February 16, 2023 (Saint Paul, MN) – Minnesota IT Services is pleased to share that the Minnesota Senate confirmed Tarek Tomes as Commissioner of Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) and State Chief Information Officer (CIO) today. Following approval from the Senate State and Local Government and Veterans Committee on January 24, 2023, the Minnesota Senate today voted to confirm Commissioner Tomes.

“Tarek Tomes and his team have worked tirelessly to meet Minnesotans’ technology needs during a time that has made clear just how critical technology is to our daily lives. I know that Tarek will continue pushing to provide our state with the innovative systems and solutions Minnesotans needs to thrive.”

Governor Walz

“Tarek Tomes has a strong vision for the digital infrastructure we rely on across state government. At a time when digital technology is more important than ever in the lives of Minnesotans, I am grateful that Commissioner Tomes will continue to lead with creativity and compassion at the helm of MNIT,”

Lieutenant Governor Flanagan

"Over the past four years I’ve had the incredible opportunity to collaborate across state government, local governments, and the private sector to advocate for the ways that technology can improve outcomes for the people of Minnesota. I am thankful for the support of the Minnesota Senate and look forward to our future partnership to innovate, promote data driven-decisions, and deliver people-centered government services that are agile, accessible, easy to use, and give time back to the people of Minnesota."

Tarek Tomes, MNIT Commissioner, State of Minnesota CIO

Tarek Tomes was appointed by Governor Tim Walz in April 2019 to lead MNIT. He brings over 25 years of experience managing technology innovation across diverse industries, both in national, international, and public and private sector operations. Throughout his career, he has facilitated data-driven decision-making, implemented many critical enterprise projects, and improved workforce diversity and inclusion.

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About Minnesota IT Services 

Minnesota IT Services, led by the state’s Chief Information Officer, is the Information Technology agency for Minnesota’s executive branch, providing enterprise and local IT services to over 70 agencies, boards, and commissions. MNIT employs more than 2,400 people. Together, we build, maintain, and secure the State’s IT infrastructure, applications, projects, and services. MNIT sets IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards for enterprise IT leadership and planning. We also serve Minnesotans by connecting all 87 counties, 300 cities, and 200 public higher education campuses across the state on the MNET network. Through public-private partnerships, our team proactively protects the state’s information systems and the private data of 5.7 million Minnesotans.