By Corian Zacher
Across the U.S., local leaders have made huge strides in innovation and technology throughout the pandemic, supporting their communities and working to keep critical services up while exploring new opportunities to serve residents. Ongoing partnerships, community-centered approaches, and strategic planning are all important themes from local government success stories nationwide.
Each year, Government Technology recognizes state and local leaders who have made an impact through innovative government service delivery. 2022’s lineup includes Chief Innovation Officers from three NCC member municipalities who are working diligently to improve their cities through the power of technology and collaboration.
Travis Cutright, CIO, Mesa, Arizona: Under Cutright’s leadership, Mesa’s CIO team worked with city departments to improve efficiency in furtherance of the city’s Smart City Strategic Plan and Climate Action Plan. 
Government Technology writes, “Cutright is particularly proud of the city’s efforts to convert food waste into usable energy in a partnership with local schools and restaurants.”
Linda Gerull, CIO, San Francisco, California: Through an understanding that residents need connectivity to use digital government services, Gerall’s work includes extending free high-speed Internet to those living in affordable housing. An ongoing feedback loop with the community informs present and future efforts, supporting city services that evolve as technology does. 
Peter Wallace, CIO, Virginia Beach, Virginia: In addition to a long list of other accomplishments, Wallace’s has worked with other communities in the region to develop a dark fiber ring as well as improving digital government services. Wallace’s future goals include improving the city’s cybersecurity and replacing legacy networks.
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