Alex Pettit: A Journey of Digital Transformation
Alex Pettit, a notable figure in the realm of public sector technology, recently announced his return to Oregon to take on the role of Digital Transformation Projects Director. This transition marks a significant chapter in his professional journey, one that has seen him play pivotal roles in technology leadership across state governments.
A Track Record of Leadership
Since 2020, Pettit has served as Colorado’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO). His tenure was marked by substantial strides in modernization and innovation within the state’s technology framework. Through initiatives such as cloud transition and data governance advancements, Pettit and his team worked tirelessly to address the challenges associated with public sector IT.
Prior to his role in Colorado, Pettit had built an impressive resume that included his tenure as Oregon’s Chief Information Officer from 2014 to 2018 and earlier as Oklahoma’s Statewide CIO from 2011 to 2014. Each of these positions equipped him with valuable insights into the complexities of managing technology in the public sector, making his move back to Oregon both a homecoming and a strategic decision.
Transitioning to Oregon
Pettit’s announcement came via a LinkedIn post, where he reflected on his experiences in Colorado. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of the state during a period of intense technological advancement and challenges. “Serving the people of Colorado during a time of intense modernization, audit remediation, and innovation was both challenging and rewarding,” he stated in his post.
In his new role in Oregon, Pettit looks forward to leveraging his accumulated experience to make impactful changes. He aims to modernize legacy platforms and evolve the enterprise architecture to meet future demands. Such efforts are crucial as public sector organizations increasingly face the pressure to adopt newer technologies and improve service delivery to citizens.
The Next Steps for Colorado
With Pettit’s departure, the Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology has named Katie Shakun as the interim Chief Technology Officer. Shakun recently served as the state’s Senior Director of Infrastructure Operations and brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Director of IT Operations and Information Security at a biotech startup. Her appointment comes at a critical time as Colorado seeks to maintain momentum in its digital transformation efforts.
Reflecting on the Future
Pettit’s move is emblematic of the ongoing evolution in state technology leadership roles. As technology continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, leaders like Pettit who blend experience with a forward-thinking approach are essential for navigating the complexities of digital transformation. His return to Oregon signals a commitment not only to personal growth but also to contributing to the broader goals of governmental efficiency and modernization in a state with which he is deeply familiar.
In summary, Alex Pettit’s career trajectory underscores the importance of seasoned leadership in public sector technology roles. His upcoming responsibilities in Oregon, combined with his recent accomplishments in Colorado, highlight the critical nature of innovation and adaptation in governmental IT—a realm that is increasingly vital for meeting citizen needs in the digital age.
