Detroit recruits Louisville CIO

Beth Niblock is returning to the Motor City.

Niblock, the longtime chief information officer for Louisville, Ky., was named to the same post for Detroit on Tuesday.

“Our city’s poor technological systems and infrastructure waste financial resources and negatively affect our ability to deliver virtually every service we provide our residents,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “In Beth Niblock, we have recruited an accomplished and innovative leader whose talents have been recognized at the highest levels in our country.”

The announcement comes just three months after serving on a White House-organized technology team of municipal leaders aimed at helping Detroit use innovation to solve some of its most pressing problems.

Niblock, and a team of four other municipal leaders, worked on problems such as enabling online permitting, evaluating information technology infrastructure, streamlining the city’s payroll systems, opening government data and creating a 311 system.

“Under Beth’s leadership, Louisville has been recognized year after year for its progressive technology — from Best of Web awards for the city website, louisvilleky.gov, to numerous honors for Best Digital Government,” Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said. “Detroit is getting a dynamic and effective chief technology officer. Our city thanks Beth for her many years of service.”

Niblock has worked for the Louisville government since 2003. As the city’s CIO, she led a team of 75 employees responsible for all aspects of technology, including computers, network security, MetroTV, the city’s website and software development.

“It was a difficult decision to leave Louisville, my hometown, but I am energized by the challenge of being a part of the team to rebuild Detroit,” Niblock said.

Chief information officer is a new cabinet-level position in the city. The city’s director of information technology services, Chuck Dodd, will report directly to Niblock.

Niblock, who will relocate to Detroit, is expected to begin work by the end of February, with her last day in Louisville coming Feb. 14.