The City of Culver City is pleased to announce that J.R. Wright is the City's new Chief Information Officer. He will lead the Information Technology Department and will report to City Manager John Nachbar.
"I am truly excited to join the dedicated team at Culver City and to have the opportunity to work alongside such talented and passionate individuals. My mission is to leverage the power of technology to enhance the quality of life for residents, support local businesses, and help create a more connected, efficient, and responsive government.
As technology continues to evolve, I look forward to collaborating with the residents and businesses of Culver City to ensure we stay ahead of the curve. I am deeply committed to serving this community, and I am eager to engage with residents, partner with fellow public agencies, and implement innovative solutions that align with Culver City's ongoing focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and progress. I am thrilled to be a part of this vibrant, forward-thinking community, and I'm confident that together, we will accomplish great things," Wright said.
He assumes the position following the retirement of long-time Chief Information Officer Michele Williams.
J.R. Wright is a seasoned Information Technology professional with over 20 years of experience, having launched his career in 2000. He began in the private sector, where he specialized in network infrastructure, database design, and programming. Over the course of his career in the private sector, he has held a variety of key roles, ultimately rising to executive leadership positions, including Chief Technology Officer and Chief Operating Officer. In these roles, he played a pivotal part in the development and optimization of IT systems, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the technical & business requirements that drive the success of modern organizations.
In 2018, Wright transitioned to the public sector, where he has brought his wealth of knowledge to municipal agencies. He served as the Information Technology Manager for the City of Merced, overseeing both the network infrastructure and applications teams. Most recently, he served as IT Manager for Communications and Customer Support with the City of Torrance. At Torrance, Wright continued to leverage his expertise in infrastructure planning, vendor management, and team development, ensuring the effective use of technology to support local government operations.
Beyond his technical proficiency, Wright is passionate about coaching sports and mentoring others. He thrives on sharing his knowledge and helping colleagues develop both professionally and personally. His focus on fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment has enabled him to build high-performing teams that achieve shared success. Wright's dedication to continuous learning and team-building will make him a great asset to Culver City.