Tyler Nelson – City of Cheyenne

In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, the role of information technology directors has become essential in ensuring that modern constituents have access to streamlined and efficient services. Tyler Nelson, the director of IT for the City of Cheyenne, Wyoming, exemplifies this role through his leadership and dedication.

Tyler Nelson | City of Cheyenne | Director, Information Technology

Under Nelson’s guidance, the city’s IT team is driving significant technological advancements that enhance its ability to serve and protect its citizens. As Cheyenne continues to grow and evolve, Nelson’s efforts are crucial in ensuring that the city remains at the forefront of technological innovation and provides reliable and secure services to its residents.

“Our goal is to remain at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that we provide reliable and secure services that meet the evolving needs of our community. By leveraging the latest technology, we can enhance our operations’ efficiency and improve our residents’ quality of life,” Nelson says.

Transforming city operations

One of Nelson’s significant projects involves collaborating with the police department to migrate them to new remote connection and security solutions. This initiative aims to provide law enforcement officers with reliable and secure wireless connectivity, enhancing their ability to serve and protect the community. A key component of this project is the implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Previously hosted by the county government, the city now manages MFA, ensuring robust security measures for law enforcement and administrative staff. By rolling out MFA to all administrative staff, Nelson’s team proactively addresses future security requirements, ensuring that the city’s data remains secure and accessible only to authorized personnel.

In addition to the police department migration, Nelson and his team also focus on bringing three newly constructed fire stations and other city facilities, such as recreation centers and an animal control location, online. This initiative addresses the city’s growth and the need to cover newly developed areas adequately. The new fire stations in areas such as Sun Valley, Central Cheyenne, and Saddle Ridge, part of the town near a Microsoft data center, replace outdated and dilapidated facilities. Fire Station #5, in central Cheyenne, has high-speed fiber connectivity, facilitating seamless communication and coordination with other city sites, such as the new recreation center, forestry shop, ball fields, and compost facility. This connectivity ensures that all city operations are integrated and can function smoothly, even as the city expands.

“We have cultivated a culture with a proactive mindset and collaboration at its center. We can accomplish quite a bit with such a small team thanks to how well integrated we are into the decision-making process,” Nelson says.

As the city continues to expand, new projects are on the horizon. The city is annexing more land, necessitating the construction of additional public buildings. The IT department also fine-tuned recently acquired tools to ensure optimal security and efficiency. They are also looking into implementing authentication solutions using profiles and policies for Wi-Fi and VPN access.

Staying ahead in IT

Nelson oversees a dedicated team of five individuals. Despite their modest size, the team shoulders significant challenges in recruitment and retention, compounded by the ever-present specter of economic fluctuations and potential budgetary constraints.

For Nelson and his team, securing and retaining top-tier talent is not merely a task but a strategic imperative. While they meticulously vet potential candidates through a rigorous evaluation process, the true measure of compatibility unfolds during the probationary period of the first year of employment.

Navigating the human dynamics inherent in their roles proves to be Nelson’s most formidable challenge. Juggling diverse personalities, varying degrees of technological acumen, and internal office politics demands finesse and tact. Convincing stakeholders to prioritize specific IT initiatives amidst divergent opinions on the optimal course of action adds another layer of complexity to the role.

Yet, amid the challenges, Nelson finds solace in his technical roots. A technician at heart, he relishes any opportunity to roll up his sleeves and engage in hands-on work, although the demands of his directorial position often limit such opportunities.

Keeping pace with the rapid evolution of enterprise IT emerges as yet another significant hurdle. With technology perpetually advancing, Nelson must ensure his team remains at the vanguard of innovation despite the transient satisfaction of mastering one solution, only to confront its obsolescence shortly after deployment.

Looking ahead, Nelson is excited about the potential of AI to enhance city staff efficiency. AI can assist in various areas, from text generation and automated responses to advanced systems management and cybersecurity. In IT, AI-powered tools are emerging that can help with systems management, monitoring, and incident response. For instance, Extended Detection and Response (XDR) AI products are being developed to aid tech professionals in enhancing cybersecurity measures. Additionally, the city plans to implement an AI use policy to ensure that all employees use AI responsibly and effectively.

A passion for tech

Nelson has built a successful career through his passion for technology and dedication to public service. His interest in technology began in childhood when he was known for taking apart household electronics to understand and improve them. This early curiosity and hands-on experimentation laid the foundation for his future in tech. Encouraged by his mother, Nelson would reassemble electronic parts from toys to create new devices, such as a door alarm for his bedroom.

Nelson pursued his passion for technology through formal education, focusing on computer science and systems management during his college years at the local Laramie County Community College and later at the University of Phoenix, where he earned a degree in information technology. His academic background gave him the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the IT industry.

In August 1998, Nelson joined the City of Cheyenne, beginning a long and fruitful career in public service. His expertise and dedication led to a steady progression within the city’s IT department, culminating in his promotion to director of IT in October 2015. Nelson oversees the city’s technological infrastructure in this role, ensuring that systems run smoothly and efficiently to support municipal operations and services.

“Historian Arthur Schlesinger famously said that science and technology revolutionize our lives, but memory, tradition and myth frame our response,” Nelson says.