StateScoop highlights 2017 State Up & Comer winners
The State Up &Comer award recognizes the state government employee who made you think, “they’ll be running the show someday”and young leaders who did exceptional IT work this year.
Miranda Gladden
Data Processing Manager III
State of California
Miranda Gladden is a seasoned account lead in the California Department of Technology’s Office ofCustomer Engagementfor the largest, most complex organizations including the state’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Board of Equalization. Miranda is the single point of contact for customers regarding all aspects of CDT services and provides exemplary customer service. Miranda is also the O365 Service agent and first point of contact for OCE questions related to California’s single statewideemail initiative. Miranda’s dedication and professionalism makes her a model candidate for recognition as the states up and comer.
Suzanne Pauley
Director, eMichigan
State of Michigan
As director of eMichigan, Suzanne Pauley oversees Michigans MIPage offering, which gives citizens on mobile devices access to the states suite of applications for government services. In addition to MIPage, Pauley works with the state CIO and the Department of Technology, Management and Budget to coordinate all of the states digital services touch points with the citizen. Before taking the helm as the director of eMichigan, Pauley was a project manager for information technology efforts and a programmer/analyst for the state.
Billy Rials
State Enterprise Architect
State of Mississippi
Its no secret that states struggle with the balancing act of advancing technology progress while still dealing with the demands of cybersecurity, In Mississippi, state enterprise IT architect Billy Rials worked with Information Technology Services leaders to do just that all while keeping cybersecurity in mind. Rials worked in tandem with the Department of Revenue to modernize its tax collection system, and also worked with the Department of Human Services to update platforms and get off of the mainframe. In addition, Rials serves as the president of the National Association of State Technology Directors Southern Region.
Andy Shirtliff
Small Business Advocate, Office of Economic Development
State of Montana
Shirtliff is a leader and advocate for small businesses. He supports all aspects and was a pioneer in creating a new business portal, The Business Navigator, to help small businesses get up and running.
Brandon Williams
Chief Digital Transformation Officer
State of Colorado
There are many jobs that call for change makers but few that are completely dedicated to it. This why Brandon Williams, Colorado’s first digital transformation officer, is so unique and has such potential for impact. In March, Williams was appointed to the position as part of Colorado’s broader push to rethink its services and operations. He brings to the position a skillset from previous roles as an analyst and as the point man for the state’s Google cloud apps. Williams hopes to further the state’s services through both major and minor changes.
Mike Wons
Chief Technology Officer
State of Illinois
Mike Wons joined the state of Illinois in 2015 as the first statewide chief technology officer. Focused on establishing and implementing the Illinois FIRST strategy for shaping the future of technology and innovation across Illinois.Most recently, Mike spent the last six years as president and CEO of CellTrak Technologies, a leading provider of mobile point of care solutions for healthcare professionals across the US, Canada and the UK. Mike has a diploma in Management from Aurora University, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Governors State University and completed his Masters Education as a graduate of the Kellogg Management Institute (KMI) at Northwestern University’s Graduate School of Management.
