McLennan County IT Director Talks Transformation, AI Initiatives

John Carter is the director of information technology for McLennan County, where he has led the county’s technology and records management operations for about three years.

Carter brings more than 30 years of experience in technology leadership across the public and private sectors. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he holds a master’s degree in information systems management from Bryant University and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Industry Insider — Texas: How do you define your role as CIO?

At its core, my role is centered on relationship management and risk management. Effective technology leadership depends on trusted relationships with elected officials, department leaders, vendors, employees and other partners before a critical need arises. I do not believe the CIO role has fundamentally changed; rather, the people filling the role have evolved. Today, many CIOs have grown through technical disciplines and can connect strategy, operations and infrastructure in a way that helps the broader organization understand how technology supports essential business functions.

IITX: In your tenure in this position, which project or achievement are you most proud of?

There are several accomplishments I value. McLennan County has modernized its technology stack, moved substantially toward cloud-based platforms, redesigned the network around dark fiber transport and is nearing completion of a major transition to Tyler Technologies across the justice system. Each of these efforts required sustained coordination, organizational trust and a clear focus on improving service delivery.

IITX: What projects will you be looking to fund in this budget cycle?

We are currently running two artificial intelligence pilots. The next step is to expand successful pilots into integrated initiatives with clear operational value. We will also continue to strengthen and mature our cybersecurity program.

IITX: McLennan County is undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of its justice information systems across courts, jails and the district attorney's office. How are you approaching coordination across those entities, and what has been the biggest challenge in aligning them on a shared platform?

This is where long-standing relationships become essential. Our county partners, including many elected officials, know that IT is invested in their success. We have taken time to understand their operations so solutions can be tailored to real business needs rather than imposed as a purely technical project. Tyler Technologies has also been a strong partner. In addition, we use a steering committee made up of leaders from across county departments to validate change orders, resolve conflicts and make recommendations to Commissioners’ Court. The greatest challenge has been securing enough time from subject matter experts across the county. These employees are doing substantial project work while also carrying full-time responsibilities, and they have performed admirably. The effort includes 15 Tyler implementations across the justice system, encompassing 34 county offices, more than 850 employees and a two-and-a-half-year implementation timeline. We are fortunate to have the support of county executives as we deliver a transformative tool that helps employees better serve the citizens.

IITX: After implementing a cloud-based jury management system, the county saw about $95,000 in savings within nine months. What operational changes drove those efficiencies, and how are you building on that success?

The new jury management system allows jurors to check in and reschedule online without contacting the District Clerk's Office. That change reduces the number of jurors who must be called, lowers juror payments and saves staff time. Since go-live, the county has also refined day-of-jury processes, creating a more streamlined experience for jurors and the courts. We continue to monitor results and expect to revisit the full process when the new McLennan County Justice Center is completed, currently expected in 2027.

IITX: With deputies now able to issue citations from their iPhones, how has that shift from manual to mobile workflows changed operations in the field, and what lessons have you learned from that transition?

Deputies no longer need to return from the field to submit citations and reports. That saves time and fuel, reduces redundant data entry and lowers the risk of errors. The transition also reinforced how much time deputies historically spent on recordkeeping and paperwork. Mobile workflows allow more of that time to be redirected toward assisting citizens. Their iPhones also function as license plate readers, creating additional potential to improve public safety.

IITX: What big initiatives or projects are coming up? What sorts of developing opportunities and RFPs should we be watching for in the next six to 12 months?

We continue to modernize our data and file storage environment. We also intend to expand our AI work, including both generative and agentic AI use cases. As with all major initiatives, future investment will depend on clear return on investment and proper governance.

IITX: How do you define digital transformation? How far along is your organization in that process, and how will you know when it's finished?

Digital transformation is central to our department's strategic plan, IT Plan 2030. Our vision is to transform how McLennan County serves citizens and businesses. That means integrating new technologies and methods, challenging established patterns and improving user experience. I do not view digital transformation as a project with a final endpoint. It is a continuing discipline of evaluating services, improving processes and adapting to changing expectations.

IITX: What is your estimated IT budget, and how many employees do you have? What is the overall budget?

The IT budget is approximately $6.4 million, which represents roughly 4 percent of the General Fund budget of $161.5 million. The department is fully staffed with 23 employees.

IITX: What do you read to stay abreast of developments in the government technology/SLED sector?

I rely on a mix of sources. Government Technology* and other newsletters are helpful, along with seminars, training courses and articles. I also monitor relevant discussions and thought leadership on platforms such as Reddit, LinkedIn and Substack.

IITX: What do you think is the greatest technology challenge in Texas?

The greatest technology challenge in Texas is electric power. The increasing power demands of artificial intelligence, public resistance to data centers and growing legislative attention all point to a significant statewide issue. Everyone needs reliable power, but few communities want generation or data center infrastructure nearby. It is a long-standing challenge that is becoming more urgent.

IITX: What advice would you give to someone who would like to lead an IT department?

Build and nurture relationships across the organization. Focus on outcomes rather than activity. Never lose sight of employees and the support they need to achieve goals. Provide enough direction and guidance to keep work aligned, while allowing teams the freedom to develop creative solutions. That balance keeps people engaged and produces stronger results.

IITX: How do you prefer to be contacted by vendors, including via social media such as LinkedIn?

Traditional channels are best. Email is usually the most effective way to reach me, although LinkedIn and other professional channels are appropriate as well.

IITX: How might vendors best educate themselves before meeting with you?

Vendors should review our budgets and pay particular attention to capital expenditures, which provide insight into county priorities. They should also understand our size and avoid proposing solutions that do not fit our environment. The best approach is not to sell, but to partner. Be curious, prepared and realistic.

IITX: What professional or affinity groups do you belong to? Do you volunteer, and would you like to share that experience with readers?

I belong to several professional groups, including the Texas Association of Governmental IT Managers (TAGITM). I am also passionate about issues affecting military veterans.

IITX: What conferences do you attend?

I value professional gatherings that combine smaller, more personal settings with actionable insight. I also attend larger conferences, including Tyler Connect and TAGITM.

IITX: What are you reading or listening to for fun? What do you do to unplug in your downtime?

As a history enthusiast, I enjoy both historical fiction and nonfiction. Much of my downtime is spent with family, hobbies and keeping chickens for meat and eggs.

*Government Technology is a sister publication of Industry Insider — Texas.