A new law approved by the 2009 Legislature authorized the governor to appoint a chief information officer to oversee all state computer information and technology operations. Today’s announcement follows a national search for qualified candidates.
“Our national search attracted some great people, but I felt Alex Pettit was best suited to take on this challenging and important task,” said Gov. Henry. “With his experience in the public and private sectors, I think he will be ready to hit the ground running.”
Pettit, a technology consultant based in Denton, TX, is currently a project manager for Brown University. He also served as the chief technology officer for the City of Denton, TX, for 10 years in addition to holding similar information management positions in the private sector.
Pettit holds a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in the same field from Loyola University of Chicago. He is currently working on doctor of philosophy degree in information sciences at the University of North Texas.
“I appreciate Gov. Henry’s confidence in me and look forward to serving the state of Oklahoma in this new position,” said Pettit.
To hire the state’s first chief information officer, Gov. Henry and the Office of Personnel Management conducted a nationwide search that attracted 244 applicants, 55 of which met the minimum qualifications mandated by law. The governor personally interviewed several of the top candidates and before selecting Pettit.
