“David’s efforts to modernize aging IT infrastructure and improve cybersecurity at the federal level highlight his wealth of skills and experience that make him an excellent fit for this role,” Snyder said in the release. “As a leader who is passionate about both people and technology, I am confident David will be instrumental in helping Michigan achieve more of its goals to be the nation’s best state government.”
At the OPM, DeVries was instrumental in creating a stronger culture after security breaches in 2015. During his time at the U.S. Department of Defense, he helped launch electronic records systems for Veterans Affairs, and expanded cloud adoption and mobile capabilities.
DeVries replaces former Michigan CIO David Behen, who stepped down in June to take a position in the private sector as La-Z-Boy’s vice president and CIO. That company’s global headquarters is located in Michigan. DeVries steps into a position Behen held for six years, making a significant impact upon the state’s IT during his tenure.
When Behen took the CIO post in February 2011, a decade of economic turmoil had left the state with many systems in need of upgrade, and so his first few years were spent creating a new strategic technology plan, as well as identifying nearly 20 projects in need of replacement and enhanced automation — needs that were matched to multiyear tech funding in the state budget. Over the years, Behen also led efforts to move email into the cloud, embark upon data center modernization, overhaul procurement and deploy a new statewide ERP system.
Behen was named one of Government Technology's Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers in 2013, and under his IT leadership, Michigan was one of just a few states that received an "A" grade in the Center for Digital Government's* 2016 Digital States Survey.
DeVries seems likely to have a significant impact in Michigan as well. In addition to his work with the OPM and DoD, he has served as the U.S. Army special assistant to the commanding general, a role wherein he directed daily activities aimed at establishing enterprise level IT services within that organization.
*The Center for Digital Government is part of e.Republic, Government Technology's parent company.
