Albuquerque – The New Mexico Judiciary’s Chief Technology Officer, Dick Wilkinson, was recently honored as one of Albuquerque Business First’s “40 Under 40”, a yearly award given for professional achievement, contributions to the community and leadership skills.
“The Administrative Office of the Courts is so proud of Dick Wilkinson’s recognition by Albuquerque Business First as one of their “40 Under 40” this year,” said Director Artie Pepin. “Dick is highly professional and highly valued by the AOC. He is respected and appreciated by judges and court staff throughout the state. Congratulations to Dick!”
When a friend nominated Wilkinson for the award last December, he was the Judiciary’s Chief Information Security Officer, directing all cyber incident responses, managing security efforts on a network of more than 7,500 devices in 80 locations, and delivering cyber awareness training for more than 2,000 judicial employees.
Less than two weeks after COVID-19 swept the nation, Wilkinson became the Chief Technology Officer, the top administrator of the Judicial Information Division (JID). Wilkinson was suddenly in charge of outfitting judicial employees and judges statewide with virtual private networks (VPN), expanding the capabilities of courts to conduct hearings remotely and training court workers to better utilize technology. “My biggest challenge has been leading from the telework setting. My leadership style is very much in-person and collaborative, I like to get a team together, break out the whiteboard and get to work,” said Wilkinson.
Wilkinson and JID have seen many successes in the last seven months, including a project to replace all electronic payment, or e-pay, services statewide in a very short timeframe. E-pay allows people with fines and fees to pay on-line, which is more convenient for people and minimizes the need to travel to a courthouse.
A native of Texas, Wilkinson retired from the United States Army and served as a warrant officer at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque.
Outside of work, Wilkinson’s biggest focus is his family and he enjoys exercising. Wilkinson volunteers with several organizations such as Rotary del Sol and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and mentors fellow veterans by helping them with resumes and job searches. Wilkinson also counsels prisoners in state prisons with his church.
“I am proud to earn the award because it is really focused on community leadership as much as professional success,” said Wilkinson. “I am proud to be able to showcase my community leadership along my professional career.”
Albuquerque Business First honored award recipients at a virtual ceremony held late last month.
