State Chief Data Officer Survey

Strong data leadership in government has never been more critical. As states expand digital services and rapidly adopt emerging technology like AI, success depends on a simple foundation: reliable, well-governed data. Without it, innovation risks falling short. 

To better understand the current state of data leadership in the U.S., the Beeck Center’s State Chief Data Officer Network partnered with the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) to conduct research exploring the role of state chief data officers (CDO), with the purpose of documenting the role’s ongoing evolution, including its responsibilities, authority, accomplishments, and challenges.

The state CDO role is critical to effective state government, and the vision is for every state and territory to eventually create this role and bring in professionals who share a passion for managing data as a strategic state government asset. State CDOs come from a diverse set of backgrounds, including both the academic and private sector. There is a common ingredient for success: their shared interest in data analytics, leading teams and effectively cultivating working relationships with peers and stakeholders.