The concept of federalism is central to the American republic, and it diffuses power away from Washington, D.C., and out to state capitals, major cities and towns across the country.
That means that there is a wide constellation of players who impact state and local governments and the technologies they use. There is a correspondingly large number of those who influence the conversation around state and local IT. They include governors, state and city CIOs, analysts, journalists and podcasters.
So, to help government IT pros stay in the loop, StateTech has sorted through the most influential state and local government IT voices on the internet. In response to an evolving industry and ever-changing technology, weve adopted a new approach to keeping track of the industrys thought leaders, and have turned our Must-Read State and Local IT Blogger List into an influencer list that covers not just bloggers, but also Twitter personalities, podcasts, LinkedIn pros and those who use their social channels to get the word out.
Here is our curated collection of 30 state and local IT influencers, which we hope will be your go-to guide for keeping tabs on the latest in state and local government IT trends, smart cities and more. If youre on the list, spread the news and grab our IT influencer cover image for your Twitter page!
Ed Toner
Although hes not a Twitter superstar, Nebraska CIO Ed Toner is one of the most well-respected voices across the state government technology landscape. For several years, he has offered regular (usually monthly) updates on how he and his office are approaching innovation, cloud adoption and the business case for IT decisions.
James Collins
As both the CIO of Delaware and the former president of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, Collins is a bright star in the state government IT firmament. Collis is active on LinkedIn, promoting happenings (IT-related and otherwise) in the First State.
Beth Niblock
Detroit is a city on the rebound, having emerged from bankruptcy protection and modernized its IT infrastructure under Niblock, who has been CIO of the Motor City since February 2014. Niblock keeps up an active Twitter presence and promotes news about how Detroit is reinvigorating itself.
Beth Simone Noveck
In August 2018, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy named Noveck the states first chief innovation officer. Noveck, who is a professor at New York Universitys Tandon School of Engineering, where she directs the Governance Lab, previously served as the deputy CTO for open government under President Barack Obama. Noveck has a robust Twitter following and regularly tweets about the intersection of tech and government services.
Bob Bennett
Before hanging out his shingle as the principal and founder of civic tech consulting firm B Squared Civic Solutions, Bennett was best known as the chief innovation officer for Kansas City, Mo., where he pushed for three years to get the city on the map as a smart city. Active on Twitter, Bennett is a great person to follow to stay informed on smart cities developments.
Mike Sarasti
Sarasti serves as the CIO of Miami, where he has been driving innovation since 2016. The city recently upgraded its website and has been adopting mobile technologies for divisions like the Department of Public Works. Hes another rising star on Twitter when comes to civic innovation and smart cities.
Krista Canellakis
Until November, Canellakis had served in various roles in the government of the city and county of San Francisco, most recently as chief innovation officer. Shes stayed active on Twitter since her departure and remains a consistent promoter of civic engagement and public service.
The Augmented City Podcast
Hosted by John du Pre Gauntt, an analyst with a background in economics, The Augmented City podcast is a semiweekly podcast that focuses on city life in the age of artificial intelligence. It has been running since the summer of 2016 and explores the how culture and technology are colliding as AI evolves from being just another technology people use to something that is shaping how people live.
The Smart Community Podcast'
The Smart Community Podcast is a hub that brings together a wide range of voices to discuss all things smart city, smart town and smart region. Its tagline is Making Smart Communities that are Accessible, Liveable and Sustainable for All. Hosted by Australia-based engineer Zoe Eather, the podcast has notched 145 episodes since February 2018, covering everything from smart mobility to cybersecurity and digital transformation.
Ruthbea Yesner Clarke
As global vice president of Government Insights and manager of the U.S. Federal Government and Worldwide Smart Cities and Communities Global practices at IDC, Clarke is one of the most connected and in-demand analysts around when it comes to government IT, and smart cities in particular. A frequent speaker at industry conferences, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, especially via her Twitter feed.
