Careerist at State Department named CIO

James Vanderhoff, who began his information technology career as a communications electronics officer at the State Department, will become the department's chief information officer.

Now a Foreign Service specialist, Vanderhoff serves as the equivalent of a chief operating officer for U.S. activities in Japan. He will take on his new role Jan. 9, 2006.

“Since the CIO position was established, he’s the first one to work his way up through the ranks,” department spokeswoman Mary Swann said today.

Vanderhoff joined the department in 1974. Earlier, he served in the Air Force.

He has held posts in regional communication program offices in Germany, Lebanon, Pakistan and Panama.

Vanderhoff replaces acting CIO Jay Anania.