Minnesota CIO named to broadband strategy board
Carolyn Parnell, Minnesota’s chief information officer, was one of five technology executives named to the Blandin Foundation Broadband Initiative Strategy Board.
Started in 2003, the Blandin Broadband Initiative aims to ensure a high quality of life and a globally competitive future for its citizens, business and communities by deploying and encouraging the use of ultra high-speed next generation broadband across the state.
Joining Parnell on the board are Hickory Tech’s Carrie Rice, Red Wing’s Matt Schmidt, DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben and Turtle Island Communications President Madonna Yawakie.
“We are delighted that Carolyn, Carrie, Matt, Katie and Madonna have agreed to share their talents, expertise and perspectives with the Strategy Board,” says Bernadine Joselyn, director of public policy and engagement for the Blandin Foundation. “They will be strong additions to the board, given their focus on the growth and enhancement of Minnesota’s economy — an arena in which high-speed Internet plays a key role in creating connected, economically vibrant rural communities.”
Among her leadership roles as state CIO, Parnell is the commissioner of MN.IT Services, the state agency that provides effective information technology to Minnesota’s government.
Prior to joining the Governor’s Cabinet, Parnell was the chief operating officer for information technology services for the Minnesota System of Colleges and Universities, the fifth-largest system of two-and-four year colleges and universities in the nation.
Parnell also held leadership positions at MN Public Radio/America Public Media, Fidelity National Information Systems and the University of Minnesota.
