News Flash

City Manager James Mills announced that the City has established a new division of the General Department, the Information Technology and Telecommunications Division. 

The ITT Division will oversee the City’s computer systems, networks, cyber security, and telecommunications operations as well as plan for future needs.  About the need for the division, City Manager Mills said, “With the fast pace of technology changes, increasing cyber security threats and the need for expanded digital services, I felt the creation of this division was a necessity for the City to move forward while providing a dedicated staff to serve our departments.”

Previously Cookeville had a Computer Operations division headed up by Steve Corder, Operations Manager.  With the creation of this new division, Mr. Mills is pleased to announce that Mr. Corder will be promoted to the Chief Technology Officer. In making the announcement Mills went on to say “Steve has been employed with the City of Cookeville for over 25 years, he brings extensive knowledge to this position and is very capable of the duties required as well as the vision to continue to plan and maintain our technology and communication needs. I am very pleased to have Mr. Corder in this position, his skillset has been proven with multiple large projects over the years, he is an asset to our departments and citizens”.  Mills anticipates a seamless transition and looks forward to working with Corder in his appointment to this new position. 

Chief Technology Officer Steve Corder said of the appointment “I am excited to serve the City in this new role, I appreciate the foresight of the leadership to create this division, it is very timely”. Corder added about the new division, “My love of computers and technology from an early age has led to my enthusiasm for and dedication to the IT field. I am anxious to continue our work while expanding on the current technology system as the need arises. This past year has proven the need to continue to transition to alternate methods of doing business during the pandemic and for future progress”. 

A native of Church Hill, Tennessee, Steve has resided in Cookeville since 1991. He and his wife Cheryl along with their three dogs, Peaches, Bella, and Little Bit, enjoy being a part of the community. Corder is a graduate of TTU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a member of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of InfraGard.  In his spare time, his pursuit of hobbies includes scuba diving, reef aquaria and PC gaming.