South San Francisco, CA April 27, 2015 Submitted by Leslie Arroyo City of South San Francisco
Doug Hollis has been appointed South San Francisco’s Chief Innovation Officer. As Chief Innovation Officer, Hollis is responsible for the city’s information technology systems as well as building scalable and sustainable solutions that will change the way South San Francisco communicates with its community members and provides information to citizens about resources.
“Doug’s new role as Chief Innovation Officer is an important one as the city strives to provide a higher level of customer service for our residents and businesses,” says Mike Futrell, City Manager. “South San Francisco is an innovation hot spot, and having a Chief Innovation Officer focused on bringing new ideas to life, on leveraging technology to improve operations, on supporting an entrepreneurial spirit inside and outside city government, is critically important to keeping our city on the front edge of the new economy.”
Hollis began working for the city nearly 14 years ago, but has more than 35 years of professional experience. During his time at the city, he has helped the city transition from manual to online processes, including document management, created a new geographical information mapping system, created a new city website, started a free wireless network in public spaces, and introduced the city’s first mobile app, Engage SSF, all making it easier for the city to function in a more efficient and transparent manner. Also, under Hollis’ guidance, the city has provided IT support service to the Town of Hillsborough for over 7 years.
In his new role, Hollis will continue to plan, organize and direct the programs and functions of citywide information systems and services, but will also lead efforts to bring innovative technology solutions to city operations and improve internal business processes. He will also work with regional partners to improve high speed fiber connectivity in South San Francisco, ensuring businesses and residents have world-class service capable of supporting tomorrow’s bandwidth needs.
Hollis has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of San Francisco and a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Technology Management from the University of Phoenix. He is a leader in the Municipal Information Systems Association of California (MISAC), serving in the past as State President and Northern Chapter President. He also was instrumental in South San Francisco receiving the “Excellence in Technology” award from MISAC for the past 12 years in a row.
Hollis sees a lot of opportunity with this new role. “South San Francisco has embraced innovation and new ideas, welcoming entrepreneurs and big dreamers looking to change the world. Bringing that spirt of innovation to city operations is very exciting to me, and equally important is that the city also has the people to help see new ideas become reality.”