Chief Technology Officer

City of Tacoma•Tacoma, WA

About The Position

Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is seeking a strategic and innovative Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead technology strategy, modernization, and digital transformation in support of its Power, Water, and Rail utility divisions. The CTO aligns technology investments with business priorities and advances the delivery and reliability of utility services. The position reports to the Utility Technology Services (UTS) Tacoma Power Deputy General Manager/Chief Information Officer (CIO). The CTO provides executive leadership and oversight for enterprise architecture, data and artificial intelligence, geospatial platforms, utility business enablement, and technology program and project management. The role partners with TPU leadership and stakeholders to advance technology initiatives, strengthen business capabilities, and transform the digital customer experience. It develops and executes short- and long-term technology strategies, modernizes systems, optimizes investments, and supports evolving utility needs. The CTO also guides integration of operational technology (OT), including SCADA systems and grid infrastructure, with information technology (IT), cloud data engineering, and artificial intelligence. The position requires strategic vision, executive leadership, business acumen, collaboration, organizational alignment, and effective execution of complex technology initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or a directly related field.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in information technology, including prior supervisory, managerial, and/or subject-matter expert experience.
Some assignments may require a background check.
As assigned, North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection certification (NECC-CIP).
Equivalency: one year of experience equals one year of education.

Responsibilities

Lead development and execution of short- and long-term technology strategies aligned with TPU division strategic plans and Smart Utility Plans.
Oversee technology portfolio governance, project planning, implementation, and prioritization.
Champion evaluation, pilot testing, and deployment of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, predictive asset maintenance, load forecasting, geospatial platforms, and microgrids.
Direct capital and operating budget planning, monitor expenditures, and establish cost-of-service and cost-recovery models.
Develop and justify technology business cases evaluating long-term costs, return on investment, and alignment with TPU strategic priorities.
Collaborate with the CIO, TPU divisions, City departments, and utility leadership to align technology investments with business needs.
Communicate technology strategies, risks, and financial impacts to executive leadership, the Public Utility Board, City Council, and other stakeholders.
Provide executive oversight of enterprise architecture, data analytics and artificial intelligence, geospatial platforms, utility business enablement, and technology program and project management.
Partner with cybersecurity leadership to advance secure, modern technology architectures across utility infrastructure, including generation facilities, substations, transmission assets, and field-deployed devices.
Promote integration between operational technology (OT), information technology (IT), and emerging digital platforms.
Establish and maintain strategic relationships with technology vendors, cloud providers, hardware manufacturers, and integration consultants.
Oversee service-level agreements, contractual deliverables, and partner performance.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable work environment that values diversity and supports equal opportunity.
Establish performance expectations, coach and develop teams, and hold them accountable for measurable results.
Support technology adoption, workforce readiness, and operational safety.