Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has tapped Jeff Maxon to become the state’s new chief information technology officer (CITO) and leader of its Office of Information Technology Services (OITS).
Maxon is very familiar with the role as he has served as interim CITO since DeAngela Burns-Wallace left that position in January of this year.
“Throughout his time in state government, Jeff Maxon has ensured Kansans have safe and secure access to digital services,” Gov. Kelly said. “His expertise in information technology makes him the perfect choice to lead the agency and reaffirms my commitment to keeping Kansas’ IT systems safe and secure. I look forward to his continued service to Kansas.”
Maxon has worked for the state government since 2009. Prior to being the interim CITO, Maxon served as the state’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Gov. Kelly’s office said Maxon will continue to serve as the state’s CISO until a replacement is found. He also serves as a Cyber Defense Operations Craftsman with the Kansas Air National Guard.
“I am humbled by Governor Kelly’s appointment to continue in the role of CITO,” Maxon said. “OITS is an agency of dedicated public servants, and I’m proud to work alongside them as we look to what the future holds for Kansas digital government and a whole-of-state approach to cybersecurity.”
During his time as interim CITO, Maxon led the development of Kansas’ new Generative Artificial Intelligence policy. He also helped pass legislation for mandatory reporting by public entities and government contractors that experience a significant cybersecurity incident, and worked to secure funds for the Kansas Information Security Office to provide robust cybersecurity tools and resources to Executive Branch agencies.
Gov. Kelly’s office said in a statement that Maxon has been “instrumental” in planning and hosting the Kansas Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit, which brings together experts from across government, including K-12 schools, colleges, state, county, and local units of government, with the aim of fostering communication and coordination on cybersecurity risk preparedness.
Maxon attended Washburn University for undergrad and he also has a Master’s Degree in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity from Capella University.
