Upon taking office in January, Mayor Walsh expressed his intent on finding a new Chief Information Officer for the City of Boston. And while interim CIO Justin Holmes has done an outstanding job in the role, it was announced on Wednesday that he’ll be succeeded by Jascha Franklin-Hodge.
Franklin-Hodge boasts more than 15 years of information technology experience, co-founding Blue State Digital in 2004 and helping to add a tech-savvy presence to the fundraising aspect of President Barack Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns. He did the same for former Vermont Governor Howard Dean’s 2004 presidential bid and was also the director of software development for AOL’s Digital Music Division.
He studied computer science at MIT, though dropped out to pursue professional opportunities, and currently calls South Boston home.
“Jascha Franklin-Hodge will be a vital addition to our City’s leadership team, following the exceptional work of Justin Holmes,” said Mayor Walsh in a statement. “Jascha has directed large, high-profile technology operations, and I know he comes well-equipped to help Boston continue its leadership as a world-class tech city.”
In light of Franklin-Hodge’s new appointment, the City of Boston aptly created the YouTube video above to promote it’s increasing digital presence. It highlights the numerous social media chats Mayor Walsh has hosted, several developments implemented by the New Urban Mechanics, and features Franklin-Hodge himself expressing the importance of affording all City Hall employees the most cutting-edge digital tools to the benefit of residents.
“We can use technology to make it easier for Bostonians to do business with the City and to empower city employees to provide great service,” said Franklin-Hodge in a statement. “Access to the internet and technical skills can enhance educational and economic opportunity, and Mayor Walsh and I share a vision for a more connected Boston.”
According to the Mayor’s office, Blue State Digital’s platform has processed $1.6B in online donations and delivered more than 24 billion emails on behalf of over 500 clients.
Current and past clients include: One Fund Boston; the Democratic National Committee; Partners in Health; Google; the NAACP, SEIU; the current presidents of France, Brazil, and Mexico; Senators Kennedy, Kerry, Markey, Warren; and the campaigns of more than 50 other members of Congress.
Welcome aboard, Jascha.
