As a member of IDC's Research Network, Thom Rubel draws on more than 25 years of experience in government and IT research organizations to deliver research and actionable advice to public sector IT and program executives specific to strategies, operations, IT/program alignment, and policies unique to public sector markets.

As a contributor to IDC’s IT Executive Programs (IEP) CIO Agenda research, Mr. Rubel is helping to develop a new focus for public sector CIO-based research – one that identifies issues critical to IT modernization and workforce development strategies appropriate for 3^rd Platform government operations and organizational performance.

Prior to joining IDC’s Research Network, Thom spent 10 years in the government IT advisory business serving as Vice President of IDC’s Government Insights and Vice President of Government Strategies at Meta Group.  Before joining the analyst community, he served as Director of State IT Programs at the National Governors Association where he was responsible for assisting governors by working directly with state CIOs to evolve IT legacy, analyze emerging technologies, and develop appropriate IT organizations and governance structures.

He has served in two Presidential Administrations in positions as Deputy Director of Consumer Affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation and Assistant to the Under Secretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  An Iowa native, he holds a B.A. in Political Science from of the University of South Dakota.