New CIO to lead technology for Texas Office of Court Administration

Frank Barker officially stepped into his new capacity as chief information officer (CIO) of the Texas Office of Court Administration (OCA) earlier this year. 

Barker brings 30 years of experience to the position, most recently serving as assistant director of information systems at the Employees Retirement System (ERS) of Texas. Additional notable roles he has held include systems engineering manager for the ERS, manager of platform engineering with the Texas Department of Public Safety and an IT director for multiple private and nonprofit companies. 

He succeeded Casey Kennedy in the role following a 15-year stint in leading judicial technology management and assistance for Texas courts and judicial branch departments. 

The OCA oversees resides in the Judicial Branch of Texas, answering directly to the state’s Supreme Court and chief justice. The agency oversees technology management among other services for the branch, including the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, 15 intermediate appellate courts and five judicial branch agencies. 

 The agency provides technical assistance, training, court interpreters, funding and standards for indigent defense and research on court administration for trial courts. In addition, the OCA offers IT solutions and fiscal consultation for appellate and specialty courts, as well as staffing, administration and support for regulatory boards, regional residing judges, children’s courts and policy making bodies. 

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