Gettin’ government greener

Colorado is always making a “top 10” list, and we couldn’t be prouder. Whether it’s because our state -- or one of its cities -- has the healthiest residents, best beer, highest number of start-ups, or is the greatest place ever for dogs, Colorado pretty much gets a spot on the list.

Coloradans are helping out in so many ways in this quest to be the best, and we think one state effort in particular is really inspiring: the greening of state government.

Three months ago on Oct. 28, Governor John Hickenlooper signed Executive Order D 2015-013 to establish responsibility for environmental leadership in all Colorado state agencies and departments.

This. Is. Awesome. We all know the importance of reducing our negative impact on the planet, but government isn’t always the first one to arrive at the party -- so we love this big step in Colorado.

The daily activities of state government have a significant impact on the quality of Colorado's public health, environment and economy. The Governor’s executive order focuses on engaging employees and fostering a culture of resource sustainability and stewardship within Colorado State Government. With support and leadership from the cross-agency Greening Government Leadership Council (GGLC), state government departments are being asked to achieve statewide resource reduction goals through education, training, and participation.

The GGLC website introduced these goals and directives in October with the executive order signing, learn more about them here:

• Energy: Reduce energy consumption per square foot by a minimum of 2 percent annually and at least 12 percent by FY20*
• Greenhouse Gas: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1 percent annually and at least 5 percent below FY15 levels by FY20
• Petroleum: Reduce average petroleum-based fuel consumption per vehicle by 4 percent annually and at least 20 percent by FY20
• Purchasing: 90 percent of white office paper must contain a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer waste content by FY20
• Recycling: State agencies and departments must develop and submit a plan for waste prevention and diversion
• Water: Reduce potable water consumption by a minimum of 1 percent annually and at least 7 percent by FY20

*The State of Colorado’s fiscal year is from July 1 to June 30 each year. FY20 begins on July 1, 2020.

There is much more to come on this effort as the GGLC puts together the action plan for meeting these statewide objectives, and we can’t wait to see it.

Our FY15 Annual Report is hot off the press

It’s been a big year for OIT, and I am so proud of the team we have here at the State of Colorado. This week OIT released its Fiscal Year 2014-15 (FY15) Annual Report, and I wanted to share a few thoughts.

OIT continues to be seen as an innovative technology leader across state governments. In 2015, our efforts in the IT security arena garnered three national awards. Known as Secure Colorado, this cybersecurity program leads the way as a testament to affordable, effective IT security. A Brookings Institution study noted that Colorado was one of only two states that were “[a]ddressing the problem” of cybersecurity and who had “a solid and robust recognition of the need for cybersecurity and a multi-faceted plan.”

I am also very pleased with OIT teams who worked on creating a long-term view of IT initiatives with our strategic Five-Year IT Roadmaps at both the enterprise and agency levels. For the first time, we are able to foresee technology gaps and budget challenges as we consider our customers’ business priorities for the coming years.
Technology improvements and advancements are critical, but they mean little if we do not take care of the fundamentals and ensure that our stakeholders receive the support and service they deserve and need. In FY15 our mantra was Building on the Basics. With laser-sharp focus, we succeeded in surpassing three of our four Wildly Important Goals (WIGs). We decreased the state’s IT security risks by 16 percent, we increased OIT employee engagement by 11 percent, we saw an increase of more than 4,000 new IT jobs in Colorado, and I am pleased to say we improved customer satisfaction by 25 percent.

Our ongoing commitment to these initiatives will continue to lead us to our ultimate vision — enhancing the citizen experience at every digital touchpoint. I am so pleased to present these accomplishments in our FY15 Annual Report and to continue the robust work that has brought us tremendous success thus far.

Find our FY15 Annual report on our website here.

Suma Nallapati: Colorado Secretary of Technology and Chief Information Officer. Colorado lover, business owner, mom, nuclear physics junkie. She’s the boss. Find me on Twitter at @Suma_Nallapati.

We've got your jobs right here. Did I mention the benefits?

It’s 2016, and you’re tired of your job. We can help! The Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) has quite a few job openings right now, and we would love to find out if YOU might be the right fit for our team.

Let’s review the important things:

What We Do: OIT works, behind the scenes for the most part, on all things IT for the State of Colorado executive branch agencies. We empower our state employees with flexible technology to drive sustainable and intelligent business decisions, and we are working toward a future where the end-user experience shapes design and data analytics transform how state government serves its residents. Our work on technology ultimately impacts all Coloradans -- and we think that is pretty awesome.

Why We Want You: We want your expertise, positive energy, drive to succeed and love of this great state as we work to elevate the experiences that Coloradans have with their government.

What You'll Get From Us: At OIT you’ll find an opportunity to contribute meaningful work to support and serve Colorado residents. It's your chance to combine your love of technology with public service. Plus, you'll have great benefits, motivated team members, and opportunities for flexible work hours and advancement!

And seriously, it’s worth saying again, the benefits are incredible.

So if 2016 is your year to take the next step in your career, visit colorado.gov/oitjobs to check out our jobs and apply online:

• Chief Data Officer - Denver
• Computer Operator I - Denver 
• Database Administrator II - Denver metro area
• Database Administrator II - Colorado Springs
• Deputy Director, Contract & Procurement - Denver metro area
• Developer II, DECORUM - Denver metro area
• Developer II, Salesforce - Denver metro area
• Developer II, Sharepoint - Denver metro area
• IT Portfolio Manager - Denver metro area
• Procurement Partner (CDPS) - Denver metro area
• Senior Developer (DRIVES) - Denver metro area
• Senior Developer (CDHS) - Denver metro area
• Senior IT Project Manager (HCPF) - Denver metro area 
• Senior Project Manager (EHR, CDHS) - Denver metro area
• Senior Systems Administrator - Denver
• Systems Administrator II - Denver
• Digital Media Specialist (unpaid co-op position) - Denver