Wyoming Governor poaches South Dakota IT chief for same job

Gov. Mark Gordon selects BIT head Jeff Clines to lead similar department within his cabinet

Jeff Clines (LinkedIn)

A member of Gov. Kristi Noem’s cabinet is heading to Wyoming to fill a similar role to the one he has occupied in Pierre since April of 2020.

Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Commissioner of the Bureau of Information & Telecommunications (BIT) Jeff Clines is heading west to take over as the Cowboy State’s top CIO.

Clines will take over for current Chief Information Security Officer Aaron Roberts, who has served on an interim basis as both CIO and director of the Wyoming Department of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) since April.

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“In this era of persistent cybersecurity threats, it is imperative that our state’s technology remain up-to-date and that we competently address cybersecurity challenges in order for our state government to function effectively,” Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon said in a press release announcing the hiring. “Jeff brings experience from leading a similar agency in South Dakota. He is an excellent choice for this important role.”

Clines has served in Noem’s cabinet since his hiring. In addition, as CIO he has administered over South Dakota’s entire IT apparatus. The bureau manages around 700 websites and applications plus the state’s two-way radio system, responsible for transmitting communications among first responders using a network of towers, along with the state’s data centers and IT support center.

Prior to moving to South Dakota, Clines served as the director of information technology in the Illinois Secretary of State office from 2018 to 2020. Prior to that, Clines worked in similar roles for the American Heart Association.

According to his biography, he grew up in both Wyoming and Colorado.

“I am thrilled to join Wyoming’s ETS team and deeply grateful for the trust and leadership of Governor Gordon, his administration, and the dedicated professionals at ETS,” Clines said in the same release. “I eagerly anticipate collaborating with this talented group, and the leadership across state agencies as we work together to serve Wyoming citizens.”

Clines’ first day in the state of Wyoming will be Sept. 9. Ian Fury, Noem’s director of communications, did not respond to questions from The Dakota Scout asking if a replacement had been picked, or if any other employees had departed BIT’s office in conjunction with Clines’ resignation.

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