Featuring:

Lisa Kent, CIO, City of Houston

Summer Xiao, Deputy CIO for Enterprise Applications and PMO, City of Houston

Summary: Join Lisa Kent and Summer Xiao as they share their journey of transforming public sector technology in America's fourth-largest city, revealing how they tackle challenges from digital equity to emergency preparedness. Through their candid discussion, they demonstrate how effective leadership, strategic communication, and a mission-driven approach are revolutionizing government technology services while building resilient, high-performing teams.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How the City of Houston breaks down departmental silos to deliver better customer experiences

The critical role of "one team" meetings in aligning business users, IT teams, and vendors

Strategies for managing technology transformation during crisis events like COVID-19

Innovative approaches to solving digital equity challenges in urban environments

How to build and retain talent in public sector technology roles

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Welcome and introductions

(01:30) Lisa Kent's journey from electrical engineering to city CIO

(05:02) Breaking down silos in large organizations

(09:31) Summer Xiao's background and leadership philosophy

(13:40) HR One project: Leadership lessons and team alignment

(21:54) The "one team" approach to project management

(25:20) Recruiting talent and sharing mission impact

(30:08) Emergency preparedness and continuity planning

(34:13) Collaboration with peer cities and best practices

(37:43) Smart Cities initiatives and digital transformation

(39:10) Digital equity and broadband access challenges

(41:39) Resource management and internship programs

(44:07) Legacy impact and future aspirations

→ #180: J.R. Sloan, Ryan Murray & Doug Lange – Arizona State CIO, CISO & Former CSO Talk AI

1. The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.

2. The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.

3. Live Events: Join us at TechTables live events—whether hosted by us or in partnership with industry leaders—where we bring together senior technology leaders. Experience exclusive networking, collaborative sessions, and inspiring discussions that spotlight and elevate public sector leadership.

CONNECT

🤝 Connect on LinkedIn

🐦 Connect on Twitter

🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company

📽️ Subscribe on YouTube

SAY THANKS

💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify

Get full access to TechTables at techtables.substack.com/subscribe

Audio Influencers are now a thing on Clubhouse, Logan Paul’s Business Savvy, Musicians are going to start Loving Facebook, and acquiring IG Meme Accounts