Concourse

Wyoming

IT Status Report & Strategic Plan

February 23, 2026 · Version 2.0

Executive Summary

Governor

Mark Gordon (R)

CIO

Jeff Clines

CISO

Miguel Penaranda

IT Organization

Department of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS)

State Agencies

91

Population

588K

✓ Key Strengths

  • CIO Jeff Clines (appointed September 2024) brings proven state CIO experience from South Dakota including major financial system modernization -- providing experienced, stable leadership after period of CIO turnover
  • ETS 2026-2028 Strategic Plan establishes five clear themes -- Enterprise Technology Governance, Foundational Services, Trusted Partnerships, Resource Stewardship, and Cybersecurity & Risk Management -- providing comprehensive direction for state IT
  • $348M BEAD broadband allocation with NTIA final approval secured in late 2025, $198M awarded for 65 last-mile deployment projects serving nearly 39,000 unserved and underserved locations -- significant savings achieved through competitive procurement
  • CISO Miguel Penaranda brings 29 years IT and 14 years cybersecurity experience including establishing South Dakota's Cyber Security Division -- building resilient cybersecurity ecosystem with 'security first' culture emphasis across state government

⚠ Key Risks

  • Massive 1.8 GW AI data center approved in Laramie County (Crusoe/Tallgrass) scalable to 10 GW would consume more electricity than all Wyoming homes combined -- creating unprecedented energy infrastructure demands and grid reliability concerns
  • History of significant CIO turnover prior to Clines' appointment -- previous CIO T.R. Sheehan resigned, followed by interim director Aaron Roberts -- organizational instability risk if pattern repeats during strategic plan implementation
  • Smallest population state (587,600) with extremely limited IT workforce pipeline -- competing for cybersecurity and cloud talent in a market dominated by energy sector employers in Cheyenne and Casper
  • No formal statewide AI governance framework despite the state becoming a major AI infrastructure hub through data center development -- Select Committee on Blockchain/AI still evaluating legislative approaches while other states have enacted comprehensive AI laws

Capability Areas

Capability Radar

Cybersecurity & …AI & AutomationDigital Governme…Data Management …Workforce & TalentCloud ServicesBroadband & Conn…IT Procurement &…Interoperability…Legacy Moderniza…
Wyoming

Current IT Projects

ProjectStatusDescriptionTimeline
BEAD Broadband DeploymentAwarded$348M BEAD program deploying broadband to nearly 39,000 unserved and underserved locations across Wyoming. 65 last-mile projects awarded totaling $198M. Wyoming Broadband Office managing subgrantee contracts, compliance, and construction oversight.2025-2030
ETS 2026-2028 Strategic Plan ImplementationActiveImplementing five-theme strategic plan covering Enterprise Technology Governance, Foundational Services, Trusted Partnerships, Resource Stewardship, and Cybersecurity & Risk Management. Establishing formal IT governance framework and service excellence metrics.2026-2028
Cybersecurity Ecosystem DevelopmentIn ProgressCISO Penaranda building resilient cybersecurity ecosystem with agency collaboration, threat intelligence sharing, training programs, and 'security first' culture integration across state government operations.2025-2027
AI Data Center Infrastructure DevelopmentApproved1.8 GW AI data center approved in Laramie County (Crusoe/Tallgrass partnership) with potential scaling to 10 GW. Managing energy infrastructure requirements, environmental impacts, and economic development opportunities.2025-2030
IT Governance Framework EstablishmentIn ProgressCIO Clines establishing formal IT governance framework to align technology investments with state priorities, standardize agency IT practices, and prevent fragmentation. Building trust with agencies through partnership approach rather than mandates.2025-2027
AI Governance Legislative DevelopmentUnder ReviewSelect Committee on Blockchain, Financial Technology, and Digital Innovation Technology evaluating AI governance legislation informed by Colorado, Utah, and California approaches. Developing Wyoming-specific framework balancing innovation with consumer protection.2025-2027

100-Day Strategic Plan

Quick-win initiatives for immediate impact

200-Day Strategic Plan

Strategic initiatives for sustained transformation

Sources

  1. Wyoming Department of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  2. ETS 2026-2028 Strategic Plan (accessed 2026-02-23)
  3. ETS Executive Leadership: Jeff Clines, CIO (accessed 2026-02-23)
  4. ETS Executive Leadership: Miguel Penaranda, CISO (accessed 2026-02-23)
  5. StateScoop: Wyoming's New CIO Wants to Build Trust with Agencies (accessed 2026-02-23)
  6. GovTech: South Dakota IT Leader Jeff Clines Named Wyoming State CIO (accessed 2026-02-23)
  7. Wyoming Office of Cybersecurity (accessed 2026-02-23)
  8. Wyoming Broadband Office BEAD Program (accessed 2026-02-23)
  9. Wyoming Broadband Office Advances to Next Phase of BEAD Deployment (accessed 2026-02-23)
  10. Laramie County AI Data Center Approval (Crusoe/Tallgrass) (accessed 2026-02-23)
  11. US News: Cheyenne to Host Massive AI Data Center (accessed 2026-02-23)
  12. University of Wyoming AI Commission (accessed 2026-02-23)
  13. Wyoming Legislature Select Committee on Blockchain/AI: AI Governance Memorandum (accessed 2026-02-23)
  14. ETS Governance Structure (accessed 2026-02-23)
  15. Wyoming State Auditor's Office Annual Report FY 2025 (accessed 2026-02-23)
  16. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Wyoming (accessed 2026-02-23)
  17. NASCIO 2025 State CIO Top 10 Priorities (accessed 2026-02-23)