California Gov. Newsom appoints new data chief
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed John Ohanian, a longtime health and human services data official, as the state’s new chief data officer, part of a slew of appointments the governor made last Thursday.
Ohanian joins the California Office of Data and Innovation after serving for one year as senior policy adviser for data exchange in the state’s Department of Health Care Services, where, according to a press release, he worked to improve how health information is shared between state systems and providers. He served more than five years as chief data officer for the California Health and Human Services Agency’s Center for Data Insights and Innovation, an office established in 2021 that uses data systems to improve services and policy.
As part of the California Government Operations Agency, ODI helps state agencies make digital services easier to use. In recent years, the office has played a major role in improving resident-facing services, such as Engaged California, which fosters dialogue between residents and the state to help shape policy. From 2012 to 2020, Ohanian led 211 San Diego, an organization that connects people with community, health and disaster services through shared data systems.
His appointment, which does not require California Senate confirmation, is the latest in Newsom’s efforts to fill vacancies in the state’s technology leadership. Jonathan Porat, the state’s chief technology officer, stepped down last month. Liana Bailey-Crimmins retired as state chief information officer in March. Newsom late last month named Christopher Given, a former official at the IRS and other federal agencies, as the state’s new CIO.
