San Antonio names Varn interim CIO

San Antonio has appointed Richard Varn as its interim chief information officer, the Texas city announced this month.

Varn served as Iowa's CIO from 1999 to 2003. He has served as president of the IT consulting firm RJV Information Consulting Services Inc. on and off since 1988.

In his new role, Varn will be responsible for providing strategic advice and direction to city staff on best practices for technology and organizational management, such as enterprise resource management and structuring a permanent CIO position.

While serving as Iowa's CIO, Varn helped establish the state information technology department, creating a pooled technology fund for state agencies and successfully implementing the state's year 2000 plan.

Of the 10 largest cities in the nation, San Antonio was the only one without a CIO. Varn, who began serving in the new position March 4, reports directly to Interim City Manager Rolando Bono.