Northwood Grad, GM Exec Ken Theis Named State IT Director by Governor

Departing DIT Director Teri Takai Lauded by Governor

December 13, 2007
By: Dave Rogers

Kenneth D. Theis, (right)a Northwood University graduate and former General Motors executive, has been appointed director of the Department of Information Technology (DIT) by Gov. Jennifer Granholm.


Mr. Theis replaces Teri Takai who has resigned and has accepted a position in California.

"We are fortunate to have such a skilled and talented leader in Ken Theis," Gov. Granholm said. "Ken brings a wealth of experience to the table and will no doubt continue the great work that has already been accomplished by the department."

Theis has been chief deputy director of DIT. He came to Michigan nine years ago from the General Motors (GM) Corporation, where he held key business and technology leadership positions.

Mr. Theis received the GM Chairman's Honors Award in 1998, and he was also the recipient of the GM CIO Award in 1999.

Since joining the state of Michigan, he successfully implemented a statewide child support enforcement system, enabling the state to recover substantial federal penalties.

Mr. Theis has been a senior executive with DIT since the creation of the department. In 2006, he was named one of the Premier 100 Information Technology (IT) Leaders in the industry by Computerworld, receiving the distinguished Best in Class recognition.

Theis earned a master's degree in business administration from Northwood and a bachelor's degree in automotive and heavy equipment management from Ferris State University.

He resides in St. Johns with his wife Mary Jo and his three children, Joshua, Zachary, and Rachel.

Gov. Granholm praised Teri Takai for her leadership at DIT.

"I thank Director Takai for her five years of dedicated service to the citizens of Michigan," Granholm said. "She will be long regarded for her pivotal role and leadership in helping reduce the cost of technology in Michigan government and streamlining technology services."

Takai has served as director of DIT since February 2003.

Theis' appointment is subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963. It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.

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