New Orleans, LA., Tuesday, October 1, 2024 —The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) presented the State Technology Innovator Award to three deserving public servants during the NASCIO 2024 Annual Conference. The NASCIO State Technology Innovator Award honors outstanding state government employees who have made contributions to advance state technology policy through the promotion of best practices, adoption of new technologies and advancements in service delivery. Nominations were gathered from NASCIO members and selected by the NASCIO Executive Committee.

The following are the recipients of the NASCIO 2024 State Technology Innovator Award:

Kathryn Darnall Helms
Chief Data Officer, State of Oregon
Nominated by: Sharon Murphy, Marketing Senior Specialist, NTT Data

CDO Kathryn Darnall Helms’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in the state’s technology and data management policies has been imperative in Oregon’s technology efforts. Her collaborative development of Oregon’s Data Strategy and the draft Data Literacy Framework reflects a commitment to inclusive policymaking and skill enhancement across state agencies. Darnall Helms’s strategic efforts focus on using data as an asset to foster people-first initiatives in digital government services. Her work is integral to statewide efforts shaping the future of AI governance, ensuring that the benefits of Oregon’s digital advancements are equitably shared among all citizens
Darnall Helms has also been central to Governor Tina Kotek’s efforts to expand emergency sheltering and rehousing initiatives addressing homelessness. Her commitment to data equity is also evident in her contributions to Oregon’s AI Advisory Council, where she advocates for fairness and self-determination in AI governance. Nationally, Darnall Helms’s influence extends through her partnership in the State CDO Network’s Data Equity Briefing and her participation in the Equity in Practice Learning Community, ensuring that the benefits of the digital revolution
reach underrepresented groups within Oregon and across the country. Her efforts are a testament to the power of inclusive and equitable data usage in creating a more effective and transformative government.

Paula Peters
Deputy State Chief Information Officer, State of Missouri
Nominated by: John Laurent, Acting CIO, State of Missouri

Missouri State Deputy CIO Paula Peters has been integral to Missouri’s digital government transformation, focusing on a strategic overhaul for enduring success. Peters formed an IT steering committee with top-level government participation followed by an enterprise project management office (EPMO) to improve project management. Her consolidation of application development teams and establishment of a business relationship management (BRM) practice proved invaluable when Missouri received $126 million in ARPA funds, allowing for swift action on various state technology initiatives through the efforts of Peters.
Building on this foundation, Peters led citizen journey mapping efforts to address public concerns and created a comprehensive inventory of the state’s 1200 systems to aid in disconnecting from legacy mainframes. Under her leadership, centralized governance structures like EPMO, BRM and application development expedited the launch of their citizen portal – a cross-agency initiative established by the IT steering committee in 2018 with broad support. Paula’s vision and leadership have also fast-tracked the approval and funding of numerous digital government transformation projects, such as identity and access management, low-code platforms, API Integration and AI.

Nick Stowe
State Chief Technology Officer, Washington Technology Solutions
Nominated by: Vickie Sheehan, Communications Director, State of Washington

Washington State CTO Nick Stowe has been instrumental in propelling Washington’s technology policy while fostering a culture of initiative and bold innovation. His establishment of Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) Architecture and Innovation Division led the state to embrace cloud computing and generative AI while ensuring their secure integration into the state infrastructure. Stowe co-authored Washington State’s first guidelines for responsible AI use, contributed to the governor’s AI executive order and formed a statewide AI community of practice. Stowe’s leadership in cultivating partnerships across various sectors further allowed WaTech to improve and prioritize citizen-centric technology solutions.
Stowe has been a champion for emerging technologies such as AI across the state as well as in his WaTech role, setting the framework for its ethical application across Washington. He has overseen the development of procurement guidelines and training for AI and is preparing to launch a statewide AI evaluation and adoption program. His strategic direction has led to the establishment of the Innovation and Modernization Fund, which, with a biennial budget of $3 million, has swiftly funded 12 technology projects prioritizing accessible and user-friendly technology for vulnerable populations. This approach underscores Nick’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable government service landscape.

