Latest news with #Erickson
Technical.ly
3 days ago
- Business
- Technical.ly
The other approach to ‘government efficiency': How digital teams serve the public
Government efficiency is a hot-button issue this year, with masses of federal workers having lost their jobs in its name. But when it comes to state and local government, efficiency-based reform is all about making things work smoothly, with the help of tech. 'The Other Approach to Government Efficiency,' a session at the 2025 Builders Conference, featured two civic innovators: Eliza Erickson, who leads permit reform efforts in Pennsylvania's Governor's Office, and Max Gigle, a digital product leader in Connecticut. Moderated by Kaela Roeder, the panel broke down how government can better serve people, even when the results don't make headlines. 'In some ways, government is 15 years behind the arc of technology and innovation in the private sector,' Erickson said. 'But we're recognizing more and more the need for real, high-quality technology in the public sector — and we're finding ways to invest in that talent.' Rather than focus on flashy apps or front-facing dashboards, both panelists stressed that the most meaningful work starts much deeper in the process. Gigle, who leads digital efforts for Connecticut's Department of Administrative Services, described how his team redesigned the state's approach to business licensing. What seemed like a simple task — building a new website — actually required collaboration with more than a dozen agencies, deep process mapping and a culture change in how services are delivered. 'If someone said, 'We made a website and it took eight months,' I think most folks in the tech world would be like, 'What in the world are you doing with their money?'' Gigle said. 'But in order to really get to the core of the challenge, it took a lot of time to ask questions of what's important here, how do we work across a ton of different stakeholders that have different interests, how do we centralize brands and work through tough challenges?' In Connecticut, that meant understanding that the real barrier to entrepreneurship wasn't the form itself, but the knowledge gap around what to do when, and with whom. Sustainability over splash Both Gigle and Erickson emphasized that true government innovation is measured in staying power, not just short-term wins. Erickson stressed that at its core, 'successful government innovation … has to be sustainable,' so it lives on after the specific tech team that led that initiative leaves. Her own team builds from the ground up, empowering the frontline staff who will be there long after an administration changes, making sure they have ownership over new systems and practices. Making lasting change also means being honest about progress: If a new permit system isn't fully rolled out yet, talk about the education campaigns, the translation work and the user testing that's already reshaping the process. Those behind-the-scenes steps may not sound exciting, but they're often the reason a teacher can get certified faster, or a barber can open shop a few months earlier. Narrative, Erikson said, is also important. Government work is often invisible unless it fails, so part of the challenge is sharing success in ways people actually understand, whether that's via TikTok, community meetings or just clearer metrics. She pointed to Pennsylvania's push to reframe permit reform as a tangible quality-of-life issue, not just red tape. 'If you are a teacher looking for a job and it takes you six months to get your certification, that's six months that you're not allowed to work,' Erickson said. 'If we shorten that time to two months, that's four more months of income. That is really impactful.' Inviting more people into public service Civic technologists — a group that once meant mostly IT staff — now include designers, product managers, data analysts and software engineers. Both panelists encouraged students and career switchers to consider public-sector roles, even if they've never seen themselves in government. 'If you care about your city and your state, get involved,' Gigle said. 'Government … can look toxic on the surface. It's not sexy every single day, but, I promise you, the outcome is fantastic.' The skills you build in government — navigating complexity, managing risk, scaling services — translate directly into roles in big tech and beyond, he added. Erickson agreed, especially when it comes to the early career opportunity. 'You can put your skills to positive use in such a tangible way,' she said. 'You do two or three years in the public sector, and it puts you on a really impactful career path.' What innovation really looks like During a wide-ranging Q&A, attendees asked about risk, disruption and why the government seems so slow to change. Gigle offered a clear-eyed take: The real risk is not changing. And disruption can come in many forms, from COVID's sudden shift to remote service delivery to a renewed focus on equity and inclusion within government ranks. Erickson noted that meaningful change often comes from within, when agencies empower the right people to ask why. 'A lot of the bureaucracy and the red tape that exists in government is because someone at some point really believed that it was the right thing,' she said. 'The problem is that we just build bureaucracy and regulations on top of bureaucracy and regulations without unpacking what's been done.'
