From SEAL to Action Officer: Celebrating Pamela Walton’s Journey with the IGIO

Today, the IGIO team celebrates Pamela Walton, our Communications Coordinator, whose passion and dedication have shaped our office in so many incredible ways. As she steps into a new role at the Department of Child Services, we reflect on her unique journey and lasting impact.

Pamela began her career with the IGIO in January 2023 as a State Earn and Learn (SEAL) Associate, coming to State employment with a background in political science, Peace Corps volunteer service, and animal welfare lobbying. Through the SEAL program she earned an associate’s degree in informatics and obtained her Project Management certification, which paved the way for her promotion in July 2023 to IT Project Manager and Communications Coordinator. While excelling in her role, she also completed a Master of Business Administration, furthering her commitment to make data-driven decisions.

Within six months of joining IOT, Pamela received the IOT Spotlight Award in recognition of organizing a statewide robotics competition that connected middle and high school students with hands-on engineering experiences. Her vision for GIS Day transformed the event in both 2023 and 2024. Under her coordination, attendance grew by around 30% each year, more state agencies and exhibitors participated than ever before, and attendees benefited from excellent programming. Beyond event coordination, Pamela led outreach campaigns that expanded public access to government data, cultivated partnerships with key organizations, and ensured every initiative advanced the IGIO’s five-year strategic plan.

As Pamela embarks on her next chapter at the Department of Child Services as an Action Officer, she will focus on optimizing internal processes and ensuring families can access and benefit from government resources. Her deep commitment to meeting people’s needs will free up precious time for families to be together, strengthening the bonds that make our communities thrive. We will miss her, but we cannot wait to see the positive impact she will achieve at DCS.

Please join us in congratulating Pamela on her achievements and wishing her every success in her new role!