DPS Hires Sarandos as Head of IT Division

AUSTIN – The Texas Public Safety Commission and Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw today announced the hiring of Chris Sarandos as the assistant director for the Information Technology (IT) Division effective September 4, 2012.

“IT supports virtually every aspect of our department’s mission, including providing real-time information to law enforcement across the state; core functions necessary for driver license transactions; data security; and website management,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “I am confident that with Chris’ leadership skills, extensive experience in the information technology field and appreciation for our public safety mission, he will serve our department and our state proudly.”

Sarandos will oversee approximately 300 employees at DPS and manage a division that supports vital technology needs for the more than 8,500 employees, who provide essential services to Texans every day. For more than 30 years, he has worked in the information technology industry, and is experienced in the design and delivery of cost-effective, high-performance information technology infrastructures and applications to address complex business problems.

Sarandos most recently served as the chief information officer for the State of Wisconsin, overseeing the state’s information technology infrastructure. In that role, he served as the IT adviser on the Governor’s Homeland Security Council, and chaired the Governor’s Cyber Security Working Group. Prior to working for the State of Wisconsin, Sarandos served as chief information officer for the Peace Corps. He also served 28 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a colonel. His final position with the Air Force was as the NATO Headquarters chief information officer.

Sarandos earned a bachelor’s degree in data processing from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and a master’s degree in management from Webster University.