City Manager James K. Spore announced today that Matthew B. Arvay has been selected as Virginia Beach’s new chief information officer. Starting Sept. 1, he will oversee the city’s Department of Communications and Information Technology, with 178 full-time employees and a $22.8 million annual budget. His annual salary will be $130,000.
Arvay is currently chief information officer of the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Indiana, with a combined population of about 300,000. He has held that job since 2004. Previously, he was executive director of geographic information systems (GIS).
“We’re excited about bringing a professional of Matt’s caliber on board,” said Deputy City Manager Dave Hansen. “He represents the city’s commitment to both technology excellence and innovation. Matt’s wealth of experience in developing collaborative relationships will complement the IT department’s technology leadership.”
Arvay earned both a master’s degree in geography and planning and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron. He is one of 150 people worldwide to receive a Special Achievement Award in GIS from Environmental Systems Research Institute, the nation’s leading technology company specializing in geographic software and services.
Matt will replace Gwen Cowart, the previous director of the Department of Communications and Information Technology, who retired in December. The city’s chief technology officer, Mick Vollmer, has been interim director.
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