Tanya Rodriguez-Heffel
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Topeka, Kansas, United States
Professional Overview
Tanya Rodriguez-Heffel is a seasoned technology executive with over 15 years of experience driving digital transformation and advancing information security initiatives. As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Kansas Office of Information Technology Services, she is responsible for overseeing the state's technology operations, spearheading strategic IT projects, and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the CTO of the Kansas Office of Information Technology Services, Tanya is responsible for aligning the state's technology strategy with its overall business objectives. In this role, she directs the implementation of advanced IT systems, oversees the development and deployment of enterprise-wide applications, and leads a team of skilled IT professionals. Tanya has been instrumental in modernizing the state's technology infrastructure, improving service delivery, and enhancing the security posture to safeguard sensitive data and systems.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Tanya held several senior-level positions in the technology and cybersecurity sectors. As the Director of Technical Operations and Client Services at Georgetown University Law Center, she led the implementation of cutting-edge technology solutions to support the institution's academic and administrative functions. Additionally, Tanya served as a Virtual CISO and Managing Director at SecureIT, where she provided strategic guidance and tactical support to help clients strengthen their information security practices.
Earlier in her career, Tanya held leadership roles at large multinational organizations, including Senior Director of Technical Operations, Standards and Architecture at Monster, and Senior Manager of Global Technical Operations at RSA Security, the security division of EMC. In these positions, she spearheaded the development and deployment of enterprise-wide technology platforms, drove the adoption of industry-leading security standards, and managed cross-functional teams to deliver mission-critical projects.
Academic Background
Tanya holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Kansas, where she graduated with honors. Her academic achievements and technical aptitude have been instrumental in shaping her successful career in the technology and cybersecurity fields.
Areas of Expertise
- Information technology strategy and governance
- Cybersecurity and risk management
- Enterprise architecture and systems integration
- Cloud computing and infrastructure modernization
- Agile project management and product development
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Tanya has demonstrated a track record of driving innovation, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing the security posture of the organizations she has served. In her current role as the CTO of the Kansas Office of Information Technology Services, she has spearheaded several high-impact initiatives, including the implementation of a statewide cloud computing platform, the deployment of advanced threat detection and response capabilities, and the optimization of IT service delivery to better support the needs of government agencies and citizens.
Tanya's industry contributions extend beyond her direct responsibilities, as she actively participates in professional associations and industry events, sharing her expertise and thought leadership on emerging technology trends and best practices in cybersecurity.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, deep technical expertise, and strategic leadership skills, Tanya Rodriguez-Heffel is a highly respected technology executive who is well-positioned to continue driving digital transformation and strengthening the cybersecurity posture of the state of Kansas. Her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement makes her a valuable asset in the public sector technology landscape.
