America Online (AOL) presented their new chief technology officer (CTO), Maureen Govern on Thursday. She takes over the roll as the top technology strategist at AOL and will be a key player in their overall business strategy.

Govern will handle the AOL network, including the infrastructure and data center ops; oversee the company’s business tech functions; supervise AOL’s internal computing services; and direct the company’s shared technology development.

She’s moving into a slot left vacant by John McKinkley after he took over the digital services business for AOL. She will now report to AOL Chairman and CEO Jon Miller.

“We are delighted that Maureen will be bringing her keen technology insight and experience to AOL,” said Miller. “Maureen is a respected leader with an outstanding track record for managing technology services for large companies like AOL.”

“As CTO, she will help us realign our technology resources to support the needs of our multiple businesses. She has the critical combination of wireline and wireless, service provider and manufacturer, network and back-office experience to help us build and transition our infrastructure to meet the demands of the changing marketplace.”

Govern comes from Convergys as their CTO. She was responsible for technology leadership, identifying out-front, disruptive technologies to their customer and information management groups. She also served as their corporate spokesperson for Convergys on technology issues.

“From a technology perspective, I couldn’t think of a better time to come to AOL,” Govern said. “The company is pushing forward with great new technologies to bring the Web alive for everyone on the Internet. It has a busy launch schedule of new digital services products. And it has some exciting new offerings in store for its members. All of this requires AOL to be on the leading edge of technology. I look forward to helping AOL accomplish this challenging task.”

John Stith is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business.