What We Do
The Secretary of Technology and its agencies are responsible for the efficient and effective use of information technology to simplify government operations, advance technology applications to improve public services, and drive the innovation economy through the Commonwealth's leadership. The Secretary of Technology oversees two agencies: Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) and the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA).
2008 Governor's Technology Awards call for nominations
The Honorable Aneesh Chopra, Secretary of Technology, will present the Eighth Governor’s Technology Awards on behalf of Governor Timothy M. Kaine at COVITS 2008. This awards program honors outstanding achievements and recognizes innovative technology initiatives in the public sector throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The 2008 Governor’s Technology Awards program includes 8 awards categories, including three that recognize the unique business of governing localities, K-12 and higher education and two new awards that honor telework initiatives. Entries are due by July 1. Winners will be honored during the COVITS event, scheduled for September 7-9, 2008 in Williamsburg.
- To learn more, visit www.covits.org/governor's_technology_awards/
Virginia Gets Top Grade in Performance
March 3, 2008 — Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Virginia again received the top score in the Government Performance Project’s “Grading the States 2008” report, the nation’s only comprehensive, independent analysis of how well each state performs in serving the public. In the first such rating in three years, Virginia achieved an overall grade of A- for performance and an A in the information category, which encompasses information technology. The national average was B-. Virginia also received an A- ranking in the most recent “Grading the States” assessment in 2005.
- Read the Virginia summary or the entire report
- Read Governor Kaine's news release
Virginia Secretary of Technology Announces Plans for COVITS 2008 – "Delivering on the Promise
February 29, 2008 — RICHMOND Secretary of Technology Aneesh Chopra announced today details for the Commonwealth’s 10th annual IT Symposium, COVITS. This year’s conference, “Delivering on the Promise,” will be held at the Marriott in Williamsburg, Va September 7-9th. COVITS is the premier forum for Virginia’s public and private sector IT leaders to exchange ideas on the role of technology in simplifying government operations. To strengthen the quality of the COVITS program, Secretary Chopra also announced a partnership with e.Republic, Inc., Government Technology magazine and the Center for Digital Government, divisions of e.Republic.
Virginia Government Joins YouTube Community
February 27, 2008 — As part of the Commonwealth's continuing public-private partnership with Google, the Commonwealth has launched an official "channel" on YouTube.com. At no cost to participating government entities, this effort expands access to critical information to benefit the public. Imagine posting an instructional video on the various documents needed in advance of applying for benefits. What about university lectures to educate those considering applying to college?
Concurrently, Old Dominion University, Roanoke County and the Departments of Emergency Management and Conservation and Recreation have launched official channels as part of the Virginia initiative; The Virginia Tourism Authority and the Library of Virginia currently are building their own.
Will you be next? Through the partnership, the Commonwealth and participating government entities may post extended videos, along with ad-free content and expanded branding on the popular video sharing site, at no cost. Any Virginia government entity may join the initiative. For security reasons, access to posting materials on the site will be strictly controlled.
The new Virginia government channel already includes video of Governor Tim Kaine’s 2008 State of the Commonwealth Address, Google CEO Eric Schmidt's recent visit to the Virginia Higher Education Business Council, and helpful information provided by the Virginia Departments of Education, Health, Transportation, Emergency Management, Conservation and Recreation, Fire Programs, State Police, Information Technologies Agency, Tourism, eLearnVA, Henrico County Adult Education, Library of Virginia and Governor’s Office of Substance Abuse Prevention.
Webmasters and AITRs are receiving additional information about participation. Agencies interested in participating should contact Emily Seibert to obtain permissions and instructions or direct questions to Judy Napier, Deputy Secretary of Technology.
JCOTS - Secretary of Technology Annual Report
PowerPoint (1.04MB) | PDF (429kb)
Telework Promotion - a Telework Roadmap
The Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Assistance has released a "Telework Roadmap" to help employees and managers better understand teleworking and manage expectations regarding the initiative. Click here to download a copy.
Enterprise Solutions Group - An Implementation Update
PowerPoint (532kb) | PDF (280kb)