New Haven appoints its first Chief Technology Officer to improve technology management and prevent data breaches

Michael Simeone has been appointed as the first Chief Technology Officer of New Haven, Connecticut. In his new role, Simeone will be responsible for managing all technology and technological resources for the city. He will also play a crucial role in decision-making processes and develop strategies and growth plans for both the city and the Board of Education.

Simeone expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I am honored to serve as the city’s new Chief Technology Officer and to work alongside Mayor Elicker, Dr. Negrón, other members of the Board of Education, and the city’s dedicated information technology employees.” He looks forward to using his expertise in information technology and cybersecurity to manage the city’s day-to-day technology operations and support its efficiency goals while prioritizing the needs of New Haven residents.

One of Simeone’s key responsibilities will be to collaborate with the mayor, superintendent, and their representatives to oversee and assist IT staff members, manage the technology budget, supervise system and quality assurance processes, and align technology goals and initiatives across the city and the Board of Education.

With over 25 years of executive IT management experience in finance, legal services, and state government, Simeone is well-equipped for this role. Recently, he served as the Chief Information Officer for Bendett & McHugh, P.C., one of Connecticut’s largest law firms. In this position, he led a team of 24 IT professionals supporting the firm’s practice representing major financial institutions nationwide.

Simeone’s appointment comes at a crucial time for New Haven as it aims to enhance technology management and security to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future. One such incident was when $6 million was stolen from a compromised email account by New Haven Board of Education officials last year. Fortunately enough that $3.6 million has been recovered since then