SACRAMENTO — Barney Gomez, former chief technology officer, chief information officer and section chief for the California Department of Health Care Services, is the new vice chancellor for digital innovations and infrastructure at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

“Gomez is an established leader in the area of digital technology and will be a key member of the Chancellor’s Office team dedicated to achieving the goals of the Vision for Success, which includes closing achievement gaps and improving economic and social mobility for our 2.1 million students,” said Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley.

As vice chancellor for digital innovation and infrastructure, Gomez is responsible for improving the experience and outcomes for students at California’s community colleges through technology-focused initiatives.

He also has responsibility for efficiently delivering high-quality information technology services to agency staff, local colleges and students, state agencies and system partners while also shepherding innovative practices through the use of technology and data.

The division comprises four major operational areas: management information systems; network support and operations; research and data analytics; and telecommunications and technology.

It is responsible for a full range of administrative and technology-related services regarding research and accountability, data management, management information systems, network support, and strategic technology program management.

Gomez launched his career in state service in 1999 at the Legislative Data Center, later serving as manager of operations at the California Office of Systems Integration, then becoming their chief information officer.

He then went onto chief information officer for the Department of Finance’s FI$Cal project in fall of 2011, technical manager at the California Office of Systems Integration in 2012 and chief technology officer at the California Department of Health Care Services in 2013, later to become the chief information officer.

Gomez was responsible for directing and overseeing the agency’s IT operations, along with policy development, coordination and consolidation of infrastructure services for the department. In addition, at the time, they also supported Department of Public Health, the California Health and Human Services Agency and was a stakeholder supporting IT initiatives for CalHEER.

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 115 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; degree and certificate pathways; and basic skills education in English and math.

As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision for Success, a strategic plan designed to improve student success outcomes, increase transfer rates and eliminate achievement gaps.