Project Service
Resume:
Carolyn S. Lawson
**** ****** **, *** *****, CA *5758
abnktu@r.postjobfree.com, 916-***-****
re: Application for position of CIO
To all concerned:
For the past 10 years, I have dedicated myself to a single employer; the State of California. In that
time I have been able to accomplish what some felt should have been impossible in government,
especially for someone considered to be a “technologist”. I have developed staf and lead
extraordinary teams. I have lead organizational redesigns bringing segments of government inside
and outside of the technology arena through some very dark times to a brighter future.
I see opportunity where most see simply technology and then lead innovation in technology and
business solutions. I am considered a thought leader on a national level with recognition coming
from not only my peers in government, but from private sector peer CIOs, many of whom serve in
Fortune 500 companies. I’ve had nothing extraordinary at hand except my own personal drive and
the willingness to reach for and believe in something more while leading my teams to do the same.
That willingness to reach outside the norm has allowed me to develop deep relationships across the
board. Those relationships include the highest levels of government on both a federal level and in
several states; the heads of technology organizations which serve both the public and private
sectors; CIOs and other executive level leaders at global companies; as well as signifcant contacts
in media outlets and organizations, including some of the most respected and infuential sources of
technology news and information. I move efortlessly between conversations with fellow executive
staf, line-of-business staf, technology and industry leaders and others with varying degrees of
interest and background in technology. Much of my success can be attributed to my ability to listen
deeply, see the vision of others and make that vision my own.
My career success has brought me a high profle in the technology ranks, and as such, my work has
been recognized nationally. I have had the great pleasure of being nominated for or winning several
prestigious awards including, but not limited to, “Best of California 2007”, Center For Digital
Government, “Government Solutions – Innovation 2009”, Government Technology, and
“InformationWeek 500 – Top 10 Government Innovators 2009” InformationWeek, and the list goes
on. (More info is available on my Linkedin profle http://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynlawson or by
googling “Carolyn Lawson, CIO”). My innovative and business-centric approach to technology has
placed me within the ranks of the top-tier CIOs in the country. It has opened the door for a very
coveted seat on the Information Week Advisory Board as well as many other advisory boards
including the Advisory Board for the 2009 Conference on California's Future.
I have utilized all the core technologies listed in the job posting for close to 10 years in several
diferent environments. Nearly all of those technologies are being utilized within my current
technology environment at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), where I serve as the
Chief Information Ofcer.
I have an insatiable desire to explore opportunities for improvement and tearing down those
“barriers” and obstacles in new and interesting ways. I study technologies and new methods of
Carolyn S. Lawson Resume, abnktu@r.postjobfree.com, 916-***-****
utilizing technology with a keen eye on fnding efcient and innovative solutions to further the
business vision. One of my strong suits is fnding new and interesting ways to utilize what already
exists. That is followed closely by exploring new and emerging technologies, which keep the
organization on the cutting edge, while maintaining a balance between technology and art, risk and
reward.
As you will see when reviewing my resume, I have been moved several times within state service to
meet specifc business needs. I believe deeply in public service, and intend to remain involved in
the development and teaching of leadership, business acumen and encouraging innovation in
government through my work with the Center for Digital Government. It has been a fulflling
career, but it has become time for me to move on. I am looking toward the next 10 years of my
career.
What I am seeking is simple, yet difcult to fnd – roots. I have a strong desire to be part of a stable
and progressive organization where I can become a contributor, a team member, and a leader. A
place where I can become part of the company DNA and have a 'home” for the long haul.
If you desire a nationally ranked and recognized CIO, who is an innovator with an eye to the future,
who functions as team member keeping the greater good of the organization in the forefront, you
need look no further. Please accept this cover letter as application for the position of Chief
Information Ofcer, Job Code: S2/CIO. If you desire any additional information, I am happy to make
it immediately available.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Carolyn S. Lawson
Recent media:
“California Agency Embraces Mobility, Cloud Computing”
http://www.informationweek.com/news/services/hosted_apps/showArticle.jhtml?
