#182: Frank Sweeney & Beth Neeley – From 46 DCS System Deployments to $500K Tech Debt Savings – Transforming Arizona Through Authentic Leadership

The Public Sector Show by TechTables

Check out the full episode on https://www.techtables.com/podcast/182/frank-sweeney-beth-neeley

Featuring: - Frank Sweeney, CIO, Arizona Department of Child Safety - Beth Neeley, CIO, Arizona Department of Education In this episode, you'll learn: - How Frank Sweeney transformed DCS's Guardian system from 2 releases to 46 successful deployments in 10 months - Why the Arizona Department of Education's $9M school finance payment system succeeded through strategic stakeholder collaboration - How the Department of Education achieved unprecedented financial transparency and reduced technology debt by $500,000 - The power of authentic leadership and being present in driving organizational transformation - Why strategic team placement and a culture of gratitude are critical success factors in public sector IT Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome and Introductions (01:41) Frank's transition strategy: People, process, and culture at DCS (04:52) Beth's journey: Leading the Department of Education transformation (09:06) Building a culture of gratitude and breaking down bureaucratic barriers (14:07) Success story: Department of Education's $9M payment system overhaul (18:54) DCS transformation: From Guardian system challenges to 46 deployments (22:42) Leadership insights: EOS framework and strategic team placement (25:37) Key leadership lessons: The power of being present and authentic • Frank Sweeney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-sweeney-iot/ • Beth Neeley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-neeley-687099222/

Whenever you’re ready, there are 4 ways you can connect with TechTables:

1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.

Join now: https://www.techtables.com/

2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.

Learn more here: https://www.techtables.com/the-collaboratory

3. 🎥 Live Events: Join us at TechTables live events—whether hosted by us or in partnership with industry leaders—where we bring together senior technology leaders. Experience exclusive networking, collaborative sessions, and inspiring discussions that spotlight and elevate public sector leadership.

See the latest events here: https://www.techtables.com/upcoming-events

4. 🎙️ Virtual Podcasts: Vendor Partners ready to be featured on the TechTables Podcast? Looking to increase your company's brand awareness and affinity to our super engaged audience (and not just an empty database of emails)? We specialize in crafting engaging, impactful content that resonates with public sector audiences. Email Joe if you're interested at [e-mail]

PARTNERS Thanks to our friends at SentinelOne for being our 2024 Podcast & Newsletter Partner SentinelOne: Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure: https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers

Verizon Frontline: The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.

Check out the solutions built for first responders: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/

SAP: Discover how the latest in generative AI capabilities in the solutions portfolio can help you revolutionize your business model strategy.

Learn more at https://www.sap.com/index.html

SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-public-sector-show-by-techtables/id1661752549

🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0bFQBsDwKJkdNk2qENkhNL?si=7a9ca4b0ca0e42c3