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For IT Leaders, By IT Leaders
Helping Minnesota County IT Professionals Connect and Share Ideas, Knowledge, and Expertise.
Minnesota Counties Information Technologies Leadership Association
The Minnesota County Information Technology Leaders Association (MNCITLA) was created in 2004 by a small group of 18 county technology leaders with a desire to compare ideas and glean knowledge. Since then, MNCITLA has grown to a membership of over 60 counties, actively sharing ideas, collaborating on projects, and equipping county technical staff with the collective knowledge of other counties, large and small. MNCITLA prides itself on successfully integrating counties of all sizes into an active organization.
Over the years, members of MNCITLA have been involved as subject matter experts in various policy workgroups and committees at the regional and state level. Technology is a foundational part of every county operation. As an organization with a future-focus, we believe that IT should function as an integral part of county governance, as opposed to serving in a more supportive or reactive role. County technology is integral to the function of every department and must strive to be proactive, collaborative, and progressive.
Purpose & Goals
MNCITA’s purpose is to support Minnesota county information technology leaders through collaborative communication between counties, state departments and other public sector organizations. We do this, in part, by sharing information, best practices, policies, and procedures between counties to further efficiencies. As an organization, our goal is to act as a unified point of contact with the State of Minnesota and other public sector organizations for information technology related issues and disseminate information to all members. Our association is currently working to:
- Promote best practices in county data/records retention policies.
- Monitor and identify trends in cyber security threats to county systems.
- Increase and maintain accessibility standards on county websites and digital resources.
- Partner with state administration officials on efforts to address IT issues facing Minnesota.
- Develop and promote best practices and policies for county technology departments.
- Collaborate ideas, knowledge, and expertise between county technology leaders.
Membership Benefits
Our association offers professional development, networking, idea sharing, and advocacy opportunities to county IT professionals. Our members work in collaboration with each other to address the challenges unique to public-sector IT, and strive to find efficiencies and create innovation as we serve our communities. MNCITLA provides training and workshops to county IT and administrative staff in response to areas of need identified by our members. We have listserv resources to foster idea sharing, and provide legislative advocacy on behalf of members as well.
INFORMATION SHARING WITH OTHER COUNTY TECHNOLOGY LEADERS
MNCITLA members have access to a listserv used to ask questions and share ideas. Gain access to the knowledge of more than 60 county technology leaders.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES & PLATFORM UPDATES
Receive email updates from our AMC Legislative Liaison during the legislative session. Be part of one collective voice providing input to proposed legislation.
SHARED ACCESS TO MEMBER COUNTY POLICY & PROCEDURES DOCUMENTS
Access our document repository containing policies, procedures, and other documentation from other member counties.
ATTEND OUR ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Your paid membership includes an invitation to our annual conference including the conference fees and food (hotel and travel not included). Our annual conference includes technology relevant presentations from several industry leaders.
Listservs Offered by MNCITLA
DISCUSSION
Membership is granted to the IT Director/CIO or appointed technical manager for each MNCITLA member county. Annual membership dues are required for this listserv. Discussion items are often managerial, policy/procedural, legislative, strategic, budgetary or technical in nature, and are shared in confidence between members of the group.
PMBANETWORKING
Membership is free and granted to all interested county or state employees. Discussion items are related to business analysis, project management, and innovation and may not necessarily be technical in nature. Members meet face-to-face throughout the year and share their experiences and projects. This discussion is open to MN county and state employees only.
TECHTALK
Membership is free and granted to any county personnel who wish to have a resource to participate in a wide range of technical discussions and troubleshooting. This group is a place for help desk, support analysts, system/network engineers and other county employees involved in a technical support role at their county. This discussion is open to anyone interested MN county employee in the role of technical support.
Sign up for ListServ
MNCITLA Board Members
Our Board is comprised of four officers elected by our general membership. They represent rural and metro county IT departments from around Minnesota and function collaboratively as a governing body to meet the needs of MNCITLA. Along with our Executive Director, the Board works to create professional development and idea-sharing opportunities for our association, as well as build our legislative platform. They are here to serve you, while you serve your counties!
Renee Heinbuch
Washington County IT Director
CHAIR
Jeff Peichel
Scott County CIO
VICE CHAIR
Ryan Findell
Pine County IT Manager
SECRETARY
Terry Ocaña
Chippewa County IT Director
TREASURER
Leah Patton
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Upcoming Events
See our full calendar for a complete list of scheduled MNCITLA events. For additional information, contact Leah Patton at lpatton@mncounties.org.
Web Accessibility 101: A Workshop for County Governments
Overview
An event structured for county decision makers and IT directors, this workshop will provide a general overview of best practices and tools for web accessibility, and help identify what county governments need to consider in providing digital resources to their communities.
Tentative Agenda
8:30-9:00: Registration
9:00 – 9:35: Law and rationale behind digital accessibility.
9:35 – 10:45: What is digital accessibility in practice?
10:45-11:00: Break
11:00 – 11:45: Contracting vendors for an accessible website (MCIT).
11:45 – 12:15: Tools and best practices, strategizing for your county.
12:15 – 1:00: Lunch
1:00 – 1:30: Social media accessibility basics.
1:30 – 2:00: Discussion.
2:00 – 2:45: Q&A, wrap up.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Cost
MNCITLA member counties: Free for first attendee, $25 for each additional attendee to cover catering cost.
Non-MNCITLA member counties: $100 per attendee.
*RSVPs will be sent invoice and payment information.
Email lpatton@mncounties.org with any additional questions, or for help with registration.
Address
Resource Training and Solutions
137 23rd St S, #201
Sartell, MN 56377