A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, CONSENTING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF CHRISTOPHER SARANDOS AS THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH.

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) will oversee all major information and communication technology initiatives for the City of Miami Beach and work to increase innovation throughout the City’s technology infrastructure and services. The Information Technologies department will be a leader in developing a more public-facing role as well seeking to create a meaningful technology experience for the City’s residents by focusing on digital access, literacy, and positive user experience. The CIO will be responsible for developing department goals and systems that align with the City’s Mission and Values.

In February 2019, I began a search to fill the recently created CIO position. After review of several candidates, I am recommending the appointment of Mr. Chris Sarandos. A copy of his resume is attached hereto.

Mr. Sarandos has over forty years of experience in the public sector, most of them in technology and communications. He has served as the Chief Information Officer for the State of Wisconsin, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and the U.S. Peace Corps. His areas of expertise include strategic planning, business systems planning, information technologies operations and applications, project and program management, leadership and an in-depth understanding of emerging technologies.  These skills will no doubt be useful in positively redirecting the focus of the Information Technologies Department.

Mr. Sarandos developed his skills, experience and reputation for transformational leadership over the course of a nearly 30 year career in the U.S. Air Force which saw him rise to the rank of Colonel.  His duties included oversight of IT systems and management, commanding an overseas communications unit named the Best in the Air Force, and developing a multinational surveillance program for ships in the Mediterranean Sea.  During the 9/11 attacks, Mr. Sarandos was actually stationed at the Pentagon, and was tasked after the attack to establish an innovative command post at an alternate site where he collaborated with military authorities from all the US branches. He established much needed circuits and arranged logistical processes; all under budget and within the given time constraints.

Mr. Sarandos holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in Data Processing and a master’s degree in Management from Webster University.