Federal CIO to Take Helm at Tarrant County IT Department

André Mendes, U.S. Department of Commerce CIO since 2019, announced last week that he will be taking the helm at the Tarrant County IT Department on Jan. 2.

Mendes said he will retire from federal service after a 14-year stint.

His resume includes overseeing the Department of Commerce’s $3.8 billion budget, serving as CIO of the International Trade Administration, wearing multiple chief hats at the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors, serving as the global CIO of Special Olympics International and serving as CIO of PBS in Arlington, Va.

Mendes is a Texas resident, according to his profile, and credited colleagues with supporting his work in transforming multiple systems and processes during his career.

Chris Nchopa-Ayafor is listed as the Tarrant County CIO since 2014.

Tarrant County’s IT budget for Fiscal Year 2023 was $54 million and serves about 4,000 full-time employees, according to budget documents.

A county spokesperson wasn’t available to confirm the CIO changes.