IT leader Flyzik to retire

Former Treasury Department official Jim Flyzik, one of the biggest boosters of information technology in the federal government, will retire Dec. 17 after 28 years in government.

Confirming rumors, Flyzik, 49, announced Nov. 4 that he will leave government but has made no decision on future plans.

Flyzik's announcement comes at the end of his second detail to the Office of Homeland Security, where he has served as a primary adviser to Steve Cooper, senior director for information integration and chief information officer of the Office of Homeland Security.

Flyzik said his goal for his remaining time in the office is "going to be continuity and making sure that people are in place and the processes are in place. I want to feel good about what we've accomplished."

There are no definitive plans to name a replacement for Flyzik. However, officials are working to bring Don Hagerling, Treasury's chief technology officer, on detail as chief architect for the proposed Homeland Security Department.

On Nov. 20, Flyzik will preside over his last CIO Council meeting as vice chairman. At that meeting, the council will announce the new vice chairman.

Cooper called Flyzik's departure "a big blow." Cooper said he needed to find someone who has "the equivalent knowledge about the federal environment."

Ira Hobbs, deputy CIO at the Agriculture Department, said Flyzik did much to advance IT in government and the role of the CIO Council.

"He will be missed," Hobbs said.