NASCIO names 3 State Technology Innovator Award winners
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers on Wednesday named three winners of its annual State Technology Innovator Award program, which recognizes “deserving public servants.”
The award program, which NASCIO says honors those “who have made contributions to advance state technology policy through the promotion of best practices, adoption of new technologies and advancements in service delivery,” this year selected technology officials from Oregon, Missouri and Washington.
The association named Kathryn Darnall Helms, Oregon’s chief data officer, for her work including diversity, equity and inclusion in the state’s technology and data management policies.
“Her collaborative development of Oregon’s Data Strategy and the draft Data Literacy Framework reflects a commitment to inclusive policymaking and skill enhancement across state agencies,” reads a NASCIO press release. “Darnall Helms’s strategic efforts focus on using data as an asset to foster people-first initiatives in digital government services. Her work is integral to statewide efforts shaping the future of AI governance, ensuring that the benefits of Oregon’s digital advancements are equitably shared among all citizens.”
NASCIO also named Missouri Deputy CIO Paula Peters for her contributions to a “strategic overhaul” to the state’s digital government initiative.
“Her consolidation of application development teams and establishment of a business relationship management (BRM) practice proved invaluable when Missouri received $126 million in ARPA funds, allowing for swift action on various state technology initiatives through the efforts of Peters,” NASCIO’s release reads. “Building on this foundation, Peters led citizen journey mapping efforts to address public concerns and created a comprehensive inventory of the state’s 1200 systems to aid in disconnecting from legacy mainframes.”
The third winner was Nick Stowe, Washington state’s chief technology officer. NASCIO says Stowe was “instrumental” in furthering the state’s technology policies and “fostering a culture of initiative and bold innovation,” including leading creation of a Architecture and Innovation Division within the state technology department.
“Stowe co-authored Washington State’s first guidelines for responsible AI use, contributed to the governor’s AI executive order and formed a statewide AI community of practice. Stowe’s leadership in cultivating partnerships across various sectors further allowed WaTech to improve and prioritize citizen-centric technology solutions,” the release reads. “Stowe has been a champion for emerging technologies such as AI across the state as well as in his WaTech role, setting the framework for its ethical application across Washington.”
