Over the past 13 years, Riley has served in a number of leadership roles with the Mayo Clinic. In 2004, he was appointed as the nonprofit’s chief technology officer before accepting the position of information management officer in 2011. Most recently, Riley was appointed as the organization’s CIO in 2014.
“Shawn Riley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to an increasingly important role in state government,” Burgum said in the release. “His experience overseeing the IT efforts for a world-class health-care organization like Mayo Clinic will prove invaluable as technology continues to transform the way government services are delivered in North Dakota.”
The incoming CIO said in the release that he is excited to join the Information Technology Department (ITD) and to work toward a more efficient and secure state.
“Information technology is constantly evolving and becoming more complex, and I’m excited to join ITD at a time when state agencies are being encouraged to embrace change and become more efficient — a goal that ITD can help them achieve,” he said. “I also look forward to furthering the state’s efforts to improve cybersecurity and protect our networks at a time of increased risk of cyberattacks.”
Riley is replacing former CIO Mike Ressler, who was displaced when the incoming Burgum announced his plans to shake up the C-suite. Ressler had been in the position since 2013 under Gov. Jack Dalrymple.
After the departure of Ressler, deputy CIO Dan Sipes stepped up in an interim capacity. According to the governor’s announcement, he will return to the deputy CIO role.
