Chicago Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel named IBM Corp.’s John Tolva the city’s new chief technology officer on Wednesday, April 20, at a press conference announcing his new leadership team. Emanuel takes office in May.
Tolva is currently IBM’s director of Citizenship & Technology, where he focuses on the development of cultural heritage, education, environmental and social projects that utilize the latest technologies. He also serves on Emanuel’s Government Reinvention and Budget Transition Committee.
Other members of Emanuel’s team were also announced. They included:
- Deputy Mayor - Mark Angelson
- Chief Financial Officer – Lois Scott
- Budget Director – Alex Holt
- Comptroller – Amer Ahmad
Emanuel has been touted the virtues of open government, including the implementation of interactive technology to make government more transparent. Earlier this month, Emanuel
announced his intention to open up Chicago’s 311 system to the public, during a tour of the Microsoft Chicago Technology Center.
