DENVER - Today the Colorado Technology Association (CTA) announced finalists for their 21st annual APEX Awards, which recognize outstanding accomplishments and leadership in the Colorado tech community. The Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) was named a finalist in two categories: Emerging Leader of the Year and Project of the Year.
Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) Program Manager Sarah Smith was named a finalist in the Emerging Leader of the Year category. Sarah is passionate about bridging the digital divide and has helped the CBO increase rural broadband coverage by 15% over the past five years. A lead advocate for expansion, Sarah is working with internet service providers to grow broadband and build support from local communities. She is also implementing a Broadband Stipend program and building a comprehensive grant management program to help whole communities of Coloradans access broadband at affordable rates and promote digital literacy, equity and inclusion.
The August 2021 public launch of myVaccine Record within the myColorado™ app was named a finalist in the Tech Project of the Year category. The groundbreaking feature was implemented in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, offering a way for residents to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination on their mobile device. On Nov. 5, 2021, Colorado also adopted the use of SMART® Health Cards, an internationally-recognized standard to make it quick and easy for businesses to verify a person’s vaccination status. Since completing this project, myColorado adoption has increased 400% and more than 500,000 Coloradans have accessed their digital COVID-19 vaccine record.
“The work we do at OIT has a direct and positive impact on Coloradans, and it is gratifying to see our people and projects recognized by CTA," said Anthony Neal-Graves, Chief Information Officer & Executive Director. “We look forward to expanding broadband across the state and adding even more features to myColorado to enhance the lives of all Coloradans.”
Winners will be announced at the 2022 Colorado Tech Summit + APEX Awards luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022.