WaTech is pleased to announce that State Chief Technology Officer Nick Stowe was recently honored with the Outstanding Leadership Award in Washington state government.
“Your contributions to public service are very impressive,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Your dedication, hard work and focus on results have made a significant difference in state government.”
The annual award recognizes managers in state government who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through performance results in the previous year. Inslee recognized 23 state agency leaders last week at an annual awards ceremony held at the Executive’s Residence.
Stowe was recognized for transforming Washington’s technological landscape with initiatives like the AI Community of Practice and Identity and Access Management Program. His inclusive leadership fostered collaboration, enhanced service delivery, and advanced equitable public service achievements.
Stowe achieved significant outcomes by leading transformative projects that directly enhanced public services by streamlining access to public services, ultimately saving time and reducing frustration for citizens. He also demonstrated an exceptional ability to build and maintain high-performing teams under very challenging conditions, helping ensure WaTech succeeded and delivered on its mission.
“Thanks to our dedicated public employees, Washington is among the few states that consistently ranks as one of the best states to live and work,” Inslee said. “Because of your expertise and experience, we’re bolder, better, and more agile during change and challenge.”
The awards were created by an executive order in 1985 to honor state government leaders who exemplify leadership. Inslee expanded the criteria to focus on continuous improvement principles, as well as pro-equity and anti-racism efforts. A selection committee composed of agency directors reviewed many nominees and chose the recipients.
Read the governor’s full press release about this year’s award recipients.