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.”

CUMMISKEY NAMED TO LIST OF MOST OUTSTANDING
AZ LEGISLATORS IN THE MODERN ERA

PHOENIX---A recent survey by the Arizona Republic named former State Senator Chris Cummiskey to their list of the most outstanding Arizona legislators in the modern era. Cummiskey served in the State House from 1991-1994 and in the State Senate from 1995-2003. In his last two terms, Cummiskey served as a Floor Leader and Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

During his tenure in the legislature, Cummiskey was recognized for his efforts to improve school safety, revitalize communities, as a promoter of innovation and as a reformer of the legislative process.

Cummiskey joins former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, former AZ Governor Jane Hull, former U.S. Congressman Jim Kolbe and several others on the Republic list.

Photo Courtesy of Paul Howell Photography

AZ TECHNOLOGY AGENCY RECEIVES PUBLIC POLICY AWARD

The Arizona Capitol Times has awarded the Arizona Government Technology Agency (GITA) its inaugural award as a leader in public policy. Under the leadership of GITA Director and State CIO Chris Cummiskey, the agency has taken the lead on Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano’s innovation agenda on projects such as AZ 211, AZ Health-Connection, the AZ/Google Partnership, Homeland Security Interoperability Funding, E-Learning, expanded services through the state web portal and broadband deployment throughout Greater Arizona.



When asked by the Capitol Times why the agency has been successful, Cummiskey responded, “Our equation for success includes a strong commitment from the governor, an exceptional staff of senior managers and innovative projects that are changing the way services are delivered to the public.”

CUMMISKEY MANAGES GOOGLE PARTNERSHIP FOR ARIZONA

Based on its leadership in the field of technology, Arizona has been selected to participate in a pilot program with Google, Inc. to improve government transparency for citizens and access to state websites.

“Government must be innovative in order to offer the best possible services to their citizens,” said Governor Napolitano. “Through this Google partnership, Arizona is continuing to fulfill its responsibility to make State government as open and accessible as possible.”

State CIO Chris Cummiskey has been designated by Governor Napolitano to manage the innovative partnership with Google and three other states around the country.

Arizona Health-e Connection has been awarded an Innovation Award by the Council for State Governments. In 2005, Governor Janet Napolitano issued an executive order to create a steering committee to promote the adoption of e-health throughout Arizona.

The steering committee was co-chaired by State CIO Chris Cummiskey, and local attorney Beth Schermer.

The award was based on the roadmap that was generated by the steering committee and the unique approaches that have been pursued by the state to develop health information technology.