INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Dewand Neely has been promoted from Indiana's deputy chief information officer to the top job and to director of the Indiana Office of Technology.   

Gov. Mike Pence says Neely was one of the initial employees for the Office of Technology in 2005 and his extensive experience will be critical as it continues to work toward innovation and efficiency. 

In Neely's current role, his responsibilities include managing an annual operating budget of $27 million and overseeing a staff of 90 employees responsible for providing IT support for all state agencies.  Dewand joined Indiana government in 2003, first as a contractor and then a full-time employee for the Family and Social Services Administration.  

Neely succeeds Paul Baltzell, who is leaving to work at Mainstreet in Carmel.