The state's chief information officer has announced his resignation, the latest in what will likely be a long list of agency directors appointed by Gov. Janet Napolitano who will resign or be replaced when Napolitano departs for a job in the Obama administration.

Chris Cummiskey, who has been director of the Government Information Technology Agency since Napolitano took office in 2003, announced he would resign his post when Napolitano tenders her resignation to become director of the federal Department of Homeland Security.

Napolitano must first be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. She faces a hearing before a Senate panel on Jan. 15 and is expected to be confirmed by the Senate early next week.

"I'm proud of the advances Arizona has made in the use of technology to improve government service," Cummiskey said in a written release announcing his resignation. 

Cummiskey, a former Democrat state senator from Phoenix, was recognized by the Capitol Times in 2007 for his work in developing public policy dealing with technology. Other Arizona technology and information endeavors also received national awards during Cummiskey's tenure as GITA director.

Cummiskey's announced departure follows the resignations of Department of Economic Security Director Tracey Wareing earlier this week and Department of Real Estate Director Sam Wercinski last week. Steve Owens, director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, also has indicated he will resign when Napolitano is officially out.