Cybersecurity

Iowa CISO Jeff Franklin Steps Down After More Than 10 Years

As Iowa’s chief information security officer, Franklin worked under several governors and collaborated with state groups to develop a cybersecurity strategy, update emergency protocols and secure state elections.

January 28, 2020 •

1511_Iowa Capitol 042 — State capitol in Des Moines, Iowa. The state's largest city, like Manchester, New Hampshire, doesn't rank high in terms of size, and it may be partly why urban issues don't get much attention from presidential candidates when they visit.

The state of Iowa is in the market for a chief information security officer, as Jeff Franklin has vacated the role after more than 10 years.

Chief Information Officer Annette Dunn confirmed in an email today that Franklin is no longer with her office.

According to Franklin’s LinkedIn, he worked with the state for more than 13 years, first as an IT specialist and then as an information security officer with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. He joined the Office of the CIO as Iowa’s CISO in 2009 and became deputy director of the office in 2014.

Franklin also served as interim CIO for seven months last year after Robert von Wolffradt stepped down in January 2019. Dunn started as CIO in August.

As CISO, Franklin served the state in several groups and governor’s initiatives. He was involved in various working groups to draft a formal cybersecurity strategy, update the state’s cybersecurity emergency response plan and provide recommendations for securing elections and training staff.

Andrew Westrope

Andrew Westrope is managing editor of the Center for Digital Education. Before that, he was a staff writer for Government Technology, and previously was a reporter and editor at community newspapers. He has a bachelor’s degree in physiology from Michigan State University and lives in Northern California.

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Iowa CISO Jeff Franklin Steps Down After More Than 10 Years

As Iowa’s chief information security officer, Franklin worked under several governors and collaborated with state groups to develop a cybersecurity strategy, update emergency protocols and secure state elections.