In case you missed it, this month the Office of Privacy and Data Protection (OPDP) hosted a webinar on Digital Equity and Privacy and the efforts taking place in the state to address the digital divide. WaTech’s Tavares Terry, Equity and Inclusion Director presented on his work and WaTech’s involvement with the Department of Commerce and Office of Equity. Visit our website for the recorded presentation and slide deck.
Our office also has been working to finalize the Enterprise Privacy and Data Protection Policy. It went through the extensive community and agency review process this winter and is expected to be voted on at the June 25, 2024, Technology Services Board meeting. In preparation for the policy launch OPDP hosted a webinar in February. Here is the recording and slide deck online. We also plan to post additional resources such as privacy notice implementation guidance and sample privacy principle policies on our Government Agency Resources | WaTech website.
Official name change to Washington Technology Solutions effective June 6, 2024
Effective June 6, 2024, our agency will adopt a singular name, pursuant to the enactment of House Bill 1947. The legislation legally changes the agency's name from Consolidated Technology Services (CTS) to Washington Technology Solutions, thereby unifying our identity.
This legislation also formally dissolves the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). The OCIO responsibilities and statewide initiatives are now fully integrated within WaTech. This integration also means that state IT policies will no longer carry the OCIO label and all references to OCIO and CTS will be gradually phased out from our documents and systems. The changes do not impact OPDP, which remains the Office of Privacy and Data Protection.
Awards
I have been humbled and honored this year to be recognized by both GovTech’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers award and StateScoop’s Top 50. My favorite Oscar acceptance speech is from Allison Janey who joked that, “I did it all by myself,” and then noted that “nothing could be further from the truth.”
I feel the same way and want to recognize and share these awards with my amazing team: Sofiya Ahmed, Zack Hudgins and Matt King. Without their tireless support and dedication to privacy in the state of Washington, the amazing progress we have made would not have been possible. I also want to also thank Bill Kehoe, WaTech’s teams, the Governor’s office, and the state Legislature for their support for our work in Washington. Washington was the first state with a dedicated budget and staff for privacy and we remain a national leader because of this support. Our efforts are making a difference for data protection in Washington! Thank you for this recognition!
Thanks and see you next month with more updates!
Katy Ruckle
State Chief Privacy Officer