The Public Sector Show by TechTables

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Richard McHattie, CIO of Maricopa County, Chris Chirgwin, CIO of Santa Barbara County, Mike Hojnicki, CTO of New Castle County, and Don Ingle, Industry Executive Advisor from SAP, share valuable insights into how these technology leaders are reshaping the future of county resident experiences. Discover how their groundbreaking strategies are setting new standards for innovation and transforming community services, promising a future where technology seamlessly enhances daily life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

 • How counties like Maricopa, Santa Barbara, and New Castle County are revolutionizing resident experiences with digital modernization.

 • The transformative power of AI in enhancing public sector services and support.

 • The importance of collaboration in driving innovation and overcoming IT challenges.

 • Why balancing people, processes, and technology is crucial for successful digital transformation.

 • Strategies for building a high-performance IT culture in hybrid and remote environments.

Full transcript and show notes

Read the full transcript

 • Richard McHattie: LinkedIn

 • Chris Chirgwin: LinkedIn

 • Mike Hojnicki: LinkedIn

 • Don Ingle: LinkedIn

***

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro

(03:12) Communicating with Elected Officials

(05:48) Project Justification: Costs & Operations

(07:55) People, Processes, & Business Transformation

(10:32) Leveraging AI for Efficiency

(13:10) Clean Data & AI for Process Improvement

(15:48) Analyzing Transcripts & Financials with AI

(18:02) Tech Accessibility for Public Sector

(20:44) Communicating Long-term Value to Leadership

(23:19) Building a Remote Workforce & Accountability

(26:01) Collaboration at State & Local Levels

(28:32) Educational & Government Partnerships in Arizona

(30:58) Multi-jurisdiction Collaboration in Washington

(33:12) Enhancing UX by Shifting Services Online

(36:33) Managing Limited Funding with AI & Tech

WHEN YOU'RE READY

📬 TechTables Newsletter

🎥 Upcoming Events
🤝 Looking to increase brand affinity?

Promote your company to a highly engaged audience in the public sector State, Local, and Higher Education (SLED) market with over $10 billion+ in IT spending. Our newsletter boasts an impressive 80% email open rate and a 10% click-through rate, far exceeding industry averages of 30% and 1%.

Reach top public sector technology C-Levels like those at SentinelOne, Verizon, and SAP. Schedule a call to learn more, or email [email protected].

***

CONNECT
🤝 Connect on LinkedIn

🐦 Connect on Twitter

🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company

📽️ Subscribe on YouTube

***

PARTNERS

Thanks to our friends at SentinelOne for being our 2024 Podcast & Newsletter Partner

SentinelOne: Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure or click here: https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers

Verizon Frontline: The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.

Check out the solutions built for first responders or click here: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/

SAP: Discover how the latest in generative AI capabilities in the SAP solutions portfolio can help you revolutionize your business model strategy. Learn more at https://www.sap.com/index.html

***

SAY THANKS

💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Join Joe Toste (hey that's me!), host of The Public Sector Show by TechTables, as he shares insights from his journey interviewing over 100 public sector CIOs, CISOs, and technology leaders. Known for his engaging storytelling and deep understanding of the public sector, Joe dives into the lessons learned from these leaders who are driving change and innovation.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

 • The power of mission-driven leadership in the public sector

 • How to foster effective communication and collaboration within teams

 • Innovative problem-solving strategies that can transform organizations

 • Personal stories from Joe’s experiences that illustrate key leadership lessons

Full transcript and show notes

KEY TAKEAWAYS

 • Mission-Driven Leadership: The importance of having a clear purpose and how it inspires leaders to push through challenges and create meaningful impact.

 • Communication & Collaboration: Discover how fostering an open and collaborative culture can lead to innovative solutions and stronger teams.

 • Empowering Your Team: Trust and empower your team members to make decisions, encouraging ownership and accountability.

 • Innovative Problem-Solving: Learn the importance of asking “how” questions to unlock new possibilities and drive change.

Recommended Resources:

• Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal, 
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

***

WHEN YOU'RE READY

📬 TechTables Newsletter

🎥 Upcoming Events

🤝 Looking to increase brand affinity?

