Press Releases

“Sharkbytes” Features Conversations with Local Government Tech Leaders

Washington, DC – CompTIA, the leading trade association for the global information technology (IT) industry, and the Public Technology Institute (PTI) announced the launch of a new podcast focused on delivering in-depth interviews with some of the brightest and most innovative technology leaders in city and county governments from around the nation.

"Sharkbytes" will be hosted by Dr. Alan Shark, Executive Director of PTI and a noted expert on the intersection of technology and government. Each episode will dive into the contemporary issues facing tech leaders managing city and county operations. The first episode features an interview with Barry Condrey, CIO of Chesterfield County, Va.

“We want to hear from the technology experts who are working to improve how local governments leverage solutions and services to improve their operations,” Shark said. “Managing IT for a city or county is challenging work. ‘Sharkbytes’ is the ideal platform for us to talk to the professionals who are on the front lines so we can better understand their challenges and the innovative work they are doing within their communities.”

Listeners can find “Sharkbytes” here. New episodes will be available every other Thursday.

The first few episodes of “Sharkbytes” will focus on how CIOs are dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and its effects on critical public operations and services. The podcast also will cover the role emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and drones play in local government operations.

“Dr. Shark understands the unique challenges facing local CIOs better than anyone,” said Nancy Hammervik, Executive Vice President for Industry Relations at CompTIA. “‘Sharkbytes’ will deliver exclusive interviews and valuable information for government IT pros as well as the technology professionals who provide solutions and services to public agencies. CompTIA is excited to bring this new podcast to the technology community.”

Shark is an associate professor at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government and Course Developer/Instructor at Rutgers University Center for Government Services. He also is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, as well as a Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives and a Fellow of the Radio Club of America.

About PTI
Established in 1971 by the several major national associations representing state and local governments, PTI has been viewed as the focal point for thought leaders who have a passion for the furtherance and wise deployment of technology. PTI's initial funding was through a grant from the National Science Foundation. Today, PTI actively supports local government officials through research, education, professional development, executive-level consulting services, and national recognition programs.

About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading voice and advocate for the $5.2 trillion global information technology ecosystem; and the estimated 75 million industry and tech professionals who design, implement, manage, and safeguard the technology that powers the world’s economy. Through education, training, certifications, advocacy, philanthropy, and market research, CompTIA is the hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce. Visit www.comptia.org to learn more.