HHS CIO Ricardo Blanco to Retire; Agency Opens Recruitment for Replacement

The CIO of the state’s largest agency, Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced his retirement from state service.

Ricardo Blanco made the announcement in a LinkedIn post on Thursday.

“As the calendar pages turn to the end of June, I stand at the threshold of retirement, marking the culmination of over 26 years of dedicated state service,” Blanco wrote. “This moment invites reflection, gratitude and a forward gaze into the future.

“I will forever be grateful to the agency and the state of Texas for the opportunity to have served in various positions over my [26] years. As I embark on this new chapter, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for each and every one of you. Your support, dedication and unwavering commitment to service have been the most incredible honor of my career.”

HHS confirmed Blanco’s retirement date of June 30 in an email to Industry Insider — Texas.

HHSC has posted the open position on its jobs center website as well as LinkedIn. As of this writing, the LinkedIn posting has more than 100 applicants.

According to the posting, the CIO’s role entails leading the agency’s IT division, setting the annual and multiyear IT strategy, assisting in technology development and procurement, developing the annual operating budget for IT and minimizing business disruptions.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree with major coursework in management information systems, computer science, business administration or a related field, with the option to substitute related work experience on a year-for-year basis for up to four years. A master’s degree is preferred.

Additionally, at least seven years of executive and senior leadership experience of a complex organization is required.

The position closes on Dec. 23, has telework opportunities and an annual salary range of $142,000 to $240,200.