Lightning Talk: Government Digital Transformation Success Story – Department of Managed Health Care CIO Ralph Cesena
Watch Cesena's talk about how the California Department of Technology’s Technology Modernization Fund (TMF), and cutting-edge low-code custom software development technology, improved user experience and scheduling efficiencies. Presented at the TechCA Forum on Emerging Technologies on December 5, 2024.
State Launches Innovation Challenge for LA Wildfire Recovery
California state officials are calling on technology vendors to propose innovative solutions to aid survivors of the recent Los Angeles wildfires. The California Department of Technology (CDT), Department of General Services (DGS) and Office of Data and Innovation (ODI) hosted a Vendor Forum on Wednesday, February 19, to launch the effort to "break out of the status quo and find better solutions" while aiming for an expedited response to speed recovery.
Keynote: State CTO Jonathan Porat on California’s Digital Strategy
California is reshaping how residents interact with government services by prioritizing accessibility, equity, and security in its digital transformation efforts, according to Jonathan Porat, the state’s Chief Technology Officer. Speaking at the TechCA Forum on Emerging Technologies on December 5, Porat highlighted key advancements, including the redesigned ca.gov website, which streamlines access to essential services such as job assistance and birth certificates. The site was developed using the California Design System to improve usability for residents. The state is also enhancing digital identity verification and expanding its open data platform, among other key initiatives. Watch Porat's 20-minute keynote address below.
Bret Ladine Appointed Director of FI$Cal
Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed Bret Ladine, of Sacramento, as Director of the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal), according to a press release. He previously served as General Counsel at the California State Transportation Agency since 2022. Before that, he was General Counsel at the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation from 2020 to 2022, following his tenure as Assistant General Counsel from 2016 to 2020
Video: Executive Perspectives on Government Innovation: Looking Forward and Learning from the Past
Leaders in California’s state government explored innovative approaches to technology and governance at the TechCA Forum on Emerging Technologies on December 5, 2024. The panel included current and former officials: Government Operations Agency Secretary Amy Tong, California's first Government Operations Secretary Marybel Batjer and Former CalHHS Secretary Michael Wilkening, moderated by Former Director of Finance Keely Bosler, who also served as Gov. Brown’s Cabinet Secretary. CalHHS Office of Technology and Solutions Integration Director Adam Dondro introduced the panel.
2024 Year in Review: Technology Industry Trends and Topics
Every week, TechCA delivers news through our Insight email newsletter and website, keeping California's technology industry updated on the latest and most relevant topics, trends, policies and people. Read the stories that defined 2024 and discover insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead.
EDDNext Project Director Ron Hughes Retires
Ron Hughes, a veteran state technology executive who returned to public service to lead the EDDNext project, has announced his retirement. Hughes, who took on the role two years ago to help modernize the Employment Development Department (EDD), shared his departure in social media, marking the close of his latest chapter in public service.
Look Back: State Leaders Examine Tech’s Role in Transforming California Government
In case you missed it from last year's Forum on Emerging Technologies on December 7, 2023, a panel of current and former California state officials discussed the transformative role of technology in government operations. The panel featured Government Operations Secretary Amy Tong, California’s first Government Operations Secretary Marybel Batjer, former gubernatorial advisor Mike Wilkening and DMV Director Steve Gordon. The session was moderated by Keely Bosler, former director of the California Department of Finance.
California Center for Government Innovation Launched to Promote Excellence and Leadership
A coalition of former government officials announced the launch of the California Center for Government Innovation (CCGI), a nonprofit innovation hub focused on modernizing California government program delivery through human-centered design, common-sense approaches, and emerging technologies. Led by three former gubernatorial appointees with decades of experience spanning three California governors, the new organization will host activities and conduct research to help inform new strategies for driving meaningful innovation in California government.
State Hosts First Ever GenAI Innovator Showcase
California’s Government Operations Agency (GovOps) hosted a daylong GenAI Innovator Showcase on Thursday, offering state agencies an opportunity to explore cutting-edge artificial intelligence solutions. The event featured presentations from more than 30 companies.
Leo Anguiano Appointed CIO at California Victim Compensation Board
Leo Anguiano is the new CIO for the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB), the board confirmed. With over 25 years of technology experience in the state, Anguiano brings expertise to support the mission of reducing the impact of crime on victims.
Veteran State Executive Richard Gillihan Announces Retirement
Gillihan's career is marked by several key accomplishments. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Office of the State Chief Information Officer (OCIO), now the California Department of Technology, and drafted the first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the OCIO and Finance...
State’s View on AI Governance Will Shape Industry, Says Little Hoover Expert Witness
The Little Hoover Commission held its third in a series of public hearings on artificial intelligence (AI) on July 25, 2024, focused on best practices for AI procurement, risk mitigation, and workforce training in California state government.
Senate Rules Committee Approves ODI Director Jeffery Marino
On Wednesday (July 3rd), the Senate Rules Committee held a confirmation hearing for Jeffery Marino, where senators unanimously approved his appointment as Director of the Office of Data and Innovation.
CHP Appoints Nick Beard as CTO
The California Highway Patrol has appointed Nick Beard, a former Senior Business Manager at the California Department of Technology, as its new Chief Technology Officer, the department confirmed this week.
Podcast: Ron Hughes Talks with Bill Maile about EDDNext
Following a panel discussion hosted by TechCA on June 18, EDDNext Project Director Ron Hughes spoke with host Bill Maile for the GovReport podcast. Here are some highlights from the conversation.
What does the new budget agreement say about GenAI?
On Saturday (June 22nd), the governor and legislative leaders announced a state budget agreement totaling $297.9 billion in expenditures that addresses a $46.8 billion deficit through a mix of spending reductions, revenue enhancements, and strategic use of reserves.
State Parks Appoints Rod Wallin as New CIO
Rod Wallin has been appointed as the new Chief Information Officer for the California Department of Parks and Recreation. A veteran technology professional, Wallin brings more than 25 years of experience in the technology industry to his new role.
June 27 – Little Hoover Commission to Hold Hearing on AI and Food Insecurity
The Little Hoover Commission will hold a public hearing focused on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to address food insecurity on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 10 a.m. The hearing will occur near the State Capitol in Sacramento and be accessible online.
CDT to Host Forum on GenAI Procurement Guidelines
The California Department of Technology (CDT) will host a forum on Tuesday, June 25th to discuss new policies, processes, and guidelines outlined in the State of California GenAI Guidelines for Public Sector Procurement Uses and Training document.
