State Chief Information Officer and CDT Director Liana Bailey-Crimmins. Photo: William Foster

Liana Bailey-Crimmins, California’s State CIO and Director of the California Department of Technology, delivered a keynote address at the Emerging Technology Forum, presenting the state’s new strategic plan, Envision 2026. The plan focuses on fostering a more inclusive digital experience, strengthening cybersecurity, investing in the public sector workforce, and ensuring government operations are adaptable to future challenges.

The director also highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving the goals outlined in the plan, emphasizing that “no meaningful change can happen in isolation.” She underscored the need for collaboration between government, academia, and industry, noting that the establishment of the State Technology Council has created a platform where IT leaders can work collectively toward shared objectives.

Envision 2026 also prioritizes inclusivity in digital services. Bailey-Crimmins discussed initiatives such as the Middle Mile Broadband Network, designed to improve connectivity in underserved communities, and digital literacy programs to enhance skills across the state. She pointed out that “in California, 43% of Californians speak a language other than English,” illustrating the necessity of designing digital services that accommodate the state’s diverse population.

She shared an example from her previous work in correctional healthcare services to illustrate the importance of human-centered design. After implementing electronic records, she observed a dentist using his foot to move a computer mouse to prevent a security timeout during a procedure. Reflecting on the incident, she remarked, “Human-centered design is not only coding; it’s also looking at the environment they’re utilizing it in,” underscoring the need for technology to be practical and user-oriented.

Cybersecurity was another key focus of the address. Bailey-Crimmins described it as a shared responsibility, stating that “security is not just an IT issue—it’s all of our issue.” She recounted an incident where ransomware disrupted operations at schools for the blind and deaf, which emphasized the human impact of such events. “Every day, every minute that we were not up, it meant that they weren’t able to get the education they deserve,” she explained, highlighting the broader implications of ensuring robust cybersecurity measures.

The address also touched on workforce development, particularly in light of rapid advancements in generative AI. Bailey-Crimmins observed that “generative AI today will look very different in six months, 12 months, 18 months,” emphasizing the importance of continuous training and upskilling to prepare for future challenges. She cited the involvement of legacy technology experts in developing AI projects as an example of how investing in employees’ skills can yield significant results.

Future-proofing government operations was presented as a key strategy to ensure technology systems remain relevant and effective. Bailey-Crimmins provided an example involving AI-powered wildfire detection cameras, which identified a fire before any 911 calls were made. “A computer somewhere just said, ‘You have a fire,’” she noted, illustrating how such technology can mitigate risks and prevent greater harm by addressing issues proactively.

The director concluded by encouraging attendees to approach their work with a focus on collaboration and purpose. She called on them to “innovate using a diverse mindset,” design technology that serves people rather than policies, and “lead with purpose” to ensure long-term benefits.

Watch her 20-minute speech below.