Alequresh, whose appointment was effective as of Monday, Jan. 11, will lead Dallas’ newly-created Office of Innovation, which the city said in a press release is setting out to “drive operational and technological improvements, create change by introducing new ideas to city leaders and encourage new and innovative projects.”
The innovation officer is a new role separate from the city’s existing chief information role, currently filled by Hugh Miller. Essentially, while the information officer handles more foundational and utilitarian aspects of IT work, the innovation officer will work to expand the capabilities of what technology is used to do within city hall.
Alequresh seems to be an excellent candidate to do just that, having previously worked as an executive adviser for the local government in Los Angeles, helping to improve processes and structure related to innovation there. Before that, she was part of the municipal government in Philadelphia as that city’s performance management director, responsible for helping to create data-driven user-centered work there.
Alequresh also has experience working in the private and nonprofit sectors.
Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced Alequresh’s appointment, offering this statement, “Laila’s vast experience will be beneficial as we work to strengthen our capacity to be more strategic in how we adapt to the changing needs of our organization and diverse community. Her role is critical in formulating nontraditional approaches and solutions to better address the challenges of our city and residents.”
