Eyragon Eidam
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Articles by Eyragon Eidam
CDT's Cyber Road Map Will Integrate and Iterate, Officials Say
In late July, the California Department of Technology released Cal-Secure 2.0, an updated cybersecurity road map for state entities to use as a “north star.” Some months later, state officials are trying to get the word out on the new document and are looking for constructive feedback.
Ravi Bhadana Appointed CIO of Pesticide Regulation
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has a new CIO in Ravi Bhadana, the former chief digital transformation officer from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. His first day with the department was Sept. 9. Bhadana has spent more than 15 years in both the public and private sectors. Before joining CalOES, he was an IT management consultant with Deloitte. His resume also includes time with MK Partners, CauseForce, DCM Data Systems and IBM.
For Government, the Race Against Q Day Should Have Already Started
There has been a lot of speculation about the impacts quantum computing will have on society at large, and especially on cybersecurity. The technology promises to shake up everything from modern cryptography to healthcare, depending on who you talk to. But much like the Internet, the proliferation of smartphones and the full-frontal assault that has been AI, experts seem to agree that all we can control is our reaction to it.
Ed Lacroix, California’s Cowboy CIO, to Ride Off Into the Sunset
Even a brief conversation with Secretary of State CIO Ed Lacroix will tell you everything you need to know about why he does the work he does. He’s not in it for the titles or paychecks, he’s in it to serve. Now, he’s passing that torch, hopeful the next generation of IT leaders will carry it forward with as much care.
5 Takeaways From the Cybersecurity Summit
SACRAMENTO — Public-sector cybersecurity professionals gathered in Sacramento Thursday for the annual California Cybersecurity Education Summit* to compare notes on the landscape and the big risks and opportunities on the horizon. Here’s what we walked away with. Some Solace on Quantum: There were a couple different takes on quantum computing and what it would mean for government cybersecurity.
State CISO Urges Focus on Fundamentals, Understanding Risk
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The times they are a-changing, and so too must public-sector cybersecurity, state CISO Mike Marshall told a banquet room full of state and local cyber professionals Thursday.
Los Angeles County CIO Peter Loo to Retire
The rumors are true: Los Angeles County CIO Peter Loo is retiring. Exactly when that is happening remains a mystery. Several months ago, we heard rumblings that Loo would be stepping away at the end of October, but we were unable to confirm his retirement plans or the specifics about the timeline. Now, county officials have confirmed that he is, in fact, leaving county service, though the exact timeline is still up in the air.
Legislative Close Sees Flood of Bills Impacting IT, AI and Data
Throughout the year, we saw a host of executive orders, proposals and eventually chaptered bills that will affect the flow of state IT operations and the vendors that support that work. In the flurry of end-of-session bills signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, we saw several that expand the regulatory landscape with regard to AI and data privacy worth mentioning.
State CISO Marshall on Setting Baselines, Closing Gaps and Raising All Boats
When state Chief Information Security Officer Vitaliy Panych announced his return to the private sector in July, Mike Marshall was soon after named as the man tasked with keeping the state’s cybersecurity machine on the rails.
Little Hoover Outlines 9 Recommendations for Better State IT
Multiple hearings and months of work have produced another set of recommendations from the Little Hoover Commission, this time focusing on improving the state’s broad-scope IT approaches. It’s no secret that departments, and especially their vendors, have become accustomed to large and often unwieldy projects — see the laundry list of cost and timelines the commission cited in its report for more details on that.
Former State CIO Bailey-Crimmins to Lead Covered California IT
Liana Bailey-Crimmins, the former state CIO and director of the California Department of Technology, has reportedly been tapped to lead the IT operations for the state’s insurance marketplace, Covered California. She replaces former CIO Kevin Cornish, who moved into a special consulting role with the department while a search for his permanent replacement was underway. His last official day as CIO for the organization was June 1.
Marin Taps Wright to Lead Transformation Efforts
IE11 Not Supported For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers. Marin Taps Wright to Lead Transformation Efforts Jared Wright has been selected as the head of transformation in Marin County's Digital Innovation and Transformation Office. Wright comes to the county with a resume that includes transformation consulting and policy adviser work. The interior of the Marin County offices in San Rafael, Calif.
CalSTA Pulls From DMV for Integrated Payment Leader
IE11 Not Supported For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers. CalSTA Pulls From DMV for Integrated Payment Leader Serenity Thompson, DMV’s former deputy director of digital services, has been tapped to lead the California State Transportation Agency’s Integrated Payments Center of Excellence. Wrong turn! Only Industry Insider - California members can read this story.
