Sam Orth III Appointed as Director of Technology
Sam
Orth III has been appointed Director of Technology by Mayor Andrew J. Ginther.
His anticipated start date is July 3, 2016.
Orth
comes to the City of Columbus after serving the Chief Technology Officer for
the Management Council of the Ohio Education Computer Network (MCOECN) where he
worked with Information Technology Centers, the Ohio Department of Education
and school districts to help ensure that information technology is advancing
the achievement of Ohio’s K-12 students.
“Technology
is critical to the running of Columbus. Sam brings a wealth of experience as
well as a collaborative team-oriented, citizen-focused approach to the
position,” said Mayor Ginther. “I am pleased to have him join my cabinet.”
“As
chair of the Department of Technology, I am excited to work with newly
appointed Director Orth,” said Councilmember Michael Stinziano. “Together we will
continue to focus on using technology efficiently to provide unparalleled
service to the residents of Columbus.”
Prior
to serving as the CTO for the MCOECN, Orth served at the State of Ohio, Ohio
Office of Information Technology as the State Chief Information Officer. From
1997 to 2004, Orth served as the Executive Director of the Ohio SchoolNet
Commission (now eTech Ohio), where his team implemented nearly $1B in educational
technology programs - including expanding the capacity of broadband
connectivity for Ohio’s schools and placing over 600,000 computers in Ohio’s
classrooms.
“I
am passionate about information technology’s role in serving government and
education,” said Orth. “I am honored to serve Mayor Ginther and the City
of Columbus.”
Orth
also has years of experience in the private sector as a consultant, systems
engineer and market development executive.
Orth
takes over for Sherry Kish who has been serving as interim director since March
2. Kish will remain with the City of Columbus serving as Deputy Director of
Technology.
Orth
attended The Ohio State University.
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