Chris Bjornson, Accenture Federal Services’ chief information officer, has been chosen the first chairman of WashingtonExec’s newest CIO Council for 2020-2021.
“Government leaders need data-derived insights at their disposal and advanced technology tools that allow them to move rapidly and collaboratively as their mission-focused workloads require,” Bjornson said. “As we the launch the WashingtonExec Chief Information Officer Council, it’s our goal to drive continued excellence and efficiency in support of the government mission and cultivate inclusive and diverse career opportunities at all levels.”
The new CIO Council’s mission is to drive continued excellence and efficiency in support of the government mission and cultivate inclusive and diverse career opportunities at the high levels through collaboration with senior business and ecosystem leaders in our industry.
Through the council, members will have the opportunity to meet with government leaders to explore mission needs, network with other C-suite industry and government executives, collaborate to develop strategies for ecosystem partners to improve government outcomes and more.
As a founding member of the council and its first chairman, Bjornson will focus on recruitment, new business pursuits that meet customer priorities, and developing programs. The group plans to host events and programs on emerging CIO trends and priorities, bringing fresh topics to the table.
“Working together, CIOs can help the federal government operate with the latest innovations and capabilities available, so federal employees and U.S. citizens receive the best possible services,” Bjornson said.
Bjornson, a 2020 WashingtonExec Chief Officer Award winner for Public Company CIO, has 25 years of services with Accenture working with Fortune 500 companies, and has directed global programs for large companies and federal agencies, according to his LinkedIn.
Since joining Accenture in 1995, he’s held positions such as delivery lead and enterprise architect, global technology director and global digital lead before becoming CIO in 2013. He’s worked on green-field initiatives, an internet startup, mergers and acquisitions and designing new offshore engagement models.
Bjornson holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University.
“WashingtonExec is thrilled to announce the new CIO Council and Chris as its founding chairman,” said JD Kathuria, WashingtonExec founder and CEO. “Chris has spent his entire career in the GovCon space, bringing the right experience, talent and leadership to kick off this group. We’re excited to have Chris serve as chair for 2020 and look forward to seeing what he and the group will accomplish.”
WashingtonExec currently has over 300 participating executive members representing over 100 companies in the GovCon arena.