David Elges appointed chief information officer

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the appointment of David J. Elges as the City's new Chief Information Officer (CIO). In this role, Elges will lead the City's efforts to enhance online service delivery, empower City employees with effective digital tools, use data to focus resources where they are most needed, and improve access to technology and broadband across all Boston neighborhoods.

Elges brings more than 15 years of information technology experience from both public and private sectors to his new role, where he will oversee the City's Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT).

"David Elges has the knowledge and expertise to take the great work being done in DoIT to the next level to keep Boston on the cutting edge," said Mayor Walsh. "I am proud to appoint him to this position, and look forward to working with him to build on Boston's leadership as a world-class tech city."

Elges most recently served as Chief Information Officer for the District of Columbia Government, a position he has held since 2016. In this role, he established the overall technology strategy and architecture to ensure that it was aligned with the District's growth and evolving needs. He developed and led IT strategic and operational planning by driving operations, fostering innovation, prioritizing IT initiatives, and coordinating the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future IT systems and infrastructure.

"I'm looking forward to starting as the new CIO for the City of Boston to build on their successes in utilizing technology in strategic and transformative ways," said David Elges. "It's important to think beyond devices as technology continues to evolve, to ensure that we are using all the tools we have to engage with our constituents, optimize our performance, and track our progress."  

Prior to his role at the District of Columbia Government, Elges served as the Director of IT Operations & Chief Data Officer at Strayer Education, Inc., where he oversaw an 80-member IT organization with a $20 million operating budget, $14 million in capital investments, and managed $12 million ERP project budget. There, he developed an agency-wide data strategy, budget formulation, key performance indicators, and division resources for information governance.

Elges has a bachelor's degree in Political Science from West Virginia Wesleyan College and a master's degree in Information Systems from Strayer University.

The City's Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) strives to engage, empower, and improve life for residents in the City through technology. The focus areas of their work includes digital engagement and services, data and analytics, and broadband, cable and digital equity. The department oversees the development and implementation of new digital tools, open data, Wicked Free Wi-Fi, mobile apps, and cybersecurity practices. You can learn more about the department online.