CDG and CDE add five senior fellows

The Center for Digital Government and Center for Digital Education named five new Senior Fellows on July 1, expanding an advisory network meant to inform research, events and guidance for public-sector leaders. The additions bring in former top technology and data executives from California, Colorado, Palm Beach County and Texas A&M.

Why it matters: - The new appointments expand a long-running bench of public-sector technology leaders who help shape advice for government and education decision-makers. - CDG and CDE use the Senior Fellows network to inform benchmarking, advisory work, events and thought leadership. - The additions come as public agencies and schools face faster-moving demands around cybersecurity, data strategy, AI policy and modernization.

What happened: - The Center for Digital Government and Center for Digital Education announced five new Senior Fellows on July 1, 2026. - The new fellows are Liana Bailey-Crimmins, Amy Bhikha, Archie Satchell, Dr. Mark A. Stone and Amy Tong. - CDG and CDE are brands of e.Republic.

The details: - Liana Bailey-Crimmins is the former California state CIO and director of the California Department of Technology. - Bailey-Crimmins led statewide technology strategy, cybersecurity and digital transformation in California. - She advised Gov. Gavin Newsom on enterprise IT modernization. - Her work included cloud adoption, digital identity and California’s Broadband for All initiative. - Bailey-Crimmins also held senior technology posts across California state government, including CIO and IT leadership roles at California Correctional Health Care Services. - Amy Bhikha most recently served as chief data officer for Colorado. - Bhikha led enterprise data strategy, governance, shared services and AI initiatives across Colorado state government. - Her work supported statewide data modernization, cross-agency collaboration and responsible AI governance. - Archie Satchell is the former CIO for Palm Beach County, Florida. - Satchell brings more than 30 years of public-sector technology leadership experience. - As county CIO, he oversaw enterprise IT services for more than 35 departments and 7,000 employees. - His portfolio included modernization, cybersecurity and digital inclusion initiatives. - Dr. Mark A. Stone is the former system CIO for the Texas A&M University System. - Stone has more than 45 years of experience in enterprise systems, financial management and IT strategy. - He led cybersecurity, applications, networking and infrastructure strategy across the system. - His work included ERP transformation, shared services, enterprise governance and cybersecurity modernization. - Amy Tong is the former California state CIO and secretary of government operations for California. - Tong most recently served as senior counselor to Gov. Gavin Newsom. - Her state service spans more than 25 years. - Her leadership covered technology, procurement, cybersecurity, AI policy and broadband infrastructure. - The Senior Fellows community includes former CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, chief data officers and agency executives. - The network draws on executive experience to help organizations navigate technology, operational and policy challenges. - CDG and CDE said the expanded roster strengthens a deep and highly experienced advisory network. - Rob Lloyd, executive director of CDG and former CTO for Seattle, said the fellows bring judgment from leading large organizations to credible outcomes. - Teri Takai, chief programs officer at e.Republic, said the caliber of leaders reflects the role of e.Republic, CDG and CDE as trusted conveners for the public sector.

Between the lines: - The roster leans heavily toward senior leaders with direct experience in state government and education technology, which suggests CDG and CDE want practical operating insight more than abstract policy commentary. - The mix of data, cybersecurity, modernization and higher education backgrounds points to the core issues likely shaping the organizations’ research agenda. - The appointments also signal a continuing effort to keep former top officials connected to public-sector problem solving after they leave government posts.

What's next: - The Senior Fellows are expected to contribute research, speaking, advisory expertise and thought leadership. - The network will continue supporting government, education and industry leaders as technology change accelerates. - More information is available in the Senior Fellows network, CDG, CDE and e.Republic.