NASCIO honors Valicenti

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. ? The National Association of State Chief Information Officers has presented its first annual meritorious service award to Kentucky CIO Aldona Valicenti. The award was given Tuesday evening on the second day of the association's annual conference.

The association cited Valicenti's accomplishments within Kentucky as well as at the national level. While serving as CIO for the past five years, Valicenti helped the state re-engineer and rethink its technology investment and provided much-needed leadership and direction, according to NASCIO.

Valicenti served as NASCIO's 2000-2001 president and has held several key positions within the association, including program committee chair, nomination committee chair and partnership committee chair.

She has transformed the group's strategic plans into action and has helped elevate the voice and mission of the association, NASCIO said. She also has become an advocate for the role of CIO on a national level.

"Aldona has worked to ensure the vitality of the organization. She has brought focus to the issues and leadership to the association," said Gerry Wethington, NASCIO president and Missouri CIO. "Through her efforts as ambassador to the organization, she has solidified the vitality of NASCIO. She has worked tirelessly to grow the association."

NASCIO created the award to spotlight a state CIO whose distinctive leadership, innovation and achievements exemplify outstanding service and leadership in state government.

Nominations are solicited from the NASCIO state CIO members only. The executive committee picks the winner.