Amar Hariharan

About Amar Hariharan

Guided by my unwavering belief in the transformative power of technology as a catalyst for change and efficiency, I have dedicated over 30 years as a technology executive leading enterprise-scale modernization across both the private sector and the California state government. My academic training in computer science and business management provided the analytical and leadership foundation that has guided me through a career defined by transformation, governance, and measurable public value.In the private sector, I held leadership roles at Starbucks, British Petroleum, the World Bank, and Seattle City Light, where I developed a relentless focus on customer experience, operational excellence, and enterprise modernization. Those lessons shaped the approach I carried into public service, pairing the speed and discipline of the private sector with the mission-driven responsibility of government.At the Department of Health Care Services, I partnered with counties to implement statewide systems supporting mental health and substance use disorder services, bridging state and federal requirements to improve care coordination. At the CA Department of Technology, I advanced governance and portfolio discipline in the PMO, standardizing delivery and accountability across statewide initiatives.Today, as the Chief Information Officer for the CA Department of Food and Agriculture, I lead modernization efforts across a diverse portfolio of missions that serve thousands of staff and stakeholders. I have championed Salesforce-based systems that accelerate inspections and grants, strengthened cybersecurity by aligning to SIMM 5300 and NIST CSF standards, and improved enterprise support through automation and knowledge-centered practices. Earlier, at the DMV, I played a leadership role in expanding the Digital Experience Platform from about 20 to nearly 50 online services, enabling more than 27 million online transactions in a single year and dramatically reducing in-office demand through digital-first design and kiosks.My contributions have been recognized with the CIO Academy Award in 2017 for innovation and leadership in public-sector IT. At every stage of my career, my focus has remained clear: deliver trusted, modern technology that reduces risk, accelerates outcomes, and improves the everyday experience of Californians. Looking ahead, I am committed to pioneering advancements in AI to transform information technology practices and championing initiatives that foster digital equity across the state, ensuring every resident benefits from technological progress.

Experience

1. Technology Leader - State of California

   State of California

   Feb 2014 — Present · Sacramento, CA, US

Education

• University of Phoenix

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General

• University of Calcutta

  Bachelor of Commerce, Finance and Accounting

  2001 — 2004

• Project Management Institute

  PMP, Project Management