LANSING – David Behen, who has served as Director of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, as well as the state’s Chief Information Officer for the past six years, will step down from his post on June 16 to pursue an opportunity with a global company headquartered in Michigan.
Current Chief Deputy Director Brom Stibitz will serve as the interim director until a permanent replacement is named.
“David has been a champion for the residents of Michigan and how they interact digitally with their government,” Gov. Rick Snyder said. “His passion for customer service and technology has changed the way government services are delivered to be more effective, efficient, and accountable. David has been a great leader, innovator and public servant for Michiganders and I wish him well in his new endeavor.”
Behen began at DTMB as state CIO in February 2011, a cabinet-level position, and added department director to his title in March 2014. During his tenure, Michigan has become a national leader in cybersecurity, earning numerous awards and recognitions. His passion for customer service has fundamentally changed the culture at DTMB and has led to breakthroughs in government efficiency.
“Public service is one of the most fulfilling things you can do in life and I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to make a difference for this great state,” said Behen. “Through the great leadership of Governor Snyder, and working alongside my fellow public servants at DTMB and throughout state government, we were able to accomplish some amazing feats that have improved the lives of Michiganders. I know that more great things are in store and I’m proud of the role that I’ve been able play.”
DTMB provides financial, administrative and technology services and information to Michigan’s state agencies, residents, businesses, local governments and universities. With about 3,000 employees, DTMB is responsible for 41 managed facilities, 5.4 million square feet of leased space, 1,525 information technology applications, almost 55,000 desktop, laptop and tablet computers, as well as five retirement systems that serve one in nine Michigan households. DTMB also is responsible for state government’s procurement portfolio of about 900 contracts worth billions of dollars.
Behen, who became director of the state’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) in 2014 upon then-director John Nixon’s departure, has made a significant impact on Michigan IT since stepping on board.
When he took the CIO post, a decade of economic turmoil left the state with many ancient systems in need of upgrade, so his first few years were spent creating a new strategic technology plan and identifying nearly 20 projects in need of replacement and enhanced automation — needs that were matched to multiyear tech funding in the state budget.
Over the years, Behen has led efforts to move email into the cloud, embark upon data center modernization, overhaul procurement and deploy a new statewide ERP system.
