Tiffany L. Connell

The meeting commenced with a quorum confirmation for the hybrid meeting structure, compliant with the Open Meetings Act. The board recessed to executive session to consult with its attorney and consider personnel matters regarding the executive director position, as allowed under Texas Government Code sections 551.071 and 551.074. Following the executive session, the board resumed the open meeting. A subcommittee reported on the comprehensive search for the new Executive Director and State Chief Information Officer, narrowing down approximately 60 candidates to a final recommendation. The board then moved to vote on the appointment of Tony Sauerhoff to the position of Executive Director and State Chief Information Officer, which was subsequently approved by roll call vote. The meeting concluded with adjournment after confirming no public comment registrations.

The meeting began with administrative formalities, including a roll call, and an explanation of the hybrid meeting structure compliant with the Open Meetings Act, including procedures for in-person and Zoom attendance and public comment. The Board recessed into executive session to consult with its attorney and consider personnel matters related to the executive director. Following the executive session, the Board officially appointed an interim Executive Director. Key discussion items included a status update on major agency initiatives such as the transition of statewide cyber functions to Texas Cyber Command, multiple statewide Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives, IT procurement training development, and website modernization efforts required by House Bill 5195. The Board also addressed significant facility changes, including preparation for moving out of the 13th floor of the WPC building for renovation. Additionally, the Chief Procurement Officer presented several action items for approval, including awarding contracts for Enterprise Technology Solution Services (STS) to Accenture LLP, Deloitte Consulting LLP, and KPMG LLP, which are voluntary services for customers. Another action involved approving an amendment to extend a contract with Symbio Ecosystems for sourcing and transition assistance. Finally, the Board considered an amendment to the security operations contract with SIC to include privileged access management services for a public cloud manager contract with NTT Data Services Americas.

The key discussion topics for this board meeting include the Chair's Remarks, consideration and potential approval of the October 23, 2025, Board Meeting Minutes, and a Report on Agency Performance. The Chief Procurement Office update involves considering the award of TSS Contracts (DIR-STS-TSS-699, DIR-STS-TSS-700, DIR-STS-TSS-701) and delegation of authority for execution. Other procurement actions involve considering amendments to contract SOW-01-FY23-SA-1002, Security Operations Contract DIR-SECOPS-MSA-434, and TEX-AN 2021 Telecommunication Contracts. The Office of General Counsel will seek approval to propose and adopt rule amendments for 1 TAC Chapters 213, 218, and the creation of Chapter 219, authorizing publication in the Texas Register for public comment where applicable. The Chief Financial Office seeks approval for a budget amendment to increase the FY 2026 Professional Fees Staff Augmentation Budget by $650,000, offset by a reduction in Salaries. The agenda also includes consideration for the appointment of an interim Executive Director and State Chief Information Officer, followed by updates from various offices including Chief Information Security Office, Chief Operations Office, Chief Technology Office, Chief Data Office, and Chief Experience Office.

The agenda for the meeting included several action items requiring Board approval. These actions covered the approval of the February 16, 2023, Board Meeting Minutes. The Chief Financial Office update required approval for a notification to the Legislative Budget Board regarding the estimated FTE count exceeding the current cap for the third quarter of fiscal year 2023. The Chief Procurement Office update included consideration and approval for amendments to multiple major contracts, including Print, Mail, and Digitization; Mainframe Services; Texas Private Cloud, Facilities, and Computing Services; and Texas.gov Services. Additionally, approval was sought for the award of three Statements of Work (SOW) and one Request for Quotation (RFQ). The Office of General Counsel sought approval to publish proposed rule amendments for 1 TAC Chapter 202 for public comment. The Chief Information Security Office proposed the adoption of the Security Controls Standards Catalog. The agenda concluded with reports from the Chief Technology Office and Chief Operations Office, and a session for Public Testimony.

The agenda for the board meeting includes deliberation in executive session regarding personnel matters, specifically the appointment of an Internal Auditor. Key action items involve considering the approval of the August 25, 2022, Board Meeting Minutes, the Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Audit Report, and the delegation of signatory authority for DIR audit firm contracts. Furthermore, the Board is scheduled to consider approvals for updates to the TX-RAMP Program Manual and amendments to specific contracts (DIR-TSO-3981). Other topics include the consideration of proposed rule amendments for 1 TAC Chapter 211 and Chapter 216 for publication in the Texas Register for public comment, and the approval of the 2022 Biennial Performance Report.