articleID=217600212&pgno=1&queryText=&isPrev =
“How Cloud Computing Jump-Started A State Agency”
http://www.informationweek.com/news/services/hosted_apps/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=217600423
“InformationWeek 500: 10 Government Organizations That Understand IT Innovation”
http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/enterprise-architecture/showArticle.jhtml?
articleID=219700410
“Cloud Computing: Public-Sector Opportunities Emerge”
http://www.govtech.com/pcio/387269
Enterprise 2.0 Boston - “Cloud Computing and Guarding Private Information”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCaijBHCAo0#watch-main-area
Carolyn S. Lawson Resume, abnktu@r.postjobfree.com, 916-***-****
Professional Resume
Carolyn S. Lawson
Current Employer: State of California, (2/2000 through present)
Chief Information Ofcer, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) (2/2008 through present)
(Executive Level)
Business Focus
Responsible for all CPUC business technology, including technology alignment with the
vision and strategic direction for the CPUC line of business functions.
Key Accomplishments
Organizational Redesign – Lead the IT organizational transition from a technology
maintenance unit to a service delivery organization
Organizational Revitalization – Ignited vision and leadership within the IT staf
“Open Campus” – Conceived and lead an initiative to bring geographically
independent secure wireless network computing to all 1000+ CPUC staf whether
staf are in the feld or located in our San Francisco, Los Angles or Sacramento ofces.
Open Campus ofers secure access to all CPUC resources (data systems, email, fles
storage), Mobile Meeting (webcam kits for instant meetings from anywhere, online
meeting resources like iLinc), IM, etc. creating a “work from anywhere” staf.
“Momentum” – An internal enterprise community site, built using social networking
tools, focused on business enterprise needs. Examples: pulling groups together at a
moment’s notice to discuss critical issues, line of business or critical issue blogs,
employee yellow pages, Wiki style searchable Knowledge Management repository.
“OASIS” Oracle Application Server Intranet Services) – Utilizes a cloud computing
model to create self service data workspaces in Oracle. The purpose is to replace the
desktop-based MS Access databases ensuring critical data is properly stored and
protected while allowing individual workers to maintain administrative functions and
development capabilities.
VMWare Implementation – Desktop and server virtualization initiative.
Data Center Redesign – Upgraded the UPS matrix, data circuits and launched a
signifcant VMWare migration.
Operational Recovery/Disaster Recovery/Continuity of Business Operations
– Planning and implementation included full failover from San Francisco to Los Angles
and secondary failover to Sacramento.
Created $800K savings in the current fscal year (FY) and $2Million
estimated in savings next FY – The savings are realized against a $4.2 Million
CPUC development project by creating innovative partnerships with other states to
share existing solutions and co-develop a federally mandated reporting system
reducing the anticipated cost to $1.4 Million.
Primary Technologies
Microsoft Ofce productivity suite, Windows servers (2003/2008), IIS (Web), MS Exchange,
MS SharePoint/Project Server, Cisco routers/switches/ VPN, Barracuda frewall/spam/web
fltering/streaming backup/VPN/network monitoring, VMWare/MS Terminal Services,
Comvault/Veritas /SAN to SAN backup, T1/T3/Optiman, Comtouch/InfoBlox port security,
Oracle 10g, 11i (Unix), MS SQL (2003, 2008), Ektron CMS, Google search technologies,
Tandberg bridging and video conferencing, various network/data system monitoring tools.
Carolyn S. Lawson Resume, abnktu@r.postjobfree.com, 916-***-****
State and Consumer Services Agency (November 2006 through January 2008)
Deputy Director, Business and Program Services, eServices Ofce, State and Consumer
Services Agency, (11/2006 through 1/2008) (Executive Level)
Business Focus
Implement the Governor's look and feel mandate while building collaborative
relationships with the business owners of each agency’s web presence including all
CA.Gov web sites (150 state agencies, 400+ URLs) on a very short timeline (9
months) with no funding. Develop and implement website initiatives as directed by
the Ofce of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to meet immediate needs and with no
vendor support, staf augmentation or additional funding.
Key Accomplishments
Webmasters User Group – Grew the group from 20 to 400 members in 6
months through empowering the state's webmasters to develop the new
templates and establish web standards they would then be required to use.
