Elaine Mays Lofton, retired Chief Information Officer/Information Resource Manager for the State of Texas. Served over 30 years in State government.
During her tenure with the State of Texas, she served as Chief Information Officer (CIO)/Information Resource Manager (IRM) for Texas Juvenile Justice Department where she was responsible for resource and program management, responsible for providing leadership to technical support staff in the areas of applications, infrastructure, security, project management, and policy management of information technology systems deployed within TJJD. Prior to joining TJJD, she served as Deputy CIO at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). She provided 25 years of leadership at the Texas Department of Public Safety where she was responsible for IT infrastructure, IT Customer Service, and Information Technology Service Management (ITSM). During her tenure, she consistently improved delivery times and service levels while reducing costs. After retirement, she worked as Chief of Staff for the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Mrs. Lofton excelled at strategic and organizational planning, building high-performance teams, project management, and implementing best practice methodologies and worked to ensure there were continuous improvements within the program areas. Over her tenure she has managed multiple budgets ranging from 3 million to 40 million dollars.
Elaine holds a Master of Science Degree in Management/Information Technology, a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Colorado Technical University, and an Associate of Science in Management from Austin Community College. Elaine is also a Licensed Certified Public Manager and Certified as a John Maxwell trainer, speaker, and coach in leadership, team building, and mentoring for ages 5 – adult.
Elaine is currently employed and supports the efforts of the African American Youth Harvest Foundation working with the STEM programs, Youth Development, and grant management to name a few. Elaine serves on the Manor Schoolhouse Foundation Board as the current President. Elaine has served as VP of Business of Firms on the NABA Board and past Board member for Channel Austin. Elaine enjoys giving back and helping others in her spare time.
Elaine has worked with and assisted organizations such as Austin Eastside Story as a volunteer, Elaine spent numerous years volunteering in the community, and working with youth organizations and leading students on college tours across the United States for students in the STEM program, coordinator for Alvin Patterson Battle of the Bands, Roosevelt Leaks Celebrity Golf Tournament and Chairman of the Parent Advisory Committee. Served and supported Manor Athletic Booster Club as well as substitute teacher at Manor ISD to name a few of her achievements.
Elaine is the Chief Program Officer and is the overseer of the African American Youth Harvest Foundation programs and Dell Student TechCrew Certification program. She believes in this program because while working for the State, it was a requirement for all staff to be Dell Tech certified. This program is impressive, and it paves the way for youth who think technology is not for them, it gives them something to aspire to become.