Wyoming Data Governance Council (WDGC)

Authority

The Wyoming Data Governance Council (WDGC) is established pursuant to the requirement for ETS to implement and maintain an IT governance program as specified in W.S. 9-2-2906(b)(ii). Furthermore, W.S. 9-21-101 requires agencies to adopt, enforce, and maintain a policy regarding the collection, access, security, and use of data. 

Purpose

The WDGC shall provide recommendations to the Chief Data Officer (CDO) on how the State of Wyoming should govern and manage Executive Branch data and data management systems. In addition, the WDGC:

1. Advocates for standardized statewide data strategy, including policies, standards, and architecture; and reportsto respective entities regarding progress, concerns and challenges.

2. Provides support for agencies to adopt, enforce and maintain a policy regarding the collection, access, security and use of data. The policy shall, at a minimum, comply with applicable federal and state law, adhere to standards set by the state CIO and include the following:

• An inventory and description of all data required of, collected or stored by an agency;

• Authorization and authentication mechanisms for accessing the data;

• Administrative, physical and logical security safeguards, including employee training and data encryption;

• Privacy and security compliance standards;

• Processes for identification of and response to data security incidents, including breach notification and mitigation procedures;

• In accordance with existing law, processes for the destruction and communication of data.

Membership

• The WDGC is chaired by the State of Wyoming Chief Data Officer (non-voting position)

• One (1) vice-chair elected for a one-year term by majority vote. 

A single member is invited from each state agency, appointed by the agency head, and serves a staggered two-year term, rotating on the first business day of each fiscal year. Membership includes representatives from each state agency, board and commission. Directors retain the full and complete authority to assign, delegate, or change their duly authorized representatives at any time.