Key Takeaways
- CDFA’s Information Technology Services Division earned multiple honors at the 2026 California Public Sector CIO Academy Awards, including CIO of the Year, two IT Team Leadership Awards, and two Individual Leadership Awards.
- Agency CIO Fredrick Gomez was recognized for spearheading legacy‑system replacement, cybersecurity strengthening, cloud‑driven cost savings, and enterprise‑wide upgrades that boost service delivery and digital resilience.
- The Information Security Office and the Application Development Support Section each received team awards for advancing cybersecurity posture and modernizing application support, respectively.
- Frederick Janney was lauded for revitalizing IT asset management through process audits and Lean‑based improvements, while Tony Woo earned acclaim for infrastructure engineering feats such as securing remote border‑station broadband and bolstering network reliability.
- Secretary Karen Ross highlighted that these accolades reflect CDFA’s commitment to enabling better services for California’s agricultural community through collaboration, innovation, and mission‑driven technology leadership.
- The awards collectively underscore a strategic shift toward modernization, heightened cybersecurity, operational efficiency, and a “One Team” culture that positions CDFA for long‑term digital transformation.
Overview of the 2026 CIO Academy Awards Recognition
The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s IT Services Division celebrated a landmark achievement at the 2026 California Public Sector CIO Academy Awards, held over two days at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento. The event spotlighted outstanding public‑sector technology leaders and teams statewide, with CDFA emerging as a standout recipient of multiple awards. This recognition underscores the division’s progress in technology modernization, cybersecurity enhancement, and service excellence, all aligned with the department’s mission to support California’s agricultural community.
CIO of the Year: Leadership and Vision
Fredrick Gomez, CDFA’s Agency Chief Information Officer and Director of the Information Technology Services Division, received the CIO of the Year award. The honor acknowledges his visionary leadership since his June 2024 appointment, during which he has driven significant IT transformation across the agency. Gomez’s initiatives include replacing outdated legacy systems, fortifying cybersecurity defenses, pursuing cost‑effective modernization through strategic cloud licensing, and overseeing enterprise‑wide system upgrades that support mission‑critical operations. His emphasis on accountability, innovation, and a collaborative “One Team” culture has positioned CDFA for sustained digital resilience and improved service delivery.
Team Excellence: Cybersecurity and Application Development Support
Two CDFA teams earned California IT Team Leadership Awards. The Information Security Office (ISO) was recognized for its pivotal role in strengthening cybersecurity across the department, implementing robust threat‑detection mechanisms, risk‑management frameworks, and employee awareness programs that collectively reduce vulnerability to cyber incidents. Simultaneously, the Application Development Support Section (ADSS) received the award for its outstanding service delivery and modernization efforts. ADSS streamlined application lifecycle management, adopted agile development practices, and delivered enhanced user‑experience improvements that enable faster, more reliable access to critical agricultural data and services.
Individual Excellence: IT Asset Management and Infrastructure Engineering
Frederick Janney was honored for his leadership in IT asset management. After assuming his role, Janney conducted a comprehensive audit of existing tracking processes, identified inefficiencies, and partnered with the IT Asset Management Office (ITAMO) to introduce Lean‑based process improvements. His work has refined inventory accuracy, optimized resource allocation, and reinforced operational discipline throughout CDFA. Tony Woo received recognition for his contributions to infrastructure engineering and operational excellence. Woo’s accomplishments include bolstering enterprise security, upgrading network infrastructure, and designing and implementing a broadband solution for remote border stations that previously suffered from limited connectivity. His technical expertise and problem‑solving approach continue to enhance system reliability and ensure seamless communication for critical CDFA field operations.
Secretary’s Praise for IT Transformation
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross applauded the IT division’s achievements, noting that the awards reflect more than individual accolades—they embody the agency’s commitment to enabling better services for California’s agricultural community. She highlighted how Fredrick Gomez’s leadership has fostered collaboration across teams and divisions, spurred innovation in solving complex technology challenges, strengthened cybersecurity and operational resilience, and driven public service rooted in the department’s mission. Secretary Ross emphasized that these advancements translate into tangible benefits for stakeholders, from farmers to consumers, by improving data accessibility, service responsiveness, and overall trust in state‑run agricultural programs.
Strategic Impact: Modernization, Cybersecurity, and Service Delivery
Collectively, the recognized initiatives illustrate a strategic shift toward modernizing CDFA’s technology ecosystem while safeguarding it against evolving cyber threats. Legacy system replacement reduces maintenance costs and improves system performance, enabling faster adoption of new functionalities. Cloud‑centric licensing and infrastructure investments deliver scalability and cost efficiency, allowing the department to allocate resources more effectively to mission‑critical projects. Enhanced cybersecurity measures protect sensitive agricultural data, ensuring continuity of operations even amid heightened threat landscapes. Meanwhile, improvements in application support and infrastructure reliability translate into quicker response times for stakeholders and more robust field operations, ultimately supporting the department’s goal of fostering a resilient, innovative, and service‑oriented agricultural sector.
Looking Forward: Continued Innovation and Collaboration
The accolades earned at the 2026 CIO Academy Awards serve both as a celebration of past progress and a catalyst for future endeavors. CDFA’s IT division intends to build on this momentum by expanding cloud adoption, refining data‑analytics capabilities, and deepening inter‑agency partnerships that foster shared solutions. Continued investment in workforce development, particularly in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation, will further strengthen the division’s ability to meet evolving agricultural challenges. By maintaining a focus on collaboration, innovation, and mission‑driven outcomes, CDFA aims to sustain its trajectory as a leader in public‑sector technology excellence, delivering lasting value to California’s agricultural community and beyond.