The group reach extends well beyond the state to include 10 to 15
webmasters from counties and cities, 7 states and 3 countries – all of whom
were not subject to state governance or any state mandate. Gartner Research
stated they had not seen anything like this anywhere in the world where those
not subject to the mandate joined voluntarily and became active members.
Webtools www.webtools.ca.gov – Winner Best of California 2007 – Best
Application Serving Multiple Jurisdictions.
Statewide Google Search – Made the service available through a single
agreement and centralized search to all state agencies providing true
statewide search for the frst time via the CA.Gov.
Site mapping of CA.Gov – Web sites making site data links and locations
available to the search industry (in partnership with Google).
Schoolfnder.ca.gov – Created and managed the partnership with Microsoft
Corp and Google to develop Schoolfnder website as part of the Governor's
education initiatives.
Various Websites – Developed by drawing on relationships with talented
webmasters throughout state service including
http://www.ca.gov/HomeFamily/JustForKids.html,
http://www.youtube.com/californiagovernment, www.rebuldyourlife.ca.gov,
Primary Technologies
Microsoft Ofce productivity suite, Windows servers (2003/2008), IIS (Web), Google
search technologies, various web technologies including but not limited to HTLM
based technologies, (Cascading Style Sheets), MS SharePoint, DotNetNuke, Joomla,
Web 2.0 technologies.
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) (July 2002 through October 2006)
Assistant Deputy Director, Licensing and Certifcation Division, Department of Alcohol and
Drug Programs (ADP) (12/2005 through 10/2006) (Executive Level)
Business Focus
Organizational redesign, business process redesign, and data exchange with other
HHSA agencies. While there was a data component, this was primarily an
organization development/redesign efort.
Carolyn S. Lawson Resume, abnktu@r.postjobfree.com, 916-***-****
Key Accomplishments
Business Process Redesign – Working with partner agencies (Department
of Mental Health, Department of Health Services, Department of Social
Services), lead the efort to develop common and transferrable business
practices.
Data Exchange – Developed common meta data and business practices
allowing ADP data such as medical provider citation and other critical
information to be shared with partner agencies.
Streamlined Internal Operations – Moving 80% of the licensing processing
from paper to electronic.
Primary Technologies
Microsoft Ofce productivity suite, MS Project, MS SharePoint, IIS (Web), Oracle, MS
SQL, Mainframe, SAS
Chief of Administration (CFO equiv.), Ofce of Systems Integration (OSI) (3/2005 to
11/30/2005) (Executive Level)
Business Focus
OSI is the largest project management/development organization within the State of
California. Legislated to move from the control of the state data center to the direct
control of the Health and Human Services Agency, in order to bring management of
the $11 Billion budget into compliance with federal requirements. The mandate was
that OSI administrative functions (budget, payroll, accounting etc.) be completely
established and fully functional by July 1, 2005 (3.5 months) this while under a high
degree of legislative, federal and control agency scrutiny. Complicating matters, the
state data center was in the midst of a failing PeopleSoft implementation. The federal
government was threatening to pull all $11 Billion in funding for the project
operations and levy a fne of $300 Million/year on the state until it brought the project
fund administration into compliance with federal requirements. I was asked to lead
the efort after the vendor hired in November 2004 walked of the job in February
2005 with no deliverables met.
Key Accomplishments
Cutting through the confusion, drama and fear to bottom line the
situation and gain an understanding of what had to be accomplished, the role
and concerns of each stakeholder and collectively accepting or rejecting what
had been done to date. Collaboratively developed a go-forward plan in 2
weeks. Successfully executed against that plan.
Regaining the trust of the federal oversight entity bringing them into a
partnership role.
Building a new budgeting and accounting system from the ground up
with the full support and engagement of the primary departmental
stakeholder, the California Department of Social Services.
Rallying the staf so that they could see a future that included long term
success.
Clearly defning roles, responsibilities, deliverables and timelines for
all staf and stakeholders.
All fnancial systems online and certifed by the federal oversight
agency on June 17, 2005 avoiding fnes and maintaining full operational
fnding.
