Key Takeaways
- Colorado is seeking a new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to replace Alex Pettit, who left for a role with the Oregon government.
- The CTO position is responsible for defining and shaping the Office of Information Technology’s (OIT) service delivery and aligning IT standards across state government entities.
- The job listing for the CTO position is open until December 22, and the state expects to attract strong candidates despite the challenging technology talent market.
- The new CTO will be responsible for leading over 70% of the OIT staff and supporting agencies with deep technical expertise.
Introduction to the CTO Position
The state of Colorado is currently searching for a new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to fill the position left vacant by Alex Pettit, who departed for a role with the Oregon government in November. Pettit had been serving as CTO in Colorado since January 2020 and had previously held the position of Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the state of Oklahoma. According to David Edinger, the state’s CIO, the new CTO will be responsible for building on the foundation established by Pettit and continuing to evolve and improve the state’s technology infrastructure.
The Role of the CTO
The CTO position is a critical one, with over 70% of the Office of Information Technology (OIT) staff reporting to the CTO. The CTO is responsible for defining and shaping the OIT’s service delivery, supporting agencies with deep technical expertise, and aligning IT standards across all state government entities. This includes matters such as applications and data, and the CTO must be able to provide strategic leadership and vision to the OIT team. The job listing for the CTO position is open until December 22, and the state is expecting to attract strong candidates from across the country.
The Challenge of Attracting Top Talent
The technology talent market can be challenging, with private-sector organizations often attracting top talent more easily due to greater flexibility and pay. However, according to Edinger, the opposite is true right now, and the state expects to see "some really great talent" apply for the CTO role. This is likely due to the fact that the public sector offers a unique opportunity for technologists to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives and to work on complex and challenging projects. Additionally, the state of Colorado offers a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as a dynamic and supportive work environment.
The Future of Technology in Colorado
The new CTO will play a critical role in shaping the future of technology in Colorado, and will be responsible for leading the OIT team in the development and implementation of new technologies and systems. This will include working with agencies across the state to identify and address their technology needs, and to develop solutions that are efficient, effective, and secure. The CTO will also be responsible for staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the technology industry, and for identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement.
Conclusion
The search for a new CTO in Colorado is an exciting opportunity for technologists who are looking to make a difference in the public sector. The state is offering a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as a dynamic and supportive work environment, and the new CTO will have the opportunity to lead a team of talented and dedicated professionals. With the job listing open until December 22, the state is expecting to attract strong candidates from across the country, and the new CTO will play a critical role in shaping the future of technology in Colorado. As the state continues to evolve and grow, the need for strong technology leadership will only continue to increase, and the new CTO will be at the forefront of this effort.
