2024-2025 NASCIO Corporate Leadership Council (CLC) Election
The Corporate Leadership Council elections are open!
Voting will be accepted until 11:59 pm ET on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Please submit your vote via the form below – note that one vote per corporate member company by each of the designated business development contacts is admissible. Additional votes will not be calculated. Click on the name of each nominee below to learn about their history with NASCIO and why they’d like to serve and represent the corporate membership on the Executive Committee.
Please contact Lori Rempe at 859.514.9217 for questions or comments.
Corporate Leadership Council (CLC) Chair Candidates
Vinod Brahmapuram, Sr Director Cybersecurity - Lumen
NASCIO Involvement:
State member, NASCIO Programs Committee, NASCIO Awards Judge
Why Are You Interested In Serving?
To advance the mission of NASCIO, strengthen the collaboration between state government and private sector through trust, purpose and citizen-centric focus. Increase ideation, innovation and collaboration between states through help from private sector.
Chris Estes, Technology Leader - EY
NASCIO Involvement:
I have been active with NASCIO since 2013 as both a state and corporate member. I am EY’s Liaison for NASCIO and Technology Leader for the US State, Local & Education Market for the past six years. I work across the US with State CIOs and support the NASCIO corporate members in the market by promoting the advantages and benefits of NASCIO membership and participation. I am a member of NASCIO’s Enterprise Architecture & Governance Committee.
In addition, I led EY’s efforts in working with the NASCIO team on two thought leadership resources “Emerging Technology Governance Survey” (October 2020) and “Is Your State Data Quality Ready for GenAI?” (Fall 2024). Prior to EY I was North Carolina’s Secretary and State Chief Information Officer. During this time, I was a member of the NASCIO Executive Committee and Chair of the NASCIO National Innovation Forum helping other states leverage new and emerging technologies.
Why Are You Interested In Serving?
I have worked with the NASCIO Community for over a decade as both a corporate member and SCIO, much of that time as a corporate member. NASCIO has been a great benefit and rewarding part of my career, and I actively pay back as a mentor to multiple SCIOs and several corporate members.
I would like to give back to the NASCIO family with my unique perspective as a thirty-year private sector leader and former SCIO. Being a former public sector employee provides a perspective on serving and the demands of the people that perform in these critical roles. Conveying the private sector’s perspective back to the NASCIO Executive Committee will enable continued success for all the NASCIO members.
I have enjoyed the networking and the information sharing and I would like to continue as a connector for others working in the community. I can leverage my leadership experience as a former NASCIO Executive Committee Member to serve the CLC by promoting innovation through sharing among public and private-sector members and assist NASCIO Executive Committee on priority areas for the corporate members.
Bulent Taskan, Sr Executive Advisor - World Wide Technology
NASCIO Involvement:
I have been a member of NASCIO for nearly two decades and have served on several committees consistently for many years
Why Are You Interested In Serving?
I believe I have a unique ability to continue to bring people together and contribute in special ways that will further build upon what makes NASCIO so special
Maria Thompson, Executive Government Advisor - Cybersecurity - Amazon Web Services
NASCIO Involvement:
Over the years I have been an active conference attendee to both NASCIO Mid Year and Annual conferences. I have also participated in NASCIO presentations and working groups primarily with an emphasis on cybersecurity. Prior to my role at AWS, I served as North Carolina’s first State Chief Risk and Security Officer for over 6 years where I was heavily involved with whole of state cybersecurity initiatives which heavily depended on relationship building and trust. I currently sit on a number of state and local government boards to include public safety, K-12 and Higher Education entities, and actively engage in partnership efforts across NASCIO members agencies.
Why Are You Interested In Serving?
There are a number of reasons why this role is important to me. Being a chair of the Corporate Leadership Council serving state information technology leaders is a crucial and influential role that carries immense value. A primary factor for serving is to support state leaders who are tasked with the job of driving change and innovation across the country. In this role I plan to bring more collaboration across the partner community; to shape the agenda and prioritize key issues that impact the states and residents within states across the technological landscape; and to ensure that NASCIO members acknowledge and understand how corporate partners can support them in their critical roles of secure service delivery and citizen engagement. Another key consideration factor is that this position provides an opportunity to spearhead initiatives and drive positive change within state government by facilitating discussions, fostering collaboration, and guiding strategic decision-making processes. I hope in this role I will be able to build trust; bring together diverse perspectives and expertise, and ensure that critical challenges are addressed effectively, and secure innovative solutions are explored.
Corporate Leadership Council (CLC) Vice Chair Candidates
James Collins, Public Sector Leader, Americas - Microsoft
NASCIO Involvement:
My involvement and service with NASCIO have been immensely beneficial. I’ve had the chance to engage in various committees such as the Conference, Enterprise Data, Executive, and Generative AI, and had the honor of serving as president during NASCIO’s 50th anniversary year.
Why Are You Interested In Serving?
As a former state Chief Information Officer, I am confident that I can foster increased empathy and collaboration between government and corporate entities to achieve beneficial outcomes for the public. My transition to the corporate aspect of the public sector provides me with a comprehensive perspective that can enhance support for the CLC membership. I am also passionate about assisting all members in advancing the next generation of government services that are both personalized and secure. It would be a privilege to once more assist the Executive Committee in steering this esteemed organization into the age of artificial intelligence.