To view previous recipients, please visit NASCIO’s website.

Contact
Meredith Ward
Deputy Executive Director
National Association of State Chief Information Officers
859.514.9209
[email protected]

New Orleans, LA., Tuesday, October 1, 2024 — The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) has named Commonwealth of Virginia chief information security officer (CISO) Michael Watson as the recipient of the 2024 Thomas M. Jarrett State Cybersecurity Leadership Award. The program was created to pay homage to Tom Jarrett, late past president of NASCIO (2004 – 2005), for his passion for cybersecurity and honors state CISOs for exceptional accomplishments in their field.

Michael has been Virginia CISO since 2012 and has played a crucial role in promoting cybersecurity, advancing the state’s cybersecurity posture and implementing best practices. Under the leadership of Watson, the Commonwealth of Virginia has significantly enhanced its cybersecurity posture, implementing a comprehensive zero trust strategy and a robust cybersecurity plan to protect citizen data and manage risks. Watson strengthened the Commonwealth’s defenses through improved identity and access management, vulnerability management and advanced security training.

The Commonwealth, guided by Watson’s leadership, aims to further solidify its whole-of-state cybersecurity framework by:

• Maximizing funding provided in federal cybersecurity grants
• Further developing partnerships with state and local organizations
• Lessening strains on state agencies by providing robust cybersecurity training
• Procuring and deploying innovative tools to maintain a resilient and secure technology environment in the Commonwealth

To view past recipients of the Thomas M. Jarrett State Cybersecurity Leadership Award, visit nascio.org/awards.

Contact
Meredith Ward
Deputy Executive Director
National Association of State Chief Information Officers
859.514.9209
[email protected]

Nearly three-quarters of state chief information security officers say the likelihood of AI-enabled threats is “high”

New Orleans, LA., September 30, 2024 — The 2024 edition of the biennial cybersecurity report from Deloitte and the National Association of Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) found 86% of state chief information security officers (CISOs) say their responsibilities are growing, yet more than one-third do not have a dedicated cybersecurity budget. Four of the 51 state CISOs surveyed said their state IT budgets allocate less than 1% for cybersecurity.

“The ability of government to deliver on its mission depends on data – and on the security of that data,” said Srini Subramanian, principal, Deloitte & Touche LLP and Deloitte’s Global Consulting Government and Public Services leader. “The attack surface is expanding as state leaders’ reliance on information becomes increasingly central to the operation of government itself, and CISOs have an increasingly challenging mission to make the technology infrastructure resilient against ever-increasing cyber threats.”

Despite the growing importance of cybersecurity, many state CISOs indicated resources aren’t keeping pace with the growing sophistication of threats. Federal agencies generally earmark more than 10% of their IT budgets for cybersecurity, yet many states have not dedicated resources at the same pace.

The 2024 biennial Deloitte-NASCIO report surveyed state CISOs from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) – and its potential benefits and risks – was top of mind for many state technology leaders. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (71%) believe the risk of AI-enabled threats is “high.” However, 41% lack confidence in their team’s ability to handle them. Legacy systems with outdated technology, particularly in public infrastructure such as transportation, water and power, are specific areas of concern.

While acknowledging the potential threat of AI, state CISOs are increasingly turning to AI and GenAI tools to shore up their cybersecurity capabilities. A total of 21 said they are already using GenAI to improve security operations, while another 22 plan to adopt GenAI within the next 12 months.

“The good news is many state CISOs have been able to increase employee headcounts, adding specialists to their teams who are focused on cybersecurity-related issues,” said Meredith Ward, deputy executive director at NASCIO and a co-author of the 2024 Deloitte-NASCIO report. “In 2020, 16% of CISOs had fewer than five employees dedicated to cybersecurity initiatives. Today, that percentage has dropped to just 4%. In addition to growing their teams, our research found these leaders are determined to find creative solutions to protect their organizations and the public.”

Nearly every state CISO reported they are involved with developing state strategy and security policy; only two did not.

The 2024 Deloitte-NASCIO Cybersecurity Study can be viewed in its entirety here.

