The Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) announced a large-scale realignment that includes a workforce reduction, a shift to a new operating model, and a leadership transition.
The realignment is “designed to fundamentally improve how the state designs, builds, and maintains the technology Coloradans depend on to access government services,” according to the announcement.
The office said the restructuring began in February.
David Edinger, who has served as chief information officer (CIO) and executive director since November 2023, will step down from the role. Sarah Tuneberg, OIT’s deputy executive director for digital and delivery, will take over beginning June 1.
“As the modernization strategy took shape, I recognized that executing it successfully requires a leader with deep, firsthand experience in modern delivery,” Edinger said. “Sarah is highly regarded for her ability to solve complex operational challenges in government and her leadership has enabled teams to accomplish what was once thought impossible. She will bring that same approach as she leads OIT into the future.”
Edinger will remain with OIT through June 11 to support the transition.
In addition to this leadership transition, OIT also plans to reduce its workforce by 173 employees. The reduction, officials explained, targets management layers and internal coordination functions that accumulated over time.
“I reached the difficult but necessary conclusion that the way OIT has been operating will not get us to where we need to be,” said Edinger. “We are fundamentally changing how we operate, and that shift requires a restructure of our workforce. This is a reflection of our new strategic direction, not the talent or commitment of those affected by the layoff.”
According to officials, the result of the reduction is an organization with fewer people managing processes and “more people doing the important work of improving online services that support Colorado families.”
Aside from the workforce changes, the realignment also includes a new operating model.
Going forward, officials said, OIT will operate through a delivery model that pairs technology teams with state agencies to work directly on public services and deliver them through simple, reliable, user-friendly digital services.
The office pointed to the Colorado Energy Savings Navigator as one example, saying the state combined hundreds of energy-savings programs into one tool that came in $1 million under budget and six months ahead of schedule.
“This next chapter is about genuine transformation, not just a refresh. We’re rebuilding how OIT works from the ground up, around delivery, around outcomes, in service to Coloradans. Our focus will be on ensuring the services Coloradans rely on … are not only available online but also simple and easy to access,” Tuneberg said.
