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A Publication Featuring The Information
Services Technology of Maine State Government
| Volume VII, Issue 2 | February 2004 |
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Do you know Gary? After starting with the State of Maine full time on “April Fools Day” in 1969, his work and friendly smile has touched many of us.
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Just six months after joining the Maine Criminal Justice Planning and Assistance Agency (MCJPAA) in 1969, Gary was one of six State employees asked by Governor Curtis to serve on the response team of the Cost Management Survey. Long time State government watchers (and historians) will remember the Cost Management Survey as the effort that initially promoted its chair, James Longley of Lewiston, to prominence, and subsequently to the governorship. Gary and his peers (Kermit Nickerson, Carolyn Manson, Jack Sears, Linny Ross, Shirley Elias Ezzy and Alan Pease) researched potential cost savings, and the feasibility of implementation of ideas submitted by citizens. Gary observes “this work provided an invaluable education” regarding the missions and funding structures of State agencies. |
Gary worked 13 years at MCJPAA, a federal grant-in-aid agency, and remembers the State’s first law enforcement microwave radio communication system was implemented during his tenure. Another memorable highlight was funding the State’s purchase of the former Thomas College campus in Waterville as the first Maine Criminal Justice Academy (http://www.maine.gov/dps/mcja/about_acad/). From approximately 1973-1982, Gary was the Director of the Criminal Justice Data Analysis Center, which was a component of the Governor’s office. He started the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) process. Today, UCR is a function of the Maine State Police within the Department of Public Safety (http://www.maine.gov/dps/cim/crime_in_maine/cim.htm).
Having earned a BA degree in Sociology from the University of Maine in 1968, Gary was pleased to join the planning office of the Department of Mental Health in 1982 as a Management Analyst. As the office’s mission evolved toward implementation of technology to automate record keeping and other functions, Gary’s role became more technical. (Indeed, he was a charter member of the Central Computer Advisory Committee (CCAC), formed in the 1980’s to advise the Director of Central Computer Services (today called the Bureau of Information Services). Many feel that the CCAC was the earliest precursor to today’s Information Services Managers Group.)
As the Information Systems Manager of the Maine Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services, Gary has devoted his recent energies to implementing the Enterprise Information System (EIS). This major new web-based Oracle system is being implemented in phases[1], and when completed, it will support 900+ users throughout Maine. Gary has established a help desk for EIS, and has purchased, and installed all the necessary hardware and software. He says “this is a nifty, powerful tool, which even has a built-in assessment model to be used by medical professionals, as well as other treatment staff.”
Gary says “I anguished over the decision to retire, but now that I’ve made the decision, I cannot stop smiling. Heck, I’ve got neckties older than some of my co-workers!” From his home on the north shore of Cobbosseecontee Lake, Gary plans to “putter” in his workshop, boat, fish, and “play” with his two grandchildren. Congratulations, Gary, on such a long and distinguished career with the State. Through your many contributions, both professional and personal, you certainly have “made a difference” to your colleagues, and to the people of Maine.
[1] 1) Children with special needs
2) Adult mental health services and
3) Adult mental retardation services
