Tennessee Appoints Kristin Darby as New Chief Information Officer

News Summary

Tennessee has named Kristin Darby as its new Chief Information Officer, succeeding longtime leader Stephanie Dedmon. Darby brings over 25 years of experience in various sectors, including finance and cybersecurity. She is set to take office on March 31, 2025, and is expected to continue advancing technology initiatives within the state’s government, particularly in automation and artificial intelligence.

Kristin Darby Set to Lead as Tennessee’s New Chief Information Officer

In a move that’s got everyone talking, Tennessee has officially appointed Kristin Darby as the state’s new Chief Information Officer (CIO). With big shoes to fill after the retirement of the highly esteemed Stephanie Dedmon, who has served Tennessee for over 20 years, Darby will take the reins on March 31, 2025. All eyes are on the transition as the state gears up for a new chapter in its tech landscape.

The Retirement of a Visionary Leader

Stephanie Dedmon announced her retirement last December, stating that she looks forward to spending more time with her family. She has held the CIO position since 2018 and has made significant advancements during her tenure, especially in the realms of automation technologies and artificial intelligence. Under her leadership, robotic process automation was rolled out across 16 state agencies, transforming how government operations function. Dedmon also served as the president of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) in 2022, advocating for innovation, security, and transformation at all levels of state governance.

Introducing Kristin Darby

Kristin Darby is far from a stranger to leadership in technology. With an impressive background that spans over 25 years across diverse fields like healthcare, finance, operations, biotech, cybersecurity, and insurance, she brings a wealth of experience to the table. At present, she serves as an independent director with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati. Her resume boasts prior CIO roles at several notable organizations, including HarmonyCares and Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Her expertise positions her well to head the State of Tennessee’s Strategic Technology Solutions division, which is crucial for managing the information systems needs of the state government.

Academic Credentials and Professional Honors

Darby’s academic achievements complement her professional accomplishments. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and management information systems from the University of South Florida and further enhanced her knowledge with an MBA from Henley Business School. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), her credentials are solid, and she was even inducted into the CIO Hall of Fame in 2021— a testament to her expertise and leadership in the field.

Looking Ahead

As Kristin Darby prepares to step into her role, expectations are high. She’ll be tasked with continuing the forward momentum established by Dedmon while embracing new challenges. The state’s technology landscape is evolving rapidly, and under her direction, it’s anticipated that innovations in automation and AI will continue to flourish. With various initiatives already set in motion, including generative artificial intelligence, the future seems bright for Tennessee’s state operations.

With a new leader at the helm, there’s an air of excitement about the direction in which Tennessee will head. Kristin Darby appears poised not only to sustain but to enhance the state’s commitment to technology and innovation. It’s a significant time for Tennessee, and residents will surely be watching closely to see how Darby’s leadership unfolds.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• StateScoop: Kristin Darby Set to Lead as Tennessee’s New CIO
• NBC39: Tennessee Names Kristin Darby New CIO
• Hoodline: Kristin Darby Appointed as Tennessee’s New CIO
• Eastman: Tennessee CIO Global Orbie Award
• The Mountain Press: Tennessee Names New Chief Information Officer
• Wikipedia: Chief Information Officer

Author: HERE Chattanooga