Jason Pierce is now serving as the deputy administrator and state deputy CIO, while Tyler Jackson is now serving as the interim CTO. Both individuals started the new positions on Jan. 1, ITS Administrator and state CIO Alberto Gonzalez said via email.
As Gonzalez noted, Pierce brings more than three decades of experience to the role in the areas of IT, project management and leadership.
Jackson’s experience entails more than 15 years in IT, which includes designing and implementing complex data and technology solutions for the public sector.
While Jackson has been appointed to serve as interim CTO, the state’s permanent CTO — Brian Smith — remains in his position. Gonzalez explained that Smith’s duties are split between ITS and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The split responsibilities of the role are in preparation for a forthcoming consolidation in two years, Gonzalez said.
“The consolidation of all IT services from multiple state agencies into a single centralized agency under the governor’s office offers a tremendous opportunity for proactive communication and strategic planning,” according to the ITS Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2024 through 2027.
As Gonzalez previously told Government Technology, the state’s consolidation plans include both short- and long-term goals; as of January 2024, the state was working to consolidate six more agencies. That milestone marks the completion of the first three phases of the state’s work in this area.
Gonzalez has led the agency since October 2022, taking over the role following Jeff Weak’s departure. He has 30 years’ experience in the private and public sector.
