About GovExGovExGEX_6187c78c-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4fGovEx is part of Johns Hopkins University's 21st Century Cities Initiative and a proud partner in What Works Cities.Johns Hopkins UniversityWhat Works CitiesLaunched by Bloomberg Philanthropies in April 2015, What Works Cities is a national initiative to help 100 mid-sized American cities enhance their use of data and evidence to improve services, inform local decision-making, and engage residents.Bloomberg PhilanthropiesAmerican CitiesGovEx TeamBeth BlauerExecutive Director --
A well-known proponent of open government, data transparency, and utilization, Beth is a true visionary and the nation's leading expert in implementing government "stat" programs. She helped to design and bring Socrata's GovStat platform to all levels of federal, state, and local governments as well as non-profit organizations and international NGOs. She is also renowned for her leadership of Maryland's innovative performance management program, StateStat. Beth's first job in government was as a juvenile probation officer, so don't mess with her!Sharon PaleyDeputy Director --
Sharon is a leading organizer of the Baltimore innovation and tech scene. Honored by the White House for her work building and growing the city’s civic hacking community, Sharon has become a recognized expert on open data and was named to Maryland’s State Council on Open Data by Governor O’Malley. Prior to joining GovEx, Sharon served as COO of the Greater Baltimore Technology Council (gb.tc) and co-founded Hack Baltimore, a organization dedicated to improving Charm City and Maryland through community-sourced creativity and public data. Sharon, her husband, two daughters, three fish, a cat, and a dog are an unapologetically sports obsessed family. (Yes, fish like sports.)Carter HewgleyAnalytics & Performance Director --
Originally from Chattanooga, Carter has spent his career helping state, local and federal governments usedata to solve problems big and small. Before coming to GovEx, Carter established the Enterprise Analytics Division at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where he ran FEMASTAT and other analytics teams. Together they automated the "Common Operating Picture" for the nation, turning 25 years of disaster datainto interactive and interconnected data visualizations for FEMA employees. He has also served as the Associate Director of Strategy & Performance at DC Public Schools, Office of Special Education and as an advisor to the DC City Administrator on health and human services. He loves rock climbing and Ashtanga Yoga, but keeps getting injured because he's accident prone.Andrew NicklinOpen Data Director --
At the intersection of technology, government, data, and civic engagement, Andrew has been called an "innovative thinker and skilled technologist". He led former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's NYC OpenData and Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Open NY programs – both widely recognized for their ground-breaking policy frameworks, excellent data management practices, and powerful public engagement strategies. Andrew has worked in government for 20 years, leading small teams, medium-sized departments, and executive governance groups. His broad technology experience covers areas such as data management, standards collaboration, information security, infrastructure operations, application lifecycle management, project management, resource planning, procurement, and more. Andrew, an avid motorcyclist, rode back and forth across North America in 2009.Sheila DuganSenior Implementation Advisor, Cities --
Sheila worked on broadband adoption and access programs before joining GovEx. As EveryoneOn's former Chief Marketing Officer, she collaborated with nonprofits and government agencies to promote affordable internet service and devices to unconnected households across the United States. She assisted the states of Virginia and South Carolina with their broadband mapping and development of local regional technology planning teams as part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's State Broadband Initiatives.
