Santa Clara, CA – January 9, 2006 – City Manager Jennifer Sparacino today welcomed Mr. Gaurav Garg as the new Director of Information Technology.

“Gaurav brings a unique blend of more than 18 years of experience in the field of Information Technology to the City, with excellent job performance, both in the private and the public sector,” Sparacino said in announcing Garg's appointment. “He has exceptional management and leadership skills, has been the lead information technology officer in three different municipalities, and most recently held the position of Director of Criminal Justice Information Services for the County of Santa Clara for the past three and a half years. His expertise in various aspects of Information Technology, project management, and budgetary matters all combine to make him an outstanding choice for Director of Information Technology.”

Gaurav holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, and a Master of Science degree in Management Information Systems, with a concentration in Business Administration. He is well networked within the profession, and is a member of the California County Information Services Directors Association, and a past President of the Municipal Information Systems Association of California, Southern California Chapter. In addition, he has had many public speaking engagements in his chosen field of Information Technology.

The City of Santa Clara's Department of Information Technology is responsible for providing cost effective and innovative information technology leadership and support to City departments and staff. Additionally, the department provides:

• Installation and maintenance of City personal computers, workstations and servers;
• Administration of the City's data network and servers;
• Help Desk support and administration for internal City systems;
• Training for City desktop applications;
• Management of the City's central data services;
• Support for the optimal use of technology in the City;
• Development and maintenance of the City's websites including sites for the Santa Clara Police Department, Annual Art & Wine Festival, and a pilot intranet. The City's IT Department also developed and maintains the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority's (SVACA) site. SVACA is the JPA, which serves the cities of Campbell, Monte Sereno and Santa Clara.

The award-winning department was the recipient of the 2003/2004 Achievement in Information Technology Practices from the Municipal Information Systems Association of California (MISAC) recognizing technology practices that excel in creative and efficient uses of resources in local government.