New York State CIO Dru Rai Has Resigned
The state technology chief stepped down from his role citing a need to prioritize his personal health.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People
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New York State CIO Dru Rai announced his resignation on September 21, 2026, ending his three-year tenure leading the state technology office. Executive Deputy CIO Jenson Jacob has been appointed as the acting CIO.
Why it matters
The leadership change arrives during a period of significant digital infrastructure transition for New York, as the state works to consolidate cloud services and embed IT staff directly into government agencies.
Dru Rai concludes a three-year tenure as state CIO, while incoming acting CIO Jenson Jacob brings 15 years of experience as a state staffer. The state currently maintains a multi-year enterprise cloud agreement initiated in 2025.
The players
Dru Rai
He served as the New York State CIO for three years following his appointment by the governor.
Jenson Jacob
A 15-year state staffer, he transitioned from executive deputy CIO to acting CIO.
Kathy Hochul
She is the Governor of New York who appointed Dru Rai to the state CIO position in 2023.
The details
Gov. Kathy Hochul initially appointed Rai to lead the Office of Information Technology Services in 2023, where he oversaw the shift toward a dedicated-agency service model. The state government remains focused on the Enterprise Cloud Services Agreement, which was established through a partnership with Google Public Sector in 2025.
Timeline
September 2023: Dru Rai was appointed state CIO.
September 2025: Jenson Jacob became executive deputy CIO.
2025: New York State signed a pact with Google Public Sector.
September 21, 2026: Dru Rai resigned from his position.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition occurs as New York continues to centralize its digital infrastructure under the Enterprise Cloud Services Agreement. The shift from Rai to Jacob signals a focus on internal continuity as the state advances its multi-year cloud integration with Google Public Sector.
Residents and state agencies should expect continued stability in IT service delivery as the long-term staffer Jenson Jacob assumes the acting CIO role. Ongoing digital modernization projects, including cloud-based service consolidation, remain under the existing state strategy.
The takeaway
The move marks a notable shift in New York's technology governance as the state balances executive transitions with high-level digital infrastructure goals. Maintaining institutional knowledge during leadership turnover remains a key priority for state operational success.
Further reading
For more updates on state leadership changes, visit the New York people section.
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