Promote your company to a highly engaged audience in the public sector State, Local, and Higher Education (SLED) market with over $10 billion+ in IT spending. Our newsletter boasts an impressive 80% email open rate and a 10% click-through rate, far exceeding industry averages of 30% and 1%.

Reach top public sector technology C-Levels like those at SentinelOne, Verizon, and SAP. Schedule a call to learn more, or email [email protected].

***

CONNECT
🤝 Connect on LinkedIn

🐦 Connect on Twitter

🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company

📽️ Subscribe on YouTube

***

PARTNERS

Thanks to our friends at SentinelOne for being our 2024 Podcast & Newsletter Partner

SentinelOne: Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure or click here: https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers

Verizon Frontline: The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.

Check out the solutions built for first responders or click here: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/

SAP: Driving digital transformation in cities like Copenhagen. See how they’re making digital strides.

Download the Case Study Now or click here: https://www.sap.com/documents/2021/02/10c410bc-cc7d-0010-87a3-c30de2ffd8ff.html

***

SAY THANKS

💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Recorded at the 2024 Phoenix Live Podcast Tour at GMI on April 1st to 3rd.

Featuring:

• Ryan Murray, Deputy Director and Chief Information Security Officer, State of Arizona
  • See Ryan's past episodes here: https://podcast.techtables.com/guests/ryan-murray/
• Ralph Johnson, Chief Information Security Officer, State of Washington
• Owen Zorge, Chief Information Security Officer, City of Chandler
• Cátia Pereira, Manager - Sales Engineering at Kiteworks

In this episode you'll learn:

• Building Statewide Cybersecurity Programs: How the State of Arizona has implemented its Cyber Readiness Program to support local governments with advanced cybersecurity tools, improving overall security posture and resource allocation.
• Fostering Collaboration in Cybersecurity: Insights into how the State of Washington is overcoming mistrust between state and local entities through collaborative initiatives and grant programs to enhance cybersecurity measures across jurisdictions.
• Effective Cybersecurity Partnerships: Real-world examples from the City of Chandler on the benefits of collaborative purchasing and support systems, and how working with state programs can lead to significant improvements in local cybersecurity defenses.
• Public-Private Sector Partnerships: The role of companies like Kiteworks in facilitating secure communication and data sharing within public sector organizations, highlighting successful implementations and scalable solutions.
• Addressing Workforce Challenges: Creative strategies from Arizona and Washington on how to tackle the cybersecurity talent gap, including eliminating degree requirements, providing on-the-job training, and engaging with educational institutions to build a future-ready workforce.
• Harnessing Emerging Technologies: Practical applications of AI and machine learning in cybersecurity for anomaly detection and autonomous vulnerability management, and the importance of balancing innovative tech adoption with fundamental security practices.
• Leadership and Strategic Insights: Perspectives from top CISOs on managing cybersecurity in state and local governments, the importance of trust and collaboration, and strategies for continuous improvement in an evolving threat landscape.

Full transcript and show notes

Ryan's LinkedIn

Ralph's LinkedIn

Owen's LinkedIn

Cátia’s LinkedIn

***

RECOMMENDED EPISODES

→ #173: Doug Ducey, 23rd Governor of Arizona

→ #174: Jack McCain & Tim Roemer - National Security from State to Local Governments
→ #175: Ralph Johnson, Allen Ohanian, Martha Goodwin, and Dr. Muriel Reid – The Human Firewall: Cybersecurity's Next Frontier
→ #176: Lester Godsey, Christian Taillon, Tina Carkhuff, and Gary Depreta - Weaving the Cybersecurity Tapestry: The Art of Public Private Collaboration

***

WHEN YOU'RE READY

📬 TechTables Newsletter

🎥 Upcoming Events

🤝 Looking to increase brand affinity? 

Promote your company’s logo and case study to an audience with $10 billion in public sector State, Local, and Higher Education (SLED) IT spend through our newsletter, which boasts an 80% email open rate and a 10% click-through rate (industry averages are 30% and 1%). 

This means we have a super engaged audience (not just a database of emails).

