When Brent Littleton, se2 chief information technology officer, isn't working to guide and lead technology initiatives at the Topeka offices, his expertise and leadership are being called upon to help the State of Kansas with its policy and coordination for the state's multitude of IT resources.   

As an appointed member of the Information Technology Executive Council, Littleton, with 16 other voting members from government and the private sector, are responsible for overseeing and providing input on a wide range of IT strategies and activities.

"It's truly an honor to serve on this Council, and I'm looking forward to participating and learning from key IT leaders in Kansas. I hope my experience with Security Benefit and se² will allow me to contribute another perspective on technology options and strategies," said Littleton, who was notified in May of his nomination by former Kansas Governor Parkinson. Littleton's term ends in October 2011.    

The Council's charge is to adopt information technology resource policies and procedures and project management methodologies for all state agencies; an information technology architecture, including telecommunications systems, networks and equipment, that covers all state agencies; standards for data management for all state agencies; and a strategic information technology management plan for the state.

It provides direction and coordination for the application of the state's information technology resources, designates the ownership of information resource processes, and is the lead agency for implementation of new technologies and networks shared by multiple agencies in different branches of state government.

"The sheer volume of activities and costs associated with statewide governance of IT activities has been an eye-opening experience," said Littleton. "By incorporating a variety of points of view from the Council, including private sector, the State of Kansas can increase IT efficiencies, standardize processes, streamline reporting, transform & replace legacy systems and increase communication. The State's goals are similar, in many ways, to the goals of Security Benefit and any se2 client. The Council helps the State move forward by providing experiences, asking business-focused questions and offering different approaches."

Littleton has met with the group twice since his May appointment, and sees ample opportunity for improving the State's IT infrastructure and operational efficiencies. "One of the most daunting discussions is the potential consolidation of multiple data center facilities. Included in this discussion is the consolidation of several key infrastructure technologies, such as e-mail and unified communication. We've done similar activities, but on a much smaller scale. But our experiences allow me to feel comfortable sharing lessons learned," said Littleton.

"I've been very impressed with the passion, knowledge and organization of the State's IT leaders. They are focused on helping the State of Kansas develop a statewide, focused strategy; continued improvement regarding project management; and encouraging agencies to work together to use a single architecture for state efforts. It's a privilege to work with the Executive Council, as well as to represent our company."

The Information Technology Executive Council meets periodically throughout the year, and is often asked to review the recommendations of IT leaders within the various state agencies before those recommendations go to the legislature for funding.