April 7, 2025
Golden Gov Award Honors Liana Bailey-Crimmins as State Executive of the Year
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Anyone familiar with California State CIO and Department of Technology Director Liana Bailey-Crimmins would not be surprised to learn that in March she was named GoldenGov: State Executive of the Year for the annual StateScoop 50 Awards. The honor recognizes the most visionary and impactful leaders in state government IT.
Since her appointment in 2022 by Governor Gavin Newsom, Liana has led California’s technology transformation with passion and purpose. Her efforts have focused on enhancing cybersecurity and integrating emerging technologies such as generative AI, cloud services, and digital identity solutions. She plays a pivotal role in closing the digital divide through the state’s historic $6 billion Broadband for All initiative. As Chair of both the California Broadband Council and the Middle-Mile Broadband Advisory Council, she leads efforts to expand high-speed internet access across the state, promoting digital equity and ensuring all Californians have the resources they need to participate in the digital economy.
Apart from her many achievements, those who work with her will tell you her leadership is what really what sets her apart. Her door is always open, and she is known for her warmth, humility, and collaborative spirit.
With a career that has spanned more than 30 years, Liana’s dedication to public service is highlighted by her previous executive leadership roles that include stints as California’s Chief Technology Officer and at California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) where she held several Executive positions: Chief Information Officer, Chief Health Director, and Chief Information Security Officer, where she protected the private data of nearly 2 million members and a $400 billion investment portfolio.
Upon receiving the GoldenGov award, Liana expressed her gratitude for the teamwork that has made California the benchmark for state government IT—balancing innovation with accountability to create a more secure, equitable, and resident-focused digital government for all.