City of Novi, Michigan
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Rob Petty, CIO
GMIS member since: 2009
Number of IT staff: 7
Population: 56,000
IT Budget: $775,000
What has been a significant technology achievement for you or your organization?
The City of Novi has a strong commitment to continually strive for operational efficiencies. The Novi Enterprise Asset Management System (NEAMS) is a technology solution designed and proven to improve operations and maintenance efficiencies involving the city’s water, sewer, road, stormwater, non-motorized and tree infrastructure. NEAMS supports the city’s asset management strategy to ensure assets are maintained in good condition and to reduce long-term lifecycle maintenance costs. The system also improves customer service by managing public service requests so they can be efficiently received, prioritized and satisfied.
What future initiatives are you hoping to accomplish in the next year?
The City of Novi’s 2014-2015 Technology Portfolio consist of 27 budgeted projects. The highest priority project is the replacement of the enterprise wide, nearly 30-year-old, PBX phone system. In addition to the telephone component of this project, we have spent a good deal of time identifying productivity tools that will empower our employees to better collaborate with each other and serve the citizens of Novi.
Best advice you could offer your fellow members is ...
In order to be successful and effective, information technology must have representation at the executive level (the proverbial seat at the table) within your organization. This is a seat that must be earned. Get out there and meet with your organization’s leaders. Learn what they do and the challenges they face. Work with them to find solutions. Don’t wait for them to come to you. It is imperative that you form partnerships with your peers. You must demonstrate that you understand the business and that you and your team can provide value.
We all know GMIS membership is worth its weight in gold, but what do you feel is the best benefit you get out of GMIS?
Coming from the private sector, it took me a while to acclimate myself to the collaborative nature of the public sector. GMIS provides me with the tools and opportunities to reach out to my peers on a local, state, national and even international level. The City of Novi has benefited from these interactions by avoiding costly lessons prior to a project’s implementation. The opportunity to learn from and network with my peers has enriched my career. There are members who have retired whom I consider to be mentors that I stay in contact with and are more than willing to share their wisdom.
