Strategic PartnershipsProfiles in Power highlights public officials nationwide who are improving their communities through their dedication, enthusiasm, creativity and experience.
This week’s profile is the Chief Information Officer for the California Department of Transportation, the Agency Information Officer for the State Transportation Agency and the agency’s Deputy Secretary of Technology.
My public career highlights and education:
Throughout my career in public service, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in some of California’s largest and most complex departments. Currently, I serve as the Deputy Secretary of Technology and Agency Information Officer (AIO) for the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). In these dual roles, I provide strategic technology leadership for a diverse portfolio overseeing eight major transportation departments, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, and the High-Speed Rail Authority — impacting millions of Californians daily.
Over the past three decades, I’ve also held leadership roles at the Department of General Services, Department of Health Care Services, and Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. My academic background is in Computer Science from California State University, Sacramento. I’ve completed the California Information Technology Leadership Academy and hold Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer credentials. These experiences have shaped my approach to delivering secure, scalable, and citizen-centered digital services across state government.
What I like best about public service:
What I value most about public service is the ability to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through technology. Every system we modernize, every process we streamline, every service we digitize, these are opportunities to create a more accessible, equitable, and responsive government. Working at CalSTA and Caltrans, I see firsthand how transportation and technology intersect to improve safety, mobility, and environmental outcomes across the state.
I’m particularly passionate about building strong, people-first teams. Leadership is not about titles, it’s about empowering others, fostering collaboration, and creating a culture where innovation thrives. Mentorship and developing future leaders, especially women and individuals from underrepresented communities, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
The best advice you’ve ever received:
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve ever received is simple but powerful: “Embrace change and lead with purpose.” I’ve found that when you approach change with openness and a willingness to learn, you attract people who are also ready to solve problems and innovate.
Change can be uncomfortable, especially in large organizations. But it’s also where the greatest opportunities arise. That mindset of embracing change has helped me navigate challenges, build trust, and create momentum for some of the state’s most critical IT initiatives, including data modernization, cybersecurity strategy, and now, responsible GenAI implementation.
Something I wish more people knew about my division of government:
What many people don’t realize is how deeply technology touches every part of California’s transportation ecosystem. At CalSTA, I oversee the IT strategy and governance across a portfolio that supports public safety, infrastructure, mobility, and licensing, services that Californians rely on every single day.
Whether it’s traffic signal optimization, connected vehicle infrastructure, DMV modernization, or AI-driven analytics, we’re driving technological change that has a direct and measurable impact. Our teams are not just managing IT, they’re enabling better outcomes for millions of residents, businesses, and travelers across the state.
Current project or initiative you’re working on:
One of the most exciting and forward-looking initiatives I’m leading is Caltrans’ Generative AI (GenAI) strategy. We’ve developed and deployed real-world use cases like Video AI for safety analysis of vulnerable road users and Traffic Mobility Insight (TMI) for congestion management. These projects are positioning Caltrans as a leader in responsible AI adoption at the state level.
In parallel, we’re working on standing up a Chief Data and AI Officer (CDAO) role, an essential component of our long-term data governance and AI readiness strategy. I’m also proud of our success in modernizing infrastructure, including the migration of 18,000 mobile devices and transitioning over 200 mission-critical databases to the cloud. These efforts are improving security, driving cost savings, and laying the foundation for a more agile, data-driven organization.
One thing people may not know about me:
My journey in technology began in college with a basic coding class, where I built a singing Christmas tree. That project sparked my passion for tech. I was captivated by the idea that I could create something and see it come to life. That moment led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science, launching my tech career in the private sector before transitioning into public service.
Over the years, I’ve worked my way up through California’s state government, ultimately becoming the CIO of Caltrans and the Deputy Secretary of Technology and AIO at CalSTA. Navigating a traditionally male-dominated and culturally homogeneous field has presented challenges, but it’s also shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to inclusive leadership. These experiences fueled my passion for collaboration, equity, and the power of public service.
Outside of work, I love to travel and immerse myself in different cultures. I’ve been fortunate to visit much of Europe, and those experiences continue to broaden my worldview and influence how I lead. I’m especially proud to support the technology vision of CalSTA and Caltrans, two of the state’s most visible and impactful departments, and I’m dedicated to mentoring and empowering the next generation of diverse leaders in government and tech.
