EY Launches Peer-Mentorship Program for State CIOs Amid Rising Public Sector Tech Challenges
Event summary
- EY has launched the EY Government and Public Sector (GPS) Chief Information Officer (CIO) Advisor in Residence Program, effective December 18, 2025.
- The program is an initiative of the EY Center for Government Modernization, designed to support state-level technology leaders.
- The program leverages a CIO Advisory Council composed of former state CIOs, including Claire Bailey, James Collins, Chris Estes, Lori Victor Feller, Doug Holt, Karen Robinson, and Michael Tosh.
- The program aims to address challenges like evolving cyber threats, budget pressures, and the complexities of governor appointments.
The big picture
State CIOs face increasing pressure to modernize IT infrastructure while navigating tight budgets and evolving security threats. EY’s program represents a recognition of the growing need for peer support and mentorship within the public sector, particularly as technology leadership transitions frequently due to political appointments. This initiative positions EY to capitalize on the demand for specialized advisory services within a market increasingly reliant on technology for citizen services.
What we're watching
- Governance Dynamics
- The program’s success hinges on the active participation and influence of the Advisory Council; a lack of engagement could undermine its intended impact on state CIO decision-making.
- Talent Retention
- Whether the program can effectively address the broader issue of talent retention within state government IT departments remains to be seen, as mentorship alone may not solve systemic workforce challenges.
- EY’s Expansion
- The program’s rollout and expansion to other levels of government (federal, local) will indicate the broader market demand for EY’s public sector advisory services and its strategic priorities.
Related topics