Governor’s head of Technology Services to step down
SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 15, 2015) – After 32 years of service in state government, Mark VanOrden, executive director of the Department of Technology Services (DTS), will retire leaving his post effective on Nov. 12, 2015.
“I would like to thank the governor and all those I have had the chance to associate with during my career,” said VanOrden. “The accomplishments and success I have enjoyed throughout my career are largely thanks to the good people I have worked with.”
For the last three years, VanOrden has led the effort to improve the state’s cybersecurity while also providing 1,100 different online services to the residents of Utah. He has overseen the hosting, communications, application development, desk support and IT purchasing for 22 agencies. In 2014, Utah received an “A” grade in eGovernment by the Center for Digital Government. Utah was one of only three states to receive the recognition in 2014, and is the only state to have received the recognition every year since the award was created in 2008.
“Mark has been a valuable member of my Cabinet and a tremendous public servant,” Gov. Herbert said. “He and his team prevent millions of attempted cyber attacks against state databases every day.”
During his tenure, VanOrden led an effort to encourage an online interface with state agencies. A recent report indicated that every transaction completed online instead of in-person saved Utah taxpayers an average of $13. Under his leadership, the state of Utah completed 34 million online transactions in 2013.
VanOrden began his career at the State of Utah in 1982 as a programmer for the Department of Enrollment Security. He has worked in various positions in state government including the IT director for the Department of Workforce Services from 2006 to 2012. VanOrden was appointed executive director of the Utah Department of Technology Services in October 2012.
VanOrden will retire and pursue service and volunteer activities with his wife.
