Davood For Thought: Chris Cruz

Chris Cruz is a progressive, dynamic, and visionary leader with over 18 years of experience as a Level C Executive in IT Leadership positions and 29 years of overall IT and business experience with a primary focus in the government sector managing half billion dollar organizations. He's had an extensive experience as a high visibility leader influencing and driving organizational and Cybersecurity change in fast paced driven environments through innovation and transformation across the largest and most complex IT organizations. He has strong Cybersecurity, systems integration and vendor management experience including negotiating large contracts. Chris is progressive in moving an IT organization through transformational change, developing the right strategic vision and cyber security strategy and roadmap to protect the organizations most critical data assets, enabling continuity building collaborative and sustainable relationships at the Executive level. Furthermore, he understands the importance of instilling a positive work culture at all levels of an organization to facilitate the successful implementation of IT initiatives that bring business value to customers and constituents served. He has been recognized by StateScoop as the 2020 County Executive of the Year, by NASCIO as the 2018 State Technology Innovator of the Year, (NASCIO.ORG), the 2016 State Scoop Top Government IT Leader, 2015 Top 25 Government Doers, Dreamers and Drivers by Government Technology (www.govtech.com), a recipient of the 2013 Best of California Demonstrated Leadership in Management of Information Technology Award, 2011 Outstanding CIO Leader Award, 2010 Innovation and Vision Award and the 2009 Outstanding CIO Leader Award given by the Center for Digital Government.

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