Get to Know Nevada Chief Information Security Officer Bertrum "Bert" Carroll

Why It Matters

Nevada’s transparent, staff‑focused, and fundamentals‑first approach provides a replicable model for state cybersecurity, influencing risk mitigation and resource allocation across the public sector.

Key Takeaways

• Transparency after breach guides internal improvements and helps other agencies.
• Emphasizes situational leadership: delegate normally, direct under pressure.
• Plans to double cybersecurity staff from eight to sixteen.
• Views AI as productivity tool, not job‑threatening menace.
• Stresses mastering fundamentals before adopting advanced technologies.

Summary

Nevada’s chief information security officer, Bert Carroll, outlines how the state’s post‑breach report drives transparency, shared learning, and future resilience. He stresses that openly discussing failures not only guides internal fixes but also assists other jurisdictions facing similar threats.

Carroll describes his situational leadership style: delegating during routine operations to develop staff, while adopting a directive approach in high‑tempo incidents. He highlights the imminent staffing expansion, doubling the cyber team from eight to sixteen to ensure the right skills and drive for protecting residents.

He frames artificial intelligence as a productivity enhancer rather than a job‑killer, urging thoughtful adoption to accelerate work that can never be fully completed. “If we don’t share amongst ourselves as defenders, we’re at a disadvantage,” he notes, emphasizing collaboration. He also warns that without solid fundamentals, even the best technology will falter, urging the agency to be “brilliant at the basics.”

The message signals to other state agencies that transparent breach reporting, strategic staffing, and disciplined fundamentals are essential for robust cybersecurity, while AI can be leveraged responsibly to boost efficiency.

Original Description

Bert Carroll was named as the state of Nevada's CISO in March 2026. A few weeks into his tenure, Government Technology caught up with him at the NASCIO Midyear conference in Philadelphia.

TIMESTAMPS/KEY CHAPTERS

:10 What brought you to state IT?

:43 What is your approach to leadership?

1:22 What are the biggest challenges ahead in cybersecurity?

1:53 How does the workforce feel about AI?

2:29 Next up? "Be brilliant at the basics."

About our guest: Bertram "Bert" Carroll is the chief information security officer (CISO) for the state of Nevada.

Government Technology is the award-winning national magazine covering information technology's role in state and local governments. Keep up on government tech trends at https://govtech.com.