LOS ANGELES — Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie's chief advisor on technology and cyber security moved to the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Sanjeev "Sonny" Bhagowalia began work there as deputy assistant secretary and chief information officer on Oct. 20.
Bhagowalia "has helped Hawaii leapfrog from the back of the pack in technology and cybersecurity to the front of the line; and we are now one of the best in the country," Abercrombie said in a statement.
Hawaii has received 25 national awards for the transformation of its technology systems under Bhagowalia, according to the Abercrombie administration.
"We have the right plans and have completed many projects, thanks to his invaluable leadership and the cooperation of the extended technology and cybersecurity [family]," Abercrombie said. "Because of him, we are now on the right track, charting and navigating the course to success for the future of Hawaii and its citizens."
State of Hawaii Chief Information Officer Keone Kali called Bhagowalia a primary catalyst in spurring much of the progress the state has made in a short period of time. He served in Kali's position as the state's first CIO from July 2011 to February 2014, before being named the governor's chief advisor.
Bhagowalia laid the groundwork for the state's 12-year plan to transform its IT systems, which are now entering the implementation phase, Kali said.
