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Chandler Treon

Chandler Treon is an Austin-based staff writer. He has a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in literature and a master’s degree in technical communication, all from Texas State University.

  • The Texas Cyber Command logo in blue against a white background.
    News
    Texas Cyber Command Hiring for Top Leadership Positions
    What to Know:
    • The Texas Cyber Command is hiring a vice chief and deputy chief to lead statewide cyber defense operations.
    • The vice chief serves as the command’s chief strategist, guiding integration of cybersecurity functions from other agencies and representing Texas in national cyber policy discussions.
    • The deputy chief role focuses on operations, directing incident response efforts and managing distributed teams.
    Insider
    October 31, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A business person tapping on a lock icon amid a network of icons including a cloud symbol, a person symbol, a laptop and more locks.
    News
    DIR to Issue Cooperative Contracts for Cybersecurity Products, Services
    What to Know:
    • The upcoming solicitation will cover cybersecurity software, services and related support.
    • DIR plans to award one or more vendors under indefinite quantity contracts with no purchase minimums.
    • The deadline for vendor responses is expected to be Feb. 2, 2026.
    Insider
    October 30, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A set of scales formed by bright cyan blue dots against a black background.
    News
    Office of Court Administration CIO Kennedy Announces Retirement
    What to Know:
    • Casey Kennedy will retire from the public sector in November after 15 years as CIO.
    • In a LinkedIn post, Kennedy thanked colleagues and mentors, reflected on his time in the role and said he is open to new opportunities.
    • The agency has opened applications for his successor, who will serve as CIO, director of information services and information resource manager for the state judiciary.
    Insider
    October 29, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Aerial view of downtown Corpus Christi, Texas, along a waterfront.
    News
    Corpus Christi Budgets $30M for IT in 2026
    What to Know:
    • Corpus Christi's IT fund includes about $23 million in FY26.
    • The city has dedicated about $7 million through its capital program for technology-focused initiatives.
    • The budget also sets aside about $21 million for construction projects with embedded technology components.
    Insider
    October 28, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas Department of Information Resources logo in blue against a white background.
    News
    Profiles in Government: Department of Information Resources
    What to Know:
    • As the central IT agency, DIR oversees statewide procurement vehicles, cybersecurity programs, data center services and cloud offerings.
    • For Fiscal Year 2026, DIR has received $9.3 million for IT capital items and operates under a total budget of $779 million.
    • DIR is shifting its focus from cybersecurity toward its Innovation Lab and new AI Division.
    Insider
    October 24, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Aerial view of Austin, Texas, on a sunny day.
    News
    Travis County Budgets $110M+ for 2026 IT Spending
    What to Know:
    • The county’s Technology and Operations department is allocated $91.4 million.
    • Several departments are investing in targeted software, hardware and digital platforms.
    • Technology funding also extends into departmental programs.
    Insider
    October 23, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • TxDOT roadway image.jpg
    News
    Profiles in Government: Department of Transportation
    What to Know:
    • TxDOT oversees planning and operations across highways, bridges, aviation and rail.
    • The department’s $203 million IT capital budget includes funding for cybersecurity, modernization, data initiatives and infrastructure-related technologies.
    • The department’s FY 2025–29 strategic plan prioritizes automation, data integration and digital modernization.
    October 21, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas Health and Human Services logo superimposed in front of the agency's building.
    News
    Profiles in Government: Health and Human Services Commission
    What to Know:
    • HHSC supports operations for programs such as Medicaid, SNAP and WIC, and also oversees the Department of State Health Services.
    • With $1.1 billion allocated for technology-related initiatives, the agency’s funding spans major modernization efforts.
    • HHSC is focused on expanding artificial intelligence use, defending against cybersecurity threats and improving its data-driven decision-making.
    Insider
    October 17, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • houston2
    News
    Harris County Budgets $54M+ in 2026 for Tech
    What to Know:
    • The county’s Universal Services department is set to receive $141 million in base funding.
    • A separate $11 million allocation will fund long-term capital investments.
    • Public Safety Technology Services is budgeted at $24 million.
    Insider
    October 17, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • TxT Logo.png
    News
    DIR Expands Texas by Texas Digital Services
    What to Know:
    • Texans can now upgrade driver’s licenses and renew boat registrations through the TxT digital assistant platform.
    • More than 10.8 million users have created TxT accounts since the platform’s public launch in 2022.
    • TxT is a joint effort by DIR and multiple state agencies, with services developed in partnership with DPS and TPWD and operated by Deloitte.
