Dear Friend of the Registry of Deeds,
A number of concerned residents and users of Registry of Deeds services have recently inquired about getting an update about the Registry Chief Information Office (CIO). This position has been a filled, existing and budgeted job for nearly 20 years. The Registry CIO position is still an existing and budgeted position. The Registry CIO has not been vacant for one day during my tenure as Register of Deeds.
However, that changed on June 30, 2021 when the Norfolk County Commissioners in a 2 to 1 vote did not approve a new Registry CIO who was to succeed the retiring Registry CIO. A law suit was filed on behalf of the Registry of Deeds and Registry stakeholders as a result of this shortsighted decision.
Back on June 30, 2021 one of the rationales used was that a study of county operations undertaken by a consultant would be completed in “a few weeks.” Here it is September 21, 2021 and there is no “Abrahams Study Report” that has been delivered that address the Registry Chief Information Office (CIO) position.
The stance of the Registry of Deeds is that this Registry CIO matter is not resolved or settled. It will not be considered resolved until there is an on-site permanent Registry Chief Information Officer (CIO) working in the Registry building for and with the Register of Deeds, the Registry staff and Registry users and stakeholders and the general public. It is crucial to have Registry CIO leading the 2 person Registry IT Department overseeing technology and working on cybersecurity risks. Although the law suit filed brought about a temporary Registry Chief Information Officer (CIO) position this should be a permanent job as it has been for the last 20 years.
Thank you to all who have supported the Norfolk Registry of Deeds during this challenging time period. The Registry of Deeds and its staff appreciate your patience and understanding as this unfortunate matter continues.
Sincerely yours,
William P. O’Donnell
Register of Deeds