NYC kicks off IT Management Academy for government tech leaders

New York City kicked off its first Information Technology Management Academy on Thursday, a new program for tech leaders across city departments to learn more about the city’s technology operations and best practices, and how to improve the government’s digital infrastructure.

The curriculum, a news release said, will include strengthening managerial skills, enhancing strategic thinking and deepening understanding of citywide technology operations. More narrowly, the curriculum will focus on three core areas: developing and using human resources, understanding the operational aspects of city systems and processes, and learning best practices from IT executives.

The first cohort of 27 full-time public sector professionals from 19 agencies, who are in director-or-above roles, is set to last about three months. The new training program will be run by the city’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services. Tuition will be covered by NYC’s Office of Technology and Innovation for the initial cohort.

While DCAS has run an internal management academy for more than 20 years, and in that time has served as a general professional development program for public sector managers, this program is the first that is exclusively available to New York City government IT leaders.

Participants were chosen from more than 100 nominations. The departments evaluated nominees based on leadership potential and impact to their current roles, along with commitment to public service, strong communication, collaboration skills and agency support. New York City Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser said the new program will underscore the critical role IT leaders play in advancing the city’s digital future.

“Success comes from sharing proven wisdom and insights,” Fraser said in the news release. “When the city develops an expertise, a path, and a process, the goal is to then disseminate that knowledge throughout city government. The IT Management Academy aims to do just that. I am grateful to Commissioner Molina for his agency’s partnership and to Mayor Adams for his vision and leadership. This first class will absorb new information and then return to their home agencies to continue to raise the standards and abilities across the city.”