Tekquell Watson was appointed as IMLS Chief Information Officer in May 2022. As CIO, she oversees the agency’s information technology functions, as well as its policy research, evaluation, surveys and data work. Ms. Watson previously served as the Chief of Special Missions Division in the Communications Directorate located at Robins Air Force Base. In that role, she was instrumental in several successful innovative projects with enterprise impacts. Ms. Watson has meticulously led high visibility initiatives to include the expansion and implementation of the electronic 2875 system, cloud migration, robotic process automation, IT systems consolidation and other modernization efforts. Her background in information technology began in the Department of Defense as a U.S. Air Force Civilian Palace Acquire Intern, serving in various capacities within the Global Command & Control System at Gunter Air Force Base. She is also a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. A dedicated servant leader and mentor, she frequently volunteers with local outreach programs; teaching developmental and life skills to others.

Ms. Watson holds a B.S. in Computer Information Technology and a M.S. in Information Technology with a minor in Project Management, and her professional certifications include Project Management, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), IT Service Management and CompTIA Security Plus.