Since taking office, Dunn has overseen several projects, including implementing a statewide enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and utilizing $100 million in public funding to expand broadband service to unserved and underserved areas across the state.
She also helped implement the state’s new ERP system from Workday. In part, the new system serves as a one-stop shop for state employees to manage their personal information, including time-off requests, benefits, expenses and reports.
Dunn’s work as state CIO earned her a spot on Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers list last year.
“I felt like I needed to have some of the major accomplishments done that the governor was really looking forward to, and I feel like I’ve gotten over some of those big projects,” Dunn said. Because of this, she added, “I felt like I have put her (Gov. Kim Reynolds) in a place that I was comfortable to exit at this point.”
As for her new position, Dunn said, “I had a few opportunities that were presented to me that I hadn’t been thinking about,” she said, declining to reveal which one she ultimately selected.
Regarding her successor, some of the challenges they might face include changing the state’s funding model and moving away from the mainframe.
“We don’t receive any state money per se, as far as an appropriation, except for broadband,” she said. “Really changing our business model and moving into more innovation, getting away from the mainframe, getting into a new data center and then keeping the innovation going without spending too much state money will be some of the continued challenges.”
As for the positives, Dunn said, “the state is already on the path of incorporating innovation, broadband and closing the digital divide; it’s just staying the course.”
“I want to thank Annette for her outstanding commitment to the citizens of Iowa through her work leading the Office of the Chief Information Officer,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds in a statement. “Her dedication to enhancing the state’s technology infrastructure as well as expanding broadband access across our state has been invaluable, and I am very grateful for her work and wish her great success in her new endeavor.”
