Key Takeaways
- Chris Given, California’s new chief information officer, will prioritize incremental, measurable improvements to legacy IT systems rather than large‑scale, multi‑year projects.
- Expanding digital identity services and leveraging shared‑state resources are central to reducing administrative burdens and improving access to public benefits.
- California aims to maintain its leadership in artificial intelligence by scaling the Poppy generative‑AI assistant and encouraging safe experimentation across agencies.
- Accessibility, broadband expansion, and web‑accessibility initiatives remain core to making government services easier for all Californians.
- Given emphasizes that success is defined by tangible outcomes—not just on‑time delivery—and stresses the need for the California Department of Technology (CDT) to act as an enabler, not a bottleneck, for state missions.
Background and Appointment
Chris Given was appointed California’s chief information officer and director of the California Department of Technology (CDT) in April, succeeding Liana Bailey‑Crimmins. Before this role, he served as deputy secretary for technology and innovation at the California Government Operations Agency. Given notes that the state CIO position differs from his previous work because he now inherits many missions rather than a single focus, requiring CDT to be “ruthless” in evaluating how well it serves every state department.
Legacy System Modernization Strategy
Given’s early focus is on helping agencies address aging technology systems. Rather than pursuing costly, multi‑year modernization efforts that may cost $40 million to $50 million, CDT will concentrate on incremental improvements that yield measurable returns. This approach acknowledges tighter budget realities and the need to deliver value quickly while laying groundwork for future upgrades.
Shared Services and Footprint Consolidation
To work within fiscal constraints, Given advocates for greater use of shared services and a consolidation of the state’s technology footprint. By doing a smaller number of things better, agencies can avoid duplicative efforts and reduce reliance on costly, state‑operated infrastructure. This shift aims to create efficiencies that free resources for innovation and service delivery.
Digital Identity as a Foundational Tool
Digital identity services are identified as a priority because they can streamline eligibility verification for programs such as SNAP and Medicaid, reduce administrative burden, and enhance privacy and security. Given views digital ID as a foundational technology that, when matured, will make government services easier to access while strengthening protections for personal data.
Accessibility and Broadband Initiatives
Beyond digital identity, Given highlights accessibility as a major focus. He points to California’s broadband investments, web‑accessibility initiatives, and ongoing digital identity programs as examples of efforts designed to make government services more reachable for all residents, particularly underserved communities. Ensuring that technology serves everyone aligns with the state’s broader equity goals.
Artificial Intelligence Leadership
California’s AI ambitions remain a key area for Given. He cites the launch of Poppy, the state’s generative‑AI assistant, as a platform that allows public servants to safely experiment with AI while pulling information only from official CA.gov websites to protect sensitive data. Poppy will transition from pilot to production on July 1, becoming available to additional agencies statewide. The goal is not merely to adopt new technology but to ensure it delivers meaningful operational outcomes.
Measuring Success and Enabling Missions
Given challenges the traditional metric of “on‑time delivery” and asks whether a project that takes years to complete truly counts as success. He stresses that CDT must evaluate whether technology acts as a bottleneck or an enabler for state missions. Success, in his view, is defined by tangible benefits—such as improved service delivery, cost savings, or enhanced user experience—rather than merely meeting timelines.
Collaboration with Agency Leaders
Recognizing that CDT cannot solve the state’s technology challenges alone, Given plans to work closely with agency technology leaders. By understanding each department’s unique needs and constraints, CDT can tailor support, promote best practices, and foster collaboration that leverages shared resources while respecting individual mission requirements.
Looking Ahead
As Governor Gavin Newsom’s term concludes, California continues to garner national attention for its AI governance frameworks, broadband expansion, digital identity efforts, and innovative tools like Poppy. Given’s leadership will seek to build on these achievements by focusing on pragmatic, incremental advancements, strengthening shared services, and ensuring that technology investments translate into real‑world improvements for Californians. Through a balanced approach that respects budget realities while pushing for innovation, he aims to position CDT as a true enabler of the state’s diverse missions.