For Immediate Release December 9, 1997
Contact: Ron Bingham (502) 564-2611

Frankfort, Ky. -- Governor Paul E. Patton today announced Aldona K. Valicenti, an information technology executive with Amoco Corporation, will become the first chief information officer for the state. In the newly created position, Valicenti will be responsible for providing leadership, coordination, planning and oversight in the area of information technology. Governor Patton’s EMPOWER Kentucky initiative has identified a need for a strategic approach to the planning and implementation of technology throughout state government. Valicenti will direct and implement a new Strategic Information Technology Plan to insure coordination of the state’s technology efforts.

"We are excited to have a person of Valicenti’s caliber join our administration," Governor Patton said. "Her accomplishments in private industry are impressive and will help the state improve its technology in ways that will save taxpayers money and improve state services."

Valicenti was chosen after a national search that included interviews with more than a dozen information technology executives throughout the country. Valicenti said she was drawn to the position because of EMPOWER Kentucky, Patton’s initiative to save money and improve services, largely through technological advances. "I was extremely impressed with EMPOWER Kentucky. If you look at progressive companies and what they’re doing to improve services to customers and then look at EMPOWER Kentucky, there are many similarities. That is exciting. I see that as very forward, trying to provide better service. Real service, not waste," Valicenti said.

EMPOWER Kentucky has targeted $700 million in new revenue and savings during the next seven years. To achieve program goals, the state plans to upgrade or add new computer systems and to make them capable of communicating with each other. The recommendation that the state create a high-ranking position responsible for integrating computer technology was an outgrowth of EMPOWER Kentucky’s examination of the state’s computer capabilities. The state currently has more than 50 systems, some more than 25 years old, and few capable of communicating with each other. Valicenti is expected to begin her new job on January 1, 1998. Since 1994, Valicenti has been manager of all customer solutions for Amoco, a $36 billion petrochemical company. In that position she managed the corporation’s internal contracting process for information technology projects and services. She has held several other management positions with Amoco since 1976, including manager of advanced technology and manager of system development and support for an Amoco subsidiary. Valicenti holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and mathematics from Aquinas College and a master’s degree from Wayne State University. With her appointment, "We’re well on our way to accomplishing key goals of the EMPOWER Kentucky program. With improved computer technology, the state will provide an array of better services and produce significant savings for all Kentuckians," said Ron Bingham, EMPOWER Kentucky’s project manager.

-30-