DENVER, Colo.—Governor John Hickenlooper has been awarded the prestigious State Technology Innovator Award by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO). The State Technology Innovator award recognizes outstanding individual contributions to advance state technology policy through best practices, adoption of new technologies and advancements in service delivery.

“Governor Hickenlooper’s innovation and support of our IT initiatives are positioning Colorado as a leader in the public sector. His vision and determination allow us to succeed with our ultimate goal of enhancing the citizen experience at every digital touchpoint,” said Colorado Secretary of Technology and CIO Suma Nallapati, who nominated Gov. Hickenlooper.

The Governor’s nomination highlighted his work in cybersecurity and his unwavering support for advanced applications that encourage the elegant, efficient and effective delivery of government services. Gov. Hickenlooper focused on cybersecurity efforts during his State of the State address, citing Colorado as being in the perfect position “to be the national leader in one of the most important emerging industries in the world: cybersecurity intelligence.” Since then, he has received bipartisan support in the Colorado General Assembly for HB16-1453, which created a cybersecurity council at the Department of Public Safety and also authorized spending to create the National Cybersecurity Intelligence Center in Colorado Springs.

Also under the Governor’s leadership, more than 25,000 state employees were introduced to Google Apps for Government. Through Google, state employees have an easier way to communicate through email, chat and video conferencing. It has streamlined workflow and achieved huge cost avoidance -- more than $3 million in FY2015 alone. This is the third year in a row that the state has netted more in cost avoidance than the annual cost for the Google platform.

The Governor is also a champion of the Colorado Universal Application, which streamlines eligibility for Colorado’s residents in need of vital services. Colorado used its existing Program Eligibility and Application Kit (PEAK) and worked with 11 programs from government agencies, nonprofits and educational groups. Each program set aside its individual application processes and agreed on a single point of entry for families to anonymously screen for eligibility. Families can then decide whether to submit applications to the programs for which they were deemed eligible.

“Technology innovation takes incredible collaboration and teamwork,” said Gov. Hickenlooper. “We are fortunate to have strong leaders in Colorado who know there is much more we can do to make lives better for all Coloradans. Technology plays a critical role in making that happen.”

About NASCIO
NASCIO’s mission is to foster government excellence through quality business practices, information management, and technology policy. Founded in 1969, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 association representing state chief information officers and information technology executives and managers from the states, territories, and the District of Columbia. The primary state members are senior officials from state government who have executive-level and statewide responsibility for information technology leadership. State officials who are involved in agency level information technology management may participate as associate members. Representatives from federal, municipal, international government and nonprofit organizations may also participate as members. Private-sector firms join as corporate members and participate in the Corporate Leadership Council.

NASCIO provides state CIOs and state members with products and services designed to support the challenging role of the state CIO, stimulate the exchange of information and promote the adoption of IT best practices and innovations. From national conferences, peer networking, research and publications, briefings and government affairs, NASCIO is the premier network and resource for state CIOs.

About OIT
The Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT) strives to impact the lives of all Coloradans to create a safer, happier and healthier state. OIT works to empower the State of Colorado with flexible technology that will drive sustainable and intelligent business decisions. OIT envisions a future where the end-user experience shapes design, and data analytics transform how state government serves its residents. 

Find OIT online at colorado.gov/oit, on the #StateofCO IT blog, and on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.