Q&As With IT Leaders
“The environment felt very much like a startup," Thomas Boon said. “It was hectic, exciting, and my role was similar to that of a chief technology officer (CTO). ... Now, my primary role is to make sure that GO-Biz’s technology strategy serves its business strategy.”
"We’re using multiple database tools, we’re using multiple visualization platforms, we’re using multiple analytics platforms, and I’d like to leverage fewer of them to better support our environment," says Chief Information Officer Kevin Cornish.
Jon Kirkham, chief information officer at the California Department of Rehabilitation, shares his definition of digital transformation and discusses the ongoing Vocational Rehabilitation Connections Project as well as priorities for 2021.
Keson Khieu, chief information officer at the California Emergency Medical Services Authority, discusses the value of big data and data analytics as “a business differentiator for emergency medical services areas,” and the “organic” nature of digital transformation.
Chad Crowe, chief information officer at the California Department of Human Resources, discusses the many aspects of his work, an ongoing cross-agency Enterprise Human Resources effort, and speeding up procurement.
Transparency is a key principle for the Office of the Inspector General, says Bryan Beyer. As the office's chief deputy inspector general and technology chief, he says, "My focus remains on using the right technology for the right purpose."
Tara Moran is the first chief executive for the new California Water Data Consortium, which seeks to improve and share data in a way that helps the state manage its liquid assets. The organization’s goal, she says, is to create a strong, data-related foundation to support water policy discussions in the state.
David Noronha, the longtime chief information officer at the California Department of Insurance, discusses how the role of CIO at his department has changed, how technology has increased the pace of change, and major IT initiatives.
Chaeny Emanavin, director of the Office of Innovation at the California Health and Human Services Agency, discusses the merger of his office into a new entity, with an enhanced emphasis on data-driven decision-making, better service delivery and looking ahead.
Andrew Hinkle, chief information officer at the California Department of State Hospitals, discusses his agency’s move to telework; how it has enabled televisitations for patients during the time of COVID; and technology projects on the horizon.
Ahsan Baig, chief information officer at Alameda-Contra Costa County Transit, has a full agenda – and some developing vendor opportunities: "We are in the middle of ERP cloud hosting, big data analytics, and a couple of cybersecurity initiatives. In coming years, we will be looking for more cybersecurity projects, IT modernization, cloud expansion, data center integration, mobile app, big data, ML/AI platforms, etc."
Jason Piccione, chief information officer and deputy director of the Office of Information Services at the California Department of Consumer Affairs, discusses business modernizations in a time of reduced budgets, and positive changes to procurement.
Gary Renslo, chief information officer at the California Department of General Services, explains how his role has evolved with the department and discusses DGS' embrace of automation and e-signature among other initiatives; and its ongoing move to cloud.
Russ Nichols, chief information officer and director of Enterprise Information Services at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, discusses how the role of CIO at his department has transformed to that of a business leader, and looks at tech's potential for positive change within the agency.
Rico Rubiono, chief information officer for the California Department of Motor Vehicles and deputy director of its Information Services Division, discusses the department's ongoing tech modernization, how his role has changed, his favorite projects and how procurement might be improved.
Al Wanger, chief information officer at the California Coastal Commission, discusses his role, going digital at an agency that leaned heavily on paper, and a key systems integration project.
Michael Berman, chief information officer for the California State University system, explains how his role as a system CIO differs from that of CIO at one of 23 CSU campuses, and discusses how officials plan to evaluate potential strategies for an IT services consolidation.
Jay Song, chief information officer for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, talks about his role at CAL FIRE, the opportunities and challenges of technology today and an important project implementation getting underway.
Quentin Wright, chief information officer and chief technology officer for the California Department of Technology, talks about his role at CDT, an RFP to watch out for, and his more than 20-year career with the state.
Jennifer Benson, deputy director and chief information officer at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, discusses the department's ongoing modernization and how the COVID-19 pandemic offers IT an opportunity to change the conversation.
As part of its ongoing quest to more closely connect readers in gov tech and the technology industry, Techwire heard from Patrick Dennis, chief information officer at the California Department of Parks and Recreation, on his role; the rise of "Statewide Broadband as a Service"; and reaching visitors where they are.
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