George Akiyama, Caltrans’ CIO of more than seven years, retired at the end of the year. As of this week, the department’s acting CIO is Marcie Kahbody, deputy secretary and agency chief information officer for the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).
.
Caltrans Director Tony Tavares issued the announcement on Dec. 30.
Kahbody has served as CalSTA’s agency chief information officer (AIO) since 2015, with oversight of IT for the agency’s boards, offices, commissions and departments, including the Department of Motor Vehicles, Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol, and the California High-Speed Rail Authority, among others.
Tavares’ announcement said: “With over 31 years of IT public-sector experience, Marcie possesses a record of proven outcomes as a collaborative leader, directing highly technical teams and successfully implementing enterprise-wide transformational initiatives and programs. Marcie focuses on fostering collaboration, building effective teams, encouraging two-way communication, and providing coaching and mentorship. She believes in the strength of diversity, building relationships, and utilizing innovative approaches to difficult problems.
“She is passionate about cultivating up-and-coming leaders. Marcie believes that success begins with a people-first foundation and has championed it throughout her career.”
Kahbody received her bachelor’s degree in computer science from California State University, Sacramento in 1990 and was a participant in the state’s Information Technology Leadership Academy (ITLA) in 2013. She is a Microsoft Certified Engineer and is part of Sac State’s Leadership for the Government Executive program.
No recruitment has yet been posted on the CalCareers website for Akiyama’s permanent successor.
