February 20, 2024 (Saint Paul, MN) – Today, the Technology Advisory Council (TAC) of Minnesota issued its latest report. The report provides a comprehensive review of the collaboration between TAC, MNIT, and state agencies. It also highlights efforts to enhance technology and digital services for Minnesotans over the past year. The press release for this report is available on MNIT's public website. 

"The discussions among council members, private sector leaders, public servants, and industry experts at the Technology Advisory Council guide continuous improvements in government technology, cybersecurity, and modernization," stated MNIT Commissioner and State of Minnesota CIO, Tarek Tomes. "Minnesota IT Services has made significant strides this year in advancing this work with our state agency partners, legislative collaborators, and private industry allies to deliver people-centered government services that prioritize agility, time, and ease of use for the people of Minnesota." 

2023 was a transformational and productive year for TAC. The council saw progress on many of its 2022 recommendations for the State. Specifically, work progressed in three primary areas: 

• Developing technology products and systems that better meet customer needs and expectations. 
• Creating more efficient and sustainable operation of state IT processes and systems. 
• Bolstering security to protect state IT systems and sensitive data. 

The TAC boasts a diverse membership, including leaders from the private sector, state representatives and senators, state employee unions, and public-sector IT and government leaders. Rick King, former chief information officer at Thomson Reuters, and Vince Cabansag, chief operating officer at Clockwork serve as chair and vice chair of the group, respectively. 

"The Council worked collaboratively to produce a set of recommendations that, when implemented, will advance how Minnesota’s agencies use and deliver technology to maximize its benefits for the citizens of the state," remarked Rick King, TAC Chair. "Furthermore, the recommendations stress the importance of ongoing funding for cybersecurity protections and the enhancement and maintenance of these critical state assets." 

“By convening policymakers, State agencies, and public and private sector leaders, the Council has cultivated collaborative conversations and recommendations that put Minnesotans at the center of digital government. We look forward to continuing our work in 2024 and adding Artificial Intelligence to our agenda,” added vice chair Vince Cabansag. 

MNIT, along with state agencies and the public and private sector partners in the TAC, are committed to advancing and implementing these recommendations to improve service for Minnesotans, staff, and partners; secure increased funding and resources; operate more efficiently and effectively; and improve safeguards for technology assets and private data. 

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 2,600 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.