City Of Woodstock Creates Chief Information Officer Role

Press release from the City of Woodstock:

Feb. 7, 2023

The City of Woodstock has restructured its Information Technology Department and named Katy Leggett as the organization’s first Chief Information Officer. Following the announcement of IT Director Jeff Smith’s retirement in January, City officials saw the opportunity to combine the IT Department with the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Division and began the process to promote GIS Manager Katy Leggett to Chief Information Officer (CIO). Leggett will lead the combined department in implementing a more proactive, data-driven strategy while ensuring greater organizational efficiency.

Formerly, City of Woodstock’s IT department provided internal service responding to help desk tickets, performing server maintenance, providing training, and ensuring data security. Going forward, the reorganization positions all city departments to collaborate more effectively and utilize more data in policy and decision-making.

“I am honored to have been promoted to the role of Chief Information Officer for the City of Woodstock. This new opportunity allows me to continue serving the city and its residents in a more impactful way, and I am excited to take on this new challenge,” said Leggett. “My focus
will be on leveraging technology to improve the delivery of city services and enhance the overall quality of life for our residents. I am eager to work closely with the city's leadership team and all employees to achieve our shared goals and provide the best possible experience for the people of Woodstock.”

Katy Leggett began with the City of Woodstock as a GIS Analyst in 2013 and was promoted to GIS Manager in 2014. Since then, Leggett has pioneered solutions promoting data-driven decision making for city staff and elected officials, such as server upgrades, full implementation of ArcGIS Online and Field Maps, creation of The Data Hub (an open data portal), and an internal UAV/Drone Program with trained FAA-certified pilots. Katy also cofounded and served as the Co-Project Lead for Smart Woodstock, the city’s Internet of Things (IoT) technology initiative that developed and adopted a Master Plan for Smart technology in future city projects.

“This newly combined Information Technology Department will focus on leveraging technology to pursue innovative solutions to enhance service delivery for our residents and business community” stated Assistant City Manager Coty Thigpen. “The fresh take on the department and focus on collaboration will position Woodstock to be a leader in smart strategies and will foster a data driven decision making process.”

Key to the success of the restructure was the promotion of Senior Systems Administrator Steve Onufrock to Deputy CIO. Onufrock, who joined the City of Woodstock in 2019, will continue to advance the City of Woodstock’s network and information infrastructure while supervising the
city’s two HD Techs, Ish Bahena and Kris Movalia. GIS Analyst Valentina Fehr will continue to report to Leggett as will the vacant Senior GIS Analyst position once filled. For more information about the Senior GIS Analyst role, visit woodstockga.gov/jobs.

About City of Woodstock, GA: Located just 30 miles north of Atlanta, Woodstock’s City limits include more than 12 square miles and over 35,000 residents. Woodstock is a Georgia PlanFirst Community, a Platinum Level ARC Green Community, and a recipient of Georgia Municipal Association’s Live Work Play City Award. Learn more at woodstockga.gov.

This press release was produced by the City of Woodstock. The views expressed here are the author's own.