Carolyn S. Lawson Resume, abnktu@r.postjobfree.com, 916-***-****
Primary Technologies
Microsoft Ofce productivity suite, MS Project, MS SharePoint, IIS (Web), MS
Exchange, Oracle, MS SQL, Mainframe, SAS, various VPN, various encryption, several
data linkage modules to link the 58 counties to each reporting/data collection system,
CalStars (state budgeting/accounting system).
Deputy Chief Information Ofcer, Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) (7/2002
to 3/2005) (Senior Management level)
Business Focus
IT Operations Management
Key Accomplishments
Aligned IT operations with ADP strategic goals and initiatives.
Developed an award winning Project Management Ofce which became
a strategic partner to business operations. 70% of the projects managed by
the ADP PMO during my tenure had no IT component.
Primary Technologies
Microsoft Ofce productivity suite, Windows servers (NT 4.0/2000), MS Exchange, MS
SharePoint, IIS (Web), Cisco routers/switches/ VPN, frewalls, Websence spam/web
fltering, MS Terminal Services, Veritas tape backup, T1/T3, Oracle (Unix), MS SQL,
Microsoft CMS, various network/data system monitoring tools.
State and Consumer Services Agency (February 2000 through June 2002)
Operations Manager, End User Support Services (EUSS), Department of General Services
(DGS), (2/2000 – 6/2002) (Mid-Management Level)
Business Focus
Full management responsibility for network administration and technical (end-user)
support of more than 4,000 employees at 60 sites throughout California.
Key Accomplishments
Consolidated the functions of seven (7) diferent IT support organizations
into a single unit.
Developed and implemented consistency in the IT operations through
creation and implementation of policies, procedures and technology standards
for the department.
Instituted performance benchmarks and measures and utilized those
measures to engage staf in reaching for personal and professional excellence.
Created standards for hardware, software, deployment and monitoring
tools.
Primary Technologies
Microsoft Ofce productivity suite, Windows servers (NT 4.0/2000), MS Exchange, MS
SharePoint, IIS (Web), Cisco routers/switches/ VPN, frewalls, Websence spam/web
fltering, MS Terminal Services, Veritas tape backup, T1/T3, Oracle (Unix), MS SQL,
Microsoft CMS, various network/data system monitoring tools.
Carolyn S. Lawson Resume, abnktu@r.postjobfree.com, 916-***-****
Personal Accomplishments
Honors and Awards
Winner (most recent):
• InformationWeek 500 – Top 10 Innovators in Government, 2009
• Government Solutions - Innovation, Center for Digital Government, 2009
• Best of California, Center for Digital Government, 2007
• Dedication to Public Service, California State CIO, 2007
• Leadership and Team Building, Private Sector CIO Academy - California, 2005
Nominated (most recent):
• Innovations in American Government, JFK School of Government, Harvard University, 2008
• Digital Government: Government to Citizen (G to C), National Association of State Chief
Information Ofcers (NASCIO), 2007
• Best of California, Demonstrated Leadership in Information Technology - California Webmasters
User Group, Center for Digital Government, 2007
• Best of California, Project Excellence Award - California State Portal Refresh Project, Center for
Digital Government, 2007
Volunteerism
• Board of Directors, Fortune School of Education (formerly Project Pipeline
www.projectpipeline.org)
• Advisory Board, InformationWeek www.informationweek.com
• Center for Digital Government, speaking and teaching on behalf of the Center for Digital
Government at Government to Government conferences nationwide. The intent of these
conferences is to develop leadership, business acumen and innovation in government.
http://www.govtech.com/events/index
Recent sessions:
June 2009 Pacifc Northwest Digital Summit, Tacoma, WA
Governing in the Cloud - An Update on New Service Models
Tools for the Anywhere, Anytime Workforce
May 2009 Conference on California's Future
Governing in the Cloud - An Update on New Service Models
Leading Change in Difcult Times
January 2009, Government Technology Conference Southwest (GTC SW), Austin TX
The Leadership Challenge
September 2008 Los Angeles Technology Forum, Los Angeles, CA
September 2008 Bay Area Technology Forum 2008, Foster City CA
May 2008 Conference on California's Future, Sacramento CA
Carolyn S. Lawson Resume, abnktu@r.postjobfree.com, 916-***-****
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