North Dakota Information Technology hires new chief data officer

Kimberly Weis has been named the new chief data officer for North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), according to a press release from the department. Weis will be responsible for shaping how NDIT leverages data to drive innovation and enhance efficiency. She joined NDIT in 2019 and was previously the data and analytics director.

This is the third chief data officer in the department’s history. The first was Dorman Bazzell, followed by Ravi Krishnan. Krishnan left the position in September 2023.

Kimberly Weis has a background in epidemiology and her expertise in harnessing the power of data will play a pivotal role in NDIT’s mission to empower, improve, and inspire success across the state.

Key Points:

• North Dakota Information Technology has hired Kimberly Weis as its new chief data officer.
• Weis will be responsible for leveraging data to drive innovation and enhance efficiency.
• She is the third chief data officer in the department’s history.
• Weis has a background in epidemiology, bringing expertise in data analysis and insight.

This appointment highlights the growing importance of data in government and its potential to drive positive change. As Chief Data Officer, Weis will have a key role in shaping NDIT’s data initiatives and ensuring that data remains a cornerstone in the department’s mission.

Weis’s background in epidemiology is particularly relevant given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Data plays a crucial role in understanding and responding to public health crises, and having a chief data officer with expertise in this field will be valuable for North Dakota.

One of the main challenges for Weis will likely be ensuring data privacy and security. As more data is collected and analyzed, it is crucial to protect personal information and maintain public trust. Weis will need to establish robust data governance practices and work closely with other departments to ensure compliance with privacy regulations.

In addition to data privacy, Weis will also need to address issues of data quality and accessibility. It is important that the data used for decision-making is accurate and reliable, and that it is easily accessible to those who need it. Weis will need to work closely with other stakeholders to ensure data standards are met and that data is effectively utilized across the department.

Overall, Weis’s appointment as chief data officer is an important step in the advancement of data-driven decision-making in North Dakota. Her expertise in epidemiology and data analysis will be crucial in driving innovation and improving outcomes for stakeholders. With Weis at the helm, NDIT is well-positioned to harness the power of data and continue making strides in efficiency and effectiveness.