CalPrivacy Recruiting for Enforcement Deputy Director Role
The agency created to safeguard the digital privacy of California consumers is looking for someone to lead that mission as its deputy director of enforcement. The California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPrivacy) is in the final stretch of its recruitment for the executive role responsible for legal decisions and enforcement action, according to a soon-to-close job posting. That post was previously held by Michael S.
Longtime Cyber Leader Novak Announces Retirement
Another California cybersecurity leader has publicly shared his plans to depart state service. Doug Novak, the acting state chief information security officer, has announced that he will retire at the end of the month. California Deputy CISO Doug Novak. “After 30 years of serving the state of California in information technology and cybersecurity, the time has come for me to retire,” he wrote in a LinkedIn post. “Writing those words brings more emotion than I expected.
New Tech Enables Compute at the Edge of the World
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Since the advent of computers, we’ve been trying to find a way beyond their inherent limitations, past the edge. When on-prem data centers ran out of space or budget, we pushed to the cloud. When Internet connectivity needed to extend beyond dial-up, we pushed onto fiber and then high-speed satellite connections. Today, industries and governments looking to extend their compute power can literally truck it in to almost anywhere on earth; at least that’s what Armada is doing.
State CIO Given: A Man on an Implementation Mission
By any measure, Chris Given is leading the California Department of Technology at a unique time. Just more than 130 days into his tenure and with the window quickly closing on the Newsom administration, the state CIO said in an interview with Industry Insider — California that the name of the game is implementation. For the last several years, CDT has been making strides in a number of areas — AI policy, Cal-Secure 2.0, streamlined technology procurement, etc.
CDT Is Recruiting for Deputy State Security Officer
The California Department of Technology is looking to fill its deputy state CISO role through a job posting published Thursday. While the posting raises questions about possible leadership shifts within the department, what we do know is that Deputy State CISO Doug Novak stepped in as the state’s acting cybersecurity lead following the departure of CISO Vitaliy Panych in July. It’s unclear at this point whether the posting is a sign of an impending appointment or some other development.
Alameda County, Calif., CIO Is Already a Bay Area Tech Leader
IE 11 Not Supported For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers. Alameda County, Calif., CIO Is Already a Bay Area Tech Leader When the time came to replace its veteran CIO Tim Dupuis, officials looked northward. His replacement is Solano County’s now-former CIO, a nearly 20-year public-sector technologist.
Tim After Tim: Solano CIO Flanagan to Succeed Alameda CIO Dupuis
In January, longtime Alameda County CIO and Registrar of Voters Tim Dupuis announced that he would be retiring from public service, punctuating a more than 26-year career with the regional government. In mid-July, the county's Board of Supervisors voted to approve his permanent replacement, Solano County CIO and Registrar of Voters Tim Flanagan. Since Dupuis’ departure, the position has been held on an interim basis by CTO Ram Gurumurthy. Flanagan will begin in the new position Sept.
The City of Monterey Is Searching for Its Next CIO
The central coast city of Monterey is looking for its next chief information officer to lead its Information Services Division. In a recent job posting, the city noted that it is looking for “an innovative and strategic technology leader” who can manage “technology operations, major IT projects, budgeting and technology governance,” among other duties. The position has been held by longtime city technologist Angie Blake, who took on the role in July 2023.
Brian Branco Joins ePlus California SLED Team
International technology solutions and services provider ePlus has hired Brian Branco as a senior account executive focused on the California SLED market. Branco was most recently with cybersecurity firm SentinelOne as a senior regional sales manager, and before that, held the same role with software platform provider Splunk. In addition to those roles, Branco has also held account executive roles with IBM, Oracle and Hewlett-Packard.
Longtime AT&T Sales Pro Takes Reins as Dajani Consulting Sales VP
After more than two decades with AT&T, Yvonna Thompson has joined Dajani Consulting as its vice president of sales and strategic partnerships focused on California government. Dajani Consulting helps California’s state and local government teams navigate complex technical and business challenges.
AI, Data Center Bills Head to Governor's Desk at Session Close
Lawmakers closed out the legislative session Monday in yet another marathon vote session. The end of the legislative session is hardly the last stop in the legislative process, and even bills with sweeping majority support could still die by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s pen. Here’s what made it through to the governor’s desk: Artificial intelligence and generative AI were popular topics for lawmakers this session, with several bills aimed at limiting or monitoring the impacts of the technology.
GovAI Coalition Looks to Fill New Top Leadership Spot
The group formed in San Jose specifically to help government navigate the onslaught of AI and generative AI technology is looking for its first executive director. Up to this point, the GovAI Coalition has been led by San Jose CIO Khaled Tawfik, who has been serving as board chair. This new role will serve as the group's CEO and will be "responsible for advancing the strategic direction," the job posting reads.
