Rubel to join Meta Group

Meta Group has hired Thom Rubel, director of state information technology programs for the National Governors Association's Center for Best Practices, the firm announced June 27.

Rubel will serve as a vice president of government strategies for the Stamford, Conn.-based market research and consulting firm. He will work closely with the firm's federal, state, local and international clients, said John Goggin, Meta Group's vice president and director of government strategies.

"Our clients' No. 1 concern is the integration of technology and public policy," he said. "Few people know this area better than Thom."

In his role at the Washington-based association, where he worked from 1993 to 2003, Rubel helped establish its first IT program in 1998. The purpose of the state information technology program was to focus attention on IT management and implementation issues in the states and develop best practices for governors.

Under Rubel's leadership, the center developed several key IT projects, including an online e-government tool kit for governors that highlights best practices for internal state operations and state e-government excellence.

Rubel also has served as the association's director of economic development and commerce policy studies and director of transportation programs.

Before joining NGA, Rubel was an assistant undersecretary for small community and rural development at the Department of Agriculture and deputy director of consumer affairs at the Department of Transportation.

Meta Group's government strategies advisory service provides public-sector stakeholders with guidance that enables strategic program transformation, economic stability and extension of constituent services.

The government strategies advisory service emphasizes topics such as program and IT governance, establishing IT credibility and value, public-sector marketing, funding strategies, constituent relationship management and development and implementation of public policy.