New Haven Appoints First Chief Technology Officer Amidst Cybersecurity Concerns

New Haven, Connecticut recently appointed Michael Simeone as its first chief technology officer. Simeone previously worked in a technology role for a law firm before taking on this new position. In his new role, he will oversee the city’s technology budget and help integrate technology initiatives across the city. This position is housed within the mayor’s office, and Simeone will also collaborate with Superintendent Madeline Negron to establish technology strategies and growth plans for the city’s Board of Education.

Simeone expressed his enthusiasm for applying his information technology and cybersecurity expertise to guide the city’s technology operations. He aims to support the city’s technology and efficiency goals while serving New Haven residents in this critical role. His appointment comes after a business email compromise incident in June, where hackers stole $5.9 million in city funds related to a New Haven Public Schools bus contract. The incident was discovered when the company contacted the school district about a missing payment.

Sophis Fox-Sowell, who reports on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and government regulation for StateScoop, provided information about Simeone’s background. She previously worked as a multimedia producer for CNET, focusing on private sector innovation in various sectors through podcasts and video content. Fox-Sowell holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Wagner College and a master’s degree in media innovation from Northeastern University.