NONPROFIT / PUBLIC SECTOR
TAREK TOMES CIO // STATE OF MINNESOTA
Additional ORBIE Winners:
CIO // MAYO CLINIC WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? I worked for a locksmith and engraving store when I was 17 years old, but my first ‘adult’ job was finding housing opportunities for military service members. I took on technology roles unofficially within that job. WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT AND WHY? My biggest passions involve all things related to my family – I love cheering on my wife and supporting our five kids. Aside from that, my other strong passions include coaching sports and technology, which both allow me to positively influence people in different ways. HOW DID YOU END UP IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE? When Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan were elected, they began a process to select their leadership team and appoint Commissioners to each executive branch agency in state government. When the Governor didn’t initially fill the state CIO / Commissioner of Minnesota IT Services cabinet position, I was immediately struck by how important both he and the Lt. Governor viewed the role of technology in state government. The application process involved numerous panel interviews and provided incredible insight into the way Minnesota was planning to strategically approach technology work. It was a tremendous process and experience.
CORPORATE
CAREY SMITH VP & CTO // CONSTELLATION MUTUAL
GLOBAL
WHAT PRIMARY GOALS WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
KURT SVENDSEN VP IS // THE TORO COMPANY
Technology is an incredible connector, and I want to help create a culture at the state that focuses on connecting people. With that in mind, our vision at Minnesota IT Services is to support an innovative digital government that works for everyone. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FUTURE ORBIE AWARD NOMINEES? Enjoy the opportunity to network and meet other award nominees. Your industry peers can be your best sounding boards, mentors, champions, and critics. There are so many amazing technology leaders that are nominated for this award, and I have learned so much from many of them.
THE INSPIRE CIO ORBIE AWARDS HONOR CIOS IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: LEADERSHIP, GLOBAL, LARGE ENTERPRISE, ENTERPRISE, CORPORATE, HEALTHCARE, AND NONPROFIT / PUBLIC SECTOR.
Twin Cities CIO of the Year Award Winners | 19
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