Reach the SLED market’s top public sector technology C-Levels like SentinelOne, Verizon, and SAP. Schedule a call to learn more!

***

CONNECT
🤝 Connect on LinkedIn

🐦 Connect on Twitter

🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company

📽️ Subscribe on YouTube

***

PARTNERS

Thanks to our friends at SentinelOne for being our 2024 Podcast & Newsletter Partner

SentinelOne: Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure or click here: https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers

Verizon Frontline: The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.

Check out the solutions built for first responders or click here: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/

SAP: Driving digital transformation in cities like Copenhagen. See how they’re making digital strides.

Download the Case Study Now or click here: https://www.sap.com/documents/2021/02/10c410bc-cc7d-0010-87a3-c30de2ffd8ff.html

🤝 Reach the SLED market’s top public sector technology C-Levels like SentinelOne, Verizon, and SAP. Schedule a call to learn more!

***

SAY THANKS

💜

Recorded at the 2024 Phoenix Live Podcast Tour at GMI on April 1st to 3rd.

Lester Godsey, CISO, Maricopa County

Lester serves as the Chief Information Security Officer for Maricopa County, the fourth largest county in the United States by population. With extensive experience in managing cybersecurity risks and implementing robust security protocols, Lester plays a crucial role in safeguarding the county’s digital infrastructure against various cyber threats.

Tina Carkhuff, Industry Executive Advisor, Splunk

Tina is an Industry Executive Advisor at Splunk and the former CIO for the City of Houston. With a deep passion for data analytics, Tina brings valuable insights from her work with Splunk’s platform in detecting and mitigating fraud. Her experience spans across various public sector roles, where she has consistently leveraged data to drive significant improvements in cybersecurity and operational efficiency.

Gary DePreta, Senior Vice President US Public Sector, Cisco

Gary is the Senior Vice President of US Public Sector at Cisco. Having joined Cisco in 2005 and with a brief stint at Splunk, Gary has a unique perspective on the integration of advanced cybersecurity solutions. He is dedicated to addressing the complex challenges faced by public sector entities, particularly in enhancing cybersecurity through innovative technologies and strategic partnerships.

Christian Taillon, Threat Response Engineer, Grand Canyon Education

Christian is a Threat Response Engineer at Grand Canyon Education. He is committed to protecting student and institutional data while training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Christian’s work involves utilizing advanced security technologies and fostering public-private partnerships to bolster cyber defenses within the educational sector.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How Maricopa County combats misinformation and disinformation, particularly during election cycles, and the importance of incident response protocols in addressing physical and digital threats.
• The role of data analytics in fraud detection, exemplified by Splunk’s success in helping states like New Jersey save billions in fraudulent unemployment claims.
• The impact of Cisco’s acquisition of Splunk on enhancing cybersecurity through the integration of data analytics and threat intelligence.
• The strategic importance of public-private partnerships in improving cybersecurity defenses, with real-world examples from Grand Canyon Education.
• The challenges and solutions associated with using AI and machine learning in cybersecurity, including maintaining data privacy and automating threat response.
• How trust in government can be restored and improved through effective public-private collaborations and innovative use of technology.

Full transcript and show notes

Lester's LinkedIn 

Tina's LinkedIn 

Christian LinkedIn

Gary's LinkedIn

***

RECOMMENDED EPISODES

→ #173: Doug Ducey, 23rd Governor of Arizona

→ #174: Jack McCain & Tim Roemer - National Security from State to Local Governments
→ #175: Ralph Johnson, Allen Ohanian, Martha Goodwin, and Dr. Muriel Reid – The Human Firewall: Cybersecurity's Next Frontier

***

WHEN YOU'RE READY

📬 TechTables Newsletter

🎥 Upcoming Events

🤝 Sponsor The Public Sector Show by TechTables - Podcast & Newsletter

***

CONNECT
🤝 Connect on LinkedIn

🐦 Connect on Twitter

🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company

📽️ Subscribe on YouTube

***

PARTNERS

Thanks to our friends at SentinelOne for being our 2024 Podcast & Newsletter Partner

SentinelOne: Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure or click here: https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers

Verizon Frontline: The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.

