| TOP STORIES Alabama CISO Ryan Allen Stepping Down for Health System Post
Allen, the chief information security officer for Alabama since 2017, is departing for a position as CISO for the University of Alabama Birmingham's Health System, and it is currently unclear who will replace him. READ MORE Katy Ruckle Named Washington State Chief Privacy Officer
Washington CIO Jim Weaver has chosen Ruckle, the privacy officer and information governance administrator for the Department of Social and Health Services. She starts in the new role Jan. 1. READ MORE Missouri CIO Mike Cheles Announces Retirement Date
After announcing he planned to retire earlier this year, the CIO will log his final day in the service of the state Monday, Dec. 16. Cheles said there are rumors the state is nearing a decision on who will be replacing him. READ MORE Pensacola, Fla. Cyberattack Is Ransomware, Officials Confirm
The nature of the attack, which forced the Florida city to disconnect its entire network, is now confirmed. City officials say other details are pending as investigators look into the extent and source of the disruption. READ MORE Matthew Rensch Named Iowa’s First Chief Data Officer
Iowa is the latest state to establish a state IT position dedicated to data management. Rensch comes to the role by way of the Iowa Department of Transportation, where he served as director of the Highway Support Office. READ MORE Incoming Kentucky Gov. Announces Change-Up to IT Leadership
Ruth Day, a certified public accountant with a private-sector background, has been tapped to step in for Chief Information Officer Chuck Grindle, who was appointed by then-Gov. Matt Bevin in December 2017. READ MORE Arkansas Creates New Cybersecurity Education Task Force
The new group, created through executive order, will focus on opportunities to advance education surrounding cybersecurity issues and careers, building on previous efforts to beef up the state's defenses. READ MORE | 
