States know that data is a strategic asset with great potential for improving the public good. For example, integrating data across social service agencies can better serve children and teens with complex needs, reduce homelessness, or allow government to respond more quickly to natural and public health disasters. However, there are many challenges to responsible data use in state government, including legal, technical, and cultural issues. Often, the challenge of using data effectively and responsibly seems too difficult a task for state governments and the potential for public benefit is left untapped. We are working to bridge that gap by designing roadmaps and guides for state leaders to establish a CDO role and create a high-functioning state data program. Additionally, the State Chief Data Officers Network is a community of practice for existing CDOs to support each other as they navigate this relatively new role.