In 2013, Sheila served as a 2013 Code for America fellow, where she helped the City of Oakland develop RecordTrac, a web application that helps cities manage and respond to public records request. Sheila likes pina coladas and getting caught in the rain.Lena GeraghtySenior Implementation Advisor, Cities --
Before coming to GovEx, Lena spent three years as a legal associate for a San Francisco Bay Area wage-and-hour class action law firm representing employees and translating attorney speak into understandable English. In her career, she has worked with governmental organizations across the United States both big and small from Austin-Travis County, TX, to Glens Falls, NY. Lena is an MPA graduate of UNC Chapel Hill's School of Government, specializing in local government and performance. Lena misses the authentic Mexican food in California, but she enjoys the East Coast seasons and baking for her co-workers.Katherine KlosekSenior Implementation Advisor, Cities --
Katherine has been dedicated to domestic social policy at all levels of government since 2006. A native Baltimorean, she brings a blend of policy, data and advocacy, and community engagement skills to GovEx.Katherine began her career in Governor O'Malley's StateStat Office, advancing progress toward statewide economic opportunity and health policy goals. In 2012, Katherine went on to serve as Director of the Baltimore City Partnership to End Childhood Hunger, leading a coalition of public and private actors in planning and implementing evidence-based strategies to eradicate hunger and improve family stability. Katherine teaches yoga at a residential rehabilitation facility, is an avid runner, and enjoys watching professional wrestling.Matt PazolesSenior Implementation Advisor, Cities --
An experienced data analyst, Matt has sought to lower the barriers to having robust data and performance management programs for large membership organizations, national political parties, and non-profits. Prior to joining GovEx, Matt worked with local leaders and elected officials at all levels of government to both inculcate a culture of evidence-based decision making and create the technical tools necessary to reach new levels of constituent engagement. He is always on the hunt for outdoor brunch spots, loves exploring parks, and playing fetch with his cats.Matthew RaifmanSenior Implementation Advisor --
Matthew has addressed public policy challenges at the local, national, and international levels. As part of What Works Cities, he facilitates diagnostic workshops with Mayors and City Managers, and helps cities advance open data and performance analytics practices. Matthew works primarily with cities in the Western, Southwestern, and Mountain regions of the U.S. Most recently, he was a Science and Technology Fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy in the Office of International Affairs, where he supported the Secretary and Deputy Secretary on all energy issues for a portfolio of European countries.
Matt got his start in government in the Office of Governor O'Malley in Maryland, where he covered transportation, business and economic development, and homeland security as part of the StateStat performance management team. He subsequently served as one of the founding members of the President’s Delivery Unit at the World Bank, covering fragile and conflict-affected situations, financial inclusion, and energy. The President's Delivery Unit was established in 2014 to monitor institutional performance and to provide a forum for addressing planning and implementation issues.
He also conducted economic and financial analysis of the international transportation sector as an associate at the EMBARQ Center for Sustainable Transport at the World Resources Institute, co-authoring a number of working papers. Early on in his career, he was a senior research assistant at the Brookings Institution in their Economic Studies Program, supporting research on public health and public policy using complex systems and agent-based models. Matt received a Bachelors of Arts in Economics with high honors from Tufts University and a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.Eric ReeseSenior Implementation Advisor, Cities --
Originally from Indiana, Eric has spent his career working and partnering with organizations around the world to improve public sector performance. Before coming to GovEx, Eric worked on public education initiatives as a Fulbright Grantee in South Korea and at the DC Public Education Fund in Washington, DC, where he managed grant programs to drive improved performance in the DC Public Schools. Most recently, Eric worked with local governments across North Carolina on strategic planning, economic development, and local government performance. He played baseball in college and is always happy to discuss the nuances of baseball around the world (ask him how a Mexican former major leaguer in South Korea became his favorite baseball player).Rebecca WilliamsSenior Implementation Advisor, Cities --
Rebecca is an open data advocate with a background in law and city planning. Prior to joining GovEx Rebecca worked on federal data management at the White House Office of Management and Budget and Data.gov. Prior to joining the federal government, Rebecca helped build the Sunlight Foundation's municipal transparency program after working on a variety of civic issues with Regional Plan Association, Cities Alliance, and the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center, amongst others. She holds a J.D. from Western New England Law School, and participated in a joint Masters of Regional Planning program, with a focus on Social, Policy, and Community planning. By night she serves on the boards of Wikimedia DC and Legal Hackers and co-organizes the DC Legal Hackers chapter. She enjoys biopics, art museums, and noodles.Michael BenisonAnalyst --
Michael spent most of his professional career in Ghana building and developing the capacities of young leaders and advancing development in less resourced and vulnerable communities. Prior to joining the Center, he worked as a research associate for the Consumer Unity and Trust Society International supporting capacity building and advocacy work on market competition. Michael graduated from the Heinz College, Carnegie Mellon University with an MSc. in Public Policy and Management. He was selected by the faculty, staff and students of Heinz College, to represent the Class of 2015 as the Commencement student speaker.Sophia DengoAnalyst --
Sophia is a front-end web developer and user experience designer turned civic technologist. She spent a year as a Code for America Fellow for Miami-Dade County in 2015, where she was introduced to open data and the many ways it can help governments make decisions.
