Burgum has said that CIO Mike Ressler, who has been in the position since 2013, is leaving state government to enter the private sector. Dan Sipes, director of operations and deputy CIO, will serve as interim CIO.
Burgum promised a “high-tech government” while campaigning and draws experience in tech from founding a small startup company in 1983 called Great Plains, which was eventually acquired by Microsoft Corp. in 2001. He then worked at Microsoft as senior vice president for six years.
The recently sworn-in governor will also add chief operating officer and chief administrative officer roles to the office in order to make government more efficient and responsive.
The state is committed to drone research and implementation, and recently opened an unmanned aerial vehicle test site as one of six designated by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct research into drones' airspace integration.
North Dakota increased its Digital State score from 2014’s B+ to an A- in 2016 due to its heavily centralized IT operation, which is reflected in the state’s consolidated infrastructure and networking
The state has a self-service portal known as SPACES for its Medicaid program. When it comes to innovation and collaboration, North Dakota has launched an online tax revenue management system, known as the Taxpayer Access Point, through which citizens and businesses can manage their tax payments online.