Shawn McCarthy
In addition to his expertise covering federal government IT, McCarthy, research director for IDC Government Insights, also brings his considerable analytical skills to bear when it comes to the state and local market. Active on LinkedIn, McCarthy is a font of knowledge and data when it comes to government IT trends.
GovLove Podcast
GovLove is a podcast from Engaging Local Government Leaders about the people, policies and profession of local government. Interviews with everyone from city managers to interns aim to learn more about their path into the public sector and highlight their work, and explore policy issues that impact local governments and the innovative solutions being used to address them, according to the podcasts website. The podcast has been running since 2015 and has 315 episodes in its catalog.
Dan Doctoroff
Doctoroff is the founder and CEO of Sidewalk Labs, a subsidiary of Google parent company Alphabet that focuses on smart city solutions, including the high-profile Quayside project in Toronto. Hes definitely someone to be connected with in the world of smart cities.
Toni Townes-Whitley
As president of U.S. regulated industries, Townes-Whitley is Microsofts point person for government affairs. She dives deep, not only into how the companys cloud and artificial intelligence solutions can help agencies but also into technologys impact on the environment and how to close the digital divide.
The United States Conference of Mayors
The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official, nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more, with each represented by its mayor. The organizations Twitter account regularly provides updates on what mayors and cities are doing to drive innovation.
Kim Hart
Hart, the managing editor of news site Axios, writes about smart cities and technology generally. She has a deep background covering tech as a reporter for Politico and The Washington Post, and also served as the press secretary for the Federal Communications Commission during the Obama administration. Follow her on Twitter for scoops on government technology news.
The National League of Cities
The National League of Cities is the oldest and largest national organization representing municipal governments throughout the United States, according to its website. Although not strictly focused on innovation and technology, the organizations Twitter feed is a great one to follow to keep track of urban policy and priorities.
Jared Polis
In November 2018, Polis was elected the 43rd governor of Colorado. Before getting into politics, Polis founded ProFlowers, an online florist, and he has made innovation a centerpiece of his agenda, including the launch of the Colorado Digital Service.
Jonathan Reichental
Reichental, the former CIO of Palo Alto, Calif., tweets regularly about emerging technologies, including digital twins and quantum computing. He currently serves as the founder and CEO of Human Future, a global business and technology education, advisory and investment firm.
Nicole Blake Johnson
Johnson is a seasoned government technology reporter who now serves as the managing editor for GovLoop. Active on both Twitter and LinkedIn, she is very tuned in to government IT tends.
Frost & Sullivan Information & Communications Technologies
Along with IDC, Frost & Sullivan is one of the premier market research and analysis firms out there when it comes to the Internet of Things and digital transformation. This is a great Twitter account for government IT leaders to follow to stay in touch with emerging technology trends.
Center for Internet Security
The Center for Internet Security is a nonprofit aimed at providing cybersecurity tools and standards for private sector and public sector organizations. The nonprofit runs the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, a key organization for cybersecurity in state and local government. With nearly 30,000 Twitter followers, the center is an influential voice when it comes to IT security.
The University of Virginias Link Lab
UVAs Link Lab researches cyber-physical systems for smart cities, as well as autonomous systems and smart healthcare. Follow the lab to stay up to date on cutting-edge smart city research and development.
Dan Lohrmann
Lohrmann, a cybersecurity thought leader, uses his blog on Government Technology to help state and local government leaders sift through the hype about IT security and focus on what they can practically do to keep their communities safe. He is active on Twitter and is a key voice to follow for cybersecurity news and trends.
Bettina Tratz-Ryan
Tratz-Ryan is a Gartner vice president of research and is responsible for intelligent urban ecosystem research, including on smart cities. A thought leader on smart cities and urban sustainability, she brings a unique perspective, highlighting the governance and perspectives needed to make smart cities successful for both cities and residents.
Jeanne Holm
Holm, deputy CIO for the city of Los Angeles, is a major promoter of getting girls and women into IT and, of course, the City of Angels technology efforts. Holm is active on LinkedIn and, as the former evangelist for the White Houses open data initiative, is a huge proponent of open data.
