Courtesy photo.
VENTURA — County Executive Officer Mike Powers has appointed Terry Theobald as the County’s new Chief Information Officer (CIO). “It is an honor and privilege to be appointed to the role of CIO. I am deeply committed to improving the lives of Ventura County residents and workers through technology. I’m looking forward to working with the IT Services organization, County agencies and all of IT’s customers to implement critical projects and continue the efforts to bring innovative solutions forward in our County,” said Terry Theobald.
Terry’s appointment resulted from a national recruitment. Terry’s expertise in application and infrastructure management, strategic planning, innovation and process improvement were key factors in his selection. Terry brings over 40 years of information technology experience including 20 years in executive leadership and 12 years in technology consulting. He has been serving at the County of Ventura for 19 years and has served as the interim Chief Information Officer for more than a year.
“The County of Ventura has a well-deserved reputation for innovation with its technology,” said County Executive Officer Mike Powers. “Terry’s background and experience has prepared him well to guide our talented IT employees to new levels of creativity and innovation in service of our communities.”
In 2020, the County was recognized as the number one Digital County in the Nation. This recognition highlighted the County’snetwork upgrades to support COVID-19 response operations. It also recognized the extensive efforts to provide telemedicine services, the county’s Lean Six Sigma program and STEM program which have become County best practices.
Prior to taking on the interim position, Terry was the Director of Information Technology for the Ventura County Health Care agency. Since 2001, he has been responsible for delivering successful solutions for County staff and residents through some of the largest technology projects at the County. Some highlights include:
- Sheriff’s components of the County’s criminal justice system (VCIJIS)
- Health Care agency’s electronic health care system (Cerner)
- Expansion of the County’s Microwave system and emergency services radio system
- Performance upgrade of the entire County network and introduction of new telephone technology (VoIP)
- Property Tax replacement project.
Terry is passionate about the County’s mission to create a model of efficient and accessible government helping to make sure services are accessible online and not in line. During a time when many residents have had to be remote IT has worked to allow ease of access to services remotely. Broadband is now more important than ever as more people need hi-speed internet to work, learn and access needed services. Further enhancing Broadband access, coverage, and performance will continue to be an important focus in partnership with private and public sector partners moving forward.