Mamdani appoints Lisa Gelobter as NYC CTO

New York’s recently elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has appointed Lisa Gelobter as the city’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Commissioner of the Office of Technology and Innovation, tasking her to lead digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and data strategy across city government.

Gelobter brings decades of experience spanning federal government, media and entrepreneurship, including contributing to the development of the GIF, and helping launch streaming service, Hulu.

As CTO, she will oversee the city’s technology infrastructure, cybersecurity efforts and data management initiatives, with a focus on expanding access to vital services and advancing digital equity across the five boroughs.

“I’m deeply honoured to be appointed by Mayor Mamdani at a moment when technology is reshaping nearly every aspect of civic life,” she said. “Technology impacts how people experience government every day–from accessing services to trusting that systems work fairly and responsibly. As CTO and Commissioner, my focus will be on using technology in service of the public good: improving delivery, strengthening accountability, and ensuring innovation reflects the needs of all New Yorkers.”

Most recently, she founded tEQuitable, a tech-enabled ombuds platform designed to help organisations address bias, discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

She previously served as Chief Digital Service Officer at the US Department of Education under President Barack Obama, where she launched the College Scorecard and helped modernise digital services for millions of students and borrowers.

Mamdani said Gelobter’s track record made her well suited to lead the next phase of the city’s digital transformation.

“Lisa Gelobter’s decades-long career as a computer scientist, innovator, and entrepreneur has been defined by her commitment to leveraging technology for the public good,” he said. “I am honoured that she will bring that same vision and leadership to city hall as our next Chief Technology Officer.”

Gelobter succeeds Matthew Fraser, who stepped down in January after four years in the role. During his tenure, Fraser consolidated previously separate technology functions into a single Office of Technology and Innovation, expanded free broadband and digital skills access, modernised platforms including MyCity and NYC311, and introduced governance frameworks for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.

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