Harrisburg, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/19/2011 -- Beginning October 2011, a new certification program for government Chief Information Officers (CIOs) will be offered at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology to specifically address the unique challenges of public sector IT executive leadership. By joining forces with the national Consortium for State and Local Government Technology Leadership Development, the Government Technology Institute (GTI) at Harrisburg University will offer the Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO™) program.
The 12 month, comprehensive educational program is designed to enhance knowledge in critical areas of public sector IT leadership and management and it is believed to be the only program of its kind in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The program will enable current and aspiring information technology executives working at a senior level in public service to earn a recognized credential, and develop the skills and knowledge to manage the demands of their complex role. To ensure relevance in its application, most of the instructors for the CGCIO™ will be successful IT executives from public and private sector organizations.
Pennsylvania state government spends in excess of $1B annually on information technology (IT). County and local governments collectively make similar investments each year. The role of the IT executive within government is quickly changing and expanding. Just knowing how technology works is no longer sufficient for those responsible for leading IT organizations. Public sector IT executives are expected to have a comprehensive knowledge of areas such as communications, finance, human resources, policy making, management practices and how to effectively connect the technology to the business needs. These expectations combine with the reality that technology continues to evolve rapidly, therefore, requiring a strategic lens. The job of public service IT leader has never been tougher and never more important to the success of government!
Until now there were few opportunities for public sector CIO's and other IT executives to learn how to get a seat at the executive table and how to provide meaningful advice to government officials and others. The new program at Harrisburg University hopes to change this and is accepting nominations now through September 23 for the Inaugural Class of the CGCIO™. Twenty-five candidates from IT senior leadership positions in state, county and local government will be accepted into the Inaugural Class program, which begins October 13, 2011.
In-person sessions, two days per month are led by the program facilitator who maintains topical continuity and builds community within the cohort. Session topics are taught by subject matter experts who use presentations, industry resources, case studies and guest lecturers to present concepts and practical exercises. Peer-learning is emphasized as a valuable method of gaining perspective and lessons learned from others within the cohort. Additionally, independent readings, the applied project and online discussions also support varied instructional approaches for all kinds of learners.
Harrisburg University’s state-of-the-art Academic Center is located at 326 Market Street in Harrisburg. More information on the program is found online at http://www.harrisburgu.edu/academics/GTI/cgcio/index.php Information about the Government Technology Institute at Harrisburg University is found online at http://www.HarrisburgU.edu/GTI
The University's location in downtown Harrisburg is near Interstates 83 and 81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, making it an easy drive to the University. The Amtrak Passenger Train Station and Greyhound Bus Station are one block from our location. More information on parking rates and directions to the University are found online at http://www.harrisburgu.net/campuslife/directions.php#parking
About
Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania's need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.