    Insider
    October 16, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • BANNER_PublicSafety2.jpg
    News
    Texas DPS Names John Kelley Deputy CIO
    Kelley brings more than 20 years of IT experience to the role, spanning infrastructure operations, enterprise services and technical project management.
    Insider
    October 16, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas Department of Information Resources logo in blue against a white background.
    News
    DIR Names Tony Sauerhoff Chief AI and Innovation Officer
    What to Know:
    • Tony Sauerhoff has been appointed chief AI and innovation officer at the Department of Information Resources.
    • He'll be tasked with leading the agency's forthcoming AI Division.
    • He previously served as Texas’ chief information security officer. DIR's cyber functions are moving to the new Texas Cyber Command.
    Insider
    October 14, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A hacker typing on a keyboard.
    News
    Cyber Incident Disrupts Sugar Land City Services
    What to Know:
    • The city of Sugar Land experienced a cyber incident on Oct. 9 affecting internal systems.
    • Emergency services remain operational; utility disconnections and late fees are temporarily suspended.
    • The city is investigating with law enforcement and providing updates via its website and official channels.
    Insider
    October 14, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • cybersecurity
    News
    Texas Cyber Command Seeks Analysts to Build Statewide Response Team
    What to Know:
    • Texas Cyber Command (TXCC) is hiring two cybersecurity analysts to support threat research and incident response as part of its statewide cyber modernization push.
    • Both roles are housed within the Office of the State CISO, with responsibilities that include developing detection tools, analyzing threats and building incident response capacity.
    • Successful applicants will help stand up the statewide Cybersecurity Incident Response Team under TXCC by 2026.
    Insider
    October 10, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Email account
    News
    Texas Comptroller Seeks Mass Email Platform
    What to Know:
    • The Texas Comptroller is seeking input on mass email platforms for accessible constituent outreach.
    • The platform should support features like responsive design, email authentication, analytics and role-based access.
    • Requested features include A/B testing, email previews, personalization, accessibility compliance and data retention support.
    Insider
    October 10, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • school-bus
    News
    Texas Comptroller Partners With Odyssey for School Choice Initiative
    What to Know:
    • The Texas Education Freedom Accounts program will allow eligible families to apply for state funds to cover a range of educational expenses.
    • Odyssey will provide an end-to-end platform to manage the program, including a parent-facing application portal, e-commerce marketplace and customer support services.
    • Odyssey’s CEO, Joseph Connor, said the company is prepared to deploy a “user-friendly and trustworthy platform” based on its experience managing similar programs in other states.
    Insider
    October 09, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Closeup of the IBM logo in blue on a white background on the side of a building.
    News
    IBM Names Jay Gambetta as Director of IBM Research
    Gambetta has been with IBM for nearly 15 years, helping drive advancements in quantum software, hardware and cloud-based experimentation.
    Insider
    October 09, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • BANNER_Cyber.jpg
    News
    Texas Cyber Command Rolls Out Website, Seeks IT Leadership
    What to Know:
    • The Texas Cyber Command website is live and recruiting for top IT roles, including a director of IT services.
    • The command is centralizing the state’s cybersecurity infrastructure with $345 million in funding.
    • The agency is building three technical units under newly appointed Cyber Chief T.J. White.
    Insider
    October 07, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Ransomware
    News
    Greenville Concludes Investigation After Ransomware Attack
    What to Know:
    • The August cyber attack on Greenville’s systems was traced to an unnamed third-party provider.
    • No personal or financial data was compromised, and all city and electric utility services have been fully restored.
    • The ransom was paid by the city’s cyber insurance provider, and there will be no tax impacts for residents.
    Insider
    October 07, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Young adult students seated in a class while an instructor lectures at the front of the room.
    News
    Dallas College Plans $88M in Tech Investments for 2026
    What to Know:
    • Dallas College has committed $88 million in technology investments for FY25-26 through a mix of capital, reserves and planned procurements.
    • A third of that funding will fuel IT infrastructure enhancements, including network modernization, wireless upgrades and back-end systems.
    • An additional $28 million is earmarked for 37 upcoming procurements.
    Insider
    October 03, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Houston, Texas, skyline.
    News
    Houston Names Kalpana Pillai Interim Deputy CIO
    What to Know:
    • Pillai replaces Summer Xiao, who recently left for a private-sector technology role.
    • She now oversees enterprise applications, data systems and project management.
