CCISDA-CSAC Technology Executive Credential Program

Elevate Your Leadership. Expand Your Impact.

County technology professionals face growing responsibilities in a rapidly changing environment. The CCISDA-CSAC Technology Executive Credential Program equips county IT staff with the leadership skills, peer network, and practical knowledge needed to lead strategic initiatives and navigate the future of government technology. The 2025–26 program has been refreshed with updated content, exciting new course offerings, and hands-on learning experiences that make it one of the most valuable leadership opportunities for county IT professionals in California.

How to Register and Program Cost

The cost to participate in the 2025–26 CCISDA-CSAC Technology Executive Credential Program is $1,299. We recognize that budgets are often tight, and we’re pleased to keep this year’s fee unchanged. Please note that fees may increase in future cohorts.

Enrollment is limited to 30 participants, and spots will fill quickly. To sign up, click the Register button on this page and complete the form. Once payment is received, you’ll get a confirmation email. In mid-August, CSAC will contact all registered participants with instructions to create a profile and select courses. You may also complete your profile early to view available classes. For questions, contact melissal@ccisda.org.

Scholarship Opportunity

A limited number of scholarships are available for the 2025–26 CCISDA-CSAC Technology Executive Credential Program. These are offered to county IT professionals from smaller counties or those without current representation in the program. Each scholarship covers the full $1,299 program fee.

Click here to learn more and apply for the scholarship by August 22. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Questions? Contact melissal@ccisda.org

Program Courses

Participants will complete 10 total courses over the course of one year. These include five leadership-focused classes from the CSAC Institute (offered virtually and onsite) and five technology-focused classes from the CCISDA Technology Leadership Series (offered virtually). All participants are required to take the Strategic Leadership in Gov Tech: A Comprehensive Executive Masterclass, which sets the foundation for the rest of the program.

After registering through the CCISDA website, participants will receive instructions from CSAC on how to select and enroll in their courses through the CSAC Institute portal. A full list of available CCISDA courses is available here. 

Mentorship and Team Collaboration

At the start of the program, participants will be assigned to a small team of peers from across California. Each team is matched with a seasoned county CIO or executive leader who will serve as a mentor throughout the year. Mentors support the professional growth of participants by offering guidance, sharing real-world insights, and helping their teams navigate their capstone projects. This team-based structure also fosters peer-to-peer learning and creates a support system that extends beyond the classroom.

Capstone Project

Each team will develop and complete a Capstone Project that applies what they’ve learned to a real-world county IT challenge. The project encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. With the support of their mentor, participants will research, design, and present a practical solution that demonstrates their leadership and understanding of key program concepts. Final presentations will be shared with the broader cohort and reviewed by program leaders. 

Graduation at the CCISDA Fall Conference

Participants who complete the full program, including all ten courses and the capstone project, will be formally recognized at a graduation ceremony held during the CCISDA Fall Conference. Each graduate will receive a framed certificate and credential pin, and their accomplishment will be celebrated in front of county CIOs, IT professionals, and peers from across the state.

This graduation event is more than a ceremony. It is a meaningful celebration of achievement and a valuable opportunity to connect with the broader CCISDA community. Graduates will be recognized as emerging leaders in county technology and will leave the program with a stronger sense of purpose, confidence, and connection.

Volunteer Instructor Opportunities

CCISDA is seeking volunteer instructors for the 2025–26 Credential Program. Instructors lead virtual courses focused on leadership, strategy, and real-world county IT challenges. Most volunteers teach one session per year, and the CCISDA team provides support with content planning and logistics.

This is a great way to share your expertise, give back to the county IT community, and support the development of future leaders.

Submit Your Interest to Be an Instructor

Become a Team Mentor

Mentors are a vital part of the CCISDA-CSAC Technology Executive Credential Program. Each Capstone team is paired with a mentor who serves as a guide and sounding board throughout the project.

Mentors provide insight, share professional experience, and help participants stay focused and engaged as they collaborate on real-world county IT challenges. While teams are expected to be self-directed, mentors play a key role in supporting their success and fostering leadership growth.

If you are a county IT leader interested in mentoring a team, we invite you to complete a brief interest form so we can learn more about you and align you with the right team.

Submit Your Interest to Be a Mentor

For questions or more information, please contact melissal@ccisda.org.