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Governor Murphy Names Christopher J. Rein as State’s New Chief Technology Officer

06/8/2018

Former Homeland Security Deputy Director to Lead
NJ Office of Information Technology 

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced the appointment of Christopher J. Rein as New Jersey’s Chief Technology Officer. Rein will oversee the NJ Office of Information Technology (NJOIT) and its more than 600 employees. He will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic policies, information security standards and requirements for all State departments and agencies. 

“Chris Rein has an impressive background in information security and brings a wealth of experience to the position of Chief Technology Officer,” said Governor Murphy. “As we move toward reestablishing New Jersey’s innovation economy, I look forward to calling on Chris’s expertise to help us provide 21st century services and solutions for state government and the residents who utilize our services.”

“I’m honored and blessed to be given this opportunity by Governor Murphy to provide leadership and support for the Office of Information Technology,” said Chris Rein. “Through its information, data, and technology capabilities, OIT is a critical asset for New Jersey that enables us to serve residents through our State’s agencies. OIT has many incredibly dedicated and talented staff, and I’ll work to serve them and our valued State agency customers. My goal is for OIT to more securely and efficiently enable innovation, access, and service delivery to the people of New Jersey.”

“The State of New Jersey is fortunate to have the benefit of Chris’s experience and perspective from both law enforcement and the private sector,” said Jared Maples, Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. “The NJCCIC has been recognized as a national leader in state-level cybersecurity, and we are honored to have Chris take the helm of OIT.”

Chris Rein is the former Deputy Director of the NJ Office of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, where he served as the State's Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). His experience includes 37 years developing, integrating, and managing software as well as holding leadership roles with large and complex information technology projects.  

Prior to joining the NJ Office of Homeland Security, Mr. Rein held the position of Vice President and Chief Information Officer for CSI Technology, a New Jersey software development company serving Law Enforcement, Regulatory, and Judiciary markets. He also served as the NJ State Police IT Program Manager/CIO, and earlier advanced in technical and management roles over some 20 years at the former Bell Atlantic and its technology subsidiary, Bellcore.

Mr. Rein received his undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Rutgers University, and earned his Master’s degree in Technology Management from Stevens Institute of Technology.

NJOIT is the exclusive government provider of IT services for New Jersey’s Executive Branch. It was originally created as the Office of Telecommunications and Information Services (OTIS) under Governor Thomas H. Kean. In 2007, the Office of Information Technology Reorganization Act established NJOIT in its present-day form.