Sharon S. Dawes, director of the University at Albany's Center for Technology in Government (CTG), has been named one of Governing Magazine's 1997 "Public Officials of the Year." In a reception on Dec. 3 in Washington D. C., Dawes was honored with nine other public officials from throughout the U.S., including Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson and Chicago Mayor Richard Daly.

Dawes, featured in the Governing's December issue, is recognized for her collaborative strategy for encouraging innovation in New York State's use of information technology for improving service to citizens. University at Albany President Karen Hitchcock said, " Sharon Dawes is a leader in fostering change in New York State's information technology climate, her organization leads the way in research for practical government applications."

Governing Magazine, a publication for state and local governments, chooses ten officials each year — "leaders who have mastered an office or an organization, brought it to a level of outstanding performance, and kept it there." Dawes has spent over ten years helping state and local agencies use information technology as a tool to improve government services. A veteran in the field of public policy, she served as associate commissioner of New York's Department of Social Services from 1977–1984 and was selected the state's first Public Service Fellow in 1985 conducting research at Rockefeller Institute of Government on the effect of major computer systems on federal, state, and local relations.

Dawes collaborated with dozens of state IT managers to start the New York State Forum for Information Resource Management in 1987 and served as the Forum Executive Director until 1993 when she became director of the CTG. The current executive director of the forum, Terry Maxwell, states, "her main contribution has been to focus attention on the fact that information technology is a strategic resource for government."

CTG works with state agencies, local governments, academic organizations and private corporations to solve real life practical problems in government. Funded through state appropriations, the University at Albany, grants, and in-kind donations from over 40 private corporations, it has developed an award-winning methodology that combines the policy, managerial, organizational, and technical aspects of new technology applications.

"The Center is a neutral place where agencies can reduce the risks of new technologies by testing new tools and new ideas," says Dawes, "In this environment, it is just as valuable to learn that something doesn't work as it is to learn what does work." Projects are often shaped by discussions among people from different sectors, fleshing out business processes, and pinpointing necessary changes. Ron Cooke, director of information services for New York State Police, said, "Her talent is getting diverse people to see the benefits of working together."

A reception for Dawes is scheduled for Thursday, Dec 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the University's Performing Arts Center. For more information on the reception, call CTG at 442-3892.

December 9, 1997