<< All News Friday, March 10, 2017 - 11:00am

BISMARCK, N.D. – Governor Doug Burgum today appointed Shawn Riley to be the state’s chief information officer and lead the North Dakota Information Technology Department (ITD).

Riley has served in IT leadership positions for the past 17 years, demonstrating the ability to lower costs and increase revenues through the use of technology and enhanced workflows. He has been the section head of information technology for Mayo Clinic since 2014, having previously held roles within the Mayo Clinic Health System as chief information officer and chief technology officer.

“Shawn Riley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to an increasingly important role in state government,” Gov. Burgum said. “His experience overseeing the IT efforts for a world-class health care organization like Mayo Clinic will prove invaluable as technology continues to transform the way government services are delivered in North Dakota.”

Riley, who lives in rural Austin, Minn., will assume his duties as chief information officer (CIO) on April 17.

“Information technology is constantly evolving and becoming more complex, and I’m excited to join ITD at a time when state agencies are being encouraged to embrace change and become more efficient – a goal that ITD can help them achieve,” he said. “I also look forward to furthering the state’s efforts to improve cybersecurity and protect our networks at a time of increased risk of cyberattacks.”

A native of Lanesboro, Minn., Riley earned a bachelor’s degree in information technology administration from American InterContinental University and a master’s degree in business administration from Salt Lake City-based Western Governors University.

Earlier in his career, he consulted at IBM and other Fortune 500 companies nationally and internationally on networks, system security and compliance, training and e-business projects.  

Riley’s community involvement includes serving as a member of the Minnesota Department of Education’s K-12 Science Standards Subcommittee and the FBI InfraGard national infrastructure security program.

Dan Sipes, who has served as interim CIO since December, will return to his roles as ITD’s director of operations and deputy CIO. Gov. Burgum appreciates his leadership and service.

ITD supports the information technology needs of state government, K-12 education and higher education through a wide range of services including software development, hosting, video conferencing and service desk management. The agency also leads the state’s cybersecurity efforts.

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