Chicago Tribune
27-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Waukegan Memorial Day Parade honors those who ‘gave all'
As Waukegan's Memorial Day Parade moved west on Washington Street toward Veterans Memorial Plaza, the drum cadence from members of the Waukegan High School JROTC was unmistakable. Not a rousing march, it was a serious and slower-moving sound. For the Rev. Richard Frontjes of Christ Episcopal Church, who offered the invocation and benediction for the ensuing ceremony, it meant the entrance to an important event. Clay Erickson, a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who was at the city's Memorial Day events, said both taps — which came near the end of the ceremony — and the drum cadence have a similar meaning. 'All gave some,' Erickson said of members of the military. 'Some gave all,' he added, referring to those who lost their lives and are remembered on Memorial Day. Erickson and Frontjes were among more than 200 people who paid tribute to fallen members of the military with the city's annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday in downtown Waukegan. Mayor Sam Cunningham said the drum cadence during the parade is part of the mood-setting for the ceremony that follows. It pays tribute to the men and women of the military who fought wars risking and, sometimes, losing their lives to protect the freedom that citizens share. 'It helps us understand the sacrifice made for the liberties we have today in this country,' Cunningham said after the events. 'It helps us understand there are times when the armed forces are needed. You have the cadence to help us understand that.' Leading the parade were a group of veterans — many from American Legion Homer Dahringer Post 2981 — followed by a color guard composed of members of the Waukegan Fire Department, elected officials and the JROTC. Ron Painter, the commanding officer of the JROTC and a retired Army major, said Memorial Day is a time he thinks of people who died in action to protect Americans' freedom. Ana Martinez-Martinez is a JROTC member considering joining the military. Martinez-Martinez said she plans to join the Illinois Army National Guard when she graduates from Waukegan High School next spring. She is planning to start working on her application this summer. 'I want to do more than just go to a job,' Martinez-Martinez said, 'It will also help pay for my education.' After walking the three blocks on Washington, from Genesee Street to West Street, most of the marchers joined the crowd already assembled at Veterans Plaza. There, they paid tribute to those Erickson said 'gave all.' Sharing the story of Lt. Homer Dahringer, Cunningham said he was a graduate of Waukegan High, captained the basketball team at the University of Illinois and before the U.S. entered World War I, he completed officer training at Fort Sheridan. Flying planes behind enemy lines to gather information, Cunningham said, before he flew a mission on Sept. 16, 1918, Dahringer wrote a letter to his parents about a mission he was undertaking. He 'did not anticipate any trouble.' There was also foreshadowing. ''I am scheduled to fly an infantry liaison plane,'' Cunningham said, quoting the letter. ''It is the worst kind of work and everything rests with God. If I do not come back, you may know that I gave my all and my best to my country.' He never came back from that mission.' Lisa Madden, the board chair of Honor Flight Lake County, has spent most of her adult life involved with members of the military. Her husband is a U.S. Navy veteran and a police officer in Lake County. While people were enjoying time with friends and family, she said they need to pause. 'While it is not wrong to enjoy the freedom protected by those who served, we must remember there are many who are grieving their lost loved ones today,' Madden said. Taking the message of the day a step further, Cunningham suggested putting the memory of those killed in war into everyday life in, 'how we live, serve and care for one another as neighbors (and) citizens.' Some of Cunningham's words were not unlike the benediction offered by Frontjes. The pastor said it is important to remember those who were killed in action, but also to take a lesson from their lives. 'As we go forth from this place, may we carry in our hearts the memory of those who gave all,' Frontjes said. 'May their courage strengthen us. May their devotion to duty inspire us. And may their legacy of service guide us to live not only in comfort but in purpose.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EY US unveils David Erickson of Forward Networks as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Bay Area Award finalist
Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates ambitious entrepreneurs who are shaping the future SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced the finalists for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Bay Area Award. Now in its 40th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world's most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities. The program honors bold entrepreneurs whose innovations shape the future and pave the way for a thriving economy and a hopeful tomorrow. An independent panel of judges selected David Erickson among 33 finalists for their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and lasting impact in building long-term value. In reflecting on this recognition, Erickson said: "Bringing Forward Networks from a concept to a company trusted by some of the world's largest enterprises and government agencies—where data security is critical—has been a journey more than a decade in the making. Being named an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® Finalist is a true honor. For decades, this award has recognized business leaders whose companies have disrupted industries and created entirely new product categories. Being part of that legacy is a meaningful validation of the work my co-founders, our employees, and I have done to drive real, positive change.'" Entrepreneur Of The Year honors business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future. Regional award winners will be announced on Friday, June 13 during a special celebration in San Francisco and will become lifetime members of an esteemed community of Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni from around the world. