Chris Cummiskey’s announcement on Jan. 13 that he will step down as the state’s chief information officer made him the fourth agency director appointed by Gov. Janet Napolitano to resign in anticipation of a change in governors. 
Cummiskey, who has served as director of the Government Information Technology Agency since Napolitano took office in 2003, indicted he would leave office when Napolitano has been confirmed as secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Three other department heads have announced similar decisions, including Department of Economic Security Director Tracey Wareing, Department of Real Estate Commissioner Sam Wercinski and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director Steve Owens.
Other department heads are expected to follow suit as Secretary of State Jan Brewer transitions into her new role as governor.
Cummiskey, a former Democrat state senator from Phoenix, was recognized by the Arizona 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.
“I’m proud of the advances Arizona has made in the use of technology to improve government service,” Cummiskey noted in a press release.
Wareing, whose office on Jan. 9 confirmed her resignation, was not available for comment. Liz Barker, a DES spokeswoman, said only that Wareing intends to pursue other professional opportunities.
Owens, who was appointed as DEQ director by Napolitano in January 2003, has indicated he will make an official announcement of his resignation after Napolitano has been confirmed.
Wercinksi, who was appointed Department of Real Estate Commissioner by Napolitano in January 2007, noted in a press release last week that he would serve through the transition if requested by Brewer.
“It is with mixed emotions that I tell you that my final day as commissioner will be effective upon Governor Napolitano’s resignation,” he wrote. “Should Secretary of State Brewer, upon becoming governor, wish me to assist the incoming commissioner during a transition period, I would be pleased to do so. I shall remain available to the new administration as requested.”