Steve Reneker, named one of Government Technology's Top 25 Doers, Drivers and Dreamers for 2012, was announced on Dec. 13, as permanent general manager of the city of Los Angeles' Information Technology Agency (ITA).
For the first 90 days, Reneker said he plans to inventory all systems and prioritize what needs replacement, and analyze the systems with high maintenance costs and target them for replacement. "I will also place a large focus on the development of an annual strategic plan, enhanced 311, a project office to focus staff on fewer and more highly visible projects, and increase internal operational efficiencies and customer service," he said in an email interview.
Reneker, who previously retired from Riverside, Calif., as its CIO, started his government career in Los Angeles, working on computer programming systems for the agency that he will now oversee.
And being familiar with the city's processes and technology, and having “extensive experience” in IT, Reneker will lead the ITA well, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa stated in a letter to city council. “Steve’s accomplishments demonstrate an innovative skill set that we are excited to bring to Los Angeles, especially as we continue to streamline the City’s digital infrastructure,” Villaraigosa said. “We look forward to having him on board as we transition into the 21st century.”
As CIO of Riverside, Reneker implemented a citywide free wireless system, and helped the city earn the 2012 Intelligent Community of the Year title. Under Reneker's watch, Riverside also placed in the top 10 for the Best of the Web and Digital Cities awards from the Center for Digital Government, also owned by Government Technology's parent company e.Republic Inc.
It will be nearly impossible to find an equal replacement for Reneker in Riverside, Mayor Ron Loveridge said.
“Steve ... has had an extraordinary stay in Riverside. In my view he the best appointment I know of any city manager's made in some 32 years,” he said. “He's transformed our IT, he's taken our website to national awards, he's led us into smart city and digital inclusions culminating in being selected in 2012 as the intelligent community of the year. I put Steve Reneker against any chief innovation officer or chief information officer in the country.”
As general manager of the Los Angeles ITA, Reneker's primary task will be to guide the agency by researching, testing and implementing new technologies in ways that make Los Angeles a better place to live, work and play.
*This story was updated on 12/17 to include the email interview with Steve Reneker
Photo by Jessica Mulholland
