South Carolina names Bryant CIO

South Carolina has appointed Jim Bryant, a former technology executive with AT&T Corp. and EDS Corp., to serve as the state's chief information officer.

South Carolina has appointed Jim Bryant, a former technology executive with AT&T Corp. and EDS Corp., to serve as the state's chief information officer.

Bryant was appointed to the position this week by Frank Fusco, executive director of the South Carolina Budget and Control Board. Bryant will start his new job Jan. 9.

In his new position, Bryant will be responsible for the state's data center, telecommunications services and IT procurement process. His office has about 300 employees and a budget of more than $66 million.

Bryant is employed as a defense contractor and management consultant. In addition to working for top technology companies, he has worked on telecommunications construction contracts in Iraq, Jordan and Afghanistan.

Bryant retired from the Air Force in 1997 as a lieutenant colonel. He holds five degrees, including a master's of business administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, and a doctorate in environmental engineering from the Union Institute in Cincinnati.