"Strength in the Storm, Purpose in Our Path"

Dear TAGITM Members,

As we reach the height of summer, our hearts remain heavy with the devastation many of our communities have faced due to the tragic flooding that swept across the Texas Hill Country. The damage has been overwhelming, homes lost, infrastructure battered, and most heartbreakingly, lives cut short. We grieve with those affected and stand with our fellow Texans in the commitment to recover and rebuild. As history has shown, Texans persevere, and we will again, together. I continue to send my prayers to all impacted, knowing this recovery will take time and healing.

I’m proud to see several TAGITM members sharing their recent honors and awards from state and national organizations on social media. These recognitions are more than personal achievements, they are reflections of the excellence, integrity, and leadership that define the TAGITM community. Congratulations to each of you! Your success inspires us all to reach higher. If you’ve recently earned recognition, honors, or awards, please send me an email, we’d love to celebrate those accomplishments with the rest of the membership.

Many of you likely caught a glimpse of several TAGITM members and guests featured on the Joe Toste - Tech Tables podcast, recorded live from the corridor at La Cantera. I hope you stopped by to hear some of the insightful conversations, and maybe even a few humorous anecdotes that were shared. I personally walked away with renewed perspective and inspiration after listening to a few of our “rock star” peers speak about overcoming challenges in creative ways. Huge thanks to Joe Toste for spotlighting the vital work of our local government technology heroes.
Check out this promo video Joe and Tech Tables created for TAGITM: Watch Here.

At our recent Strategic Planning Board Meeting, the energy was high, and the vision was bold. In discussing our strategic goals for TAGITM this year and looking to continue strengthening and growing the organization, I challenged your board members with this:
“What is the one thing you want to accomplish this year that you can truly hang your hat on?”

Each board member took that challenge to heart, backed by the encouragement and accountability of this exceptional team. This shared drive and support are what make TAGITM so unique. I invite all of you to reflect on that question:
What is your one thing this year?
Start small if you need to, the little wins build the staircase to your biggest goals. Don’t look back wishing you had challenged yourself, start today.

As we reflect on the recent devastation and look ahead, I encourage each of you to take a moment to re-center. Yes, our work matters, but above all are the people we call family and friends. These recent events remind us just how precious time truly is. Let’s cherish the moments we share, whether it’s a conversation with a peer, a hug from a loved one, or a laugh at a conference. Make it count.

Stay safe, stay strong, and as always, stay connected.
We are more than a team. We are the TAGITM family.

Warm regards,

James O’Brien, CISSP, CGCIO
Director – Information Security Officer
PORT HOUSTON