SECRETARY NAPOLITANO NAMES CUMMISKEY TO DHS MANAGEMENT POST

Washington DC----U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano has named former Arizona State CIO Chris Cummiskey to a lead management position at DHS. As Chief of Staff in the Office of the Under Secretary for Management, Cummiskey will have a key role in the budget process, procurement, finance, human resources, technology and administration of the department. Prior to his appointment, Cummiskey served as Arizona’s CIO for six years and was nationally recognized for his work on technology and innovation issues. Cummiskey also served in numerous leadership roles during his twelve years of service in the Arizona House of Representatives and Arizona State Senate.

Arizona Chief Information Officer Chris Cummiskey was recently named to the Presidential Transition Team advisory committee on technology, innovation and government reform (TIGR).

The group, comprised of leaders in higher education, business and Government, is reviewing ideas for submission to the President-elect’s administration.

During the campaign, candidate Obama promised more of an emphasis on innovation and change in the way the Federal government interacts with citizens.

For more information on emerging issues and news from the Presidential Transition Team visit www.change.gov.

CUMMISKEY RECEIVES AWARD FROM NATION’S GOVERNORS
State CIO Recognized for Innovation, Government Transformation

Based on the nomination of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, the National Governor’s Association recently awarded State Chief Information Officer and GITA Director Chris Cummiskey a 2008 Distinguished Service to State Government Award. The award is based on his efforts to implement Governor Napolitano’s agenda for innovation and technology in the State.

"Chris has been a powerful agent for positive change in Arizona during his 17 years in public service," Governor Janet Napolitano said. "I have called upon Chris time and again to inspire government innovation and manage transformation initiatives. His strong leadership skills have led to the creation of Arizona 2-1-1, Arizona Health-e Connection, the Project Management Certification Program, and the Statewide Information Security and Privacy Office, just to name a few."

State CIO Chris Cummiskey is presented the NGA Distinguished Service Award by Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano and NGA Chair and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.

During his more than five years as State CIO, Cummiskey has distinguished himself through his ability to form powerful coalitions of business, education, non-profit, government and community stakeholders to transform government service delivery and implement innovative technology strategies.

“I’m honored to have been nominated by Governor Napolitano for this prestigious award,” said Cummiskey. “This recognition is a testament to Governor Napolitano’s strong vision for government innovation and transformation and the exceptional group of senior managers within GITA.”