Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.
Jerry Mechlin

Jerry Mechling

Contributor

Jerry Mechling, an independent consultant, is a former faculty member of the Harvard Kennedy School, where from 1983 to 2011 he taught degree-program courses on information management and founded Strategic Computing in the Public Sector, a research and executive-education program. He also is a former research vice president at Gartner Inc.

A fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and four-time winner of the Federal 100 Award, he was formerly a fellow of the Institute of Politics; an aide to the mayor of New York City and assistant administrator of the New York City Environmental Protection Administration; and director of Boston's Office of Management and Budget.

He received his B.A. in physical sciences from Harvard College and his M.P.A. and Ph.D. in economics and public affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University.

There are hurdles that are keeping governments at all levels from realizing the full benefits of cloud computing. To overcome them, we will need new kinds of collaboration.
Technology can solve problems and contribute to solutions. The key is getting IT people into the process at the start.
The key to performance is information that makes work accountable, provides guidance, coordinates over distance and seeks out innovation.
There are too many IT project failures in government. Getting the upfront analysis right could prevent a lot of them.
Governors, mayors and budget directors need to update the budgeting process to ensure IT-enabled innovations.
Michigan's massive new data center is the right technology for these tough economic times.
Transparency and accountability are more important than ever. There are steps managers should take to achieve those goals.
The District of Columbia is making practically all of its data available to the public. The effort to promote transparency and trust is generating excitement.
Online services are fine, but they've become old hat. It's time to use new technology tools to make government more transparent and collaborative.
They really need to know, writes Jerry Mechling, how to earn a role as a trusted member of the leadership team.