Washington DC’s new CTO to close digital divide and boost cybersecurity
19 October 2024
by Jonathan Andrews
Stephen Miller (pictured) has officially been confirmed as the seventh Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Washington DC. Miller has been with the DC government since 2007, previously working as deputy, interim and acting CTO.
“I’ve essentially ‘grown up’ as a member of the OCTO [Office of the Chief Technology Officer] family over those 17 years, and found that working with the different engineers, managers and leaders on our teams made me a better engineer, a better manager and now a better leader,” he told Cities Today.
Since the pandemic, he’s led projects with an “all OCTO approach” as the lead for Digital Services and gained insight into the district’s unique position as a limited self-government and its relationships with the National Capital Region and third-party partners.
DC’s special status
“I think I have one of the most unique jobs in the world, I lead a technology agency through the complex requirements of operating as a city, a county and a state that also happens to be our nation’s capital,” he said. “I think it’s amazing that our ideas and projects in any of our agencies can be impactful well beyond Washington DC.”
But he added there is a downside to being the nation’s capital.
“We operate with a target on our backs when it comes to bad actors, namely nation-state sponsored threats, who misunderstand the District of Columbia’s relationship with the federal government,” he explained.
A centre for innovation
Known as a “top place” for careers in technology, Miller is eager to showcase the city as a hub for technology and innovation and is focused on tackling the city’s “extreme digital divide”.
“Our most impacted residents can’t take advantage of the hottest tech job market in the country and have a disadvantage when it comes to accessing and understanding the capabilities of a connected world,” he said.
He added that he is stiving every day towards a future that can close DC’s digital divide; make digital government services faster, fairer, and simpler; and ensure that the district’s network, data, and technology is safe and secure for all DC employees and residents.
A career technologist
During Miller’s 23-year career he has worked as a software developer, technologist and operations manager in the government sector. His career has spanned multiple areas, including implementing large-scale IT strategies, improving service delivery through technology, and enhancing cybersecurity frameworks.
Miller will oversee the OCTO, which is responsible for the strategic management of DC’s IT systems and services.
The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) said in a statement: “We are enthusiastic about his vision to enhance trust in government, bridge the digital divide, and guarantee that all our residents have equal access to technology – connecting them to the world for employment, education, and countless opportunities. We’re also excited to see him tackle new challenges and continue the conversation of using AI responsibly in government.”
And he will lead the city’s ongoing efforts to bolster its cybersecurity defences, particularly in light of growing threats to municipal governments across the country.
“I am proud to say our team is extremely productive and innovative,” he said. “Some of our ongoing focuses are modernising DC’s digital services and strengthening our cybersecurity strategies and systems through major product and policy launches and initiatives. OCTO is among national leaders in the digital equity space – making sure we get connectivity and provide opportunity to all DC residents.”
Image: Linkedin/OCTO DC