New York names new CIO

Michael Mittleman, deputy chief information officer since 2002, was promoted to the top post.

Michael Mittleman, who has been New York’s deputy chief information officer since 2002, was promoted to the top post by Gov. George Pataki.

Pataki also announced yesterday that Meg Levine, who held previous positions as acting director, executive deputy director and chief administrative officer for the Office for Technology, will lead that office.

In that capacity, Levine will provide technical support and centralized technology services through oversight of the state’s data centers, networks and telecommunications systems. She will also coordinate statewide initiatives and shape policy.

As CIO, Mittleman will oversee the implementation of the state’s information technology strategic plan, establish policy and standards, and develop and deploy IT resources. Previously, he was chairman the state’s CIO Council.

Mittleman replaces James Dillon, who retired in December.

In other news, Bethann Pepoli assumed the top technology post in Massachusetts yesterday. She was the chief operating officer in the IT Division’s Operational Services unit.

She was appointed acting CIO after former CIO Peter Quinn's sudden resignation, effective Jan. 12. He reportedly resigned because of controversy surrounding the state's use of open-standards software and a news story stating that he took unauthorized trips. Quinn said the controversies were detracting from the department’s mission.

Gov. Mitt Romney cleared him of any travel violations, and the state reaffirmed its commitment to implement the OpenDocument format by next year.