Seattle’s new CTO will wrestle with AI, data centers, and new cop cameras

Mayor Katie Wilson has selected her new Chief Technology Officer.

Wilson named Shannon Smith as the city’s new CTO. Smith steps into the role to lead the Seattle Information Technology Department, managing an organization of over 600 employees and an annual budget of roughly $300 million.

Smith is a public-sector tech veteran with over 18 years of regional experience, including past leadership roles with King County, the City of Bellevue, and the City of Seattle. Most recently, Smith served as the director of public sector at CAI, a global IT consulting firm.

Smith is replacing Rob Lloyd, who stepped down earlier this year. Lloyd is now executive director of the Center for Digital Government.

As CTO, Smith will join an administration wrestling with key technology issues including a moratorium on new data centers and the expansion of the Seattle Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center camera system.

“We are eager to collaborate with Shannon Smith to find new ways of using technology to continuously improve how the Seattle Police Department serves and protects our community at a time when technology is rapidly changing. Shannon will be an invaluable partner to our department,” Chief Shon Barnes said in the mayor’s announcement. “Not only does she have extensive experience in this field, but she is also committed to harnessing technology to make local government more effective and transparent.”

In her new position, Wilson’s office said Smith will focus on advancing the city’s commitment to transparent, efficient, and equitable digital services, adding that her expertise in artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity, and data strategy will guide Seattle as it modernizes municipal services.

Smith’s appointment must be confirmed by the Seattle City Council.

$5 A MONTH TO HELP KEEP CHS PAYWALL-FREE

Subscribe to CHS to help hire writers and photographers to cover the neighborhood. CHS is a pay what you can community news site with no required sign-in or paywall. To stay that way, we need you. Become a subscriber to help us cover the neighborhood for $5 a month — or choose your level of support