Roper, who has been the city’s CIO since 2006, will take a private-sector position, directing technology strategy for the St. Joe Company in Watersound, Fla. She’ll continue to assist the city with technology through the end of June.
In addition to her time with Raleigh, Roper served briefly in 2009 as the CIO of Austin, Texas, before returning to Raleigh later that year. She also previously worked for Kansas City, Mo. Roper is a past recipient of Government Technology's Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers award.
“The public sector has been a challenging career that I could not have experienced elsewhere,” Roper said in a statement. “I have had great opportunities with three progressive cities with diverse communities. Thirty years ago, I entered the public sector from the private sector with a desire to serve the public. I leave with that same desire to serve the community.”
Roper’s new position with St. Joe — a company that builds residential communities, resorts and golf services — is something she believes will give her “the best of both worlds” when it comes to contributing to the quality of life for various communities in northwest Florida.
Beth Stagner, business applications director for the Raleigh Information Technology Department, will serve as the department’s interim director. The city will undertake a national recruitment to find its next CIO.
