Longtime executive Tendaji K. Jamal has been named the next director of technology and innovation for Long Beach, Calif.
Long Beach Director of Technology and Innovation Tendaji K. Jamal.
(City of Long Beach)
“Tendaji brings a wealth of experience in modernizing complex technology systems and developing strategic solutions that support organizational goals,” said Long Beach City Manager Tom Modica in a statement, describing Jamal’s “expertise in cybersecurity, digital transformation and collaborative technology planning” as skill sets he will bring to the city’s Technology and Innovation Department (TID).
Jamal, whose service with Long Beach begins Nov. 16, is taking the place of Lea Eriksen, who departed in April to become the new senior assistant city manager in Culver City, Calif. Eriksen was named one of Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers in 2022. Meredith Reynolds has served as TID acting director since April 4 and will return to her role as deputy city manager.
The incoming director brings more than 25 years of experience in public-sector technology leadership with him, in strategic planning, IT governance and enterprise technology modernization, according to a city press release.
Jamal was most recently chief information technology officer at Pasadena City College, taking on initiatives to improve cybersecurity and IT infrastructure. He also helped to develop the college’s first AI governance framework, among other initiatives.
As TID’s new director, Jamal aims to advance digital government tools and services for both workers and residents, improve data sharing across departments and oversee the implementation of the city’s TID28 strategic road map, a four-year plan identifying 31 projects to improve technology infrastructure and operations.
“Technology in local government is ultimately about serving people by delivering dependable services, safeguarding public trust through robust cybersecurity and ensuring every resident has equitable access to city resources,” Jamal said in a statement, indicating he looks forward to working alongside the TID team and staffers “to build secure, reliable and accessible services that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Long Beach residents.”
Jamal’s initial tasks will involve conducting a comprehensive assessment of the city’s technology systems, which will involve meeting with various departments and staff to identify needs, opportunities and prioritizing projects.
Skip Descant writes about smart cities, the Internet of Things, transportation and other areas. He spent more than 12 years reporting for daily newspapers in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and California. He lives in downtown Yreka, Calif.