30 State and Local Government IT Influencers Worth a Follow in 2023
Here are the top state and local IT leaders, podcasters and personalities to follow to stay up to date on the latest technology trends.
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As state and local governments charge out of the days of the pandemic, leading IT officials are bursting with transformative initiatives that are reshaping the public sector technology landscape.
In their work, these officials rely more than ever on partnerships across jurisdictions and with the private sector. Where visible, these strong relationships informed StateTech's list of 30 State and Local Government IT Influencers Worth a Follow in 2023.
StateTech has closely followed themes of modern workplace management, IT modernization, cloud management and cybersecurity preparedness this year, and these leaders have distinguished themselves in these areas of practice.
We hope these 30 state and local IT influencers, listed in alphabetical order by first name or organization name, will guide readers to insights and opinions on the latest in government technology. If you’re on the list, spread the news and grab our IT Influencer cover image for your social media pages or websites.
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Akshay Malik, Philadelphia’s smart city director, drives urban innovation, harnessing technology for a more connected, sustainable and inclusive city experience.
Alexis Fernández Garcia is deputy director of the Family Engagement and Empowerment Division at the California Department of Social Services. She formerly led Code for America's Safety Net program, leveraging technology to improve access to essential services and support vulnerable communities.
Anthony Robbins, vice president for federal sales at NVIDIA, drives innovation in the public sector. His tech expertise fuels transformative solutions, advancing artificial intelligence, data science and high-performance computing in government domains.
As North Carolina’s chief data officer, Carol Burroughs shapes data strategy, supporting data-driven decision-making and fostering innovation for the state's public services and governance.
New Jersey CTO Chris Rein drives technological advancement, fostering innovation for efficient government operations and improved services for the state’s citizens.
David Knox, vice president of public sector software at Oracle, promotes innovative software solutions that support government efficiency and citizen-centric services.
As the chief data officer for Illinois, Dessa Gypalo leads data-driven initiatives, shaping policy and innovation to use data for improved public services and government efficiency.
Eric Sweden, a program director with the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, advances technology strategy, promoting effective governance and architecture for state governments' digital transformation.
Geoff Mroz, Adobe's director of digital strategy, shapes transformative digital experiences, empowering organizations with innovative strategies for digital success.
As Arizona CIO, J.R. Sloan has focused on digital transformation for the state, establishing AzRAMP, then helping to launch StateRAMP to implement cybersecurity standards for service providers that with state and local governments.
James Collins oversees Microsoft's public sector initiatives, empowering governments and organizations with cutting-edge technology to solve complex challenges and enhance public services worldwide. He is a former CIO of Delaware.
North Carolina CIO James Weaver drives technology innovation, fostering efficiency and enhancing public services for the people of his state through strategic IT leadership.
Massachusetts CIO Jason Snyder leads digital transformation efforts, fostering innovation to modernize public services and enhance government efficiency for the commonwealth’s citizens.
Joseph Cevetello, CIO of Santa Monica, Calif., leads the city’s digital transformation efforts, enhancing municipal services and sustainability through innovative technology solutions.
Seasoned security expert Josh Brodbent leads BeyondTrust's public sector security initiatives, safeguarding critical systems and data for government organizations.
Ohio CIO Katrina Flory leads technology advancements, driving digital transformation to enhance government efficiency and provide innovative solutions for the state's residents and businesses.
Laura Clark, Michigan's CIO and former chief security officer, drives technological progress, harnessing innovation to improve public services, infrastructure and the digital experience for state residents.
Linda Gerull, CIO for the city of San Francisco, drives technological progress, enhancing services and fostering innovation to make the city more efficient and better connected.
Lisa Jammer, director of people and culture for the Texas Department of Information Resources, shapes workplace excellence, promoting talent development and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.
Houston CIO Lisa Kent leads technological advancement, optimizing services and fostering innovation for a more connected and efficient city.
North Dakota CISO Michael Gregg safeguards critical information infrastructure, ensuring the state's cybersecurity resilience and data protection in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Mohammed Al Rawi, CIO at the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, pioneers tech solutions for legal advocacy, enhancing efficiency and access to justice through innovative IT strategies.
Nikhil Deshpande, Georgia's chief digital officer, spearheads digital transformation, harnessing technology to modernize public services and foster innovation for the state's citizens and businesses.
Reenie Askew, CIO of Charlotte, N.C., drives tech innovation for the city, optimizing services and fostering digital growth to benefit the community.
Russell Haupert, CIO of Tampa, Fla., spearheads tech-driven solutions to enhance city services and infrastructure, fostering innovation for a more connected and resilient Tampa.
Ryan Murray, interim CISO for Arizona, fortifies the state's cybersecurity, ensuring robust protection of critical data and infrastructure.
Shane McDaniel is CIO of the city of Seguin, Texas, near San Antonio. He has several decades of experience as an IT administrator in U.S. military, intelligence and municipal government roles.
Phoenix CISO Shannon Lawson safeguards the city's digital assets, ensuring robust cybersecurity, data protection and resiliency.
The StateScoop Priorities Podcast explores the top technology and innovation trends in government, featuring expert insights and discussions on modernizing public services and enhancing citizen experiences.
Tennessee CIO Stephanie Dedmon champions digital innovation, leveraging technology to enhance government services, empower citizens, and make the state more efficient and responsive. She is the current president of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers.