Boston names Oates CIO

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino appointed William Oates this week to serve as the city's chief information officer.

Oates, who was previously senior vice president and CIO of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc., brings more than 20 years' experience to the position.

In his new cabinet-level post, Oates will be responsible for leveraging the use of technology and information and working to improve the business of government and delivery of services through technology.

Boston is in the midst of a number of technology initiatives. For example, the has established a Wi-Fi Task Force to explore how to bring wireless technology to the city's neighborhoods. In addition, the city is preparing to launch a new Web site this summer designed to make it easier for residents, visitors and businesses to obtain information about the city and its services.

Oates is a graduate of Boston College and holds a degree in global technology law from Suffolk University Law School.