In a wave of recent leadership changes, the public sector is witnessing the return of experienced IT professionals to pivotal roles. Mississippi and Des Moines, Iowa, are both welcoming seasoned veterans to head their technology departments, signaling a new era of strategic development in their respective regions.

Craig Orgeron, who dedicated over two decades to the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS), is set to return as the state’s Chief Information Officer on July 1. This follows his retirement in 2020 and a subsequent three-year stint at Millsaps College, where he contributed to the development of a data science curriculum. During his previous tenure as CIO, Orgeron led efforts to modernize the state’s IT infrastructure, enhance digital services, and strengthen cybersecurity.
“It is an honor to be appointed as the Chief Information Officer for Mississippi,” Orgeron stated in a press release. “I am committed to driving innovative solutions and fostering collaboration across all levels of government and the private sector. Together, we can create a dynamic and responsive IT environment that supports our state’s growth and prosperity while delivering exceptional service to our citizens.”

Jeffrey Wann, the former CIO of Missouri, has returned to the public sector as the Chief Information Officer for the city of Des Moines, Iowa. With over 30 years of IT experience in both the public and private sectors, including roles at the Federal Reserve and Edward Jones Investments, Wann brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position. After a year as an independent IT strategy consultant, Wann will now oversee all IT infrastructure, network, and application technologies for Des Moines, focusing on modernizing systems across the city’s 17 departments.
Reflecting on his new role, Wann expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating, “I’m excited to serve the city of Des Moines and its residents as the next chapter of my career. To be chosen and trusted to bring my experience to an organization focused on modernizing their services across the city is a special opportunity that I look forward to.”
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