Check out the solutions built for first responders or click here: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/

SAP: Driving digital transformation in cities like Copenhagen. See how they’re making digital strides.

Download the Case Study Now or click here: https://www.sap.com/documents/2021/02/10c410bc-cc7d-0010-87a3-c30de2ffd8ff.html

***

SAY THANKS

💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Recorded at the 2024 Phoenix Live Podcast Tour at GMI on April 1st to 3rd.

Ralph Johnson, the State CISO, Washington State brings a wealth of experience to his role as having previously served as CISO for Los Angeles County and Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer for King County. His appointment was strongly endorsed by Bill Kehoe, who praised Johnson's skills, experience, and information security knowledge as assets that will enhance the state's enterprise security program and data protection efforts.

Allen Ohanian, the Information Security Officer for the Department of Children and Family Services in Los Angeles County brings 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and IT across both private and public sectors. His impressive career includes establishing innovative security programs, leading countywide cybersecurity initiatives, and earning multiple Information Security Officer of the Year awards, all while pursuing advanced degrees in cybersecurity, business administration, and psychology.

Martha Goodwin, Senior Sales Engineer Director for SLED at SentinelOne is a seasoned SE Leader with over two decades of experience spanning pre-sales, customer training, post-sales support, and professional services in cybersecurity. Her expertise covers SIEM, deception, network, email, and endpoint security, coupled with a talent for translating complex technical concepts for audiences ranging from IT analysts to CISOs, making her a valuable asset in building strong customer relationships.

Dr. Muriel Reid, CIO for the City of Jackson, Mississippi is an accomplished leader and educator with over 20 years of diverse experience spanning information technology, talent acquisition, education, and customer service. Her expertise in administration, coaching, and staff supervision is complemented by her strong communication skills, making her a versatile professional adept at bridging technology and business needs.

In this episode you'll learn:

• The critical components of a human-centric cybersecurity strategy for government agencies
• How to design engaging cybersecurity training that resonates with public sector employees
• Strategies for balancing AI and human judgment in threat detection and response
• Best practices for building effective public-private partnerships in cybersecurity
• How to cultivate a culture of security awareness across your organization and more!

Full transcript and show notes

Ralph's LinkedIn 

Allen's LinkedIn 

Martha's LinkedIn

Dr. Muriel's LinkedIn

***

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

→ #173: Doug Ducey, 23rd Governor of Arizona

→ Morgan Wright episodes (#120 & #168)

***

WHEN YOU'RE READY

📬 TechTables Newsletter

🎥 Upcoming Events

🤝 Sponsor The Public Sector Show by TechTables - Podcast & Newsletter

***

CONNECT
🤝 Connect on LinkedIn

🐦 Connect on Twitter

🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company

📽️ Subscribe on YouTube

***

PARTNERS

Thanks to our friends at SentinelOne for being our 2024 Podcast & Newsletter Partner

SentinelOne: Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure or click here: https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers

Verizon Frontline: The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.

Check out the solutions built for first responders or click here: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/

SAP: Driving digital transformation in cities like Copenhagen. See how they’re making digital strides.

Download the Case Study Now or click here: https://www.sap.com/documents/2021/02/10c410bc-cc7d-0010-87a3-c30de2ffd8ff.html

***

SAY THANKS

💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

In this never-before-seen, closed-door only recording from the ​​2024 TechTables Phoenix Live Podcast​​, Navy veteran Jack McCain, CEO of Blue Sky Vantage, and former Director of Homeland Security and State CISO Tim Roemer & Chief Security Officer at GMI, reveal the alarming reality of how hostile nations are targeting our local communities with cyber attacks. 

You'll learn practical steps your agency must take now to avoid devastating consequences when an attack inevitably strikes.

Don't miss this powerful episode on safeguarding your citizens from growing nation-state actors.

------

Before we get into this week’s podcast, I wanted to give a special shout-out to TechTables podcast sponsors: SentinelOne, Verizon, and SAP.

SentinelOne: Transforming state security with AI-powered solutions. Protecting 15,000+ endpoints across 25 agencies.

Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure or click here: https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers

Verizon Frontline: The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.

Check out the solutions built for first responders or click here: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/

SAP: Driving digital transformation in cities like Copenhagen. See how they’re making digital strides.

Download the Case Study Now or click here: https://www.sap.com/documents/2021/02/10c410bc-cc7d-0010-87a3-c30de2ffd8ff.html

📬 Subscribe to the newsletter 

🔖 Timestamps

00:35 - Jack McCain's journey from Navy helicopter pilot to CEO of Blue Sky
01:20 - How Blue Sky connects allies with strategic US industries
01:50 - Tim Roemer’s background in cybersecurity and homeland security
05:52 - The motivations behind Jack and Tim's service
07:03 - Insights from Vicki Mayo on rescuing Afghan women during the U.S. withdrawal
08:30 - Jack and Tim discuss the biggest international threats to public safety
09:58 - The impact of nation-state actors on local cybersecurity defenses
12:14 - Proactive steps to mitigate cyber threats in local and state governments
16:06 - How Blue Sky and GMI are aiding governments with secure technology solutions
20:01 - The interplay between global threats and local cybersecurity measures
21:10 - Leadership principles from Jack McCain's expansive career
23:41 - Quick-fire questions: Final Four predictions, leadership book recommendations, and best local Mexican cuisine in Arizona

⭐️ Leave a Review

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, ⁠please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts⁠ and let us know who you want to see next on the podcast in your review. Thanks!

You can also Tweet us on ⁠@thejoetoste⁠ and tell us what lessons you learned from the episode so we can thank you personally for tuning in 🙏🙏

🔗 Connect with TechTables

• LinkedIn TechTables ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/
• LinkedIn - Connect with Joe! ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/
• Twitter https://twitter.com/thejoetoste
• Website ⁠https://www.techtables.com/

I recently had the incredible opportunity to sit down with former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey for an exclusive interview on The Public Sector Show by TechTables. Governor Ducey served as Arizona's 23rd governor from 2015 to 2023, during which time he transformed the state into a national leader in cybersecurity and technology modernization.

In this rare and candid conversation, Governor Ducey shares his firsthand experience prioritizing cybersecurity as Homeland Security. He discusses the innovative strategies his administration implemented to strengthen the "human firewall" and dramatically reduce the state's vulnerability to cyber threats.

But, in case you aren't watching the video, I wanted to pass along a couple of the main points.

Cybersecurity is Homeland Security

Under Governor Ducey's leadership, Arizona prioritized cybersecurity as a critical component of homeland security. The state invested resources to improve cyber resiliency, recognizing that protecting citizens' data is just as important as physical security.

Strengthening the "Human Firewall"

Governor Ducey recognized that 90% of cyber breaches were due to human error. To combat this, he focused on strengthening the "human firewall" by requiring monthly cybersecurity awareness training for state employees using realistic phishing simulations. This hands-on defensive training approach, similar to how sports teams practice, enabled Arizona to dramatically reduce the percentage of employees falling for phishing attempts from 14% to 4%.

Modernizing State Government through Technology Innovation

Arizona took a cloud-first approach, moving from outdated on-prem data centers to Google's secure cloud platform. The state also established a Cyber Command Center to monitor and defend against constant cyber threats in real-time. In his final year, Governor Ducey passed the Whole of State initiative, investing $10 million to provide cybersecurity tools to local governments, protecting them from rising cyberattacks.

Executive Leadership Strategies

In this exclusive interview, Governor Ducey shares his perspective on executive leadership strategies, such as the Arizona Management System for operating government like a lean business. He discusses the importance of metrics, strategic planning, selecting the right people, and driving cultural change when working to improve an organization.

Lessons from an Entrepreneurial Background

Governor Ducey also shares lessons from his entrepreneurial background, including scaling Cold Stone Creamery, which shaped his approach to expanding the ice cream franchise from one store to over 1,400. His experience in the private sector influenced his leadership style and strategies for driving innovation and efficiency in state government. 

------

Before we get into this week’s podcast, I wanted to give a special shout-out to TechTables podcast sponsors: SentinelOne, Verizon, and SAP.

