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For immediate release: November 15, 2005
Contact: Beth Roszman

NASCIO Looks at Interoperability Governance Models as a Tool to Advance Communications Interoperability in the States

(Lexington, KY) - NASCIO is pleased to announce the release of its new research brief, We Need to Talk: Governance Models to Advance Communications Interoperability. A product of NASCIO's Interoperability and Integration Committee, this brief is intended to provide an overview of the challenges states face in developing communications interoperability initiatives.

This research brief also attempts to answer questions such as, "What needs to be addressed when contemplating a communications interoperability initiative; and what is being done at the state and federal levels to develop communications interoperability governance models?" It includes other factors that are impacting governance in interoperability and offers references to models that have been successfully completed by other states. The brief is available online here.

"Communications interoperability will help local and state government more effectively respond to emergencies and deliver life saving services to their constituents. This need crosses governmental levels, as well as agency and jurisdictional boundaries," said Art Stephens, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Ed Rendell and former Chief Information Officer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Chair of NASCIO's Interoperability and Integration Committee. "NASCIO is pleased to offer this brief as a valuable resource to assist state CIOs as they plan for the future of communications interoperability. Establishing a clear governance model to achieve communications interoperability across all levels of government is the best way to ensure that the transition is seamless and reliable."

John Gillispie, Chief Operating Officer for Iowa's Information Technology Enterprise, and Vice-chair of NASCIO's Interoperability and Integration Committee added, "The State of Iowa recognizes the importance of both technology and governance in addressing many of the dilemmas caused by disparate communications systems. The collaboration and cooperation of NASCIO representation greatly enhances the information and resources that we can use to address these challenges and successfully continue to provide services at all levels of government."

NASCIO represents state chief information officers and information resource executives and managers from the 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. State members are senior officials from any of the three branches of state government who have executive-level and statewide responsibility for information resource management. Representatives from federal, municipal, and international governments and state officials who are involved in information resource management, but do not have chief responsibility for that function participate in the organization as associate members. Private-sector firms and non-profit organizations may join as corporate members.

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For more information, contact NASCIO Issues Coordinator Drew Leatherby at (859) 514-9187 or dleatherby@AMRms.com, or NASCIO Programs and Communications Coordinator Beth Roszman at (859) 514-9167 or broszman@AMRms.com.