IT pioneer Günter Sanwald is retiring: A look back at 25 years of change

IT pioneer Günter Sanwald is retiring: A look back at 25 years of change

The district administrator recently thanked Günter Sanwald for his many years of meritorious work as IT manager of the district office. In his more than 26 years of service, Sanwald has made a significant contribution to successfully accompanying technological developments in the IT world. His career with the district administration began in April 1997 when he was hired as an IT clerk. He took over management of the IT group almost immediately and was appointed head of IT in 2004.

Digitalization and the challenges associated with it have made great progress since the beginning of Sanwald's career. “Today's IT world can no longer be compared with that of 1997. There are almost galaxies in between,” noted District Administrator Bläse. Sanwald was crucial in several major projects, including the switch to the euro and the extensive administrative reform initiated by Prime Minister Erwin Teufel. Around 650 employees from agricultural authorities had to be integrated into the district administration.

Important technical developments

Under Sanwald's leadership, the integration of all district administration departments via suitable data lines was also promoted. The IT department was also responsible for the operation and expansion of the Wi-Fi network in the district's vocational school centers and at four special education centers. These projects demonstrate the scope of his work and the importance of IT for administrative modernization.

In addition to his work at the district office, Sanwald was also active in various professional-related volunteer positions. Among other things, he was a member of the examination committee for IT specialists in IT system integration at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also served as chairman of the IT manager in the Stuttgart district and worked on the Digitalization Working Group of the Baden-Württemberg District Council.

In addition, since 1998 he has been active on the organizational advisory board of the former IKD-Ulm data center, now known as the Komm.ONE data institute. These roles have allowed him to shape the IT landscape not only within the district office, but also at the regional level, creating a broader connection and exchange within the digital community.

A new phase of life

For his well-deserved retirement, the district administrator wished him plenty of time for his family and to pursue his hobbies, including shooting sports and restoring vintage automobiles. The dance between technology and personal commitment will remain a hallmark of his impressive career and will continue to serve as an inspiration for future generations.

His contribution to the digital transformation of the district administration is undisputed and will continue to influence IT strategies in the coming years as the administration continues to adapt to the challenges of digitalization. More on that here to read.