Mike Hussey Named Utah’s New CIO

Utah has revealed Chief Information Officer Mark VanOrden’s successor: Mike Hussey, an IT manager for Utah’s Department of Technology Services.

Gov. Gary Herbert made the announcement on Monday, StateScoop reports. In his new role, Hussey will have an IT budget of $133 million. Herbert has complete confidence that Hussey will keep the state’s IT department running at peak performance.

“IT is a big part of our lives in the future,” Herbert said. “We have the highest percentage of home compute ruse in Utah here today. Consequently, we’ve blossomed as a high-tech center. We call ourselves Silicon Slopes. Mike’s going to be a big part of that effort to grow and expand our economy.”

Hussey helped create the nation’s largest CD-ROM database network while working for the University of Utah. He also had an IT role in former Gov. Michael Leavitt’s Office of Planning and Budget. During his ascent, Hussey has used his knowledge and IT Midas touch to improve several state operations:

In his previous roles, Hussey encouraged government transparency and helped the state set up infrastructure to live stream audio of state House and Senate proceedings. Hussey also helped design, develop and establish the application that centralized the statewide voter database in the lieutenant governor’s office.

At a press conference on Monday, Hussey outlined the areas he’ll focus on in his new position. “I will continue the efforts that Mark has put forth as the four pillars of success upon which DTS principles are defined — innovative, technology, exceptional customer service, employee success and most especially, my number one priority, information security,” he said.

Hussey will take over as CIO on Nov. 12.