Page Content
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Acting Cabinet Secretary Jason Pizatella announced that, effective today, he has elevated Gale Given to the position of Deputy Secretary of Administration, in addition to her current role as Chief Technology Officer for the State of West Virginia. Secretary Pizatella also has appointed Brian Pratt as the Director of the Information Services and Communication Division (IS&C).
Given joined state government as the Chief Technology Officer on June 4, 2012, after an extensive career with Verizon Corporation. Her last position with the company was its State President of Pennsylvania and Regional President of Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia. She earned her Bachelors of Science and Masters of Business Administration degrees from Marshall University. In addition, Given received an honorary doctorate from Marshall University’s School of Business in 2002 where she was also inducted into the Business Hall of Fame.
“I have come to rely on Gale’s expertise and trust her judgment as we face the challenges of threats to our cyber security, expanding the State’s access to broadband, and upgrades to our IT infrastructure,” said Secretary Pizatella. “She will be a welcome addition to the leadership team and the entire Department will further benefit by her insight and experience and, equally important, by her track record in managing and making sound business decisions.”
IS&C is responsible for establishing, developing and improving data processing and telecommunication functions for various state agencies, in addition to promulgating standards in the utilization of data processing and telecommunication equipment.
With more than 35 years of experience in information technology, Pratt has worked as a manager and director in nearly every area of IS&C and the Office of Technology (WVOT), the policy-making entity for information technology within state government. Prior to accepting this position, Pratt served as the Director of Infrastructure Services for WVOT since June 2014. He also previously served as the Manager of the State’s Data Center and Customer Service Desk.
“Brian’s extensive knowledge of information technology as well as the operations of IS&C and WVOT provides a unique perspective that many cannot,” said Secretary Pizatella. “He has demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills that will prove beneficial to all of state government.”
Deputy Secretary Given acknowledged Pratt’s dedication and service to the organization. “Brian has been instrumental while serving in many of the functional areas of information technology within state government. From application development to the data center to customer service, Brian’s understanding and knowledge in evaluating new technologies and developing innovative ideas will bring great value to our state government in this new capacity.”
Pratt earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and an Associate degree in Computer Science from West Virginia State College. Additionally, he has earned numerous technical certifications, including the Certified Computing Professional (CCP) from the Institute for Certified Computing Professionals and the DI Support Center Manager from the Help Desk Institute.