Utah's CIO Assumes Presidency of State Information Officers Association
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers has elected Utah CIO Alan Fuller as president for 2026-2027, alongside appointments of new leaders to key roles including vice president, secretary-treasurer, and executive committee. Fuller, who previously served as NASCIO vice president, brings experience as an early adopter of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and digital identity initiatives in Utah. The leadership transitions follow the organization's annual conference where government technology officials discussed artificial intelligence maturity, data centers, privacy, and procurement challenges.
Alan Fuller's elevation to NASCIO's top position represents a continuation of his rise within the organization, following his previous role as vice president. His appointment comes alongside a broader slate of leadership transitions, including Ohio's Katrina Flory moving from the secretary-treasurer position to vice president, and Georgia's Shawnzia Thomas assuming the combined secretary-treasurer duties. The leadership changes also introduce Illinois CIO Brandon Ragle as a new Executive Committee director, reflecting efforts to bring fresh perspectives to the association's governance structure.
Fuller's tenure as Utah's CIO since 2021 has positioned him as an advocate for technology modernization at the state level. Utah's establishment of an AI Center of Excellence in 2018 and subsequent digital identity initiatives demonstrate the state's commitment to adopting and implementing emerging technologies. These efforts earned Fuller recognition as one of Government Technology's Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers in 2025, highlighting his influence within state government technology circles.
NASCIO's leadership decisions may influence technology policy priorities across U.S. states over the next year. As chief information officers collectively shape procurement strategies, data management approaches, and AI implementation frameworks, state residents could be affected through changes in digital service delivery, cybersecurity measures, and government operational efficiency. The organization's focus on addressing data center concerns and privacy challenges suggests these issues may receive heightened attention from state-level decision-makers, potentially affecting public data handling and infrastructure planning.