Little Hoover: Progress, Remaining Perils Central to AI Testimony
California is long past the point of no return with AI and generative systems. The focus now, for technologists, policymakers and worker groups is how to maximize the benefit while watering down the damage. During a hearing hosted by the Little Hoover Commission Thursday, officials talked about this work in relation to 2024 commission recommendations and what still needs to be done. From the public policy perspective, state Sen.
Secretary of State Issues RFI for New Business Portal
The California Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) has put out a request for information (RFI) centered on the modernization and/or replacement of its California Business Connect (CBC) online business records portal. The office is looking for information about “off-the-shelf” solutions to replace the portal used to process and manage business filings, searches and records requests.
How Corona Tackled AI’s Visibility Problem
When it comes to AI, one of the more prominent themes repeated in conversations with IT and cybersecurity leaders is that of visibility. Government technologists know these tools are in use and parsing through their data but seldom have a full picture of the extent of their reach. Sanctioned CoPilot and enterprise ChatGPT or Claude tools are no surprise to IT shops, but the ones the employees choose for themselves or that are built into unsanctioned apps are a reason for concern.
CIO in Sonoma County, Calif., an IT Veteran, to Retire
After more than three decades in public service, Sonoma County CIO Dan Fruchey is set to retire. In an announcement posted to LinkedIn earlier this week, Fruchey reflected on his career with the regional government. He joined Sonoma County government in 1997, as an IT analyst. “After 33 years of government service, it’s finally time for me to hang up my access badge and retire!” he wrote.
Sonoma County CIO Fruchey Announces Retirement
After more than three decades in public service, Sonoma County CIO Dan Fruchey is set to retire. In an announcement posted to LinkedIn earlier this week, Fruchey reflected on his career with the regional government. He joined Sonoma County government in 1997, as an IT analyst. “After 33 years of government service, it’s finally time for me to hang up my access badge and retire!” he wrote.
Newsom Taps CTO With Deep Federal, Academic Resume
The California Department of Technology has filled the role left open with the departure of former Chief Technology Officer Jonathan Porat in April. Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed former 18F State and Local Government Technology Director Ayushi Roy as the state’s new CTO. Roy has been a lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School since 2022, while also serving as the chief program officer for the New Practice Lab at New America, a Washington, D.C.–based public-policy think tank.
Bay Area CIOs Add Context to Strategy, Procurement Changes
BURLINGAME, CALIF. — It should come as no surprise that the large Bay Area cities are facing many of the same pressures as their peers and the state, namely budgetary constraints and the increased scrutiny that comes with them. Paired with rising service demands from departments and constituents, the situation has led IT leaders to take a more pragmatic approach to their IT spending.
New California CTO Has Federal, Academic Experience
IE 11 Not Supported For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers. New California CTO Has Federal, Academic Experience The state’s next chief technology officer has served as state and local government technology director for 18F. She also worked in the Biden administration and has lectured at the Harvard Kennedy School. California's state capitol.
Land Use Office CIO Moves to CalHR
IE11 Not Supported For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers. Land Use Office CIO Moves to CalHR The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, the office formerly known as the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, is on the lookout for its next CIO following the departure of Zaid Ridha, who took the same role at the Department of Human Resources. Wrong turn! Only Industry Insider - California members can read this story.
EDD's Print System Overhaul Nets a Win for Efficiency, Savings
The phrase “managed print services” might not get majority airtime at big tech conferences or in the halls of state government in an age dominated by AI and cybersecurity conversations, but that doesn’t make its practice any less significant. What managed print services may lack in headline-grabbing flash, it makes up for with real-world impact.
Cornell Joins Ivanti as Director of California Public Sector Sales
IE11 Not Supported For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers. Cornell Joins Ivanti as Director of California Public Sector Sales Scott Cornell, a veteran in the technology sales space, has joined enterprise software company Ivanti as the director of California public sector sales. Wrong turn! Only Industry Insider - California members can read this story.
CDT’s Jennifer Herrera Announces Retirement Plans
Jennifer Herrera, the chief of the California Department of Technology’s Acquisition and IT Program Management Division, has announced her plans to retire at the close of the month. Herrera’s more than three decades in state government have included time with some of the state’s most recognizable departments, including the departments of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Motor Vehicles and General Services.
Caltrans Vendor Day Highlights Six Opportunity Areas
The country's largest state transportation department is looking for the private sector’s help with some of its most pressing priorities, which officials outlined during the virtual Caltrans Vendor Day presentation Tuesday morning. But just as important as what they want is what they don’t.
