March 21, Albany NY  -  The New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) today announced that Government Technology recognized New York State Executive Deputy Chief Information Officer (CIO) Karen Geduldig, and ITS Chief General Counsel Shoshanah Bewlay, for their exceptional leadership and contributions to public service in New York State.   

Ms. Geduldig was honored as the 2018 New York State CIO of the Year for her unparalleled vision and performance over the course of the past year driving New York State’s innovation agenda through the development of technology solutions that improve the lives and livelihoods of New Yorkers. In addition to overseeing the innovation agenda for New York State, Ms. Geduldig has spearheaded a client-focused realignment of ITS through more business-focused IT portfolios and through a deeper and more transparent investment governance program.  Ms. Geduldig leads by example, and is passionate about working with ITS employees to develop their transformative ideas to improve the lives of New Yorkers and to continue New York State’s leadership through the use of technology.   

Ms. Bewlay was honored as the 2018 New York State IT Leader of the Year for her dedication to finding innovative solutions to complex challenges, commitment to applying the agency’s strategic vision to enhance and guide its business decisions, and focus on the cultivation of future leaders. In her role as Chief General Counsel for ITS, Ms. Bewlay oversees the agency’s legal department, providing advice and guidance on legal and regulatory compliance with state and federal requirements, technology procurements and contracting, technology policy and strategy alignment, and audit and internal controls. Ms. Bewlay ensures that ITS adheres to the highest ethical standards by promoting integrity and transparency across the agency, and works diligently to support and advise the agency on the best path forward to advance innovative technology that benefits all New Yorkers.  

“Karen Geduldig and Shoshanah Bewlay are two of the top technology leaders not only in New York State, but in the nation, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of these awards,” said Robert H. Samson, New York State Chief Information Officer. “The vision, leadership and dedication that Karen and Shoshanah both demonstrate each day is commendable. ITS is fortunate to have them on our team. I am extremely privileged to work alongside them each day as we strive to use technology to deploy innovation that matters…for all New Yorkers. Congratulations to both Karen and Shoshanah on this significant achievement!”

“It has been our privilege to highlight the stories of innovation and success in digital government for over 25 years.  Government Technology is honored to recognize outstanding IT leadership in New York.  This year’s winners represent the best in public sector leadership.  Congratulations to Karen and Shoshanah!” said Maureen Torncello, National Conference Director, Government Technology.

These awards recognize both a CIO and IT Leader from the public sector in New York State for their outstanding leadership, their commitment to developing future leaders, and their creation of strategies to promote information sharing and collaboration among government organizations.  This year’s IT leaders were honored in a special awards ceremony held during the 2018 New York State IT Leadership Academy, which took place on March 20 and 21, and was hosted by Government Technology, in partnership with the State of New York.

“Technology touches every single aspect of our lives and is uniquely capable of driving dramatic and positive change.  ITS is similarly unique; it is the only IT organization in the country designed to harness the power of technology on behalf of New York’s citizens.  I am proud to be a part of New York State’s rich IT workforce leveraging technology to make a real difference in the lives of New Yorkers,” said Karen Geduldig, New York State Executive Deputy CIO.

“At ITS, we are fortunate to work across New York State government to implement innovative technology and technology policy solutions to help drive the State forward. Working with the incredibly talented teams at ITS has been my privilege, and I am overwhelmed to have been selected for this honor,” said Shoshanah Bewlay, ITS Chief General Counsel.

During the awards ceremony, 38 ITS managers were also recognized as 2018 NY Outstanding IT Managers for their leadership in serving our clients. The Outstanding IT Manager Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership, customer service, and public stewardship through team-leading, implementing innovative solutions and serving their agency and constituents.  To learn more about this year’s Outstanding IT Managers visit https://its.ny.gov/press-release/its-employees-received-2018.

2018 marked the 12th year that New York State has partnered with Government Technology on this annual IT Summit.  This year’s Summit was attended by more than 350 state and local government IT leaders and provided an opportunity for New York’s senior level technology executives and those individuals striving to serve in senior IT roles, to come together to focus on strategy and leadership, learn from nationally recognized industry leaders and to be better equipped to solve governments grand challenges.