SentinelOne's AI-powered security platform to break down silos and protect this state's entire enterprise with real-time data and control. With seamless updates and overhead reduction securing 15,000+ endpoints across 25 agencies, SentinelOne partners to protect critical assets across states and agencies.

Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure or click here: https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers

Verizon Frontline is the advanced network for first responders on the front lines. It’s your mission. It’s your Verizon.

More than 35,000 agencies rely on Verizon Frontline and its mission-critical solutions.

Check out the solutions built for first responders or click here: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/

Overwhelmed by Digital Transformation? Here's How One City Keeps Pace in the Digital Age.

Provide residents and city employees with an even better, happier life through digital transformation.

Download the Case Study Now or click here: https://www.sap.com/documents/2021/02/10c410bc-cc7d-0010-87a3-c30de2ffd8ff.html

📬 Subscribe to the newsletter 

🔖 Timestamps

(2:00) Introduction: Governor Doug Ducey's background and current role at Citizens for Free Enterprise
(4:45) Prioritizing cybersecurity as homeland security and taking a proactive approach to protect Arizona
(7:56) Strengthening the "human firewall" through monthly cybersecurity awareness training and phishing simulations
(12:15) Measuring the success of cybersecurity initiatives and the importance of driving out fear to encourage open communication
(14:08) Bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to the role of governor and implementing the Arizona Management System
(18:26) Overcoming cultural challenges when launching new processes and driving change in state government
(23:38) Building strong relationships with state agencies and collaborating to modernize government services
(26:22) Transforming Arizona's Department of Child Services from the nation's most broken agency to a national model
(28:03) Lasting legacy: Whole of State initiative and the Cyber Command Center
(29:19) The potential of mobile device management to save taxpayer money and improve efficiency
(30:21) Rapid-fire round: Favorite Cold Stone flavor, sports teams, and comparing legendary athletes

⭐️ Leave a Review

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, ⁠please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts⁠ and let us know who you want to see next on the podcast in your review. Thanks!

You can also Tweet us on ⁠@thejoetoste⁠ and tell us what lessons you learned from the episode so we can thank you personally for tuning in 🙏🙏

🔗 Connect with TechTables

• LinkedIn TechTables ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/
• LinkedIn - Connect with Joe! ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/
• Twitter https://twitter.com/thejoetoste
• Website ⁠https://www.techtables.com/

Chris Chirgwin is the first Chief Information Officer for Santa Barbara County. Now you may know Chris from his remarkable journey in the news as the former CEO of Lanspeed, an IT services firm headquartered in Santa Barbara County, before selling his company.

He transitioned from owning a successful small IT services business to becoming Santa Barbara County's CIO in 2022. Despite the challenges of navigating the public sector, Chris hit the ground running. He implemented EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) principles to set core values, build a strong culture, and establish accountability through goal setting.

Chris has now built a transformational IT department. With a team of 70 IT staff (out of 5,000+ employees and $1.5 billion dollar budget) and a focus on collaboration and empowerment, Chris has really nailed the importance of a positive work culture in attracting top talent. His leadership has led to key modernization initiatives, including a Workday ERP implementation, GIS consolidation, and a public safety radio upgrade.

His entrepreneurial background brings a fresh perspective to Santa Barbara County and the public sector.

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Phoenix Live Podcast Tour in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 1st-3rd, 2024. Chris will be joining us live on the podcast tour!

Learn more here: https://www.techtables.com/2024-phoenix-live-podcast-tour

Before we get into this week’s podcast, I wanted to give a special shout-out to TechTables podcast sponsors: SentinelOne, Verizon, and SAP.

SentinelOne's AI-powered security platform to break down silos and protect this state's entire enterprise with real-time data and control. With seamless updates and overhead reduction securing 15,000+ endpoints across 25 agencies, SentinelOne partners to protect critical assets across states and agencies.

Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure or click here: https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers

Verizon Frontline is the advanced network for first responders on the front lines. It’s your mission. It’s your Verizon.

More than 35,000 agencies rely on Verizon Frontline and its mission-critical solutions.

