Governing Body Spotlight

Mohan Ambaty is the Chief Information Officer at the Indiana Department of Health, where he has led transformative digital initiatives that have significantly modernized public health systems. His leadership was especially impactful during the COVID-19 pandemic, driving the development of critical infrastructure and data-driven tools that supported statewide response and decision-making.

A fun fact about Mohan, he is an avid long-distance runner and has completed half marathons on five continents, including Asia, Antarctica, Africa, North America and the Australian Outback. He placed second overall in Antarctica and third in the Australian Outback Half Marathon events.

Learn more about the Indianapolis CIO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

I joined the Indiana Department of Health in July 1998 and has since held several key roles, including Senior Developer and IT Manager. In 2018, I was appointed Chief Information Officer by Commissioner Kristina M. Box, MD, FACOG. As CIO, I oversee the agency’s IT infrastructure and lead the delivery of critical services to both staff and the public. I also play a pivotal role in researching and implementing technology solutions that align with agency goals and statewide health initiatives.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I led several high-impact IT initiatives, including the development of contact tracing systems, internal call centers, 12 operational business portals, and infrastructure upgrades. I also oversaw the launch of vaccination and testing certification platforms that supported Indiana’s public health response.

I earned my degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from CBIT, Osmania University in 1991. I am an active member of the Indiana CISO & CIO community and was named ASTHO Informatics Champion in 2022. That same year, I was honored as Tech Executive of the Year (Top Honoree) by the Indianapolis Business Journal and TechPoint in the Not-for-Profit/Government category.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

"Lead with purpose and empower others to succeed."

I believe leadership is about creating a clear vision, building trust, and enabling people to do their best work. I strive to foster a culture where collaboration, accountability, and innovation thrive, especially in times of change. When people feel supported and aligned with a shared mission, they naturally rise to meet challenges.
 

What is the greatest challenge CIOs face today, and how are you addressing it?

One of the greatest challenges in my role as CIO is doing more with less – navigating tight budgets while keeping pace with rapidly evolving technologies like AI. At the same time, we must ensure strong cybersecurity, modernize aging infrastructure, and retain top IT talent in a competitive landscape. I address these challenges by prioritizing secure, scalable solutions, fostering a culture of innovation and purpose, and aligning every technology investment with long-term public health impact.
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CIO?

Success in a CIO role begins with listening, understanding the organization’s mission, its people, and its challenges. From there, it’s about leading with clarity, aligning technology with strategic goals, and fostering trust across teams. Stay curious, embrace innovation, and never lose sight of the human impact, because technology delivers its greatest value when it empowers people.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

I measure success as a leader by the culture we build and the impact we create. It’s about fostering an environment where people feel respected, appreciated, and empowered to grow. True success is when our teams thrive, our products make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and our work advances the agency’s mission, vision, and goals. That’s when leadership becomes lasting and purposeful.
 

What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?

Being part of Gartner C-level Communities is like having a trusted circle of peers who get what you're dealing with. It’s a great space to bounce around ideas, learn what’s working (and what’s not) in other organizations, and stay ahead of trends like AI and cybersecurity. The real value is in the honest conversations, you’re not alone in the challenges, and that perspective is incredibly grounding and energizing.
 

Gartner C-level Communities Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.