Contact
Meredith Ward
Deputy Executive Director
National Association of State Chief Information Officers
859.514.9209
[email protected]

Lexington, Kentucky, Tuesday, September 10, 2024 —The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) has announced finalists for the NASCIO 2024 State IT Recognition Awards. This year over 120 submissions were received from NASCIO member states and territories and over 55 NASCIO members served as volunteer judges. 

The award entries showcase the use of information technology to address critical business problems, more easily connect citizens to their government, improve business processes and create new opportunities that improve the lives of citizens. The recipients will be announced at the awards and recognition dinner at the NASCIO 2024 Annual Conference.  

 

Award finalists for the 2024 State IT Recognition Awards are: 

Business Process Innovations 

State of Hawai’i: AI-Powered Statewide Branch Services Desk 

State of Ohio: Ex Parte Medicaid Renewals: Innovation in a Loop 

State of Tennessee: Automating our Way to the Top: The Evolution of Tennessee’s Business Process Automation Program  

 

Cross-Boundary Collaboration & Partnerships 

State of Hawai’i: Hawaii’s Career Acceleration Navigator 

State of Iowa: Setoff Success: Reforming State Finances 

State of Ohio: Find What You Need in a SNAP! Redesigned Notices Created by and for Ohioans 

State of Tennessee: Tennessee’s State-Local Cybersecurity Superheroes: a Partnership that’s Saving the Day, One NCSR Assessment at a Time 

 

Cybersecurity 

State of Illinois: When the Cicadas Fade, Security Concerns Still Remain 

State of Minnesota: Turning Risk into Reward with Cyber Risk Quantification 

State of Ohio: Teaching Old Dogs a New Trick for Digital Identity Verification 

North Carolina: Central Funding for Cybersecurity Tools to Ensure Holistic Visibility and Response  

 

Data Management, Analytics & Visualization 

State of Georgia: Dashboards Show Highs, Lows of Healthcare Workforce 

State of Ohio: Ohio’s Nursing Home Quality Navigator 

State of Minnesota: Minnesota IT Services Data-Driven Solutions: Improving Access to Food for Minnesota’s Most Vulnerable Children  

 

Digital Services: Government to Business 

State of California: CalGenetic Portal—GDSP Program Portal for Clinician Licensing and Prenatal Orders and Results  

State of Minnesota: Filling the Childcare Gap: Licensing Innovation in Minnesota  

State of North Carolina: Rapid Modernization of the Unemployment Insurance Tax System

 

Digital Services: Government to Citizen  

State of Colorado: Supporting FAMLI(es) and Empowering Lives 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Commonwealth Digital Roadmap 

State of Tennessee: Simple, Stable and Scalable: The Evolution of Tennessee’s Unemployment Insurance Benefits System 

 

Emerging & Innovative Technologies  

State of Hawai’i: Geospatial Decision Support System 

State of Tennessee: Elevating TennCare: a Dynamic Leap into Efficiency through Cloud Modernization 

State of Wisconsin: A View from the Cloud 

 

Enterprise IT Management Initiatives 

State of Michigan: Building a World Class IT Call Center 

State of Tennessee: Tenncare Enterprise Tools: From Everything Everywhere to All-in-One Place  

State of Washington: Transforming Transportation: Excellence in Data Center Modernization  

 

Information Communications Technology (ICT) Innovations  

State of Georgia: Georgia’s Orchard Web Design System: Groomed for Good Harvest 

State of Michigan: Michigan Addresses Confidentiality Program 

State of North Carolina: NC OneMap: A Unified Data Platform Closing the Digital Divide in North Carolina  

 

State CIO Office Special Recognition 

State of Illinois: Ctrl+Alt+Elite | IT Careers Start @ DoIT 

State of Michigan: Revolutionizing Smart Benefit Systems 

State of Missouri: Digital Transformation is a Journey: Building Missouri’s Digital State 

 

To review these and other submissions, please visit NASCIO’s Awards Library: www.NASCIO.org/awards.  

Contact
Meredith Ward
Deputy Executive Director
National Association of State Chief Information Officers
859.514.9209
[email protected]