Check out the solutions built for first responders or click here: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/

Overwhelmed by Digital Transformation? Here's How One City Keeps Pace in the Digital Age.

Provide residents and city employees with an even better, happier life through digital transformation.

Download the Case Study Now or click here: https://www.sap.com/documents/2021/02/10c410bc-cc7d-0010-87a3-c30de2ffd8ff.html

📬 Subscribe to the newsletter 

In this episode, we explore how Santa Barbara County is pioneering new approaches to culture, accountability, and technology modernization under the leadership of its first CIO, Chris Chirgwin.

Coming from the private sector as a small business owner, Chris shares his journey of implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) principles to transform the county's first-ever centralized IT department. 

We dive into the importance of setting core values, creating a culture of achievement, and establishing visibility and accountability through goal setting. Chris also discusses key modernization initiatives like a new ERP system, consolidating GIS resources, and exploring AI use cases. 

Tune in to hear how Chris drives collaboration, empowers his team, and leverages his entrepreneurial background to bring positive change in the public sector.

🔖 Timestamps

(0:00) Chris's transition from owning a small IT services business to becoming Santa Barbara County's first CIO

(4:31) Navigating the differences between private and public sector leadership

(8:38) Implementing EOS principles to set core values and build a strong culture

(12:48) Using a Smartsheet to drive accountability and track quarterly goals

(15:16) Attracting top talent through a positive work culture

(18:31) Key modernization initiatives: ERP implementation, GIS consolidation, public safety radio upgrade

(21:10) The importance of IT governance and establishing standards and policies

(26:19) Building trust and collaboration with county departments through active listening and follow-through

(27:59) Learning to be an effective listener and empowering the team's ideas

(30:35) The challenges of procurement in the public sector

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Phoenix Live Podcast Tour, where Chris will share more insights on driving innovation and culture change in county government.

Learn more here: https://www.techtables.com/2024-phoenix-live-podcast-tour

⭐️ Leave a Review

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, ⁠please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts⁠ and let us know who you want to see next on the podcast in your review. Thanks!

You can also Tweet us on ⁠@thejoetoste⁠ and tell us what lessons you learned from the episode so we can thank you personally for tuning in 🙏🙏

🔗 Connect with TechTables

• LinkedIn TechTables ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/
• LinkedIn - Connect with Joe! ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/
• Twitter https://twitter.com/thejoetoste
• Website ⁠https://www.techtables.com/

Featuring J.R. Sloan, CIO, State of Arizona (special rerelease)

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Phoenix Live Podcast Tour April 1st-3rd, 2024 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Learn more here: https://www.techtables.com/2024-phoenix-live-podcast-tour

Before we get into this week’s podcast, I wanted to give a special shout-out to TechTables podcast sponsors: SentinelOne, Verizon, and SAP.

SentinelOne's AI-powered security platform to break down silos and protect this state's entire enterprise with real-time data and control. With seamless updates and overhead reduction securing 15,000+ endpoints across 25 agencies, SentinelOne partners to protect critical assets across states and agencies.

Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.

Verizon Frontline. The advanced network for first responders on the front lines. It’s your mission. It’s your Verizon.

More than 35,000 agencies rely on Verizon Frontline and its mission-critical solutions.

Check out the solutions built for first responders.

Overwhelmed by Digital Transformation? Here's How One City Keeps Pace in the Digital Age.

Provide residents and city employees with an even better, happier life through digital transformation.

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Show Notes:

In this episode of The Public Sector Show by TechTables, J.R. Sloan, the CIO for the state of Arizona, joins us to discuss the challenges and successes of leading digital transformation and technology initiatives within a federated state like Arizona. From managing relationships with over 120 agencies to measuring success in a human-centric way, J.R. shares key insights into his approach as a leader and the impact of his work on Arizona's digital experiences. Listen in to discover how J.R. Sloan's leadership is shaping Arizona's technology landscape and digital government program.

