Comcast Business to Sponsor Government Technology Institute at Harrisburg University

July 24, 2013 - PRLog -- Harrisburg University of Science and Technology announced today that Comcast Business, a unit of Comcast Cable, the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone provider, would become a platinum sponsor of the Government Technology Institute hosted at the University.

The Government Technology Institute (GTI) focuses on improving the skills of information technology (IT) leaders in government, encouraging collaboration among Pennsylvania’s many government entities and innovation. Barbara Shelton and Charlie Gerhards, both former government officials, serve as the GTI Co-Executive Directors.

Through its programs, GTI connects government technology leaders with the expertise of Harrisburg University faculty and experts in technology from the private sector, such as Comcast Business. Technology professionals from state, county and local governments use GTI to learn, explore and collaborate on successful, cost-effective technology solutions for Pennsylvania.

“Comcast Business clearly values the potential of the GTI to benefit public sector technology leaders throughout the Commonwealth and beyond. By sponsoring the GTI, Comcast Business is supporting government IT leaders, and indirectly helping those constituents dependent on critical government services,” says Dr. Eric Darr, President of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

Comcast Business will collaborate with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology on a number of thought-leadership symposiums. Additionally, Comcast Business will have access to select executive-style meeting spaces within the academic center in order to educate clients or other guests; demonstrate emerging technologies; and present best practices that can help current or prospective clients transform state and local government. Comcast Business will be given the opportunity to engage University faculty and students in assisting with prototypes or pilot projects.

“Comcast knows firsthand that technology is advancing and evolving at lightning speed,” said Comcast Keystone Region Vice President of Business Services Glenn Lytle. “We work closely with many government technology professionals and understand that it is more critical than ever for them to stay up to date on the latest industry trends. Through this partnership with the Government Technology Institute, we are pleased to help government CIOs in their endeavors to improve processes for the public sector and ultimately benefit the citizens of Pennsylvania.”

The Comcast Business sponsorship will specifically benefit GTI's learning center and its signature initiative, the nationally recognized Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) program. CGCIO has propelled Harrisburg University and its GTI into an exclusive group; one of only a handful of prestigious universities – and the only one in Pennsylvania – that specifically addresses the unique challenges of public sector IT executive leadership.

Now in its second year, the CGCIO certification program enables current and aspiring information technology executives working in public service to earn a recognized credential and develop the skills and knowledge to manage the demands of their increasingly complex roles. Forty-eight current or aspiring government CIOs serving Pennsylvania government have participated in the CGCIO program at Harrisburg University. Given the success of CGCIO, GTI has now launched a new initiative, the Government IT Managers Certificate program where another 30 IT professionals are now enrolled and participating.

“Today's government IT leaders require sophisticated skills sets in leadership, strategy, and management. CGCIO immerses them in comprehensive study of executive-level issues, including leadership, IT strategy and planning, governance, security, effective use of IT resources, innovation and workforce development. Thanks to the support of Comcast and our other GTI sponsors, current and aspiring senior-level IT executives can earn a recognized credential through the CGCIO and other GTI programs and learn to manage the demands of their increasingly complex roles,” says Dr. Darr.

Comcast Business joins other premiere companies in sponsoring the GTI, including CA Technologies, Computer Aid, Inc., Cisco, Microsoft, Unisys, and Deloitte Consulting.

For more information about the Government Technology Institute at Harrisburg University, visit Http://www.HarrisburgU.edu/GTI

Comcast Business, a unit of Comcast Cable, provides advanced communication solutions to help organizations of all sizes meet their business objectives. Through a modern, converged network that is backed by 24/7 technical support, Comcast delivers Business Internet, TV and Voice services for cost-effective, simplified communications management.

Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Harrisburg University is a private university offering bachelor-of-science and graduate degree programs in science, technology and math fields. For more information on the University's affordable demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, call 717.901.5146 or email, Connect@HarrisburgU.edu