Town of Lincoln, Rhode Island
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Denise Potvin, Information Technology Director
GMIS member since 2004
Number of IT staff: 1
Population: 22,000
IT budget: $150,000-$200,000
Q: What has been a significant technology achievement for you or your organization?
A: Virtualizing our network a few years ago has been MONUMENTAL in my ability to continue to manage our network alone. I started in 2004 with a bunch of dated servers, constantly needing to be refreshed and upgraded. Now, I just type in what I want, and only every SEVERAL years do I need to address replacement of the hosts!
Q: What future initiatives are you hoping to accomplish in the next year?
A: I’m working at creating an "air fiber" connection to another building for DR. That building now contains some of my displaced servers from my virtualization project – and they can host my environment in the event of a catastrophic event.
Q: Best advice you could offer your fellow members is....
A: Network, network, network. It’s impossible to do "everything" here as one person, and the ability to ask (and, at times, lean on!) others in government in your field, is INVALUABLE.
Q: 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?
A: Along the line of my previous statement – networking is crucial. And what better way to network with not only some serious IT talent, but with those facing the same issues in the same industry across the COUNTRY than to maintain a GMIS membership? But "having a membership" is not enough – you must participate in the various benefits of the organization, such as the listserv and the annual conference.
