NASIRE Hires Consultant to Represent State CIOs

The National Association of State Information Resource Executives has hired a consulting company to represent the association in Washington.

Collins & Company Inc. of Arlington, Va., will help NASIRE of Lexington, Ky., reach out to the federal government and other organizations in the nation's capital, said NASIRE officials Jan. 17.

"Our associates in Washington will ensure consistent communication and representation among our D.C.-based constituencies," said Aldona Valicente, NASIRE president and Kentucky chief information officer.

"Through Collins & Company, NASIRE will build awareness of our issues and concerns on Capitol Hill," she said. "We believe that this will allow us to work closer with our federal partners and related organizations."

Shay Stautz, senior associate for programs and legislation with Collins & Company, will serve as NASIRE's primary contact in Washington. Before joining the firm, Stautz was an independent consultant for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Center for International Private Enterprise on international and management issues.

Stautz will represent NASIRE at meetings in the Washington area, work with Washington-based state government associations and IT-related organizations, administer joint projects with other groups such as the National Governors' Association and provide federal IT updates to NASIRE members.

NASIRE represents the chief information officers, information resource executives and managers from the states, the six U.S. territories and Washington. Representatives from federal, municipal and foreign governments also participate in the organization as associate members.

Corporations, private universities and nonprofit organizations may also participate as corporate members.