Fast forward to 2014, when there were 36 gubernatorial elections, then 26 in 2018, 36 in 2022, and you get the point: There has been a lot of change during my tenure at NASCIO. I tried to tally how many state CIO transitions that has been, and I lost count. (Side note: I asked our fearless leader, Doug Robinson, how many state CIO transitions he has seen in his 20-plus years as executive director, and he also lost count.)
Now, in 2026, we are once again looking at 36 gubernatorial elections, which will inevitably bring more leadership transitions. With the median tenure of a state CIO hovering around 29.5 months, one thing seems certain in our world: Change is always around the corner.
Leaders Follow Diverse Paths to Becoming CIO
One of the biggest shifts I’ve witnessed over the past 13 years is who becomes a state CIO.
When I joined NASCIO, newly appointed CIOs almost always came directly from the private sector, stepping into public service while learning the nuances of government procurement, budgeting and policymaking.
Today, leadership paths are much more varied.
We’ve seen CIOs remain in their positions through changes in governors, even changes in political parties. We’ve also seen more deputy CIOs advance into the top technology role, along with CISOs and other technology leaders whose experience managing cybersecurity and enterprise operations has prepared them to lead statewide IT organizations.
Those changes reflect the growing maturity of state technology organizations and the increasingly deep bench of public sector technology leadership.
READ MORE: Here is a guide to stronger data governance for state and local agencies.
CIOs Succeed Thanks to Peers and Partners
Why does all of this matter?
Because another wave of leadership transitions is almost certainly coming in 2027.
If you’re a newly appointed state CIO — especially if you’ve arrived from the private sector — don’t panic. You are joining a community of peers who have already navigated these challenges. Current CIOs and former CIOs alike understand what you’re experiencing because they’ve lived it themselves.
Reach out. Ask questions. Learn from them.
The NASCIO community exists precisely because none of us succeeds in isolation.
LEARN MORE: Here is a guide to AI governance for state and local agencies.
CIOs Must Weather Change to Prepare for the Future
Leadership transitions don’t affect only CIOs.
Deputy CIOs are often the people who provide continuity when administrations change, preserving institutional knowledge while helping new leaders get up to speed. Many have experienced multiple leadership transitions and can offer invaluable perspective to colleagues facing their first.
Likewise, many of today’s state CIOs once served as deputies themselves. Their careers demonstrate that preparing for leadership isn’t just about technical expertise; it’s also about learning from peers and building trusted relationships across the state IT community.
Whether you’re stepping into the CIO role for the first time, preparing for a leadership transition or simply wondering what comes next, remember that you have a remarkable support system behind you.
Take advantage of it. Lean on your network.
Indeed, be like Mark Raymond.
