LITTLE ROCK�"Arkansas Department of Information Systems Director Yessica Jones has been named among the Top Women in Technology for 2017 by StateScoop, a leading Government IT media company in Washington, D.C.
Jones was selected for an inaugural list of an elite group of women across state and local government created to recognize their efforts for working to improve government and the lives of those governed, according to a news article published on the organization’s website.
“I am honored and humbled that I was selected to be in the company of such an esteemed group of women serving as industry leaders and influencers on behalf of their respective state or local government,” said Jones.
StateScoop selected women IT leaders from all geographical regions of the United States from as far east as Rhode Island and Delaware, to Oregon, Washington and California in the west and from all parts in between.
“We are so thankful for the work these women are doing to empower each other and in the communities they serve,” said Jake Williams, manager of strategic initiatives for StateScoop. “They not only make government tick, but they move our society forward with the examples they set.”
Governor Asa Hutchinson also weighed in on Jones’ selection.
“It comes as no surprise that Yessica Jones has been named one of the Top Women in Technology for 2017,” Hutchinson said. “She is an inspiration to women pursuing STEM careers and I am confident Yessica will continue to do great things in her role as DIS director.”
When asked what advice she would offer for aspiring women leaders on making a difference in their organization and the greater tech community, Jones said it is important to stay true to yourself.
“Set your pace and don’t forget to have a good work life balance,” she said. “Unplug so that every day you can start fresh and recharged. Build strong partnerships and surround yourself with people that lift you up. Build trust and maintain it.”
As DIS director, Jones leads more than 250 information technology (IT) professionals responsible for the state network, telecommunications services, and information systems.
Jones joined DIS as deputy director in January 2016. In November 2016, Governor Asa Hutchinson designated her as the acting director subsequent to the resignation of the previous director. She accepted the governor’s offer to serve as the agency’s permanent director in March 2017.
In 2016, Jones was the recipient of a StateScoop Top 50 Up and Comer Award. She is currently nominated for a StateScoop Top 50 Award as a Golden Gov: State Executive of the Year.
The Department of Information Systems (DIS) is a cabinet level agency of Arkansas state government that provides information technology (IT) solutions to the public sector. DIS customers include state agencies, boards, commissions, city and county governmental entities, k-12 public schools, institutions of higher education, and the public safety community.
DIS is responsible for the security, disaster recovery and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) functions for the state. Primary products and services provided by DIS include data center and hosting, voice (telephony), networking, professional services, storage and backup and operational services.
StateScoop engages top leaders from across government, academia and the tech industry to discuss ways technology can improve government, and to exchange best practices and identify ways to achieve common goals.
StateScoop is a division of Scoop News Group �" publisher of FedScoop and EdScoop, and producer of numerous public sector IT events, including FedTalks, which draw top leaders from the White House, federal agencies, distinguished members of Congress, and from industry.
To read StateScoop’s Q/A with Jones, visit
http://statescoop.com/monthly/top-50-women-in-technology-2017