September 2022
Volume 22, Number 9
From the CIO
A lot has happened over the last several months and we have had many successes. I am proud of what we have accomplished together. And there is more to come!
You will hear me continue to talk about “Smart Growth,” which is sustainable growth that progressively builds on our collective achievements. The rebalancing and refocusing of key functional areas; optimizing core services; launching new solutions; elevating our leadership; and aligning, focusing and updating our organization with our forward vision in mind.
This is not about doing more; it is about replacing less impactful work with higher priority and more impactful work. It is about amplifying the contributions of everyone at VITA. The goal is significant progress on our strategic initiatives including:
- Improving the customer IT experience;
- Powering the Commonwealth of Virginia transformation with enterprise technology solutions;
- Focusing on cybersecurity from a “whole of state” approach;
- Driving efficiency to provide higher value by streamlining operations; and
- Transforming the VITA culture to instill urgency, customer centricity, business mindset, teamwork and inclusion.
As we progress and deliver, we will continue to prioritize our customers and provide the best customer experience possible. We are on this journey together and I appreciate your partnership, ideas and collaboration as we serve the 8.6 million residents in Virginia.
Sincerely,
Robert Osmond, Chief Information Officer of the Commonwealth
Gov. Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin visit VITA
Just a few days ago, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin visited VITA’s new office in North Chesterfield. They met with employees and connected with VITA’s executive team to learn more about the agency and its mission.
We thank the Governor and First Lady for taking the time out of their busy schedules to stop by!
Partner success stories: VITA and VDEM complete VDEM's transformation process
Just as devastating flooding was occurring in Southwest Virginia in June and a month into the Atlantic hurricane season, VITA and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) successfully partnered to complete the transformation process for the emergency management agency. As with all transformation efforts, the goal was to modernize and consolidate VDEM’s IT infrastructure – bringing it online with the Commonwealth of Virginia network.
Lucie Martucci is a customer account manager (CAM) at VITA, and specifically collaborates with VDEM. “Transformation is so critical, as it helps us and VDEM understand what they have today, and what they’re going to need tomorrow. It also helps us identify gaps in the infrastructure and affords us with the opportunity to fill those gaps.”
The targeted completion date for VDEM’s transformation process was the end of Fiscal Year 2022 (June 30). That goal was met, and the key to making it work was teamwork.
“I had the privilege of being on-site at VDEM the day the transformation process wrapped up,” said Martucci. “This was happening as the flooding in Southwest Virginia was escalating. Seeing the dedication of the VDEM staff as they worked on the emergency situation and the transformation, all at the same time, was truly amazing.”
"Our continued partnership with VITA is essential to us at VDEM as we serve the residents of Virginia," said VDEM State Coordinator Shawn Talmadge. "The transformation process is a great example of state agencies collaborating so that we can work at the highest level for the Commonwealth."
Thank you, VDEM, for all you do to keep us safe!
ICYMI: 2022 virtual Commonwealth of Virginia Information Security Conference
In case you missed it, the 2022 virtual Commonwealth of Virginia Information Security Conference took place in mid-August. It was a sold-out conference again this year, with speakers and presenters from Virginia Tech, the Library of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, the private sector, information technology leaders from other states, and more.
“This was our eighth annual information security conference and it was a huge success. We are so thankful for the support of Chief Information Officer Robert Osmond, Secretary of Administration Lyn McDermid and Deputy Secretary of Cybersecurity Aliscia Andrews,” said Chief Information Security Officer of the Commonwealth Michael Watson. “We also want to thank our conference committee members for their hard work and dedication for organizing and hosting the event year-in and year-out: Jessica Beavers from the Library of Virginia, Maurice Coles from the Department of Education, and our VITA staff – Ed Miller, Tina Gaines, Chandra Barnes and Stephanie Benson.”
If you attended this year’s conference, or you weren’t able to attend, and want to view the presentations, you can find them on the VITA website.
Information security tips
This month’s information security tips focus on cyberbullying and information sharing.
As technology continues to evolve, the tools and toys available to your children increase in number and evolve in capabilities. Technology can be used to educate and inspire creativity in kids, but it also exposes them to a potentially risky landscape. Adults can discuss with children how the digital world is a great resource, but we must remain cyber aware.
Find out what we can all do to protect our kids and our home networks.