Vermont names its second chief technology and enterprise services officer

May 6, 2026 - 09:46

Ashish Shukla, a former official with the Internal Revenue Service, has been named Vermont's second chief technology and enterprise services officer. He succeeds Mark Combs, who served as the state's longtime chief technology officer. The appointment marks a transition for the state's digital infrastructure leadership.

Shukla brings experience from the federal level, having worked on large-scale technology systems at the IRS. His role in Vermont will involve overseeing the state's information technology strategy, managing enterprise services, and coordinating digital transformation efforts across government agencies. The position is relatively new, having been created to consolidate technology leadership under a single executive.

State officials expressed confidence in Shukla's ability to modernize systems and improve service delivery for residents. His background in handling complex data systems and cybersecurity is expected to be valuable as Vermont continues to expand online services. The transition comes as states nationwide face increasing pressure to upgrade aging IT infrastructure while maintaining security against cyber threats.

Shukla's appointment signals Vermont's ongoing commitment to strengthening its technology framework. He will work closely with department heads to align technology projects with broader state goals. The previous CTO, Mark Combs, had been with the state for many years and was credited with laying the groundwork for current initiatives.