Smart Cities Council
An industry coalition aimed at accelerating smart city adoption, the group brings together technology companies, city officials, universities, research institutes, national laboratories, development banks and more. Look here for thought leadership on smart cities.
Smart Cities Dive
Part of the Industry Dive network, Smart Cities Dive covers smart city industry news and provides original analysis on the latest trends in the smart city arena. Its tech coverage focuses on wireless technology, autonomous vehicles, the Internet of Things and more. Stay tuned to the publications Twitter feed, which has nearly 145,000 followers, for smart news and trends.
David Lee King
If you work in public library, you need to follow David Lee King, the digital services director at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. He regularly offers insights on how to incorporate technology into public library programs.
FirstNet
FirstNet, or the First Responder Network Authority, the first nationwide, high-speed broadband network dedicated to public safety, now has 1 million network connections and 10,000 public safety agency subscribers. Check out its Twitter feed not just for news on the development of the network but on developments in public safety technology as well.
Read more:
30 State and Local Government IT Influencers Worth a Follow in 2019 - StateTech Magazine
- Google researchers have cracked a key internet security tool - Recode [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- Letter: Internet security is in jeopardy - INFORUM [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- New internet security device launched to safeguard schools against child abuse - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- Everything You Need to Know About Cloudbleed, the Latest Internet Security Disaster - Gizmodo [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- Data from internet-connected teddy bears held ransom, security expert says - Fox News [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Emsisoft Internet Security 2017.2.0.7219 - TechCentral.ie [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- What you need to know about 'Cloudbleed,' the latest internet security bug - Globalnews.ca [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Google cracks longtime pillar of internet security - MarketWatch [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- BullGuard | Internet Security and Antivirus protection ... [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Internet Storm Center - SANS Internet Storm Center [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Internet-connected 'smart' devices are dunces about security - ABC News [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Derry internet security expert warns that advanced internet technology 'a risk to us all' - Derry Now [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Firewall Test, Web Tools and Free Internet Security Audit ... [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Internet security in the spotlight: How is the internet safer today than it was 20 years ago? - Mobile Business Insights (blog) [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Jim Mullen: Unsocial internet security | Columnists | auburnpub.com - Auburn Citizen [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Internet security company launches a perfume line to promote cybersecurity - Mashable [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2017]
- Internet security - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2017]
- Are you undermining your web security by checking on it with the wrong tools? - The Register [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Bruce Schneier on New Security Threats from the Internet of Things - Linux.com (blog) [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Carpe Diem: home internet security - KFOX El Paso [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Motivation Monday: home internet security - KFOX El Paso [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Medical records of 26m patients at risk because of GP surgeries' failing internet security - The Sun [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Free Internet Security | Why Comodo Internet Security Suite ... [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Internet Security Software | Trend Micro USA [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2017]
- Fix crap Internet of Things security, booms Internet daddy Cerf - The Register [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2017]
- Internet of Things security: What happens when every device is smart and you don't even know it? - ZDNet [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2017]
- CUJO is cuter than Wall-E, and it's the only internet security device you'll ever need - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2017]
- The Senate just voted to undo landmark rules covering your Internet privacy - Washington Post [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2017]
- What the Cloudbleed disaster says about the state of internet security - Information Age [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2017]
- Google Has Declared Symantec Harmful To Internet Security - UPROXX [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2017]
- Internet Security Analysts: North Korea Is Planning a Global Bank Heist - Breitbart News [Last Updated On: March 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 28th, 2017]
- Internet Security Firm Confirms WikiLeaks 'Vault 7' At Least 40 Cyberattacks Tied to the CIA - The Ring of Fire Network [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2017]
- Homeland Security warns of 'BrickerBot' malware that destroys unsecured internet-connected devices - ZDNet [Last Updated On: April 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 20th, 2017]
- A Global Industry First: Industrial Internet Consortium and Plattform Industrie 4.0 to Host Joint IIoT Security ... - Business Wire (press release) [Last Updated On: April 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 20th, 2017]
