Pregler Named Dubuque’s Next Chief Information Officer

April 23, 2025

Joe Pregler

Following a national search, Dubuque City Manager Mike Van Milligen has appointed Joe Pregler as the City of Dubuque’s next chief information officer (CIO).

In addition to his current role as chief information technology security officer, Pregler was named interim CIO for the City in early March. He replaces Chris Kohlmann, who is retiring after serving the City as an information technology (IT) professional for over 42 years.

“Joe Pregler brings with him to this position a wealth of experience and knowledge and a history of organizational leadership and innovation most recently specializing in cyber security keeping our complex systems safe,” said Van Milligen. “Joe is the leader we need in this rapidly changing environment.”

As CIO, Pregler will manage the City’s IT department, which supports the IT efforts and needs of other City departments. He will provide technology vision and leadership in the strategic planning and implementation of IT infrastructure and services throughout the City organization.

Pregler has been a member of the City’s IT staff since 2001. In April 2023, he was named the City’s first chief information technology security officer. That role included reviewing contracts for security risks, establishing mandatory cybersecurity training, coordinating risk evaluations, and implementing a phishing simulation program, vulnerability scanning, and a password manager program.

From July 2019 to April 2023, Pregler was the City’s senior network/systems administrator. He was responsible for managing the City’s server infrastructure, maintaining server and network security, and overseeing future network expansion and storage infrastructure planning. He also served as the steering team lead for the City’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) software implementation project.

Pregler served as lead applications/network analyst from 2007-2019. His responsibilities included managing software applications like financial, human resources, budget, utility billing, purchasing, and GIS. utilizing data for integrations, upgrades, automation, and public presentations, and project management for software upgrades and new software installations. He consulted with departments for their technology needs, was a core team member for City’s high-performance government, data governance, and open data initiatives. Prior to that role, Pregler served as information technology specialist from 2001-2007.

Pregler earned a bachelor's degree in computer information systems from Clarke University and a computer analyst degree from Northeast Iowa Community College.

# # #

MEDIA CONTACT
Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
rgehl@cityofdubuque.org