As US celebrates 250th, CIOs turn youngish 30

On July 4, our country will mark its semiquincentennial — the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

But during this momentous year, let’s celebrate some other important birthdays. In this case, it’s a young one, a mere Millennial. A Gen Yer. Some might call it a “cusper.” I’m referring to the Information Technology Management Reform Act (ITMRA) of 1996, often referred to as the Clinger-Cohen Act after its two sponsors in the House and Senate, that was signed into law on Feb. 10, 1996. 

The measure required significant changes in the way government agencies managed and acquired information technology. Its emphasis on senior executive involvement in information management decisions, the establishment of Chief Information Officers as members of executive management teams, investment control and capital planning, process re-engineering and the use of performance measures to ensure accountability for IT spending results ...