On this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss how California government transitions affect thousands of gubernatorial appointees and the broader technology landscape, especially with an uncertain governor’s race and early “lame duck” dynamics. They use the departure of longtime state technology leader Liana Bailey Crimmins and the arrival of a new state CIO as a case study in how leadership changes ripple through procurement, priorities, staff retention, and vendor relationships, while core operations continue. The conversation explains the difference between political appointees and Career Executive Assignments (CEAs), including at-will risk, return rights, and why CEAs are sometimes called “career-ending assignments.” They argue that “personnel is policy,” urging listeners to prepare accomplishments, elevate strong public servants, and build relationships with the managers who will remain through future administrations.
On this episode of Gov Tech Today, hosts Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha discuss how California government transitions affect thousands of gubernatorial appointees and the broader technology landscape, especially with an uncertain governor’s race and early “lame duck” dynamics. They use the departure of longtime state technology leader Liana Bailey Crimmins and the arrival of a new state CIO as a case study in how leadership changes ripple through procurement, priorities, staff retention, and vendor relationships, while core operations continue. The conversation explains the difference between political appointees and Career Executive Assignments (CEAs), including at-will risk, return rights, and why CEAs are sometimes called “career-ending assignments.” They argue that “personnel is policy,” urging listeners to prepare accomplishments, elevate strong public servants, and build relationships with the managers who will remain through future administrations.
00:00 Welcome to Gov Tech Today
00:14 California Transition Stakes
01:42 Positioning for New Governor
03:10 CIO Departure Shockwaves
06:37 Keeping Projects Moving
09:21 Explaining CEA Roles
11:25 Return Rights and Risks
14:07 Personnel Is Policy
15:58 Transition as Opportunity
18:19 Build Middle Manager Ties
19:32 Wrap Up and Thanks