September Minutes
ITAC MEETING MINUTES
September 15, 2011
Attendees: Robert Michaud, Dr. Marc Hoit, Daren Baughman, Darryl McGraw and Gloria McNeill
Absent: Hank Cox, Niahm Darcy, Vass Johnson, Michael Reilly (work schedule conflict) and Ubani Asiegbu
Wake County: Lib Wanner, Debbie Moore and Johnna Rogers
The meeting began at 9:04 a.m.
Lib Wanner welcomed everyone to the meeting and ensured that all members had received the proper documentation. Lib then introduced Deputy County Manager Johnna Rogers as a guest at the meeting. Lib indicated that there was a new member on the Committee selected by the Board of Commissioners to fill Steven Kim’s position, Ubani Asiegbu, who may be joining the call later in the meeting. She also reviewed the proposed meeting discussion topics list for FY 12 and all agreed that they looked fine.
Lib introduced the meeting topic entitled The Role of the CIO in the Future and announced to the group that she would be retiring from Wake County in March or April of 2012 which is why this is a topic she wanted to discuss with the Committee. Lib explained that Johnna would step in as interim manager until the position is filled.
Lib explained how the IS Department fit into the Wake County Government organizational structure and also reviewed the IS Department organizational structure with the group. Lib noted that since the Committee had last seen the IS Department organizational chart the County had decided to outsource technical support for the ERP system and 7 positions were eliminated.
Lib gave an overview of trends in technology management according to Gartner research. It was noted that and many government leaders still view IT as a cost instead of an investment, but that those views were beginning to change as public sector leaders were becoming more tech savvy. Lib asked for perspectives on this from the group. Darryl indicated that at Wake Tech he was experiencing demands for more and more IT services. Robert Michaud that at the Credit Union they have taken a proactive approach by getting IT business analysts out in the business units to promote the use of technology. The group agreed that more people seem to have a better understanding the need and value of IT. Lib said that she agreed with the Gartner observations that it is important to move beyond the cost of IT and focus on improving services with customers though technology. Robert suggested that IT should take the initiative to solve business problems and should actively seek solutions to business problems. Committee members indicated varying levels of readiness in their organizations for IT being proactive.
Lib then reviewed the different levels in the role of technology in an organization offered by Gartner – functional, enabling, contributing, differentiating and transformational. Lib commented that she feels Wake County is at the enabling and contributing level of IT and how Wake County may want to move forward into the differentiating and transformational levels and be valued as a business partner. Lib explained the level of service and the role the IT Department provides for the Register of Deeds as an example. Darryl noted that it may take more IT resources to make this move, especially in the area of business analysis. Robert suggested that effort be put into building business analysis skills in the business units as more effective approach and all agreed. Lib told the group that she has suggested that key new hires should have a systems background or interest in learning systems to build these skills into business units. The group agreed.
Lib indicated that Wake County IS Department may have to do some revamping of the CIO position and perhaps consider a two tier structure to be more effective. She noted that one idea was for the CIO position to focus more on the IT investment and business improvement side and for a CTO position to focus on the technology options and running an efficient IT operation on a day to day basis. The group discussed this concept.
Darren asked Lib if a third party has evaluated the Wake County IT Department and Lib indicated that such an evaluation has not been done. Darren explained that a third party evaluation could help when presenting ideas for changes to the Board of Commissioners. Lib agreed. Lib told the group that she and other staff are planning to have some sessions with Gartner analysts to review ideas before going forward.
Lib asked the group what was their observations of the CTO role. Darryl asked whom would the CTO report to. Lib stated probably the CTO to report to the CIO. Darryl and Robert commented on the possibility of competition and conflict between the two positions. Robert stated he thinks the IS Department would be better served with one head and one voice.
Johnna commented to the group that the skills set she is looking at for the next CIO position should be at a level 3 (contributing) or 4 (differentiating) and not a level 1 (functional) or 2 (enabling). Lib agreed.
Marc suggested that the CIO position be moved up to the highest level so that it sits at the table with the County manager. He indicated that the CIO position should be parallel with the County Manager or County Attorney position to be at an effective strategic level. Marc explained why he felt the CIO position is strategic and should be business focused.
Lib asked the group if they thought someone who is not familiar with business of local government could be an effective CIO for Wake County. Marc stated that if the position is not moved up to a strategic level a nongovernment-level person could be effective at managing the IT operation. He indicated if the County wanted the position to operate at a strategic level, local government experience would be important. Robert and Gloria both indicated that someone without government experience could be effective, but it would just take more time for them to get up to speed on the workings of the organization. The group agreed.
Lib concluded the meeting by thanking the group for all input and comments.
The meeting adjourned at 9:48 a.m.