiPER Solutions

Veteran California technologist Russ Nichols, who most recently served as California’s interim chief information officer, has joined HiPER Solutions in an executive advisory and leadership role.

In his new role, Nichols will be a “HiPER-in-Residence,” according to David Morris, HiPER’s founder and chief executive. As such, he will also lead and participate in a circle of 100-plus “HiPER” C-suite and other executive leaders who share insights and best practices to de-risk large-scale transformational initiatives.

The award-winning Nichols, based in the Shingle Springs area, served in the public sector for 32 years in management and executive roles with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the State Controller’s Office, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the California Department of Technology before retiring in October 2022 from his last role in state government — deputy state CIO, interim state CIO and CDT chief deputy director.

His accolades include being named CIO of the Year in 2018 at the California Public Sector CIO Academy* and being honored with the Hall of Fame Award this year by the Academy. He is a graduate of CDT’s Information Technology Leadership Academy (ITLA). Nichols has been a frequent speaker at government and industry conferences, and currently serves as a Senior Fellow with the Center for Digital Government*. (Nichols was the subject of an Industry Insider — California “One-on-One” interview in August 2020.)

HiPER Solutions’ mission is “Helping Executive Sponsors Drive Positive Change” by filling gaps in leadership and project management, aligning teams with their organizations’ missions and goals, and helping drive efficiency and effectiveness.

“Our commitment to data-driven solutions is at the core of our success, and Russ’ joining us reinforces our dedication to staying ahead of the curve in risk reduction, stakeholder engagement, and blind-spot identification,” Morris told Industry Insider — California. “HiPER is a company built on the foundation of excellence and a commitment to our clients’ success. Russ embodies these values, and together, we will continue to achieve great outcomes.”

Nichols said he is similarly excited.

“I am thrilled to join HiPER, a company that uniquely aligns with my expertise in project management, procurement and governance,” Nichols said via email. “In today’s landscape of budget constraints and soaring expectations, the synergy between my skill set and HiPER’s tools is paramount.”

Nichols’ path from state government to HiPER Solutions follows that of Christian Farland, former chief information officer for the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), who moved from that role to the position of client executive with HiPER in March 2022. The company said in a news release announcing Farland’s hiring that his mission was to “help the firm’s clients unlock the full potential of leaders in their organizations by de-risking the people component of high-potential technology transformation projects.”

*The California Public Sector CIO Academy and the Center for Digital Government, like Industry Insider — California, are part of e.Republic.