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation's most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies. SponsorsFounded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA and SAP. In the Bay Area, sponsors include platinum sponsor: DLA Piper, gold sponsor: ADP and silver sponsor: Big Picture. About Entrepreneur Of The Year Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally. The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner represents the US at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition. Visit About EYEY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. All in to shape the future with confidence. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit About Forward Networks Forward Networks is revolutionizing the way large networks are managed. Forward's advanced software delivers a digital twin of the network, enabling network operators to ensure the network is secure, reliable, and agile. The platform supports devices from all major networking vendors and cloud operators, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Forward Networks was founded in 2013 by four Stanford Ph.D. graduates and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. Investors include MSD Partners, Goldman Sachs, Andreessen Horowitz, Threshold Ventures, Section 32, Omega Venture Partners, and A. Capital. For more information, visit Dawn SlusherForward Networksdawnslusher@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Forward Networks, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers hit with backlash after passing controversial crypto bill: 'A corporate giveaway, plain and simple'
Utah has passed legislation giving cryptocurrency mining operations unprecedented freedoms in a move that may harm the environment and raise utility costs for residents. The controversial HB230 bill establishes special rights for crypto companies with minimal local oversight, as John Weisheit, conservation director of Living Rivers-Colorado Riverkeeper, and Steve Erickson, board member at Great Basin Water Network, detailed for the Deseret News. HB230, officially titled "Blockchain and Digital Innovation Amendments," gives crypto mining companies the right to mine cryptocurrency, run blockchain nodes, and stake tokens with minimal interference or oversight in Utah. The bill shields these operations from local zoning laws, noise ordinances, and other regulations that normally govern businesses. It also waives requirements for digital operations to obtain money transmitter licenses, which typically involve financial audits. This legislation prioritizes crypto industry profits over environmental protection and community well-being. Proof-of-work cryptomining already consumes up to 2.3% of the entire U.S. electricity supply, according to the Energy Information Administration, more than many countries use. For Utah residents, this could mean higher electricity bills, increased strain on the power grid, and more pollution. The bill creates special "opportunity zones" for crypto miners while offering no provisions for managing water usage, an oversight for a drought-prone state like Utah, where water conservation is important. "Make no mistake — this is not innovation," wrote Weisheit and Erickson. "It will harm every Utahn who pays a power bill, who cares about clean air and water, or who believes public money should serve the public good." Cryptocurrency mining's energy demands have a large pollution footprint. These operations run 24/7 while consuming electricity sourced mainly from dirty fuels — although the industry has begun shifting toward cleaner energy sources. Despite these improvements, mining remains a highly energy-intensive process. Do you think gas stoves should be banned nationwide? No way Let each state decide I'm not sure Definitely Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Crypto mining facilities can consume as much water as 300,000 households yearly to prevent their machines from overheating, per Weisheit and Erickson. In a state like Utah that faces droughts, this water consumption pressures an already-strained resource. Noise pollution also impacts communities near mining operations. The constant sound of cooling fans has been compared to having a semitruck engine running outside your window constantly — and this has led to lawsuits in some jurisdictions. Under HB230, local governments can't regulate this noise even when it disrupts residents' sleep and quality of life. Arkansas passed similar legislation last year with disastrous results. The state quickly faced widespread noise complaints and utility cost increases, forcing lawmakers to reconsider. Some co-sponsors even admitted they had been misled about the bill's impacts. "Lawmakers and the crypto industry are celebrating the passage of this bill as a bipartisan win that will position the state to lead," said Weisheit and Erickson. "But it's a corporate giveaway, plain and simple." The National Coalition Against Cryptomining is now working in 18 states to combat this trend of deregulation. They're building a bipartisan movement of people concerned about corporations that negatively affect quality of life and receive special treatment from lawmakers. You can help by staying informed about crypto legislation in your area and contacting your representatives when similar bills are proposed. Supporting organizations fighting for appropriate regulation of this industry helps ensure our shared resources are not exploited at the public's expense. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Forbes
