New York Mayor Mamdani names Obama-era digital services officer as CTO

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday named Lisa Gelobter, who served as the Department of Education’s chief digital service officer during the second Obama administration, to be the city’s chief technology officer and commissioner of the Office of Technology and Innovation.

Gelobter will oversee the city’s technology infrastructure, cybersecurity efforts and data management initiatives, according to a news release. The appointment of Gelobter, who fills a role left vacant by the resignation of Matt Fraser at the end of former Mayor Eric Adams’ term last year, signals a technical focus by the Mamdani administration on digital equity, public service and social impact.

Mamdani said in the news release that Gelobter’s “decades-long career as a computer scientist, innovator and entrepreneur has been defined by her commitment to leveraging technology for the public good.”

Most recently, Gelobter founded tEQuitable, a tech startup that helps organizations identify and address systemic workplace culture issues like harassment, bias and discrimination, and uses technology to make workplaces more equitable. 

At the Education Department, Gelobter focused on improving access to government services and boosting outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations, a news release said. She also worked at Black Entertainment Television Networks for five tears as an interim chief digital officer.

In 2016, Fast Company named her on a list of “most creative people” in the business community. In 2019, Inc. Magazine named her as one of 100 women building “innovative and ambitious” businesses.

Gelobter said in the news release she was “deeply honored” to be appointed “at a moment when technology is reshaping nearly every aspect of civic life.”

“Technology impacts how people experience government every day — from accessing services to trusting that systems work fairly and responsibly,” she said. “As CTO and Commissioner, my focus will be on using technology in service of the public good: improving delivery, strengthening accountability, and ensuring innovation reflects the needs of all New Yorkers. I’m excited to work alongside the extraordinary team at OTI, our partners, and communities across the City to deliver technology that truly works for everyone.”