In this episode of The Strategy Layer Live, Steve sits down with Bill Kehoe, Chief Information Officer for Washington State, for a rare in-person conversation that spans three decades of lessons from state, county, and local government. Bill reflects on the turning points that shaped his leadership—from transforming the DMV experience in the early 2000s, to consolidating IT at King County, to guiding Washington toward a more connected, equitable digital future.
He shares how running and coaching informed his approach to developing people, why modernization must be incremental and human-centered, and what it really looks like when a CIO steps fully into cybersecurity accountability alongside their CISO.
Bill’s insights offer a grounded, practical masterclass in leading with purpose, navigating complexity, and building public trust in the digital age.
What We Cover in This Episode
Bill’s early path into public service and what has kept him committed for decades
The turning-point projects that shaped his leadership philosophy
Lessons from running and coaching — discipline, strategy, and individual development
The bold vision behind digital equity and the Resident Portal
Modernization without fear: incremental change, customer experience, and agile delivery
The Resident Portal Challenge and the future of procurement innovation
Multi-vendor collaboration and why competition can create better outcomes
The CIO–CISO partnership and shared responsibility for cybersecurity
Leading through complexity with calm, clarity, and trust
Bill’s reflections on legacy, public service, and the next generation of leaders
How AI is reshaping responsibility, decision-making, and efficiency in government
Quote of the Show:
“I’m the front lines for everything that happens — good or bad — and I consider myself accountable and responsible for everything that goes on in my agency and in technology in the state.” - Bill Kehoe
Links:
#CybersecurityLeadership #CIO #CISOPartnership #GovernmentTechnology #PublicSectorLeadership #DigitalGovernment #StrategyLayerLive