In a former life, Sophia spent five years building storytelling interfaces at CNN.com. She holds a Master's in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill, and another in museum studies from Johns Hopkins. When not in front of a computer screen, you can find her at a jeweler's bench or the nearest yarn shop.Nick HadjigeorgeAnalyst --
Nick Hadjigeorge is a native Texan who spent the majority of his career living and working in Austin. He has published research on technology and innovation policy, was a Code for America brigade leader, as well as a staffer at the University of Texas at Austin Center for Politics and Governance. Nick also worked for the City of Austin and advised the Texas Legislature regarding its open data policies. Nick enjoys listening to music, exploring nature, and appreciating architecture.Chanel McCoyAnalyst --
Prior to GovEx, Chanel McCoy was a Senior Business Analyst at GEICO, where she worked with their rating systems to ensure the proper implementation of new rates and factors for each state. Chanel also worked for the U.S. Department of Labor, where she was responsible for setting wages for government contractors by using survey methodology and regional research. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from University of Maryland, and a Master of Science degree in Data Analytics from University of Maryland, University College. Chanel loves to shop and find a great sale!Chance CarterAdministrative Coordinator --
Chance is a recent graduate of the University of Baltimore (UB) where he graduated with a BA in Government and Public Policy. He is continuing his studies at UB where he is working on a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in Urban Management. Chance, a Connecticut native, has spent the past few years in Baltimore making it his home. Since his move in 2011, he has worked as a Legislative Aide for a State Senator and in government relations prior to that. He enjoys traveling, reading, listening to music as well as rooting on the O's and Ravens!Jamaal VetoseResearch Analyst --
A native of Baltimore, Jamaal is a graduate of The University of Baltimore with a Bachelor's In Business Administration with a focus in Finance. Jamaal has ten years of working experience in multiple fields including sales, public safety, customer service, and the startup sector. He also is pursuing his Master of Science: Financial Management at the University of Maryland, University College. Jamaal love the local specialty of seafood (crabs, shrimp) and reading a good book.Chris CardozIntern and Podcast ProducerGovEx Partner CitiesAnchorage, AKBaltimore, MDBellevue, WABuffalo, NYCambridge, MACape Coral, FLCharlotte, NCChattanooga, TNDenton, TXDenver, COFort Lauderdale, FLGreensboro, NCGresham, ORIndependence, MOJackson, MSKansas City, KSKansas City, MOLas Vegas, NVLexington, KYMesa, AZMilwaukee, WINaperville, ILRaleigh, NCSan Jose, CAScottsdale, AZSeattle, WASt. Paul, MNTacoma, WATopeka, KSTulsa, OKWaco, TXWichita, KSImproved quality of life_6187c890-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4fTo help governments use data to make informed, effective decisions and improve people's quality of life._6187c9a8-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4fTechnical AssistanceProvide technical assistance_6187d222-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4f1_6187d223-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4fKnowledge & ExperienceConnect academic knowledge to practical government experience_6187d224-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4f2_6187d5ba-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4fPolicy & Decision MakingBuild governments capacity to use data for decision making and policy development_6187d5bb-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4f3_6187d5bc-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4fIdea Sharing & CoordinationFacilitate partnerships between governments for idea sharing and coordination_6187d5bd-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4f4_6187d5be-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4fStrategyHelp government leaders think strategically about using data_6187d5bf-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4f5_6187d5c0-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4fTools & ResourcesDevelop tools and resources to educate government leaders on the value and use of data_6187d5c1-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4f6Government Leaders_6187d650-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4fTrainingOffer formal, in-depth training through structured curricula, certificate programs, and university courses_6187d754-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4f7_6187d83a-a1de-11e6-9f02-2e30b2d70f4f2016-11-03OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net