City Administrator Carmen Chu announces new leadership for San Francisco data and technology initiatives

SAN FRANCISCO, CA-City Administrator Carmen Chu today announced key leadership appointments to advance San Francisco's data and technology initiatives. Soumya Kalra has been named Chief Data Officer, and Edward McCaffrey will serve as the new Director of the Committee on Information Technology (COIT).

Soumya Kalra, Chief Data Officer

Kalra, a seasoned data executive with over 14 years of experience, will lead efforts to enhance the City's use of data to improve operations, transparency, governance, and equity. She will oversee DataSF's open data platform, establish citywide data standards and strategy, and collaborate with departments to improve data accessibility and governance. Kalra will also drive critical analytics projects, advance internal data sharing to support better decision-making, and support the implementation of the City's Privacy First Policy.

"I am excited to welcome Soumya Kalra as Chief Data Officer for the City and County of San Francisco," said City Administrator Carmen Chu. "Her extensive leadership experience in data infrastructure, analytics, and technology governance will be instrumental in advancing transparency and accountability in San Francisco. San Franciscans expect us to effectively deliver public services and the use of data and information in decision-making is absolutely critical to that process."

The City's Chief Data Officer (CDO) position, established in 2014, aims to enhance decision-making and service delivery across citywide agencies. The CDO leads the DataSF team, the San Francisco Open Data Program, and citywide data sharing and data science practices. DataSF has published over 600 datasets, trained hundreds of City analysts in current data skills, and contributed to innovative policies on matters from privacy to AI. DataSF is part of SF's Digital and Data Services (DDS) team in the City Administrator's Office.

DDS builds accessible, human-centered tools for San Franciscans to interact with and understand the City. DataSF partners with permitting, safety, & critical services departments as well as the Department of Technology, Controller's Office, & Mayor's Office of Innovation.

"I am honored to step into this role and bring my passion for leveraging data to drive meaningful impact," said Soumya Kalra. "Data is one of the most powerful tools we have to address complex challenges, and I look forward to collaborating with City leaders, private sector partners, and local communities to create innovative solutions that improve the lives of all San Franciscans. Together, we can build a more connected, transparent, and equitable city through the power of data."

Kalra holds a bachelor's in economics and a master's in mathematical finance from Rutgers University. She previously served as Senior Director of Product at Early Warning Services, where she led efforts to modernize data infrastructure, and at Robinhood, where she strengthened compliance, fraud detection, and risk management through data analytics.

In the public sector, Kalra held key roles at the Federal Reserve Bank, U.S. Treasury, and SEC, advancing financial oversight and implementing analytics for stress testing and regulatory decisions. Passionate about diversity in technology, she founded NYC R Ladies, a community that empowers women in data science, and serves on the R Finance Committee. Kalra will officially begin her role as Chief Data Officer on January 13, 2025.

Edward McCaffrey, Director of COIT

McCaffrey brings over 15 years of experience in public policy, government relations, and community engagement to his new role as COIT Director. COIT serves as San Francisco's technology governance and policy-making body, providing a collaborative forum for City leadership to coordinate and make citywide technology decisions. McCaffrey will lead efforts to align IT policy development, ensure efficient use of technology, and enhance service delivery across departments.

"More and more our technology infrastructure is foundational to our ability to deliver public services. The Committee on Information Technology prioritizes investments in technology and develops citywide policy to improve access, build resilience, protect privacy, and support operations," said City Administrator Carmen Chu. "That is why I am so pleased to welcome Eddie McCaffrey as COIT Director. Eddie brings with him a deep understanding of the local, state, and federal resources necessary to support operations and is a proven leader working across departments."

"I am honored to join the dedicated COIT team and to work alongside a group of talented and passionate individuals who care deeply about delivering on our mission to modernize infrastructure, and strengthen privacy, transparency, and sustainability," said Edward McCaffrey. "It is a privilege to continue serving the City and County of San Francisco and work under the leadership of City Administrator Carmen Chu. I look forward to collaborating with city officials, IT professionals, and residents to implement innovative solutions, while creating a more connected, efficient, and responsive government."

McCaffrey has a long and proven record of delivering customer-focused services for the City and County of San Francisco and has held prominent leadership positions in the Office of Mayor London N. Breed, the Office of District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, and the San Francisco Assessor-Recorder. In these roles, he successfully led legislative advocacy, public campaigns, and strategic communications, establishing himself as a trusted advisor and impactful leader. McCaffrey began his role as COIT Director on January 6, 2025.

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