Government operations & technology

State Chief Technology Officer

Sets technology direction and standards across agencies. The State Chief Technology Officer at the California Department of Technology provides senior advisory leadership on the strategic direction of technology investment and infrastructure across California's state government enterprise. This role shapes the technical vision and standards that guide agencies in modernizing systems, improving interoperability, and delivering digital services to residents. The State CTO works closely with the department director, agency secretaries, and the Governor's Office to align technology with policy priorities. Candidates typically bring broad expertise in enterprise architecture, technology strategy, and executive leadership in large-scale public or private sector organizations.

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The appointment

Appointed by: The Governor
Confirmation: Senate, by majority vote
Term: At the Governor's pleasure
Compensation: $180,000/yr
Availability: At-pleasure: available to the next Governor on day one; Senate confirmation of the replacement within one year where required.
Statutory requirements: None in statute. Exempt CDT executive appointed by the Governor; the Governor's 8.19.26 release states the position requires Senate confirmation ($214,692). Enabling section for the CTO post specifically not located (Gov. Code 11545 et seq. covers the Director/State CIO).

Partially verified

Sources

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2021/02/23/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-2-23-21/; Statute research 2026-10-20: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/08/19/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-8-19-26/; Gov. Code secs. 11545-11549 (verify)

In the catalog

The catalog entry behind this profile. The role explorer lists every California Department of Technology role, including deputies and other seats.

State Chief Technology Officer

California Department of Technology

Technology & Government OperationsSenior Advisor$180,000/yrSenate confirmation required

Technology and Data

The State Chief Technology Officer at the California Department of Technology provides senior advisory leadership on the strategic direction of technology investment and infrastructure across California's state government enterprise. This role shapes the technical vision and standards that guide agencies in modernizing systems, improving interoperability, and delivering digital services to residents. The State CTO works closely with the department director, agency secretaries, and the Governor's Office to align technology with policy priorities. Candidates typically bring broad expertise in enterprise architecture, technology strategy, and executive leadership in large-scale public or private sector organizations.

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The CalCEO Council is part of the California Foundation for Commerce and Education (CFCE). The California Plum Book is built and operated by the Leadership Now Project.