About Me

Two decades of turning government challenges into technology-driven opportunities.

Tim Howell professional portrait

Hi, I'm Tim.

I'm a technology-savvy leader with a track record of successfully solving civic and organizational challenges through progressive leadership, internal and external innovation, focused determination, and hard work.

Currently serving as the first Chief Innovation Officer at the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), I lead the Research and Innovation Division, driving creative solutions for both internal and external stakeholders across a region that serves approximately 8.3 million residents in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

My passion lies at the intersection of technology and public service. I believe that government organizations can — and should — be at the forefront of innovation. My background in technology combined with my enthusiasm for effective leadership provides a balanced approach to enhancing government through technology innovations.

Before my current role, I spent seven years as NCTCOG's Senior IT Manager, where I led the infrastructure and service desk teams through modernization and consolidation efforts. This included implementing ITIL best practices and delivering over 100 projects. Prior to NCTCOG, I served as Information Services Director for the City of South Padre Island and IT Manager for the City of Hutto.

Author

Innovation PACT: The No-Nonsense Guide to Sustainable Innovation (2015)

Education

B.S., Bellevue University; CGCIO, UNC Chapel Hill

Award Winner

GovTech Special Districts Technology Innovation Award

AI Governance Leader

Leading NCTCOG's organizational AI strategy and governance

Public Speaking

Sharing Ideas That Move Government Forward

I regularly speak at conferences and events on topics including AI in government, innovation strategy, and technology leadership.

Tim Howell presenting at a government technology conference
Tim Howell speaking about the impact of AI on government
Published Author

Innovation PACT

The No-Nonsense Guide to Sustainable Innovation

Published in 2015, the Innovation PACT outlines a practical process to create a sustainable innovation strategy inside government. The PACT framework stands for:

Persistency — Innovation snowballs over time. It requires patience and sustained effort.
Advocacy — Championing new ideas and building support across the organization.
Culture — Fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.
Technology — Leveraging the right tools and platforms to drive meaningful change.

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Tim Howell
Education & Certifications

Continuous Learning & Professional Development

Bachelor of Science

Technical Project Management

Bellevue University • 2007 – 2013

Certified Government CIO (CGCIO)

Government IT Leadership

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • 2012 – 2013

ITIL v4 Strategic Leader

PeopleCert

Foundations | Direct, Plan & Improve | Digital & IT Strategy • 2019 – 2023

ITIL v4 Managing Professional

PeopleCert

High Velocity IT | Create, Deliver & Support | Drive Stakeholder Value • 2019 – 2021

COBIT 5 Foundation

APMG International

IT Governance Framework • 2019

Competent Leadership

Toastmasters International

Leadership Development • 2010 – 2012

Professional Affiliations & Leadership

Active in the Government Technology Community

Texas Association of Governmental IT Managers (TAGITM)

President (2013–2014) • Vice President (2012–2013) • Secretary/Treasurer (2011–2012)

State of Texas

Information Technology Strategic Advisory Committee — Only municipal representative

Texas Municipal League

Resolutions Committee & General Government Committee

Manor Education Foundation

Treasurer (2016–Present) — Executive board member assisting with technology needs

Awards & Recognition

Recognized for Excellence in Government Technology

TAGITM Excellence Awards

Texas Association of Governmental IT Managers

2008, 2022, 2023

Special Districts Technology Innovation Award

Government Technology — Operations Category

2022

Pinnacle Award

National Association of Government Webmasters (NAGW)

Excellence in Project Delivery

Center for Digital Government

Congressional Recognition

Congressman John Carter

Want to Work Together?

Whether it's speaking, consulting, or collaborating on government innovation, I'm always open to new conversations.