Top federal IT official stepping down in July

The White House announced Thursday that the Trump administration’s top IT official, Suzette Kent, will step down from her position in July.

Kent, who was appointed Federal Chief Information Officer (CIO) by President Trump in early 2018, announced her departure during a team meeting on Thursday. The position heads the Office of E-Government and Information Technology, part of the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

In the position, Kent was responsible for developing guidance on the use of internet-connected technology, along with streamlining digital interaction between the federal government and U.S. citizens and businesses, as well as overseeing some cybersecurity initiatives.

During her tenure, a new cloud computing initiative was launched, along with rolling out updated policies around how federal agencies can secure their networks. 

Kent said in a statement that it had been “an honor and a privilege to serve our nation.”

“My commitment was to give 100 percent to improving government technology and citizen services,” Kent said. “It is my hope that the outcomes achieved stand in evidence to that commitment.”

She noted that she had “confidence” in the abilities of other top OMB leaders, including Deputy Federal CIO Maria Roat, and added she had “great pride in results delivered” while serving at OMB.

Roat will likely step into the position of federal CIO on an acting basis, but the White House has not commented officially on who will take over.

Kent did not comment on what her next steps are following her departure next month. 

Acting OMB Director Russ Vought thanked Kent on Thursday for her service.

“I want to thank Suzette for all of her work on behalf of the President,” Vought said in a separate statement. “During her time at the White House she’s had a remarkable impact on Agencies operations, helping to drive critical modernizations through the President’s Management Agenda. On behalf of the entire Office of Management and Budget, I want to express my deepest gratitude for Suzette and wish her all the best in this next chapter.”

Kent was the fourth person to serve as permanent federal CIO since the position was created by the E-Government Act of 2002. She previously served in top positions at Ernst & Young, JPMorgan and Accenture.