- Mucheru urges private sector to boost investment in internet security - The Standard (press release) [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2017]
- Cloudflare debuts a security solution for IoT - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2017]
- Russian-controlled telecom hijacks financial services' Internet traffic - Ars Technica [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2017]
- Avira Internet Security Suite v15.0.26 - TechCentral.ie [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2017]
- NSA To Limit Some Collection Of Internet Communication - NPR [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2017]
- Report Indicates '10 Concerts' Facebook Trend Could Compromise Your Internet Security - Complex [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2017]
- "Improving the World" through Internet Security: Chatting with David Gorodyansky, CEO of AnchorFree - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Don't Fall For This Tech Support Scam Targeting PC Users - KTLA [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Yikes! Antivirus Software Fails Basic Security Tests - Tom's Guide [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Watch Hackers Sabotage an Industrial Robot Arm - WIRED [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2017]
- Decoding Internet Security: Spear phishing - Washington Post [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2017]
- From the Desk of Jay Fallis: To internet vote, or not to internet vote - BarrieToday [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2017]
- Crippling cyberattack continues to spread around the world - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- Cyber Security Experts: Russia Disproportionately Targeted by Malware - Voice of America [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- The Latest: 29000 Chinese institutions hit by cyberattack - ABC News [Last Updated On: May 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 15th, 2017]
- Cyberattack Aftershock Feared as US Warns of Its Complexity - New York Times [Last Updated On: May 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 15th, 2017]
- This week's poll: Priorities for improving internet security - The Engineer [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Akamai Releases First Quarter 2017 State of the Internet / Security Report - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Do Macs get viruses? - PC Advisor [Last Updated On: May 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 18th, 2017]
- Massive Ransomware Attack Underscores Threats To Internet Security - Benzinga [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2017]
- Security News This Week: Hoo-Boy, Mar-a-Lago's Internet Is Insecure - WIRED [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2017]
- Internet security firm calls for law to compel information sharing to ... - The Star, Kenya [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Check It Out: No need to unplug after reading books on internet security - The Columbian [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- How to beat security threats to 'internet of things' - BBC News - BBC News [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2017]
- Best Mac antivirus 2017 - Macworld UK [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2017]
- Avira, Kaspersky Top Windows 10 Antivirus Tests - Tom's Guide [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2017]
- Paranoid about internet security? Here are the most secure OS options - The American Genius [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- Blockchain Offers Hope for the Broken Internet - Fortune [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- New uses for RFID and security for the internet of things - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2017]
- Security Best Practices for the Internet of Things - Web Host Industry Review [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2017]
- Internet infrastructure security guidelines for Africa unveiled - Premium Times [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2017]
- In addressing internet security issues, make sure to provide solutions - Minneapolis Star Tribune [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2017]
- Whistic Partners with the Center for Internet Security to Extend the ... - PR Web (press release) [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Internet Security Alliance: NIST framework metrics should focus on threats - Inside Cybersecurity (subscription) [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- China cyber-security law will keep citizens' data within the Great Firewall - The Register [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Cyber security: Africa gets Internet security guidelines - TheNewsGuru [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- China to Implement Its First Law on Internet Security After Ransomware Attack - Sputnik International [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Decoding Internet Security: Ransomware - Washington Post [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Internet security upgrade on course - Business Daily (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- What's the Safest Laptop For Internet Security? - HuffPost [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2017]
- Every Day Is Internet Security Day - The Chief-Leader [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2017]
- 5 Reasons why internet security is crucial in 2017 - Techworm [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2017]
- Are Pop-Ups An Internet Security Threat? - Good Herald [Last Updated On: June 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 4th, 2017]
- 3 Ways Software Programs Can Help With Internet Security in 2017 - Geek Snack [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- Inside Social Security: Make every day your internet security day - Santa Ynez Valley News [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]
- SOCIAL SECURITY: Every day is internet security day - Palm Beach Post [Last Updated On: June 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 7th, 2017]