Change can feel uncertain, right? Especially when it comes to big roles like the person steering all the tech for a major city. That’s exactly what’s happening in Las Vegas after the departure of Michael Sherwood, who was the city’s chief innovation and technology officer. But here’s the interesting part—Las Vegas isn’t panicking. Instead, it’s taking a “promote from within” approach, giving someone already familiar with the city’s tech challenges a chance to lead.
Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what we can learn from it.
A leadership switch in the tech department
So, who is Michael Sherwood, and why does his departure matter? Sherwood was the big-picture thinker behind some of the coolest tech upgrades Las Vegas has seen in recent years. He joined the city back in 2016 as its director of information technology and was later promoted to chief innovation and technology officer in 2020.
Under Sherwood’s leadership, the city did some pretty futuristic things, like:
- Introducing smart lighting in the downtown Innovation District. (Think streetlights that are more than just lights—they collect data and help improve the city!)
- Using lidar technology to tackle tricky traffic near City Hall. (Lidar is kind of like radar but uses lasers—fancy, right?)
- Launching an online platform for developers to submit building plans remotely and schedule virtual inspections.
But after almost a decade with the city, Sherwood left his role in December 2024. His LinkedIn profile describes him as a “curator of disruptive innovation,” which is just a fancy way of saying he likes shaking up the status quo with new ideas.
Meet Chris Craig: the acting IT leader
With Sherwood stepping down, the city has turned to Chris Craig, who was previously the deputy IT director. Craig has been with the city for over 11 years, and for the past five, he’s worked as the IT business relationship manager. That’s a pretty important role—it means Craig has been the go-to person for connecting the city’s IT department with its various projects and needs.
As of now, Craig has stepped in as the acting IT director, but the city hasn’t shared a timeline for when they might name someone permanent for the job. According to a spokesperson, Craig is handling the department’s day-to-day responsibilities, which include managing cybersecurity, running tech systems, and making sure Las Vegas residents can access digital services smoothly.
What makes this transition so interesting?
Leadership changes like this happen all the time, but what makes Las Vegas’ approach stand out is its focus on continuity. By promoting someone like Craig—who’s been part of the team for over a decade—the city is betting on stability.
Think about it: tech isn’t just about flashy gadgets. It’s about the people who keep systems running, fight off hackers, and make sure you can, say, pay your water bill online without any hiccups. Handing over that responsibility to someone who already knows the ropes seems like a pretty smart move, doesn’t it?
Plus, Craig stepping into this role shows how organisations can plan ahead. Sure, they could’ve scrambled to find someone from outside the city with a flashy resume, but instead, they looked inward. It’s like saying, “We’ve got talent here. Let’s use it.”
What’s next for Las Vegas?
While Sherwood’s departure leaves big shoes to fill, Las Vegas seems ready to move forward. Craig’s leadership will likely focus on keeping things steady for now, but the big question is whether he’ll bring any new ideas to the table.
The city has already positioned itself as a tech-savvy place—after all, it’s hosted the massive Consumer Electronics Show (CES) for years, where Sherwood once talked about the city’s plans for innovation. But as tech keeps evolving (and, let’s be real, never stops throwing us curveballs), it’ll be interesting to see how Craig leads the department.
Whether it’s smarter traffic systems, more digital tools for residents, or enhanced cybersecurity, there’s a lot of potential for Las Vegas to keep growing its reputation as a “smart city.”
What can other cities learn?
This whole situation is a reminder that when a leader leaves, it doesn’t have to mean chaos. By planning ahead and investing in people who already know the job, cities (or any organisation, really) can make transitions smoother.
For Las Vegas, the focus seems to be on keeping momentum going. And honestly, isn’t that what all of us want when big changes happen? To know that things won’t just fall apart but will keep moving forward—even if it takes a little time to adjust.
So, while we might not know who’ll permanently take over the role, one thing’s clear: Las Vegas is showing us that a little preparation and confidence in your team can go a long way.
