The Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners convened on September 20, 2023, to discuss critical updates regarding information technology and security as they relate to the agency's licensing systems. The meeting featured presentations from key officials, including Chief Information Officer John Feller and Chief Information Security Officer Josh Koons, who outlined the agency's ongoing efforts to modernize its technological infrastructure.

Feller emphasized the need for a new licensing system, highlighting that the agency currently operates with nine outdated systems, many of which are no longer supported. He reported that the agency has secured $32.9 million in funding to procure a modern licensing system, which is a top priority for improving efficiency and service delivery. Feller noted that the agency's infrastructure team is dedicated to managing relationships with external data centers and is focused on consolidating and modernizing the agency's technical assets.

In addition to the licensing system, Feller mentioned the importance of hiring a solution architect to oversee the procurement process and ensure that the new system meets the agency's needs. He indicated that the agency is currently in a "quiet mode" regarding vendor discussions to maintain the integrity of the procurement process.

Koons provided insights into the agency's cybersecurity efforts, explaining that his team is responsible for risk management and incident response. He acknowledged the challenges of ensuring security during major information resource projects and expressed a commitment to guiding the agency through the procurement of the new licensing system to avoid potential pitfalls.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of collaboration between the IT and security teams to support the agency's modernization efforts. The board members expressed their appreciation for the updates and the expertise provided by Feller and Koons, recognizing the significance of these initiatives for the agency's future operations. The meeting was adjourned for lunch, with plans to reconvene shortly after.