Last year, lawmakers appointed a special committee to scrutinize information technology projects in state government. This week, the three-person panel issued its recommendations.
The report urges government officials to consider the creation of a cabinet-level position in state government to oversee IT projects. It also calls for longer-term planning for IT ventures.
Former Burlington Police Chief Michael Schirling, a member of the panel, says government is still adapting to technology. When considering IT projects, Schirling, now head of BTVIgnite, says officials should first figure out how they want state government to operate.
“And then once you’ve established what that business process looks like, then adopt information technology projects that dovetail into that and allow you to achieve the business practice that you want using technology as a tool,” Schirling says.
Lawmakers asked for the review after experiencing costly problems associated with Vermont Health Connect and other IT projects.
