DOVER – Following a confirmation vote from the Delaware State Senate on Thursday, Governor Matt Meyer swore in Robert (Bob) Osmond to serve as Delaware’s next Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Department of Technology & Information (DTI), leading the state’s technology strategy, cybersecurity, and digital services.

“Technology plays a vital role in delivering public services, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and creating a more responsive and effective government,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “Bob Osmond has demonstrated strong leadership in modernizing state technology systems, enhancing cybersecurity, and overseeing complex IT operations. I’m confident he will help drive Delaware’s continued innovation and improve service for residents across the state.”

Osmond served as Virginia’s CIO since 2022, where he led the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA). In that role, he oversaw statewide cybersecurity efforts, managed IT infrastructure supporting more than 65,000 users across executive branch agencies, governed major technology investments, and directed approximately $1.3 billion in annual technology procurement.

ABOUT CIO OSMOND
Bob Osmond has served as the Commonwealth CIO for Virginia since 2022. As Commonwealth CIO, he led the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) whose responsibilities included: Protection of the Commonwealth’s information security programs; Operation of the IT infrastructure for the 65 in-scope executive branch agencies (supporting 65,000 users); Governance of IT investments; and Procurement of $1.3B annually of technology for VITA and on behalf of other state agencies and institutions.

Prior to his appointment as Virginia CIO, Bob was the Chief of Technology and Business Strategy for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) where he led divisions responsible for information technology, process improvement and strategic innovation. Prior to joining the Commonwealth and becoming a state employee, he was a Partner for IBM Global Business Services.

Bob also volunteers as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and is certified by the National Registry of EMTs and licensed by the Virginia Department of Health. He has also lectured on business management consulting at the George Washington School of Business; served as President for the Maryland Chapter of the American Society of Training and Development; and co-founded the Quantum Career Consulting organization that helps the Citizens of Virginia find new workforce opportunities. Bob has been recognized by StateScoop as a State Executive of the Year (2023 and 2025) and GovTech as a Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers (2025). In 2026, Bob was selected as an Honoree of Virginia Business’ 2026 C-Suite Awards.

DOVER — Governor Matt Meyer announced today the nomination of Robert (Bob) Osmond to serve as Delaware’s next Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Department of Technology & Information (DTI), leading the state’s technology strategy, cybersecurity, and digital services. Osmond brings decades of public- and private-sector experience and currently serves as the Commonwealth CIO for Virginia. 

“Technology is central to how we deliver services, protect critical infrastructure, and build a more responsive and efficient government,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “Bob Osmond is a proven leader with a track record of modernizing state systems, strengthening cybersecurity, and managing large-scale IT operations. I’m confident he will help move Delaware forward as we continue to innovate and better serve our residents.” 

Osmond has served as Virginia’s CIO since 2022, where he led the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA). In that role, he oversaw statewide cybersecurity efforts, managed IT infrastructure supporting more than 65,000 users across executive branch agencies, governed major technology investments, and directed approximately $1.3 billion in annual technology procurement.  

“I am honored by Governor Meyer’s nomination and the opportunity to serve the people of Delaware,” said Bob Osmond. “I look forward to working with state leaders and agency partners to strengthen cybersecurity, modernize systems, and deliver reliable, user-centered digital services.” 

Governor Meyer also expressed his appreciation for the superior service of current Acting CIO Jordan Schulties, who will continue serving the state in a senior role at DTI. “I’m grateful to Jordan for her leadership and dedication to Delaware,” said Governor Meyer. “We are fortunate to have her continued service and expertise as part of our team. She has done a tremendous job leading DTI these past several months, and she will continue to ensure that DTI delivers for Delawareans.” 

Osmond’s nomination is subject to confirmation by the Delaware State Senate. His confirmation hearing is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, depending on Senate business. 

ABOUT THE NOMINEE 
HEADSHOT 
Bob Osmond has served as the Commonwealth CIO for Virginia since 2022.  As Commonwealth CIO, he led the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) whose responsibilities included:  Protection of the Commonwealth’s information security programs; Operation of the IT infrastructure for the 65 in-scope executive branch agencies (supporting 65,000 users); Governance of IT investments; and Procurement of $1.3B annually of technology for VITA and on behalf of other state agencies and institutions.  

