Chief Information Officer

Don Bell
CGCIO, CDCMP

 Don Bell joined Smith County as the Chief Information Officer in May of 2013.

With undergraduate degrees in both Mathematics & Computer Science along with a Graduate Engineering degree from Southern Methodist University, he has worked in the telecommunications and technology industry for over 30 years in varying roles including technology support, engineering, product management and development spanning global companies such as Exxon, Nortel Networks and Accuative. He has been instrumental in the development, launch and management of several global technology products and services during his time prior to joining Smith County to serve in the role of IT Management. 

Bell serves as a Texas representative on the National Association of Counties (NACO) Telecommunications and Technology Policy Steering Committee that addresses technology issues facing counties across the US and advocates for federal policy changes as well as consults with other agencies to effect industry change. He has received the Certified Government Chief Information Officer certification (CGCIO) through the University of North Carolina and is also a Certified Data Centre Management Professional (CDCMP).

Location

200 E. Ferguson
Tyler, Texas 75702

Phone: (903) 590-4650
Fax: (903) 590-4658

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. M-F

Mission and Services

The Department of Information Technology at Smith County is focused on contributing to an efficient and productive County government utilizing technology solutions to improve citizen access to government information and services.  With the growth of the County and increased demand for government services, our Strategic Plan focuses on the following 4 critical areas of Information Technology at Smith County:

• Enhancing our IT Infrastructure to meet the rapidly changing technology demands of the County

• Expanding Electronic Access to County Services and Information

• Providing Best in Class Management of Data Security and Integrity

• Providing Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Services

Our goal is to enable the County to achieve its business objectives and priorities while providing the citizens of Smith County technology solutions that will enhance their experience in transacting business with the County.

Management Structure

The Department of Information Technology of Smith County operates under the joint executive management of the County Judge and Commissioner’s Court and serves as an agent of the County offices led by elected officials and appointed department heads.