Michigan CIO gets promotion in wave of personnel changes

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder announced a number of personnel changes within the upper levels of the state’s government on Thursday that includes a promotion for chief information officer David Behen.

Behen was named the director of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget. He will retain his duties of CIO as well.

“Our drive to provide customers in every corner of Michigan with the best possible service continues,” Snyder said. He continued, “David Behen has earned a national reputation for his excellence in government technology and is a great fit for these new responsibilities.”

The other changes stem from the announcement that state budget director John Nixon will be stepping down to become the chief business officer at the University of Office.

John Roberts, the Deputy Chief of Staff, will take over for Nixon as state budget director while Beth Clement deputy legal counsel in the Executive Office, has been appointed, to replace Roberts as deputy chief of staff.

Behen became the state’s chief information officer in January 2011. He has advised the governor on technology investments and implementing innovative information technology programs to enhance and expand customer service.

In 2012, Behen was chosen as the first winner of Crain’s Detroit Business CIO Awards in the government category, among many awards he has won in his career.

Before joining Snyder’s administration, Behen was CIO and deputy administrator of Washtenaw County. He also cofounded a software company and served as vice president and CIO of its parent corporation.

Behen’s appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.