Presented by Michael Dietrich • Chief Information Officer-State of Nevada
There is widespread adoption of Digital Transformation strategies in business, and as such technology roles changing. IT teams are becoming more visible, and IT leaders are moving from the back-office to having a seat at the business strategy planning table. Are you ready for this evolution? The increased visibility, accountability, and clarity of linkage between technology and business outcomes demands that technical leaders and staff evolve from pure technologists to business enablers. When implementing a technology solution, it is critically important to know “what done looks like” through the lens of the business and from the perspectives of the employees who will use, and benefit from, the solution. Nevada State CIO Michael Dietrich will speak to the importance of cultural change and adoption both within IT teams and at all levels of the business.
Michael joined the State of Nevada as CIO in early 2018 and immediately set out to change the tech culture by encouraging movement away from siloed solutions in favor of collective and unified enterprise technology decisions. Prior to public service, Michael spent 25 years in the private sector, leading large product development and engineering organizations, as well as merger and acquisition technical integration activities.
Michael’s passion is finding the truly meaningful ways that technology can lead to better business outcomes and enhance our lives. To this end he is often heard using the phrase “Know what done looks like” which means seeing the end result from the point of view of the customer, regardless of their tech skill level, to ensure that a technology solution delivers what is needed seamlessly and effortlessly.
Michael is frequently quoted not only for his futurist outlook, but also on the interface of life and technology enhancements that are frictionless to the point of being invisible. “I think this ingrained philosophy has helped me be a better technology leader… no conversation about the benefits of any technical solution should be about the tech itself, but rather what it can do for us.”
“The technology landscape is changing at an unprecedented rate. Traditional Information Technology — the implementation of office, productivity tools and connectivity— is being rapidly supplanted by Digital Transformation: the movement of all business and information resources and functions into the digital realm. The opportunity to apply my considerable experience and learnings to lead the digital transformation of Nevada is a dream come true. I am very excited about this role, and grateful for the opportunity to serve the State.”
Michael has lived in Nevada most of his life. Since moving here over 30 years ago it is the place he calls home. When he is not immersed in the digital world, Michael enjoys all things two-wheeled, classic American muscle cars, and creating art and music.