Speaker Spotlight: Q&A with the CIO of Virginia Department of Corrections

As our annual Government Innovation Virginia is approaching, we had the opportunity to interview Zacc Allen the Chief Information Officer from Virginia Department of Corrections about his upcoming sessions at the event.

Question 1: What role do events like this play in building momentum for public sector transformation?

Events like this play a crucial role in demystifying procurement and getting more people across our agencies engaged in the process. Too often, procurement is seen as something that "other people" handle—a mysterious, bureaucratic necessity that slows everything down. But the reality is that effective procurement is everyone's business. When IT leaders, program managers, and operational staff understand how to navigate the procurement process, they become active partners rather than frustrated bystanders. These events help build that understanding by sharing real-world experiences and practical strategies. At DOC, I've seen firsthand how transformation happens when people across the agency get interested in and equipped to effectively manage procurement. These gatherings create momentum by showing that procurement doesn't have to be a barrier—it can be a tool for innovation when people understand how to use it. The insights shared here ripple back through our organizations, changing how our teams approach buying and ultimately how quickly we can deliver solutions that matter.

Question 2: What message or insight are you most excited to share with other attendees?

I'm excited to walk attendees through the Virginia Department of Corrections' procurement process and share some practical tips that have helped us navigate the journey more effectively. Procurement can feel like a black box, especially for complex technology or service contracts. At DOC, we've developed a structured approach that brings clarity to what can otherwise be an overwhelming process. I want to share the lessons we've learned—both our wins and our stumbles—because I know how valuable it would have been for me to hear this from someone else when I was starting out. The tips I'll share aren't theoretical; they're born from real experience managing procurements in a high-stakes, resource-constrained environment.

Question 3: What do you hope attendees take away from your session or the event overall?

I hope attendees leave understanding two key things. First, that having a standard, repeatable procurement process isn't just about compliance—it's about creating predictability and efficiency that allows you to move faster and with more confidence. At DOC, our standardized approach has helped us reduce timeline uncertainty and avoid costly missteps. Second, and perhaps most importantly, I want people to understand that relationships matter enormously in procurement. Building strong partnerships with your procurement office, with vendors, and with other agencies isn't just nice to have—it's essential infrastructure for getting things done. These relationships are what allow you to expedite processes, solve problems collaboratively, and ultimately serve your agency's mission more effectively. Success in government procurement isn't just about following the rules; it's about building the human connections that make the system work.

Zacc will be joining two panel discussions on the event to talk about How Innovation, Data, and Partnerships Are Transforming Procurement, and Data-Strategic, Secure, and Data-Driven Innovation. Check out the event website for more details: https://publicsectornetwork.com/events/government-innovation-showcase-virginia/