AWARDS & RECOGNITION | NASCIO Meritorious Service Award
Since its inception forty years ago, NASCIO has focused on enhancing government services through the effective use of information technology and energetic advocacy for progressive IT policy. NASCIO's achievements have largely been the product of the enthusiasm, focus and dedicated service of its members, and in turn, this commitment to excellence has served as a catalyst to redefine the role of technology at the federal, state and local levels.
To spotlight outstanding service, NASCIO created the Meritorious Service Award, honoring leadership in state government and dedication to the advancement of NASCIO's mission.
2009 Recipient: Richard B. Thompson, Chief Information Officer, State of Maine
Dick Thompson is the Chief Information Officer for Maine state government, working within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services since April 2003. He hit the ground running in several areas, providing assistance to agencies involved in complex projects under development, implementing a project management methodology to improve oversight. He is leading implementation of a new model for IT in Maine state government, making the CIO the responsible IT manager for the Executive Branch.
In July 2005, Dick commenced a major transformation of information technology (IT) in State Government. IT in the Executive Branch had previously been organized around independent State agencies but is now governed with an enterprise approach. This modernized enterprise structure will bring improved services to Maine citizens, enhanced security, cost effectiveness achieved through economy of scale, and provide for future support of service delivery under the rapidly evolving eGovernment model. The State’s most significant projects underway are the redevelopment of the State’s public safety radio network and the replacement of its Medicaid management information system. He has been appointed to several Boards in Maine, including the ConnectME authority to expand broadband and cellular communications to all citizens of Maine.
Under Dick’s leadership, the State of Maine has consistently achieved recognition for its website. Maine.gov is an eight-time winner in the Center for Digital Government’s “Best of the Web” competition.
Dick was formerly the Director of the State of Maine, Division of Purchases for twelve years. In 1998, Dick was awarded the “Public Administrator of the Year” award by the Maine Chapter of the ASPA. He has twice been named Manager of the Year by the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. On the national level, he serves on the Executive Committee of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) and has been active since 1986 in the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO), serving as president three times. He most recently received the Association’s 1999 Guilio Mazzone Distinguished Service Award for his continued service to public purchasing.
The NASCIO Meritorious Service Award critieria include three areas of outstanding service: Leadership, National Voice and Networking. Dick has been a strong leader in each of these areas to the benefit of NASCIO.
Testimonials:
"I am pleased that Richard Thompson has been recognized with the National Association of State Chief Information Officers’ Meritorious Service Award. Richard has provided the vision, leadership and enthusiasm that have helped the State of Maine create one of the most user-friendly and informative Web sites across state governments. His commitment to implementing effective technologies to expand online government services and access to public information is unparalleled. Under Richard’s guidance, the State of Maine has been able to meet significant challenges posed by the requirements of the federal Recovery Act while constantly improving the functionality of its information technology."
Governor John E. Baldacci, State of Maine
"In the modernization of the delivery of services, the arrival of Dick Thompson as Maine’s CIO has been as grand a landmark as the development of a miraculous vaccine...things are just so much better now. We’ve gone from an antiquated mainframe system to a disjointed hodgepodge of unconnected islands in state government to what is now a seamless system of unified platforms designed to better serve the public. And while such a series of improvements inevitably has setbacks, hurdles, doubters and detractors, the fact that Dick has led Maine through this wilderness with such speed and good will is itself a testimony for why he is so deserving not only of this award, but of the thanks of every Maine citizen."
Matt Dunlap, Secretary of State, State of Maine
"I am so pleased that Dick Thompson is being honored with the NASCIO Meritorious Service Award. He has held a number of key positions in Maine state government, bringing considerable experience to the role of CIO. With his vast knowledge of procurement and the consolidation of IT services, he has made major contributions to NASCIO and state CIOs from around the country. He is always willing to share his insight with others, and his work on NASCIO’s Executive Committee to help organize our members and develop major policy papers will greatly advance our efforts to modernize and improve IT throughout the states."
Teri Takai, Chief Information Officer, State of California