    Insider
    October 03, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Texas Tech Campus Entrance
    News
    Texas Tech University Expands Security Role With FBI Partnership
    What to Know:
    • Texas Tech University has formalized a partnership with the FBI and rebranded its Reese research facility to expand its role in national security research and workforce development.
    • The university system has secured multiple multimillion-dollar grants from the Department of Defense and Army Research Laboratory to support advanced materials, radar and semiconductor research.
    • Angelo State University’s Regional Security Operations Center is integrated into the FBI partnership and will contribute to provide cybersecurity training, monitoring and collaboration with public-sector and military entities.
    Insider
    October 02, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Slalom Consulting logo, which is the word "slalom" in blue letters against a white background.
    News
    Les Becker Joins Slalom as Industry Lead for Public Health
    What to Know:
    • Les Becker brings more than 20 years of experience in state and local government across IT, finance and program innovation.
    • His past roles include executive leadership at Washington State Department of Health, Harris County Public Health and Colorado’s Behavioral Health Administration.
    • Becker aims to help Slalom scale tech-enabled public health solutions nationwide, focusing on data governance, AI ethics and strategic partnerships with cloud and platform providers.
    Insider
    October 02, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • greg-abbott1.jpg
    News
    Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office Has Officially Launched
    What to Know:
    • The Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO), created by Senate Bill 14, will evaluate and streamline state agency regulations.
    • Texans can submit feedback on existing regulations through the newly launched Regulation Evaluation Portal.
    • Led by Director Jerome Greener, TREO will coordinate with agencies and an advisory panel to eliminate outdated rules and develop best practices for regulatory processes.
    Insider
    October 02, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A microscope laying on top of a circuit board.
    News
    HHS Inspector General Reveals FY2026 Tech Audits
    What to Know:
    • The OIG will assess whether managed care organizations and behavioral health authorities have adequate safeguards in place to protect confidential HHS data.
    • Audits include the TIERS eligibility platform and financial statistical reporting by MCOs, as well as a carry-over audit of how MCOs detect and report fraud.
    Insider
    September 30, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • CDG25-Headers-GovX-Awards-840x438-generic.jpg
    News
    Two Texas Cities Among Government Experience Award Winners
    What to Know:
    • The Government Experience Awards recognize governments using technology to improve service delivery and engagement.
    • Grand Prairie’s engagement strategy blends a website, mobile app, social media and TextMyGov, which has handled more than 68,000 resident text exchanges.
    • Midland’s Council Operational Dashboard consolidates live data across departments.
    September 30, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • College students seated in a lecture with the camera at the back of the room.
    News
    Hill College Promotes CIO Kevin Rocha to Vice President of IT
    What to Know:
    • Rocha's promotion expands his CIO role to include oversight of academic support services such as libraries and Educational Technology Services.
    • Rocha has led major initiatives at the college, including an IT infrastructure overhaul, enhanced cybersecurity and the launch of a successful esports program.
    • He brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education IT leadership, with previous roles at the University of North Texas at Dallas and Smith College.
    Insider
    September 26, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Aerial view of Fort Worth.
    News
    Fort Worth Approves $65M+ for IT Dept., Consolidates Public Safety Comms
    What to Know:
    • Fort Worth’s FY 2026 budget includes $64.8 million for IT Solutions operations and $12.9 million in separate capital funding.
    • The IT department’s operating budget reflects a 13.5 percent increase over the previous year.
    • The budget consolidates public safety communications and emergency preparedness into a new Emergency Management and Communications Department.
    Insider
    September 26, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Digital rendering of an enclosed, see-through drone testing center.
    News
    UT Arlington Launches Autonomous Vehicle Research Center
    What to Know:
    • The $2.3 million facility in Fort Worth will support real-world testing and development of autonomous aerial systems for public- and private-sector use.
    • The facility enables UAV testing without FAA waivers, thanks to a netted outdoor enclosure.
    • The center invites collaboration with vendors and agencies on applied research in areas such as emergency response, infrastructure inspection, public safety and environmental monitoring.
    Insider
    September 25, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Illustration of STEM, technology education
    News
    United Data Technologies Secures DIR Cooperative Contract
    What to Know:
    • United Data Technologies has been awarded a cooperative contract with the Texas Department of Information Resources covering education IT products and related services.
    • The contract allows Texas state agencies, local governments and educational institutions to buy directly from UDT through DIR’s Cooperative Contracts Program, which streamlines procurement and ensures competitive pricing.
    • UDT, headquartered in Florida, already serves hundreds of K-12 customers nationwide and says the award will help expand its footprint in Texas.
    Insider
    September 25, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
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