Gower Joins OKDHS as New Information Security Officer

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- Mark Gower has been named the new Information Security Officer with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
“OKDHS and DSD are very fortunate to have a person of Mark’s character and caliber on our team,” said Chief Information Officer Marq Youngblood. “He brings an excellent combination of business and information Martechnology security experience, and his knowledge, wisdom, ability and expertise give us exactly what we need in that role.”

As information security officer, Gower will manage the Information Security Unit, which is charged with identifying, assessing, and appropriately managing risks to OKDHS facilities, assets and information technology systems.

“Coming from the private sector, it has been very refreshing working with individuals who care about the type of job they do and serving Oklahomans with pride and integrity,” Gower said. “I am proud to be a member of OKDHS, and look forward to adding my contribution to the myriad of dynamic skill sets that comprise the Department.”

With a 10-year career spanning multiple aspects of information technology, telecommunications and business analysis, Gower has a broad and varied knowledge base to draw upon. He is an experienced certified business continuity planner with expertise in multiple industries and technologies. Gower has held career positions such as IT director and manger for multiple firms, as well as corporate security manager and business continuity manager.

Gower has co-authored HIPAA and business continuity methodologies and programs, managed multiple client projects and participated in a HIPAA and contingency planning speaking tour.

In addition to his expertise in business continuity, HIPAA and security consulting, Gower holds multiple certifications with FEMA and the Disaster Recovery Institute International Certified Business Continuity Planner (CBCP).

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