Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman today announced she is appointing Michael Bastianelli to serve as the county’s Chief Information Officer.
Bastianelli is a longtime manager in the county’s Division of Information Technology, having served as Application Services Manager for the last 10 years. As Chief Information Officer, he will lead the county’s entire IT operation.
Kerkman said Bastianelli will serve in the position on an acting basis effective Jan. 2, pending a County Board vote on his appointment. He succeeds former CIO Shawn Smith, who left Kenosha County in August to pursue another opportunity out of state.
“We are fortunate to be able to fill this important position from within, promoting a longtime employee who has worked his way up through the division, learning a wealth of knowledge from the ground up,” Kerkman said. “Now Mike will be leading the talented team that ensures effective IT operations and security for our employees and residents, and I am confident in his well-rounded abilities.”
Bastianelli is a lifelong resident of Kenosha County who began his career with the county’s Division of Information Technology in 2001. While working for Kenosha County, he earned two associate degrees from Gateway Technical College and a Bachelor of Arts with honors from Lakeland University in Sheboygan. Prior to his current role, Bastianelli served in county IT as a PC Technician, System Analyst & Coordinator and Project Coordinator.
“Most recently, as Application Services Manager, I have had the opportunity to provide guidance to a dynamic team of developers as they implemented and supported critical services within Kenosha County,” Bastianelli said. “I now look forward to using my experience to guide the entire division toward continued success while driving innovation for the benefit of our community”
County IT Services Manager Ben Taggart, who served as interim CIO after Smith’s departure, said Bastianelli will be a strong leader for the division.
“I’m grateful to have served in this position on an interim basis, and I’m excited to work with Mike as we continue to move IT forward in Kenosha County,” Taggart said.