Murfreesboro Information Technology Director Chris Lilly has earned the special designation as a "Certified Government Chief Information Officer" (CGCIO) from the Public Technology Institute (PTI) and Rutgers University School of Public Affairs.

The certification was recently announced in a letter from Alan R. Shark, executive director of PTI and associate professor of Practice at Rutgers University.

"The ever-changing world of information technology requires a constant commitment to understanding and managing ways that technology enhances performance in the workplace," said City Manager Rob Lyons. "We are pleased to join the twin institutes in Newark, N.J. and Washington, D.C. in recognizing Mr. Lilly for this outstanding achievement in improving his technology leadership skills."

The CGCIO designation requires the completion of a one-year course that includes 240 hours of assignments, two certificate programs in communications, a certificate in Program Management, and a Capstone Project.

Under Lilly's leadership, the City of Murfreesboro is among a select few municipalities to receive operational authority from the FAA to conduct unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flights for applications that help make government operations more effective. In 2014, the City IT Department implemented Customer Information System (CIS) for online electronic payment of water and sewer services.

Lilly became I-T director for the City of Murfreesboro in April 2012 and is a 2007 graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville where he earned a bachelor's degree in management and human relations.