Staff Report
SAN MARCOS — Hays County announced the hiring of Chris Ulibarri as its new Information Technology (IT) director.
Ulibarri brings nearly 22 years of public-sector IT leadership and an extensive background in modernizing and strengthening technology operations across large organizations, according to a county news release.
Most recently, he served nine years with Travis County as the director of its ITS Division, where he led teams responsible for software development, enterprise application support, data services and major modernization initiatives. His work included overseeing the implementation of the county’s justice system, launching its data analytics program, leading enterprise Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) improvements and guiding a full redesign of the public website.
Prior to his tenure with Travis County, Ulibarri spent 12 years at the University of Texas at El Paso as director of Technology Implementation. He holds a master’s degree in educational technology from the University of Texas at El Paso, a bachelor’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University and is a Certified Public Manager through Texas State University.
A Hays County resident, Ulibarri lives in Buda with his wife, Cindy. He is actively involved in the community, serving on the city of Buda’s Planning and Zoning Commission and chairing the advisory school board at Santa Cruz Catholic School.
“Hays County is entering a period of rapid growth and transformation and technology plays a vital role in how we meet the needs of our residents. Chris brings the right mix of technical expertise, strategic vision and community understanding to help guide the county forward,” said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. “What stood out about Chris was not only his professional track record, but his commitment to this community. Having someone in this role who lives here, serves here and understands the unique challenges of a fast-growing county is invaluable.”
Ulibarri said the opportunity to serve the community he calls home was a major factor in his decision to join Hays County.
“I live in Buda and I’m personally invested in this community and motivated to give back,” Ulibarri said. “The chance to do this work for the county I actually live in was a big draw. Hays County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas and that growth makes it essential that our information technology stays current and capable of serving residents. The county is shaping its strategic priorities for the years ahead and technology will be a big part of that. Getting to help build toward that vision from the ground up is the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come along often. I’m honored by the opportunity and excited to help Hays County advance its technology to better serve a growing community.”
As he steps into the role, Ulibarri says his first priority is listening.
“We have a talented team of IT professionals and I want to understand what’s working and where they need support before making big changes,” he said. “Beyond that, my priorities are delivering on the technology initiatives in the county’s new strategic plan, strengthening our cybersecurity posture as the county grows and making sure every department has the tools and support they need to serve residents well. Government IT works best when it’s invisible — when systems just work and employees can focus on the public rather than fighting technology. That’s the standard I want us to hit.”
