These 5 new gov hires will lead tech transformation efforts within Maryland

Gov. Wes Moore and Secretary Katie Savage kicked off a new era for Maryland government’s technological landscape this week by announcing five new hires, including the creation of four new roles, to reinvigorate the state’s IT infrastructure and services.

“The Moore-Miller administration is committed to providing reliable, secure, and accessible IT infrastructure for all Marylanders,” the governor said in a written statement. “We are moving quickly, not only to modernize operations but to bring Maryland to the forefront of cutting-edge and emergent technology in better service of our state.”

The four newly created roles are chief technology officer, AI advisor, director of accessibility and chief digital experience officer, the last of which will oversee the new Office of Digital Experience.

With the shift, the Maryland Department of Information Technology (MDIT) aims to provide a way forward in IT and telecommunications by fostering collaboration between various agencies, as well as navigating the intricate dance between technological advancement and risk mitigation, all the while safeguarding the rights of its varied populations. Guided by the governor’s stated dedication to aligning cybersecurity measures with the most current benchmarks and recommendations, the state is poised to reinforce its protections against the ever-changing digital landscape of threats.

Savage, who heads MDIT, praised the new appointments as a turning point for both the department and the entire state.

“The exponential growth of AI technologies and the positive influence they have on virtually every aspect of life — from work to health to economics, and beyond — cannot be understated,” she said in the announcement. “The department’s new digital experience team will also promote user-centered design across platforms and products to ensure ease of use for all Marylanders who interact with state government and make technology accessible for all.”

The new appointments are:

• Senior Advisor for Responsible Artificial Intelligence Nishant Shah — In this new role, Shah will lead the strategic deployment of AI technologies. (StateScoop has more details on those plans.)
• Chief Technology Officer Michele Thomas — In this new role, Thomas will spearhead the implementation of core enterprise services across the executive branch, optimizing efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
• Chief Digital Experience Officer Marcy Jacobs — In this new role, Jacobs will be at the helm of the Office of Digital Experience, an entity geared toward enhancing user-friendliness and accessibility across the state’s digital platforms.
• Director of Accessibility Andrew Drummond — In this new role, Drummond will drive the state’s commitment to accessibility compliance, ensuring that technology is available and usable by all citizens.
• State Chief Information Security Officer Greg Rogers — In this existing role, Rogers will lead the charge in safeguarding Maryland against cyber threats and disruptions, ensuring the state’s resilience in an increasingly digital world.