The concept of innovation in the public sector may seem counterintuitive to most of us, but not to Cortlandt Manor resident Norman Jacknis, Westchester County’s former (and first ever) chief information officer, whose digital government initiatives were responsible for significantly improving the county’s responsiveness and effectiveness in reaching out to its constituents. Under his leadership, Westchester County created a 500-mile fiber network, connecting all government offices, libraries, and local police departments.
Following 9/11, he used these digital initiatives to improve homeland security in New York—an accomplishment for which he was recognized as one of America’s “Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers” by Government Technology magazine. In his current role at ICF, an economic and social development think tank, Jacknis uses his innovative prowess to bring technology to rural farming communities around the globe.
