“Colorado is focused on leading the way in innovation and technology to deliver better services for Coloradans, and we are thrilled to welcome Sarah into this exciting role,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. “Her leadership, expertise, and experience will help serve Coloradans and lead to new solutions to address our technology needs.” Tuneberg’s first day as CDS director was Monday.
She steps in for Matthew McAllister, who was CDS director from November 2021 until July 3, according to state officials. He is now CEO for SolarAPP+, according to his LinkedIn profile.
As the next director of CDS, Tuneberg will help execute the Colorado Digital Government Strategic Plan, according to an OIT press release. The plan, generally, outlines a strategy to improve residents’ digital experience and refresh state services. She will work with the myColorado team “to identify ways the app can continue to serve as a key platform for delivering state services to Coloradans,” said Brandi Wildfang, chief communications officer for OIT.
A passion area for Tuneberg is expanding opportunities and reducing poverty, Wildfang said: “She looks forward to building and delivering technology that makes accessing state services easier for all, especially Colorado’s most vulnerable residents.”
In its search for a new CDS leader, the state sought a “collaborative, innovative and strategic leader,” David Edinger, state CIO and OIT executive director, said in a news release. “As we work to make more state government services available digitally, Sarah will lead an amazing team delivering human-centered digital services in Colorado,” he added.
Tuneberg has served as the state’s innovation response team director, and as its senior adviser for COVID-19 testing, containment and technology. She helped to scale up testing during the COVID-19 pandemic from 50 samples per day to more than 50,000, according to the state.
The new director also has considerable private-sector experience, serving as chief technology officer and head of product, then as CEO at Finch, a Denver-based climate data and analytics firm, from March 2022 to May 2024. Tuneberg is also a founder of Rock Park Inc., a risk management consulting firm specializing in public health, emergency management and homeland security, where she will remain an adviser.
