The Department of Education has a new director of IT, also known as the chief information officer.
Rodney Okamoto replaced Kevin Matsuo, who retired after serving as the department's CIO for about 19 years.
The director is "responsible for the policy development and management of CDE's network, infrastructure, email, client services, web site development and maintenance, system development, database services, IT procurement and contracting, project management, information security and privacy, and voice and data telecommunications services," Techwire reported on the September job posting. "Under the Director's supervision and guidance, the Division provides internal staff with IT leadership and technical services that enable them to deliver effective education services in California."
Okamoto has worked for CDE for more than 20 years, most recently working as an IT manager in the Information Systems and Services Office in the Technology Services Division.
He spent some of that time chairing the Smarter Balanced Technology Workgroup, a group of multiple state education IT leaders. He also served as California's IT readiness coordinator.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced the appointment early this month.
“Rodney has demonstrated a wealth of knowledge, technical expertise, and leadership skills. His team-oriented personality will help the CDE fulfill its mission of providing California students a world-class education in our multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world,” Torlakson said in a press release. “Utilizing technology strengthens education for our students, as well as the educational support happening in our Department and at schools throughout California.”
