FBI CIO joins tech lobbying group

The move bolsters the tech association's government contracting policy work. ITI pulled back from the federal technology contracting space in 2018, dissolving its IT Alliance for Public Sector group. ITAPS was founded in 2013 when the team of lobbyists and industry experts at rival trade association TechAmerica bolted for ITI. The precipitous move led to a lawsuit that was settled a year later.

Bitko's team will look after all of its public sector policy matters, including federal and state procurement rules and regulations, public sector supply chain risk management and security, federal IT modernization, government acquisition and implementation of cybersecurity and other innovative products and services.

Bitko will start his new duties in November.

FBI Director James Comey named Bitko agency CIO in April 2016, moving him up from section chief of the agency's Support Services Transformation Office, where he was responsible for transforming the bureau's IT strategy.

"Gordon brings decades of experience and acumen in advancing technology and innovation in the private and public sectors," said Jason Oxman, ITI's president and CEO, in a statement. "From promoting IT modernization to implementing critically important procurement and supply chain security practices at a key federal government agency, Gordon has had a front row seat navigating these complex policies, which are integral to every technology company."