Member Spotlight: City of Alamogordo – Alamogordo, New Mexico
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Mark K. Graham
GMIS member since 2013
Number of IT staff: 4.5
Population: 32,000
IT budget: $618,373 operational, $866,474 capital outlay
What has been a significant technology achievement for you or your organization?
Working for municipal government has its challenges. I began as the computer specialist, then achieved the systems analyst position, with a final leap of faith as the MIS manager for the past 13 years. The simple things that are accomplished seem to be the most rewarding for myself and for the organization for which I work. There is no one achievement, but many small and large quests that lead us to a common goal.
What future initiatives are you hoping to accomplish in the next year?
The initiative that the City of Alamogordo faces is no different than many other entities. Since the economic downturn in 2008, the funding has been cut to the bare bone, so to speak. We as a municipal government are working to play catch-up with the everyday application software: from moving to the newest versions to the possibility of changing out the entire financial and public safety applications.
Best advice you could offer your fellow members is ...
I have been in the IT field for 34 years and have seen technology become an integral part of everyday life. My advice would be to never forget that you were once a first-time beginner.
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?
I have yet to attend a GMIS conference, however the online conversations with peers is one of the best experiences available. It allows all of us to recognize that there are so many others who have the same issues, some are solved easily and some are unsolvable ... for now.
