Technology & Innovation: Co-creator of accelerators convening and training CIO’s, CTO’s, IT Directors, and senior public and private sector leaders in innovation, AI, mobility and smart citiesGlobal Thought Leader: Outstanding communicator who is sought after to provide expertise and impactful presentations on civic innovation, technology, and AI adoption, inspiring leaders worldwide with his visionary insights and pragmatic approachSummit Convener & Educator: Developed the Civic Innovation Executive Education Program, co-created the Public Sector Executive Summits, and launched innovation accelerators, training hundreds of leaders globally in civic innovation, technology, and leadershipPublic Sector Generative AI: Collaborated with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on the "Subnational Practices in AI Policy: A Working Guide," developed a Generative AI Maturity Model, and engaged with public sector leaders on the regulation and adoption of Generative AI

I began working with the Technology and Entrepreneurship Center at Harvard (TECH) as public sector leader who was passionate about problem-solving. I came to TECH to learn and discovered an opportunity to contribute to the work of the Center and now help execute on its mission. As the Co-Chair for Civic Innovation at TECH I'm pursuing public, private, and academic partnerships to develop educate leaders around the globe. My extensive senior leadership experience helps foster a dynamic environment where innovation thrives and real-world solutions take shape. Collaborating with students, faculty, and industry leaders, we co-created an Executive Education certification in Civic Innovation, equipping leaders with the tools and insights they need to drive transformative change.In my role, I teach leadership and innovation courses, blending insights from public administration, technology, and entrepreneurship. My focus is on digital transformation, change management and AI. A key aspect of my work includes developing a GenAI maturity model, which assists governments in assessing their progress in the AI landscape and provides a strategic roadmap for integrating these advanced technologies.My approach is grounded in a human-centric framework, ensuring that technological advancements resonate with the values and needs of an organization and those they serve. I work closely with leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to address their toughest challenges, driving impactful outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration.As an executive leader, I bring a visionary yet pragmatic approach to civic innovation. My work at Harvard is not just about academic excellence; it's about creating a tangible impact that resonates globally, making me a pivotal figure for organizations seeking forward-thinking, results-driven executive experience.

Public Sector Executive & Strategic Planning: Member of the city executive team, co-creator of the city’s five-year strategic plan, and lead for the city’s Strategic Plan Working Group including the development of associated data and technology tools. DEI+ & Employee Engagement: Led the strategy analysis and activities for the city’s employee engagement survey and the city’s DEI+ employee survey and engagement, both designed to improve workforce development, inclusion, belonging, and engagementStrategic Innovation & Economic Development: Directed citywide strategic innovation and operational excellence initiatives, resulting in $5 million in public sector savings and generating $500 million in new local investmentPerformance Management: Led the development of KPIs, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms for sustainability, homelessness, economic development and a 5-year strategic plan for a $240 million organization, ensuring alignment and accountability across departmentsDigital Transformation: Developed Connected Carlsbad: An Inclusive City Innovation Roadmap, leading to the creation of Carlsbad's $30 million Strategic Digital Transformation Investment Program, driving significant advancements in technology infrastructure and systemsFire Operations Intelligence System: Developed a real-time and strategic insights platform using computer-aided dispatch data, which reduced response times and has projected savings of over $1.5 million for the city within five yearsEconomic Development Strategy: Led the development of Carlsbad's first economic development strategic plan and economic insights program, supporting and monitoring a $16.6 billion economy that grew by $1.5 billion from 2021 to 2022Bloomberg Philanthropies Certification: Spearheaded efforts to secure the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Gold Certification, placing Carlsbad among an elite group of cities recognized for evidence-based government empowered by technology and data analytics