Mike Hussey, Industry Executive Director - Oracle
NASCIO Involvement:
NASCIO has offered me numerous opportunities for professional growth. Since 2015, I have consistently attended both the annual and mid-year NASCIO conferences, both as Utah State CIO and in my subsequent private sector role. The only exception was October 2020 due to my transition between these positions.
While State CIO I had the pleasure of serving in the following capacities:
Vice President – 2020 – 2021 (acting president during president’s illness)
Executive Committee – 2016 – 2020
Programs Committee – 2015 through 2016
National Innovation Forum Co-Chair – 2017 – 2021
National Geospatial Advisory Committee, representing NASCIO – 2018 – 2021
I was asked to participate as a panelist representing NASCIO with other associations like Environmental Council of the States, Council of State Governments, Public Technology Institute, National Association of State Procurement Officers, Human Services IT Advisory Group, and more.
While in my private sector role I volunteered as judge for the NASCIO awards for the last two years, I attend the CLC meetings, Generative AI Working Group, promote NASCIO on social media, and collaborate on publications from NASCIO.
One might say I am “all in” on NASCIO.
Why Are You Interested In Serving?
The CLC Vice-Chair position offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to an organization that has significantly impacted my career over the past decade. NASCIO has fostered a collaborative environment where public and private sectors can exchange ideas and strategic thinking that affect the entire country. Drawing on my experience in both sectors, I possess a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities at this intersection and can help advise on the conversations that happen in this space. I feel I can communicate the “why” to corporate members when trying to understand the NASCIO rules and regulations while at the same time bring corporate ideas forward as an advocate.
Thank you for your consideration.
Andre Maximiano, AVP & Head of Sales - Infosys Public Services, Inc.
NASCIO Involvement:
As a corporate sponsor, I have attended all NASCIO events for six years. I have also attended multiple other events, such as AAMVA, in all regions and national events. As a sponsor, participant, and attendee, I understand the importance and pivotal role that NASCIO plays in applying information technology to public service.
Why Are You Interested In Serving?
Serving as the vice chair of the NASCIO Corporate Leadership Council (CLC) is a great opportunity to make a significant impact at the intersection of technology and public service. Here are the key reasons for my interest in this role:
1. Driving Innovation: The vice chair position allows me to contribute to developing and implementing IT strategies that enhance government operations and services. I am passionate about driving innovation and efficiency in public sector IT, helping to modernize and improve government functions.
2. Collaborative Leadership: Working closely with diverse leaders from various industries and government sectors is a major draw. The collaborative nature of this role fosters the exchange of ideas, best practices, and solutions to common challenges, leading to meaningful improvements in public sector IT.
3. Professional Development: This role offers personal and professional growth through exposure to new perspectives, challenges, and opportunities. It’s a chance to expand my leadership skills and knowledge in IT and government operations, contributing to my ongoing leadership development.
4. Advocacy for Emerging Technologies: As vice chair, I can advocate for adopting and integrating emerging technologies that potentially transform government services. This is an opportunity to be at the forefront of promoting technological advancements that benefit society.
5. Networking Opportunities: The position provides access to a network of influential professionals and leaders in the IT and government sectors. Building these relationships can lead to collaborations that enhance NASCIO’s initiatives and impact.
6. Commitment to Public Service: Serving in this capacity aligns with my commitment to public service. I am dedicated to improving how government operates and serves its citizens through better use of technology. This role allows me to give back to the community by helping to drive
Ian Milligan Pate, Regional VP - Zscaler
NASCIO Involvement:
NASCIO member with Zscaler since 2018 and have attended all Annual and Mid-Year Conferences since 2020. Participate in monthly calls and very active with the State Government leaders and overall technology ecosystem supporting the States.
Why Are You Interested In Serving?
I’m passionate about helping the State leaders to solve their most pressing problems by leveraging technology to enable better outcomes for State employees and constituents. Engaging with the NASCIO community over the last 5 years has led to numerous joint successes for Zscaler and our State Government partners, and I’d like to help the broader community to realize the same success.
Meghan Steele, VP, SLED East - Cisco
NASCIO Involvement:
I have attended and been an active participant in all annual and midyear NASCIO conferences in recent years. In 2020, I co-hosted a virtual panel with Mandy Crawford, CIO, State of Texas.
Why Are You Interested In Serving?
With over 20 years of dedicated service in the Public Sector, my career is a testament to my commitment to enhancing the lives of citizens through technology and innovation. My passion for public service is driven by the desire to give back and support the missions of our states, ensuring they can effectively serve the needs of their citizens and communities.
Joining the NASCIO Corporate Leadership Council would not only be an honor but also an opportunity to leverage my extensive experience to foster collaboration, strengthen strategic alliances, and share industry best practices. I am eager to bring insights gained from the market and translate them into actionable strategies that can empower state and local governments to achieve greater impact. If I were to be selected to join the council, I aim to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technological advancements and the practical needs of our communities.
