The Sooner State is seeking its next information security leader ahead of an impending departure from the C-suite.
Oklahoma’s Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) advertised for a state chief information officer (CISO) this week as CISO Michael Toland prepares to pursue “a new opportunity,” according to Christa Helfrey, public information manager at OMES. His last day will be July 3.
Toland was named CISO in May 2023 and led all information security efforts, compliance and privacy practices, according to the Oklahoma IT Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2024-2026. State CIO Dan Cronin will oversee cybersecurity operations during the job search.
“Toland … has faithfully served the state of Oklahoma during his tenure,” Helfrey said via email. “We thank him for his service and leadership in advancing the state’s cybersecurity initiatives and wish him the very best in his next endeavor.”
The new state CISO will have oversight of statewide security infrastructure, development of Oklahoma IT security policies and standards, and coordination of risk management and compliance initiatives. He or she will lead training and awareness efforts, review agency cybersecurity practices, and represent the state in policy discussions and intergovernmental forums. The position, which is within the Information Services division, under the purview of OMES, closes July 1.
Oklahoma’s next CISO will have responsibility for cybersecurity initiatives including OK-ISAC, its Information Sharing and Analysis Center, a threat intelligence sharing organization; and its Cyber Command, which continuously monitors and responds to security threats.