Executive Leadership: Executive team leader in a $3.6 billion organization overseeing the budget and administration of a $250 million branch with over 1,500 employees that included the city’s land use, environment, community services, and economic development functions including Planning, Development Services, Park & Recreation, Sustainability, Libraries, Economic Development, Civic San Diego - City Redevelopment Agency, Arts & Culture, Human Relations Commission, International Affairs Board, Citizens’ Review Board on Police Practices, and Gang Prevention & Intervention.Land Use & Environment: Oversaw transformational land use changes including multiple comprehensive land use code change packages to streamline permitting processes, over 8 community plan revisions, and the most significant changes to the city’s housing policies and environmental protections to date.Housing Policy Reforms: Spearheaded policy reforms to address San Diego's housing crisis, including updating community plans, allowing accessory dwelling units, and establishing density bonus regulations for affordable housing, which influenced future California state laws.Climate Action & Sustainability: Oversaw the team that developed San Diego's first legally binding Climate Action Plan and established the city's first sustainability department, setting a precedent for environmental responsibility.Innovative Transportation Solutions: Developed an on-demand, parking meter revenue-funded electric shuttle system in downtown San Diego, completing 1.2 million trips and expanding the service to other city areas.STEM Education Library Partnership: Partnered with UC San Diego Extension and Sally Ride Science to develop the LibraryNExT (Network of Education x Training) program, providing STEM education to elementary, middle, and high school students in city libraries, covering topics like circuits, Python programming, virology, and over 50 other courses.

Executive Leader: Oversaw and managed strategic planning, budget, operations, hiring, and employee development.Transforming Public Works: Spearheaded the creation of the city’s first dedicated Infrastructure Committee and comprehensive approach to address a $900m infrastructure backlog which led to a plan to invest a historic amount of funding for infrastructure in San Diego,

Sustainable Mobility Innovation: Created a groundbreaking public-private partnership to launch North America's first all-electric car share fleet, promoting sustainable transportation solutionsInclusive Economic & Community Development: Developed the city economic development strategic plan and community development programs to invest in underserved communities and support and innovative and vibrant economy.Urban Development and Community Investment: Led the strategic and policy work associated with the Governor’s order to end redevelopment which led to protecting over $1 billion in funding and assets for community investment in San Diego which was the largest reinvestment, by proportion, of any redevelopment agency in California.Executive Leadership & Change Management: Served as the Chief of Staff to the Mayor for the final 90 days of his term overseeing a $2.8b budget for the 8th largest city in the United States and guiding the transition to a new administration.

Strategic Consulting: Delivered expert strategic consulting, crisis communications, and policy development services to a diverse range of public and private sector clients, driving impactful results and success.Strategy & Communication Initiatives: Collaborated on strategy and tactics for multiple successful initiatives, leveraging insights and innovative approaches to achieve successful outcomes and policy advancements.

Leadership & Crisis Management: Directed a cross-functional team to deliver strategic consulting and crisis communications for clients through the Western United States, ensuring robust and effective responses to client needs.Land Use Strategy & Guidance: Provided expert land use strategy and guidance for a development portfolio exceeding $1 billion, driving successful project approvals and optimizing client outcomes through strategic planning and adept stakeholder engagement.

Leadership & Team Management: Led the policy team for the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in the fifth largest county in the United States, ensuring cohesive and strategic policy development and implementation.Expert Advisor: Strategy and policy expertise on regional planning, transportation, energy, water, and community grants, providing comprehensive and impactful guidance to support informed decision-making and sustainable growthLand Use & Environment: Served as the liaison to the Land Use and Environment Group providing strategy and policy expertise on planning, land use, development, environment health, conservation, and Agricultural Weights and Measures.Regional Governance: Provided strategy and policy expertise on the general activities of regional government entities including the San Diego Airport Authority, SANDAG, and the Port of San Diego.

Communication Strategies & Media Relations: Developed effective communication strategies, wrote impactful speeches, and interfaced with media to enhance the public image and outreach of the MayorCollaborative Public Campaigns: Partnered with Nokia to develop a cellphone courtesy campaign, promoting responsible mobile phone use and public etiquetteInternational Affairs & Communication: Supported international collaboration with the San Diego Zoo for the birth of Hua Mei, the first giant panda cub to survive to adulthood in the United States