February
Long-Serving Napa County CIO Gjestvang Retiring This Month
Jon Gjestvang, who led IT for the Bay Area county through wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, wrapped up his 23-year career as chief information officer at the end of February.
CDTFA Chief Nick Maduros Named GovOps Secretary
Government Operations Secretary Amy Tong moved to the Governor’s Office, and Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Nick Maduros, who served most recently as director of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), to take her place.
March
State Technologist Andrew King Named to Leadership Role in ODI
Andrew King, a state technology professional with a background in environmental and educational organizations, was named deputy director of data operations strategy at the Office of Data and Innovation, part of the California Government Operations Agency.
Nevada County Taps Craig Griesbach to Lead Information and General Services Agency
Craig Griesbach, who served as acting director of Nevada County’s Information and General Services Agency since December 2024, was named to the post permanently.
July
Fairfield Taps Former Vallejo CIO to Lead IT Department
The Northern California city named Vallejo’s former CIO, Naveed Ashraf, to head its Information Technology Department.
Technologist, Advocate Al Rawi to Depart L.A. County
Mohammed Al Rawi, the man behind the dramatic modernization of the Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender, departed on a personal mission to make case management technology more accessible to cash-strapped public defense teams.
August
DCSS Officials Confirm CIO Departure
An official with the Department of Child Support Services confirmed that a job posting for a deputy director and chief information officer looks to fill a vacancy created by the departure of Toquyen Collier.
CalHHS Data Officer Appointed to Policy Adviser Role With DHCS
John Ohanian was appointed by the governor to the position of policy adviser for the Data Exchange within the California Department of Health Care Services.
Napa County Appoints New Technology Chief
Meg Ragan was tapped to lead Napa County’s IT Services Division. Her appointment took effect in August.
Newsom Names New GovOps Undersecretary
Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Christine Harada as the new undersecretary for the Government Operations Agency.
September
San Francisco Mayor Names Strategy, Performance Chief
Jessica MacLeod was named as the city’s first chief of strategy and performance. A gov tech veteran, her previous roles include serving as director of digital service and open government for San Rafael, Calif.
October
Bómbita Out at California Cybersecurity Integration Center
Edward Bómbita, commander with the California Cybersecurity Integration Center, was relieved of duty in late September. Reports of his departure cite friction between real-world threats and leadership priorities.
November
Newsom Appoints Kate Ricker to CDT Executive Position
Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Kate Ricker to the role of deputy director for state technology policy and strategic management within the California Department of Technology.
California Data Officer Lally Steps Away From Role
After just under a year and a half on the job as the state’s chief data officer, Jason Lally announced that he was stepping away from his executive role with the California Office of Data and Innovation.
December
Department of Insurance CIO David Noronha to Retire
After more than 26 years in state service, California Department of Insurance CIO David Noronha announced his retirement in the hopes of getting to do the work he loves without the administrative hassles that come with being CIO.
Mountain View CIO Jensen Announces Retirement Plans
After more than a decade directing the city’s IT department, CIO Roger Jensen announced his retirement. His final day is March 20, 2026.
