From Emergency Services to CIO: Leading Through Innovation

Art Thompson, Chief Information Officer, City of Detroit

Art Thompson, Chief Information Officer, City of Detroit

Art Thompson is an experienced managerial professional recognized for his exceptional communication skills and ability to excel in fast-paced environments. With a background in emergency services IT and public sector leadership, he navigates evolving technological landscapes while driving organizational goals. As the city’s Chief Information Officer, he leads with a focus on fostering innovation, empowering employees, and promoting a family-first culture. His leadership emphasizes collaboration, proactive policy development, and delivering secure, innovative technology solutions that effectively serve both the public and the organization.

My Journey from Emergency Services to CIO

I joined the city in 2016 after nearly a decade in emergency services IT. My career began during college, supporting ambulance companies and customer service departments. That early experience led me to focus on managing mobile technology and systems on the move. Years of dedication earned me a promotion to Director of Public Safety IT, where I took on responsibility for the city’s cybersecurity. This role laid the foundation for my next step—becoming the city’s Chief Information Officer. My path from emergency services to CIO has been defined by adaptability, a commitment to public service, and a drive to improve technology’s role in government.

Navigating Tight Budgets and Rising Expectations

The government sector operates under strict budget constraints, leaving little room for spontaneous spending. This makes it challenging to seize new opportunities as they arise. At the same time, the growing complexity of cybersecurity and the demand for seamless technology integration add another layer of difficulty. As technology advances, so do expectations for secure, innovative solutions delivered within tight financial limits.

Staying Ahead with Policy and People

Emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing present opportunities to stay ahead by establishing policies and procedures before these innovations become main-stream. Taking a proactive approach helps manage both the excitement and potential risks while ensuring a smooth rollout. By focusing on best practices, I build a solid framework for integrating new technologies across the organization.

Navigating the cultural and operational challenges of implementing new technologies requires staying engaged. Participating in cross-departmental meetings keeps me connected to the organization’s pulse. Having a passionate team also makes a difference—their enthusiasm fosters stronger relationships and allows us to be a trusted partner for other departments. These relationships provide valuable insights, helping us deliver solutions tailored to the organization’s needs.

Building an Open-Door, Family-First Culture

Promoting an open-door, family-first culture is a priority. I encourage employees to prioritize their well-being and family, with work remaining important but never at the expense of personal health. This approach empowers staff to take care of themselves, knowing they have leadership’s full support. A key aspect of this culture is encouraging time off. When leadership actively reminds the team to use their vacation days and prioritize rest, it fosters an environment where people feel valued. Beyond time off, creating a space where employees feel heard boosts morale and strengthens engagement across the organization.

Cultivating Learning and Adapting for the Future

I empower employees to take charge of their learning by partnering with platforms like LinkedIn Learning. This provides staff with access to a wide range of courses without requiring formal approvals or conference attendance. Encouraging employees to set annual goals—such as completing five courses of their choice—cultivates a culture where curiosity and growth drive innovation. Looking ahead, the role of the CIO will continue to evolve as technology reshapes industries. To stay ahead, leaders must actively support their teams through both successes and setbacks. When technology falters—and it often will—employees need to know leadership stands by them. By fostering trust and prioritizing people, we can navigate future challenges while encouraging bold, forward-thinking innovation.

Encouraging Curiosity and Developing Leadership

Curiosity is one of the most valuable traits a leader can possess. Being willing to ask questions and acknowledge gaps in knowledge fosters a collaborative environment. Encouraging open dialogue builds trust and allows the team to share ideas freely, creating a culture where no one feels pressured to have all the answers.

Equally important is empowering others to lead. In times of crisis, I can step in to organize, but I also recognize when to step back and let my team take charge. Seeing them rise to the occasion and make decisions is a source of pride and a testament to the strength of our collaborative culture. By nurturing curiosity and empowering leadership at all levels, we can continue to drive innovation and meet the evolving demands of government technology.

Financial

Quantum Computing

Government Technology

AI