David B. Behen ’92, ’96G
David B. Behen
David B. Behen ’92, ’96G received a Bachelor of Science in History and a Master of Science in Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University. Since then, he has served as chief information officer (CIO) and deputy administrator for Washtenaw County and co-founded GDI Infotech, a software company, and served as vice president and CIO of its parent corporation.
Currently, David serves in dual roles for the State of Michigan as director of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) and CIO where he is responsible for setting the strategic direction and timely delivery of state services in technology and administrative functions of the state government. David leads an agency of 2,700 employees with an annual budget of $1.2 billion that provides business and technology services to 18 state agencies.
A champion of strategic planning, David involves all department staff in the process aimed at advancing customer service and promoting employee satisfaction. Under his direction, DTMB has invested $107 million since 2013 in an IT investment fund that is financing more than 40 projects to replace legacy equipment and improve services for citizens. He is a driving force behind expanding mobility services and strengthening cybersecurity. From caseworkers in Human Services to road crews on the highways, employees now have mobile devices to speed up processes and improve efficiency. His work on the Cloud First Strategy has lead the state to a more productive cloud strategy while ensuring citizen data is fully protected. During his tenure with the State of Michigan, the employees are more mobile, the data center is more efficient, and online services have been expanded.
In 2014, ComputerWorld recognized David as one of its 100 Premier IT Leaders. In 2013, he received the Merit Network Award for innovation in networking and information technology. Government Technology magazine named him to its top 25 list of IT Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers and was chosen by Crain’s Detroit as the first winner of the Business CIO award in 2012.
David’s passion for service is evident in everything he does. His vision for a citizen centric government and to provide Michigan citizens and businesses 24/7 service has been a hallmark of his leadership. Whether he is advising the governor on technology investments, working with Cabinet members on implementing innovative IT programs, or working with his staff on the implementation of a strategic initiative, David’s leadership has been instrumental in the reinvention of state government.
David also holds a number of board and committee positions in professional and technology organizations. He is chair of the Governing Board for Michigan Digital Summit, executive board member of Michigan Technology Leaders, board member of Midwest Technology Leaders, board member for Michigan Homeland Protection and more.
David has given back to EMU by addressing students, staff, and the community in a public forum titled, “Reinventing Michigan Through IT” and was interviewed for the MPA Alumni Network.