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Since its inception nearly forty years ago, NASCIO has focused on enhancing government services through the effective use of information technology and the energetic advocacy of progressive IT policy. NASCIO's achievements have largely been the product of the energy, focus and dedicated service of its members. This dedication has in turn served as a catalyst to redefine the role of technology at the federal, state and local level.
To spotlight outstanding service, NASCIO has created the Meritorious Service Award to honor leadership in state government and dedication to the advancement of NASCIO's mission. Selection of the Meritorious Service Award recipient is based on two major criteria: accomplishments in his/her state and service & leadership to NASCIO. To be eligible for this award, nominees must currently serve as a state CIO. Only current state CIOs can submit nominations for this award.
2008 Recipient: Teri Takai, Chief Information Officer, State of California
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) has presented State of California CIO and past NASCIO president Teri Takai with its prestigious Meritorious Service Award.
About the Recipient: Takai has been an active member of NASCIO since 2003. She has chaired numerous committees and has held the position of NASCIO Vice President and President.
On December 6, 2007, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the appointment of Teri Takai as Chief Information Officer for the State of California. As a member of the Governor’s cabinet, she advises him on the strategic management and direction of information technology resources as the state works to modernize and transform the way California does business with its citizens.
Prior to her appointment in California, Takai served as Director of the Michigan Department of Information Technology (MDIT) since 2003, where she also served as the state’s Chief Information Officer. In this position, she restructured and consolidated Michigan’s resources by merging the state’s information technology into one centralized department to service 19 agencies and over 1,700 employees. Additionally, during her tenure at the MDIT, Takai led the state to being ranked number one four years in a row in digital government by the Center for Digital Government.
Before serving in state government, Takai worked for the Ford Motor Company for 30 years, where she led the development of the company’s information technology strategic plan. She also held positions in technology at EDS and Federal-Mogul Corporation. In 2005, Takai was named “Public Official of the Year” by Governing magazine. She is Past-President of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers and currently serves as Practitioner Chair of the Harvard Policy Group on Network-Enabled Services and Government.
Testimonials: “We are so pleased to have Teri in California leading the charge to help overhaul our technology infrastructure, and I congratulate her for being honored with the NASCIO Meritorious Service Award. As we find new ways to improve how Californians obtain information, services and interact with their state government, we need strong leadership and vision. Teri Takai has more than 30 years of experience in the field and has what it takes to keep our great state a leader in technology.” Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, State of California
“There’s nobody more deserving of the NASCIO Meritorious Service Award than Teri Takai. Having worked beside Teri on a daily basis here in Michigan, I have seen firsthand her extreme dedication to the job and her passion for service. She put Michigan on the national map when it comes to information technology. Her strong leadership and vision puts California in very good hands.” Ken Theis, Chief Information Officer, State of Michigan
“On behalf of Governor Ritter and the State of Colorado we are very pleased that Teri Takai is being recognized for her leadership and contribution to the improvement of public sector IT on a national level with the NASCIO Meritorious Service Award. As CIO of Michigan, Teri Takai provided tremendous support to the State of Colorado during the planning phase of Colorado’s IT consolidation. She and her team provided lessons learned and a framework that would get Colorado off to the very best start in the transformation process. In her role as CIO for the State of California Teri continues to be a highly valued advisor and mentor who pushes her peers in the industry to achieve much needed change.” Michael Locatis, Chief Information Officer, State of Colorado
