Wisniewski named Philly’s chief digital officer

Tim Wisniewski has been named Philadelphia’s new chief digital officer.

Wisniewski, 26, is currently the city’s director of civic technology and has overseen projects including the Philly311 Mobile App and myPhillyRising.com. He also introduced new approaches to software design that utilized cloud, open-source and mobile-friendly design, which resulted in applications like Property Search and BigIdeasPHL.

“Tim has a technology and community building background and he has been keenly focused on civic engagement and that clearly makes him a standout choice,” Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said in a statement. Wisniewski joined StateScoop for a video interview last fall during which he discussed the ongoing role of big data in city government.

Before joining the city in January 2012, Wisniewski was the executive director of the Frankford Special Services District, a municipal authority at which he led efforts to revitalize the Frankford Avenue Business Corridor through public safety and beautification projects. He also served as president of the 24th Police District Advisory Council.

“I am excited to take on this tremendous opportunity and honored to help implement the Mayor’s vision around open data,” Wisniewski said . “I’m looking forward to renewing the focus on the general public as the ultimate customer of open data, and on departments as the leaders in government transparency and civic engagement. My role will be to help facilitate communication between them and to help departments implement their open data decisions.”

Philadelphia Chief Innovation Officer Adel Ebeid added, “I want to thank the mayor for reinforcing his commitment to the open data program by appointing Tim as the City’s chief data officer. Our goal is elevate Philadelphia’s open data program to be a national model, and Tim is the right person to lead the program through the next phase. He has my full support and confidence.”