Timestamps

00:39 - Introduction to J.R. Sloan and his role as the CIO for the state of Arizona.
01:37 - J.R. Sloan's journey and experiences within the public sector and the digital government program.
05:32 - The parallels between serving franchisees in the private sector and serving the 120 different agencies in the public sector.
06:23 - How success is measured in the public sector and the qualitative and quantitative metrics used for evaluation.
08:39 - Maintaining a human-centric approach while engaging with team members and leaders across agencies.
09:42 - The aspiration to deliver an Amazon-like digital experience for citizens and the efforts towards achieving this goal.
11:08 - Empathy and understanding the citizen's perspective in driving digital experiences.

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Featuring 

• Mark Wittenburg, CIO of Raleigh
• Rob Lloyd, Deputy City Manager of San Jose
• Chris Stewart, former CIO of the City of Austin

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Phoenix Live Podcast Tour April 1st-3rd, 2024 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Learn more here: https://www.techtables.com/2024-phoenix-live-podcast-tour

Before we get into this week’s podcast, I wanted to give a special shout-out to TechTables podcast sponsors: SentinelOne, Verizon, and SAP.

SentinelOne's AI-powered security platform to break down silos and protect this state's entire enterprise with real-time data and control. With seamless updates and overhead reduction securing 15,000+ endpoints across 25 agencies, SentinelOne partners to protect critical assets across states and agencies.

Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.

Verizon Frontline. The advanced network for first responders on the front lines. It’s your mission. It’s your Verizon.

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Overwhelmed by Digital Transformation? Here's How One City Keeps Pace in the Digital Age.

Provide residents and city employees with an even better, happier life through digital transformation.

Download the Case Study Now

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🏕️ Intro 

In today's episode of The Public Sector Show by TechTables, we're joined with guests Mark Wittenburg, CIO of Raleigh, Rob Lloyd, Deputy City Manager of San Jose, and Chris Stewart, former CIO of the City of Austin from The Big Sky Live Podcast Tour.

We dive into the complexities of digital equity and responsive government services in their cities. We also explore how these leaders leverage technology for community engagement during events and disasters, and discuss strategies to attract mission-driven talent in the increasingly competitive landscape of public sector employment.

🎧 Tune in to learn more about:

✨ Provide more equitable access to city services through technology

"we connected 160,000 people covered. 160,000 people with high speed wifi."

✨ Bridge the digital divide in your community

"In Title I attendance areas, that's 80% at least. Free or reduced lunch, a proxy for poverty"

✨ Truly listen and respond to your constituents' needs

"we actually try to co create services."

✨ Create internships and events to inspire future technologists

"that internship pipeline gives us a head start."

✨ Build a culture that attracts and retains top talent

"when you create a culture that attracts people, it solves a big chunk of your problem."

✨ Develop managers to lead effectively in a hybrid world

"Hybrid work does require better managers."

✨ Collaborate across regions to solve complex problems like 

"what are you going to do about the laws in North Carolina that restrict the cities from providing broadband?" ("It's trying to work with like the state with Jim Weaver is to start to look and say, ok, what are the things that we can do?")

✨ Communicate the meaningful impact of public sector IT work

"the story we get to tell in public."

Plus Q&A from Brent Byrnes at ExtraHop and Brad Booth from SentinelOne.

🔗 Watch and listen: https://podcast.techtables.com/ep170-A-CIO-Roundtable-San-Jose-Raleigh-Austin-Strategies-for-Tooling-for-Hyper-Responsive-Government-Services-with-Equity

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Don't miss this one-of-a-kind chance to be part of the live audience for interviews with today's top public sector technology leaders, and hear from fmr. Governor Doug Ducey live!

⏰ Only 45 days left until the Phoenix Live Podcast Tour!

🔗 Visit https://www.techtables.com/2024-phoenix-live-podcast-tour to learn more.

⭐️ Leave a Review

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, ⁠please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts⁠ and let us know who you want to see next on the podcast in your review. Thanks!

You can also Tweet us on ⁠@thejoetoste⁠ and tell us what lessons you learned from the episode so we can thank you personally for tuning in 🙏🙏

🔗 Connect with TechTables

LinkedIn TechTables ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/
LinkedIn - Connect with Joe! ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/
Twitter https://twitter.com/thejoetoste
Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/techtablespodcast/
Website ⁠https://www.techtables.com/