23-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Perceptions Can Differ About Experiences In The Workplace
Who has a more positive view of how employees feel about their productivity and connections with companies— the employees or executives? The answer might surprise business leaders. According to new research released today by The Conference Board: Gaps in how employers and employees perceive these key issues could lead to bigger problems down the road for companies. 'The biggest consequence of ignoring those [and other] The online survey for 'The Reimagined Workplace 2025: Managing Uncertainty' includes responses from 578 workers and 170 executives in the U.S., and was conducted in March and April 2025. This is the first time that the perceptions of executives were measured against those of workers. 'By comparing leader perceptions and worker realities side-by-side, it's clear that some leaders are underestimating how positively employees view aspects of their employee experience. While the disconnect wasn't measured explicitly before, this year's survey has quantified the perception gap and brought it into sharper focus,' according to Erickson. In the other surveys conducted by The Conference Board (but not previous versions of the 'Reimagined Workplace'survey), most employees reported the same or lower levels of well-being. They also reported the same or lower levels of engagement, mental health, and other aspects of well-being, a spokesperson told me via email. Companies could consider conducting periodic surveys of their employees to determine if there are perception gaps in their organization. Then executives can take the appropriate steps to tackle them, There are several ways to hep bridge perception gaps. They include soliciting feedback through anonymous surveys of workers, conducting regular listening sessions, holding direct conversations, and acting on the feedback, Erickson told me. But it's important that executives show that they are being responsive to the feedback. 'Employees become disengaged when feedback is collected and ignored, so transparency around what is heard and what actions are being taken to address those concerns is imperative,' she pointed out. To be in sync with employees, employers should take periodic reality checks to ensure they know what workers are experiencing. Otherwise, an employer's best intentions will fail. 'The biggest issue I see occurs when management has no idea what the day-to-day looks like for employees and then comes in with grand ideas and visions that, while great, have to then be executed by the employees who are left to clean up and manage the implementation of those ideas, Alexandra Suchman, a workplace expert, told me via email. When there's no effective connection between employers and employees, 'it creates a culture of resentment and burnout as employees try to keep up with the ideas of someone who (whether they actually do or don't) doesn't seem to understand what they go through,' she observed. The nature of the information that is being communicated to workers is also important. Executives might be proud of the fact that they are being transparent by sharing their priorities and metrics. But those efforts won't make any difference if employees really want to know 'the 'why' behind decisions… [and want] Business leaders should be careful how often they share information with workers, and how it is shared. 'Executives often think more communication is the solution to every problem. But from the employee side, endless emails, town halls, and text messages can feel overwhelming, not empowering. Leaders sometimes assume big annual awards or bonuses are enough, but employees crave smaller, more frequent, authentic recognition for day-to-day wins,' Matthew Higgins, chief operating officers of Live Better Hearing + Balance, observed in an email message to me. But communication and a shared vision about a company may not be enough to ensure that the perceptions of workers and employers are in alignment. 'It is about seeing and feeling the workplace the same way, and that is where the real gap often lives. Executives and employees usually agree on what matters, like purpose, impact, and flexibility, but the real disconnect happens in how those things are delivered and felt on the ground,' he concluded. Corporate leaders whose perceptions about their employees' productivity, engagement, and productivity are in sync with those of their workers will send the right message that they are really listening and taking their concerns and issues seriously. Those who choose to ignore how employees feel about their workplace experiences run the risk of creating or compounding an internal simmering problem that could morph into something more serious.
