IBM elevates new federal leader

IBM has appointed a new leader of its U.S. public sector business to replace Jay Bellissimo, now a senior executive at Vonage.

IBM has named Steve LaFleche as the new leader of its U.S. public and federal market sector.

He replaces Jay Bellissimo, who left last month to become chief operating officer of Vonage.

Steve LaFleche

Steve LaFleche, IBM General Manager, U.S. Public and Federal Market

LaFleche is a 33-year veteran of IBM and most recently was managing director for Big Blue's work in the state of New York. He also led the team responding to states most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to that, he was vice president for U.S. public sector for North America.

LaFleche's focus in his new role will be to continue the move toward modernization, hybrid cloud and the adoption of artificial intelligence.

Under his purview will be IBM’s business with federal and state and local governments, the education market, defense, intelligence, health care and life sciences.

The team supporting LeFleche remains the same group that was alongside Bellissimo. Sam Gordy is the general manager and chief strategy officer. Terry Halvorsen is general manager and lead for business development.