Spotlight Interview: Data Management & Analytics Roadshow 2022

The general trend we are seeing in the industry is toward the integration of multiple different concepts and technologies to create an accurate picture of the entirety of an organisation's data landscape. Two prominent examples are the data fabric and data mesh architectures. In both cases, there is an emphasis on automation around metadata management, where metadata is viewed as “fuel” for AI-driven decision-making around automated data ops. As Data Fabric matures, we see that metadata management will require big updates on the conceptual level. To properly employ AI to drive data management tasks, metadata management solutions will have to …

Spotlight: Tap into Graph Technologies with Neo4j

We’re seeing very strong demand for knowledge graphs which are essentially an interconnected dataset enriched with meaning, and primed for complex decision making As complex data volumes grow, the types and composition of problems become very varied - an issue government departments and agencies (and the private sector) continue to grapple with. But we have the answer in the form of knowledge graphs that present new ways to use data to drive citizen outcomes. A graph data platform can efficiently model complex networks of entities and their interrelationships, and uncover patterns that are difficult to detect using traditional representations - …

#GovInnovator Q&A: Deshard Stevens, CISO, NYC Commission on Human Rights

Deshard Stevens is a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with over 12 years of experience managing, developing, and implementing business strategies and technical solutions while leading and managing project development, cloud strategy, and information technology teams. Deshard was the recipient of the 2018 Rising Star Award from the New York City Public Sector CIO Academy. He is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified in Risk and Information System Control (CRISC), Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), and holds a Master of Business Administration. In his free time, Deshard is an avid runner. I am currently the Chief Information …

Exclusive Q&A: VITA's COO Talks Government Automation, RPA, and Leadership

Jonathan Ozovek is the Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Information Technologies Agency - or VITA; a convenient acronym if ever there were one, given the importance of information technology to all aspects of life today. Answer: The main lesson I learned is how quickly the world can change. There is a level of connectivity and interdependency throughout the world today that was not the case decades ago. The main lessons I have reinforced are two fold...first, never lose sight of what is important and do not take your loved ones for granted and second, have multiple backup plans (i.e. …

People, Processes & Public Service: Executive Q&A with CalHR’s Chief of Administration, Brendan Murphy

With a career spanning nearly 20 years across both the public and private sectors – CalHR's Brendan Murphy has been a leader at spearheading effective change and ensuring that his team remain motivated and engaged. With a background spanning Finance and Emergency Management – Brendan has experience and expertise that seems tailor-made for our current crisis. Originally, I was drawn to public service to help people. I started in public safety on law enforcement and corrections assignments. The draw for me was really to keep people safe, however as I understood the system more I saw the chance to impact …

Government Innovator Spotlight Q&A: Ed Kelly, CDO, State of Texas

As CDO for the State of Texas my role is multi-faceted. I have the great opportunity to work with almost every state agency and institution of higher education helping them to develop their data management programs. The office of the Chief Data Office (OCDO) serves as the chief evangelist for data best practices, as well as data broker, facilitator, trainer, and collaborator. I have worked in Texas state government for 14 years as a CIO, CAO and now a CDO for 6 years. When the opportunity came up to develop and manage a statewide program, I was very interested. Guess …

Cyber Culture & Awareness with CSCRC

While we need to adapt and respond quickly to cyber threats, when it comes to strengthening our own defences, we also need to think carefully about the ethical implications of modern technologies. It is a tricky and delicate balancing act. We do need to consider what should be done with technology, rather than just being swept up in what could be done, and the endless potential of the digital world we live in. Importantly, we also need to remember that trends and crystal ball gazing is vital but just getting the basics right is something that the government also needs …

Government Innovator Spotlight Q&A: Karen S. Howard Internal Revenue Service Director of the Office of Online Services

What advice would you give to the younger generation of women pursuing a career in technology and more broadly within public service? What is one piece of advice you wish someone had shared with you when you were beginning your career?