California Announces New Statewide AI Cyber Defense Program
Gavin Newsom's administration has announced its latest action on artificial intelligence with the creation of the statewide AI Cyber Defense Program. In an announcement Monday morning, Gov. Newsom outlined the need for bolstered cyber defenses across state assets and critical infrastructure in light of the exponential growth and nefarious use of AI to further cyber attacks.
AI Cyber Defense Program Aims to Boost California Security
Gavin Newsom’s administration has announced its latest action on artificial intelligence with the creation of the statewide AI Cyber Defense Program. In an announcement Monday morning, Gov. Newsom outlined the need for bolstered cyber defenses across state assets and critical infrastructure in light of the exponential growth and nefarious use of AI to further cyber attacks.
L.A. Superior Court Unveils Unified Access Portal Pilot
A new pilot project is giving users across the legal system easier access to public case information within the Los Angeles County Superior Court system. Late last month, officials announced the availability of the unified Court Access Portal, which allows attorneys, court staff and the public to find publicly available case information in one location. Users will have access to case information, documents and calendars that span civil, criminal, family and juvenile courts, as well as others.
Little Hoover to Circle Back on AI in Government Report
The recommendations made by the Little Hoover Commission about artificial intelligence in state government back in 2024 will be discussed as part of an upcoming hearing later this month.
Ignyte Group Selects Begić to Lead West Coast Work
Šejla (Shayla) Begić has joined Ignyte Group as its managing director for the West Coast. Begić brings more than two decades of experience in the government technology space, most recently as a government and public sector SLED client executive at consulting firm EY. “Ignyte’s mission to drive meaningful transformation through next-generation solutions aligns deeply with my own values and professional purpose,” she wrote in a LinkedIn post.
Former State CISO Panych Joins World Wide Technology
After announcing that he would be leaving state government late last month, word is finally out that former state CISO Vitaliy Panych has joined World Wide Technology. Panych will serve as a senior cybersecurity and risk advisor focused on state and local government and education. "WWT's global and national scale in cybersecurity, AI and tech transformation speaks for itself, but what won me over was the people driving that success," Panych wrote in a LinkedIn post.
Cal-Secure 2.0 Is Live — Here Are the Broad Strokes
The much-anticipated second iteration of the state’s cybersecurity roadmap is live. Cal-Secure 2.0 was officially published Friday morning after several weeks of rumors and supposition, and amidst the news that one of its major contributors, state CISO Vitaliy Panych, would be leaving for the private sector. Cal-Secure 1.0 was first made public in 2021, offering agencies, departments and the private sector a look at how the state should be approaching its cyber defense work.
Los Angeles IT Leaders Brief Industry on Priorities, Challenges
LOS ANGELES — A candid conversation Tuesday afternoon between Los Angeles city and county officials and industry members painted a clearer picture of where the governments are going and some of the upcoming challenges they face. During a private session for the vendor community at the L.A. Digital Government Summit*, county CIO Peter Loo and Internal Services Department General Manager Mirian Avalos joined city CIO Ted Ross to talk about their respective work and where industry could best assist.
Budget Outlines Millions for CalSTA Tech Improvements, Ongoing Projects
Diving into the nitty-gritty of the state budget can be a daunting task, but it's one that’s worth doing if you’re trying to look around corners for ongoing projects or developing opportunities. Take the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and its cadre of departments as one example. The agency is chock-full of ongoing and new opportunities across the transportation spectrum.
Vitaliy Panych, 7-Year California CISO, Will Step Down
Vitaliy Panych, 7-Year California CISO, Will Step Down The state’s cybersecurity leader announced he will be joining a “global tech solutions provider.” Under his leadership, the California Department of Technology implemented a multiyear security road map. California CISO Vitaliy Panych at the 2025 California Cybersecurity Education Summit in Sacramento. Photo by Eyragon Eidam. California’s top cybersecurity watchdog has announced his departure from state government.
LAPD Takes Another Look at ALPRs, Hones Counter-Drone Response
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) uses extensive technology in its daily law enforcement mission, but it also faces significant technological challenges. During the Los Angeles Police Commission meeting July 14, Chief Jim McDonnell shared some of the promise and peril at the intersection of policing and tech, calling specific attention to automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and drones.
Gurinder Bains Joins City of Vacaville as CIO
Gurinder Bains Joins City of Vacaville as CIO Oakland’s deputy CIO, Gurinder Bains, has taken the top technologist role with the city of Vacaville. Bains has a lengthy public service resume and nearly 30 years in IT. Wrong turn! Only Industry Insider - California members can read this story. California's state and local gov tech market is constantly changing - don't miss this chance to gain comprehensive coverage throughout the year! Ready to learn more about being an Insider? Already an Insider?
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