Key Takeaways
- Kyle Guerrant has been appointed as the acting director of Michigan’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB)
- Guerrant has 20 years of experience in Michigan state government and previously worked as deputy state budget director
- Michelle Lange, the current director of DTMB, is resigning to join the private sector after three years in the role
- The state’s CIO position is currently held by acting CIO Eric Swanson, after Laura Clark left the job in December to join Michigan State University
- DTMB provides IT, contracting, procurement, and other services to state agencies and oversees the state’s retirement systems
Introduction to Michigan’s Technology Leadership Change
Michigan has made another significant change to its state government’s technology leadership. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced that Kyle Guerrant will become the acting director of the state’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB). This change comes as the current director, Michelle Lange, is set to resign on January 31 to join the private sector. Lange has worked as the department director for three years and has over 15 years of experience in state government. Her resignation marks the end of an era, and Guerrant’s appointment is expected to bring new leadership and expertise to the department.
Background on Kyle Guerrant
Guerrant has a deep background in Michigan state government, with 20 years of experience in various roles. He currently works as the deputy state budget director and has previously held positions such as deputy superintendent of finance and operations at the Michigan Department of Education and interim state school reform officer. Guerrant’s extensive experience in state government makes him an ideal candidate to lead DTMB, which provides IT, contracting, procurement, and other services to state agencies. The department also oversees the state’s retirement systems, making it a critical component of Michigan’s government operations.
The Role of DTMB
DTMB plays a vital role in Michigan’s state government, providing essential services to state agencies and overseeing the state’s retirement systems. The department’s responsibilities include managing the state’s IT infrastructure, contracting, and procurement, as well as providing other support services to state agencies. With Guerrant at the helm, DTMB is expected to continue providing smooth and efficient services to Michiganders. As Governor Whitmer stated, "Michigan has a deep bench of public servants who step up every day to get things done and make people’s lives better. At DTMB, Kyle will ensure that state government operations continue smoothly so Michiganders can access the services they rely on."
The Status of Michigan’s CIO Position
The governor’s press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the status of the state’s CIO position. However, it is known that Laura Clark left the job in December to join Michigan State University (MSU) as its assistant CIO. Clark had been the state CIO since 2021 and oversaw operations for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. Eric Swanson was appointed as acting CIO late last year, and it is unclear whether he will continue in this role or if a permanent replacement will be appointed. The CIO position is critical in overseeing the state’s IT infrastructure and ensuring that technology is used effectively to support government operations.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, Michigan’s technology leadership change is expected to bring new expertise and leadership to the state’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget. With Kyle Guerrant at the helm, DTMB is expected to continue providing essential services to state agencies and overseeing the state’s retirement systems. The status of the state’s CIO position remains unclear, but it is expected that a permanent replacement will be appointed in the near future. As Michigan continues to evolve and grow, its technology infrastructure will play an increasingly important role in supporting government operations and providing services to citizens. With the right leadership in place, Michigan is well-positioned to leverage technology to drive innovation and improvement in the years to come.
