Strategic IT Management and Human-Centric Leadership

Jaime Wascalus, Director and CIO, Office of Technology and Communications, City of Saint Paul

Jaime Wascalus began her IT career as a web developer and moved into leadership roles after discovering the joy of working with and guiding smart, creative, and diverse teams. In 2022 she joined the City of Saint Paul’s Office of Technology and Communications as Director and CIO, leading talented public servants who support a city that works for all. Jaime serves on the Smart North Board and Full Stack Saint Paul and is a finalist for the 2024 Minnesota ORBIE Awards.

Jaime Wascalus is a seasoned IT and project management professional with a diverse background spanning several sectors, including finance, retail, healthcare, education, and government. She holds a master of science in technology management from the University of Minnesota and a project management certificate from George Washington University. Today, Wascalus is the CIO and Director at the City of Saint Paul’s Office of Technology and Communications.

A Journey of Technical Expertise and Leadership

I have dedicated my entire career to IT, starting as a web application developer. I soon realized that, alongside the technical aspects of technology development, I was passionate about fostering collaboration and working closely with people. The solitary nature of development led me to pursue leadership positions and, eventually, project management. My career took me from the private sector into the public sector, where I had the opportunity to lead a major electronic health record transformation for a university. Spending almost a decade in higher education, I held various roles, from IT Director to CIO. I eventually transitioned to my current position as CIO for the City of Saint Paul in November 2022.  

My diverse experiences in the private and public sectors, along with guidance from excellent mentors, have prepared me well for this position. I'm committed to engaging with departmental colleagues, residents and businesses to build a city that serves everyone effectively.

Navigating Public Sector Trends

Two major trends that dominate the public sector today include cybersecurity and infrastructure modernization. As technology evolves rapidly and cyber tactics advance, we focus on enhancing cybersecurity measures and updating infrastructure to remain flexible, agile and secure. There is a significant push to improve digital services, ensuring that information is accessible to everyone anytime without creating barriers. We still need significant investment to enhance the user-friendliness and efficiency of services.

AI is at the heart of these efforts. But we are proceeding with caution. We must use our limited resources wisely, ensuring that new technologies are implemented responsibly and free from bias.  Our goal is to maximize value while maintaining safety and security. Another critical focus is leveraging human potential. As AI and technology advance, we must redouble our efforts to develop and train the talented individuals who support us. By leveraging and combining their skills with AI, we aim to transform our work while ensuring the human element remains central to our efforts.

Cultivating Leadership and Innovation

People—their talents, their ideas, their personalities—are the heart of the City of Saint Paul’s Office of Technology and Communications, and I honor that by listening to and learning from the experience and intelligence of my staff. One of my most significant achievements has been transforming my organization’s culture to foster leadership and innovation at all levels. By meeting one-on-one with each staff member, I gained a deeper understanding of their needs, which has helped us design development pathways to improve support and create an open environment where ideas are freely shared. I take great pride in my role with the Gov AI Coalition, where we work with over 300 jurisdictions to ensure the responsible use of AI in the public sector. This collaborative effort contributes significantly to making a meaningful impact.

Enhancing Infrastructure, Data Management and Security

I am excited about the future and the impact of our upcoming initiatives. Our focus is on improving core services like infrastructure, network and data. As infrastructure evolves, there is a strong commitment to rapidly adapting to new technologies. We are rolling out a new enterprise data plan to maximize AI’s potential by breaking down historical data silos, enhancing our planning and support for the city. These efforts, combined with advancements in security and network practices, will strengthen our data protection. We are enthusiastic about our new infrastructure upgrades with a team that includes a 38-year veteran. This experienced team is poised to drive meaningful change and ensure our ongoing success during this promising time.

Gaining Insights and Learning from Experience

I always prioritize slowing down and truly listening. This approach has allowed me to gain invaluable insights from my teams, city collaborators and Mayor Carter. Effective leadership is grounded in gathering extensive information, particularly from experienced public servants who have worked in the government sector for decades. For those new to the workforce, my advice is to listen attentively.

Technology may advance in cycles with new names and tools constantly emerging, but the fundamental principles remain the same. Understanding these enduring concepts, combined with a commitment to attentive listening, provides a foundation for navigating technological changes effectively. One can uncover invaluable insights and drive meaningful progress by deeply engaging with experienced professionals and remaining open to diverse perspectives. This approach enhances personal growth and contributes significantly to advancing individual and organizational goals.

AI

Project Management

Data Management

Retail

Healthcare

Agile