San Francisco Sun

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--- Mayor London Breed and City Administrator Carmen Chu today announced that, after a nationwide search, government technology developer and information security expert Michael Makstman has been appointed as the new Chief Information Officer of the City and County of San Francisco and Director of the Department of Technology. Makstman has previously served as the Chief Information Security Officer for the San Francisco Department of Technology where he was crucial in securing systems against cyber threats and managing technological challenges throughout his tenure, including:

- Developing a yearly cybersecurity training program for over 30,000 staff

- Coordinating emergency preparedness exercises with citywide partners

- Collaborating with City leaders to create the Office of Cybersecurity

- Driving San Francisco’s first internal guidelines on generative AI.

“Our ability to improve the City's technology infrastructure, create robust cybersecurity programs, and explore AI solutions to bolster City services is pivotal to our efforts to continue to meet the needs of our residents and staff, respond to emergencies, and protect San Francisco against real-time threats," said Mayor London Breed. "Michael is a proven leader with significant experience in these areas, and I look forward to working with him and City Administrator Chu to move San Francisco forward.”

"Michael’s contributions have been invaluable, serving as the City’s first Chief Information Security Officer and creating systems that significantly enhance the City's and County's resilience against cyber threats," said City Administrator Carmen Chu. "He was crucial in managing the technological challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic which allowed our staff to work safely and remotely. He is creative and focused on delivering technology solutions that enhance and protect government services for the City and County of San Francisco, and I am confident that Michael will advance our core technology backbone, resilience, and safety in the future."

Makstman brings over 15 years of experience in managing regulated organizations to provide efficient and secure technological access for local governments. As Director of the Department of Technology (DT), Makstman will spearhead efforts to enhance government services that benefit the community by providing innovative technology solutions throughout San Francisco.

"I am honored and humbled that Mayor Breed and Administrator Chu have chosen me to continue in this role,” said Michael Makstman. “I am excited to continue leading an amazing DT team. We are committed to ensuring city technology is secure, reliable, and efficient in service of all San Franciscans."

With an annual operating budget of $140 million and over 260 employees, DT provides essential IT services to City employees who serve residents, businesses, and visitors. The department manages core information technology infrastructure through its data centers management; telecommunications; SFGovTV; cybersecurity; public safety radio system maintenance; operational support for over 30,000 city employees.

In recent years, DT has migrated legacy criminal justice systems to a modern database; upgraded city networks with resilient software-defined infrastructure; expanded free high-speed internet access through Fiber-to-Housing programs benefiting affordable housing residents.

Makstman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance/IT from DePaul University along with a Master’s degree in Computer Science from University Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Recently named among top 25 tech influencers by Government Technology Magazine he co-chairs Coalition promoting local gov cybersecurity initiatives serves ISSA Fellow largest global info-sec org began his new role July 8th.