Democratizing data usage for communities

Natalie Evans Harris, State CDO of Maryland, speaks with Leigh Sheldon, Partner, CEI Data and Analytics Lead, Guidehouse, in a video interview about her journey as Maryland’s state CDO, top three priorities for data modernization across the state, forming the office of enterprise data and its purpose, and her approach to data interoperability.

Reflecting on her journey as Maryland’s Chief Data Officer, Harris notes that it has been one of learning, collaboration, and laying the groundwork for a more connected and data-driven state government.

Since joining, she invested herself in understanding the landscape of Maryland’s data infrastructure. “I have been fortunate that I have a governor that is data-driven and heart-led,” says Harris.

Delving further, she adds that operationalizing data-drivenness has been core to the mission. Over the past year, she identified Maryland’s strong foundation in this space and says that the state has all the right pieces to be data-driven.

Watch the full interview below.