Prior to his appointment as Virginia CIO, Bob was the Chief of Technology and Business Strategy for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) where he led divisions responsible for information technology, process improvement and strategic innovation.  Prior to joining the Commonwealth and becoming a state employee, he was a Partner for IBM Global Business Services. 

Bob also volunteers as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and is certified by the National Registry of EMTs and licensed by the Virginia Department of Health. He has also lectured on business management consulting at the George Washington School of Business; served as President for the Maryland Chapter of the American Society of Training and Development; and co-founded the Quantum Career Consulting organization that helps the Citizens of Virginia find new workforce opportunities.  Bob has been recognized by StateScoop as a State Executive of the Year (2023 and 2025) and GovTech as a Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers (2025).  In 2026, Bob was selected as an Honoree of Virginia Business’ 2026 C-Suite Awards. 

Nearly $27.8 million in federal funds secured 

DOVER – Governor Matt Meyer and the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) today announced federal approval of Delaware’s comprehensive plan to expand high-speed broadband infrastructure to more than 4,728 unserved and underserved homes and businesses.  

This milestone, made possible through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, represents a major step toward achieving universal connectivity across the First State. Construction is expected to begin in Fall 2026. 

“Access to reliable, high-speed internet is not a luxury, but a necessity for full participation in today’s digital economy, education system, and civic life,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “This investment, made possible through the federal BEAD Program, reflects our administration’s strong commitment to ensuring every Delawarean, regardless of zip code, has the tools to succeed in a connected world. Whether it’s remote learning, telehealth, job training, or entrepreneurship, access to broadband means access to opportunity.”

Delaware has received confirmation from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that its application for $107 million in BEAD funding has been approved. The state’s plan focuses on areas with little or no broadband access, targeting rural communities that have historically been hardest to reach. The funding will support the deployment of 425 new connections in New Castle County, 1,513 in Kent County, and 2,790 in Sussex County.

“This is a generational investment in Delaware’s digital infrastructure,” said Connor Perry, Executive Director of the Delaware Broadband Office. “We are proud to partner with providers and community stakeholders to build a future-proof network that will serve Delawareans for decades to come.” 

The BEAD program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, required states to conduct extensive planning to identify eligible locations and develop strategies for equitable broadband deployment. Delaware’s approved proposal includes $27.8 million in federal funding for infrastructure buildout, matched by $75 million in private investment from preliminary awardees Verizon and Comcast. An additional $80 million in BEAD funding, designated for data-driven broadband improvements, is pending further federal guidance.
 
Although the BEAD program allows up to four years for project completion, Delaware anticipates finishing construction by the end of 2029. This timeline positions the state to be among the first in the nation to achieve full high-speed internet coverage under the program.
 
“This approval is the result of years of strategic planning, community engagement, and a shared vision for digital opportunities,” said Jordan Schulties, Delaware’s Acting Chief Information Officer. “With this funding, DTI is accelerating its mission to close the digital divide and ensure every Delawarean has access to the infrastructure needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.” 

Nearly 6,000 homes and businesses connected through ARPA funding in last year, with remaining locations to be connected by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, other federal funding

SMYRNA, Del. – Governor John Carney joined state leaders and representatives of Comcast, Verizon, Mediacom, and the Communication Workers of America (CWA) at the Innovation Technology Exploration Center to celebrate progress on broadband expansion and preview next steps. With federal investments from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocated by Governor Carney, Delaware has successfully connected nearly 6,000 homes, businesses, and organizations to broadband in the last year. Delaware is on track to become the first state in the nation to be fully-connected.

President Biden signed the nearly $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) —legislation championed by Senator Tom Carper, Senator Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester— to provide COVID-19 relief to millions of Americans, and Governor Carney assigned $33 million of Delaware’s share for broadband expansion.

