Lightning Talk: Covered California Deputy CIO David Krause on Health Benefits System Overhaul
David Krause, Deputy CIO of Covered California, detailed the state’s overhaul of its health benefits system, CalHEERS, at the TechCA Forum on Emerging Technologies on December 5, 2024. Facing performance issues and a cybersecurity crisis, the agency moved to AWS cloud, adopting microservices and AI-driven monitoring. The modernization cut processing times, eliminated system throttling, and enabled new consumer-focused innovations like real-time A/B testing and AI-powered customer support. Krause talked about the project’s impact on improving access to healthcare while maintaining system resilience. Watch the lightning talk below:
Lightning Talk: Solutions Architect on Data Quality, GenAI
Amanda Baker, Specialist Solutions Architect for Databricks, talked about how large language models and generative AI applications are particularly valuable for organizations seeking to leverage their unique data assets in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Baker spoke at the 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.
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
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.
California Invests $27 Million in Port Data System Development
The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development announced a $27 million investment to enhance data system development across California’s five major containerized ports: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, San Diego, and Hueneme.
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.
Legislation Proposes New Metrics for State Agencies’ Cybersecurity
Assembly Bill 2777, by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D – Whittier), aims to fortify California’s cybersecurity by mandating a Baseline Information Security Score (BISS) metric. The measure advanced this week.
California Names First Chief Digital Strategy Officer
The California Department of Technology announced Ivy Teng Lei as California’s first Chief Digital Strategy Officer, a new role that combines emerging technologies with digital strategies and policies.
State Announces GenAI Pilot Partnerships with Five Vendors
On May 9, the California Government Operations Agency (GovOps) announced that the state had chosen vendors in response to its first round of Requests for Innovation (RFI2), released earlier this year.
Bhupinder Kaur Appointed CIO at Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety
The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (Energy Safety) has appointed Bhupinder Kaur to serve as its Chief Information Officer and oversee technology initiatives that support utility safety and wildfire risk mitigation.
State Launches Expanded Recruitment Campaign to Attract Talent to State Service
The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) has unveiled an ambitious expansion of its Work for California (Work4CA) campaign, aimed at simplifying the process for Californians to find rewarding careers within state service.
Ron Robinette Joins GovOps as Agency CIO
Ron Robinette has started a new position as Deputy Secretary and Agency Chief Information Officer at California Government Operations Agency (GovOps), according to an April 16 post on his LinkedIn page.
Chaeny Emanavin Appointed Deputy State CTO
Former California Health and Human Services Agency Innovation Director and White House staffer Chaeny Emanavin has been appointed Deputy State Chief Technology Officer at the California Department of Technology, according to a LinkedIn post.
California Secures Major Funding to Help Close Digital Divide
The California Department of Technology announced that the state’s Digital Equity Plan has received approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), providing $70.2 million in federal funding to help close the digital divide in California.
Senate Hearing Previews Debate on AI in Government
On Feb. 21, the Senate Governmental Organization Committee and Senate Budget Subcommittee on State Administration, chaired by Senators Bill Dodd and Steve Padilla respectively, who both have pending legislation, held an informational hearing on the use and oversight of artificial intelligence in the public sector. Titled California at the Forefront: Steering AI Toward Ethical Horizons, the hearing included three panels with speakers representing academia, labor, and state government operations, including testimony from GovOps Secretary Amy Tong and CDT Director Liana Bailey-Crimmins. The two-hour hearing gave a high-level overview of the upcoming debate related to pending legislation that will govern how California uses generative artificial intelligence in government programs.
Ajit Girn Appointed CIO of EDD
The Employment Development Department (EDD) has appointed 14-year department veteran Ajit Girn as its new CIO, according to a LinkedIn post by Director Nancy Farias. The California Employment Development Department (EDD) has appointed 14-year department veteran Ajit Girn as its new CIO, according to a LinkedIn post by Director Nancy Farias. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the EDD Executive Leadership Team, vendor partners, and my mentors who have supported me along this journey," Girn said in the post.
Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan Introduces Measure to Regulate Automated Decision Systems
On Thursday (2/15/24), Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) introduced AB 2930, which aims to regulate Automated Decision Systems (ADS) by assessing and eliminating algorithmic bias. The legislation is similar to a measure she introduced last year that failed passage.
