State CIOs Value Communication, Ready to Face Evolving Nature of Technology Leadership

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As internal and external pressures continue to mount, state technology leaders say they are confident that by building strong teams and embracing new products and development processes, state IT departments will be able to improve how they serve government agencies and residents. Those and other factors contributed heavily to the 2018 State CIO Survey, State CIO as Communicator: The Evolving Nature of Technology Leadership, which was jointly released today by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), Grant Thornton LLP and CompTIA. The survey includes responses from all 50 state CIOs on a range of issues, from evolving business models to workforce and budget to access to innovation and facing the future. Respondents to this year's survey represent more than 150 years of collective service as a state's top technology official.

"The results of our 2018 survey highlight how state CIOs are addressing and planning for more transition in state government," said Doug Robinson, executive director of NASCIO. "CIOs are building strong relationships with key stakeholders and focusing on enterprise vision and strategy, security and risk management, agency customer service and relationship management."

"The era of IT infrastructure as a state CIO's primary focus is squarely in the rearview mirror," said Graeme Finley, principal with Grant Thornton Public Sector. "Technology is enabling government to operate and deliver services to constituents more efficiently, but at the same time, a CIO's mastery of communication and negotiation skills is becoming increasingly essential to the top technology role in state government."

"The insights provided in this year's survey will help the private technology sector better tailor offerings to state governments," said Jennifer Saha, Director of Public Sector Councils for CompTIA. "Knowing where CIOs are heading, and what obstacles stand in their way, allows the technology industry to better anticipate the often unique needs of each state. With that understanding, tech companies are able to provide better solutions and partner with states to accomplish their business goals."

The 2018 State CIO Survey also highlights critical success factors for CIOs, legacy modernization funding and procurement, digital transformation and emerging technologies. The complete report State CIO as a Communicator: The Evolving Nature of Technology Leadership is available on the NASCIO website: www.nascio.org/2018StateCIOSurvey.

About NASCIO   
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers is the premier network and resource for state CIOs and a leading advocate for technology policy at all levels of government. NASCIO represents state chief information officers and information technology executives from the states, territories, and the District of Columbia. For more information about NASCIO visit www.nascio.org.

AMR Management Services provides NASCIO's executive staff.  For more information about AMR visit www.AMRms.com.

About Grant Thornton Public Sector
Grant Thornton Public Sector helps executives and managers at all levels of government maximize their performance and efficiency in the face of ever-tightening budgets and increased demand for services. Grant Thornton Public Sector gives clients creative, cost-effective solutions that enhance their acquisition, financial, human capital, information technology, data analytics and performance management.

About Grant Thornton LLP    
Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world's leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. Grant Thornton works with a broad range of dynamic publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations.

"Grant Thornton" refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another's acts or omissions. Please see grantthornton.com for further details.

About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading voice and advocate for the $1.5 trillion U.S. information technology ecosystem; and the 11.5 million technology and business professionals who design, implement, manage, market, and safeguard the technology that powers the U.S. economy. Through education, training, certifications, advocacy, philanthropy, and market research, CompTIA is the hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce. Visit www.comptia.org to learn more.

PRESS CONTACT
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SOURCE CompTIA