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Austin Names Deputy CIO Brian Gardner as New CISO

Austin's previous CISO, Shirley Erp, announced her retirement this week after five years with the city.

A street headed into downtown Austin, Texas.
Brian Gardner has been named the new chief information security officer for the city of Austin.

The appointment comes just three months after Gardner was named deputy CIO for the city in February. Austin's previous CISO, Shirley Erp, announced her retirement this week after five years with the city.

Before Austin, Gardner served the city of Dallas as its CISO for five years before becoming chief technology officer and eventually being named the interim CIO, a role he held for nearly a year.

During his time in Dallas, Gardner was credited for implementing the city’s first cyber fusion center and security operation center.

Prior to joining the public sector, Gardner provided IT security services for Air Medical Group Holdings, Brink’s, CHRISTUS Health and Accenture.

Gardner received his Bachelor of Science in economic fraud and investigation from Utica University in 2010, his Master of Science in computer and information systems security from Lewis University in 2011 and a Doctorate of Philosophy in information technology from Capella University in 2016.
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.