W. James Hettrick is the Director of Information Systems for the City of Loma Linda, California. He is the driving force behind the Loma Linda Connected Community Program (LLCCP), the first city in America to create and implement a fiber and structured wiring building code for all new home and business developments. With this program, Loma Linda has become one of approximately 200 cities in the nation that has successfully deployed a fiber to the home/business (FTTx) network, and is one of only 40 cities that actually provides these services directly to residents.

Mr. Hettrick has guided the City through the process of modifying the Building Code utilizing municipal codes, and development agreements. He collaborated on and created the LLCCP “Design, Installation and Product Specifications” document for builders. The LLCCP includes the design of self healing metropolitan fiber rings, which allow the City to provide residents and local businesses with advanced data and telecommunication services.

In addition to this, Mr. Hettrick also oversees all aspects of the City’s Information Systems Department and is an integral part of the management structure of the City. The Department is responsible for all computer- and network-related planning, implementation and support for the City. The Department facilitates the strategic implementation of computer and network systems for City departments and residents, such as on-line bill payment and web access to the City’s GIS . The Department also provides technical oversight and management in other related areas like the Voice over IP telephone system, GIS , physical security system, and network operations center AC/DC power plant.

Involved in Information Systems since 1989, Mr. Hettrick has worked extensively in both municipal and private sectors, managing a broad range of projects from developing strategic information systems management solutions for a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) of seven City and County fire departments, to coordinating the state-wide GIS database of the California Historical Resource Information System.

As a published author and international speaker Mr. Hettrick co-wrote with Dr. James Pick and Dr. Edgar Butler, Mexico and Mexico City in the World Economy, Westview Press, 2001, and has authored many articles, papers and presentations on demographics, geographic information systems, economics and management.