The National Association of State Technology Directors (NASTD) - Technology Professionals Serving State Government, is a member-driven organization whose purpose is to advance and promote the effective use of information technology and services to improve the operation of state government. NASTD represents information technology professionals from the 50 states, divided into four regions, and the private sector. State members provide and manage state government information technology services and facilities for state agencies and other public entities, often including hospitals, prisons, colleges and universities. These members also play a strategic role in planning and shaping state government technology infrastructures and policies. Corporate members provide information technology, services and equipment to state government. NASTD was founded in 1978 and has been an affiliate of The Council of State Governments since 1980.