“Our goal is to have Delaware be the first state in the country to connect every home and business to high-speed internet within the next few years. If there is any state that can connect every home and business, it ought to be Delaware,” said Governor John Carney. “Every family deserves high-quality internet for school, work, and entertainment. I want to thank the members of the federal delegation and the Biden Administration providing this funding. It’s really making a difference for Delawareans.”

In the last 12 months, the State of Delaware and Comcast, Medicom, and Verizon have made high-speed internet available for the first time to 5,859 homes and businesses, mainly in rural areas of the state. There are 372 locations remaining to be installed with ARPA funding. Those locations will be reached over the next few months. Once those residences are competed, the State of Delaware will have spent $33 million in ARPA funding on broadband connection.

To learn more about how Delawareans have benefitted from ARPA funding, visit Governor Carney’s website.

President Biden signed the nearly $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) —legislation championed by Senator Tom Carper, Senator Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester— to provide COVID-19 relief to millions of Americans. Governor Carney assigned $33 million of Delaware’s share for broadband expansion.

“The American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continue to deliver for Delaware – this time connecting thousands of our residents to broadband internet who didn’t have access before,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “The pandemic exacerbated many shortcomings with our broadband infrastructure, when so many Americans relied on it to connect to doctors for telehealth appointments, conduct schoolwork online, or work remotely. Today’s announcement connecting thousands of homes, businesses, and organizations to broadband is a win-win for Delaware and the success of these historic pieces of legislation.”

“The pandemic made clear just how necessary it is for every home in Delaware to have a fast, reliable, and affordable internet connection,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons.  “I’m proud to have worked with President Biden to negotiate and pass both American Rescue Plan Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  These two critical pieces of legislation are directly benefiting Delawareans, sending millions of dollars to the state to ensure that all Delawareans can access the internet and critical digital services.”

“Having helped author the broadband provisions of the American Rescue Plan, as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I couldn’t be more proud that Delaware is on track to be the first state in the nation that is fully connected. Since day one of his Administration, President Biden has made clear his commitment to investing in the people and places that make America strong — and today, we’re celebrating those investments right here in Delaware,” said U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. “Already almost 6,000 Delaware homes and businesses have been connected to the internet, and that means access to jobs, employment, health care and more. I’m thrilled to join Governor Carney and Senators Carper and Coons in celebrating this achievement for Delaware, and I look forward to keeping the momentum going with help of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

“Investment in high-quality broadband is a game-changer for families, communities, and businesses. Today, there are families who can now access job information, telehealth, online reading materials and more thanks to these ARPA investments and commitment from our federal and state officials and partners. To close the digital divide and ensure every Delawarean is successful and thriving, it’s important to build on this work. Every household, every community deserves to be connected to high-speed internet,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long.

The Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) led this project for the State. DTI contracted providers already serving Delawareans with internet and found efficient ways for those providers to extend their existing networks using ARPA funding.

“Reliable and affordable high-speed internet is essential, and this investment of ARPA funding means that more than 6,000 additional Delaware homes and businesses will have the access they need,” said Greg Lane, CIO, Delaware Department of Technology and Information. “We know our work is far from over. Additional federal funding from the BEAD and Digital Equity Programs will support the connection of an estimated remaining Delaware 8,600 addresses, as well as help us ensure that everyone can take advantage of digital technologies that are accessible and affordable.”

“In partnership with Governor Carney and the Department of Technology and Information, Comcast is proud to complete the expansion of its Xfinity 10G Network to thousands of additional homes and businesses in rural Delaware,” said Michael Parker, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Beltway Region. “This is a great example of a public-private partnership that will not only help bridge the digital divide in rural Delaware, but also help fuel innovation and economic growth for decades to come.”

“We applaud Governor Carney and his team for their leadership in establishing a robust broadband program in Delaware,” said Eric Fitzgerald Reed, Public Policy & State Government Affairs for the DE, PA and NJ Region at Verizon. “Verizon is focused on delivering broadband internet services and this partnership expands high-speed broadband access to thousands of residents and will better connect our communities. We look forward to similar opportunities in other communities as they arise.”

“The public private partnership between the State of Delaware and Mediacom has brought world-class broadband services to nearly 1,600 homes and businesses in rural Sussex County that were previously unserved,” said Chris Lord, Mediacom’s Director of Government Partnerships. “Governor Carney and the staff at the Delaware Broadband Office should be commended for their steadfast commitment to eliminating the digital divide for all Delawareans.”

“CWA members are proud to have played a role in Delaware’s successful use of ARPA funds to connect an additional 6,000 Delaware homes and businesses to high-speed internet,” said Mike Watson, President of the Communication Workers of America, Local 13101. “This is just the start. With an additional $107 million in federal funds from the bipartisan infrastructure bill, Delaware can ensure that everyone in our state has access to reliable, high-speed internet services. And by setting high labor standards for broadband infrastructure projects, we can make sure it is done right, and create good, family-supporting jobs in the process.”

DTI is now planning to use Delaware’s funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to complete the work of connecting all Delaware homes and businesses, along with additional federal funding administered by the FCC. To learn more about broadband expansion in Delaware, visit the Delaware Department of Technology and Information’s website.

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Register for Activities Statewide Throughout October 2023

Dover, Del. — It has been two decades since the federal launch of October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Over the past twenty years, cybersecurity protection strategies have changed drastically. In response to the ever-evolving cyber landscape, Governor John Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long are providing their support by again proclaiming October as Delaware’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This allows resources to be made available to provide free events including informational tables, presentations, workshops, and other activities throughout the State to help Delawareans of all ages to learn how to improve their security posture.  These programs cover topics on Protection (social media security and privacy information), Device Security (hands-on instruction on setting up device security on Android and Apple devices), and Detection (identifying, reporting, and learning about current scams).  Cyber Security Awareness Month will culminate with the 14^th Annual Secure Delaware Workshop on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall.

“We must learn to protect ourselves in the digital age and it takes all of us to help keep our data secure. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free activities and resources made available during Cybersecurity Awareness Month,” said Governor John Carney. “I want to thank the Delaware Department of Technology and Information for their efforts in educating the public of the risks and keeping Delaware safe from cyber-attacks.”

“We love to see advancements in technology for the convenience to the public and accuracy of data for business uses, but there is always an inherent risk that the technology can be used criminally. We’ve seen recent occurrences of cybersecurity attacks in the news, but much more common are incidents of credit card and identity theft — all of which can have devastating impacts,” said State of Delaware CIO Gregory Lane. “Bad actors only get more sophisticated, which is why it is so important that everyone learns how to protect themselves and stay safe online. Delaware Cybersecurity Awareness Month events provide opportunities that everyone can leverage to learn to be more vigilant.”

Delawareans of all ages are encouraged to join the events offered throughout October, including the Cybersecurity Awareness Month finale event — the 14^th annual Secure Delaware Workshop. Presented by the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) along with the Delaware League of Local Governments, Delaware Small Business Development Center, and the University of Delaware; the 2023 Secure Delaware Workshop provides training for businesses, students, and government employees that work, study, or live in Delaware. This free, in-person event is being held on Tuesday, October 24^th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall and will include two keynote speakers and nine breakout sessions designed to have something for everyone.  Whether you are a student just getting into the field and want to learn more about creating your own cyber range, a business manager concerned with the newest cyber laws and cyber insurance changes, or a long-term IT professional interested in attack simulation, deception technology, or ChatGPT, this conference has something for you.  This event offers the perfect opportunity to network with cyber professionals and technology vendors.

To learn more about cyber events happening in Delaware including Secure Delaware Workshop 2023 with registration information, visit the event page at https://digiknow.dti.delaware.gov/events/. There is no cost to attend any State of Delaware’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities. Please note that registration is limited for each of the events and final registration to attend the Secure Delaware Workshop closes October 6^th.

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Media Contact:

Christina Dirksen, Strategic Communications Manager, DTI
(302) 739-9736 w Christina.Dirksen@state.de.us

About the Delaware Department of Technology and Information

The Department of Technology and Information (DTI) is the state’s central IT organization, chartered to deliver core services to other state organizations and exercise governance over the technology direction and investments of the state. DTI provides enterprise services that enable other organizations to effectively fulfill their missions.