Inaugural Phoenix CPO Will Lead Its Data Protection Efforts

Phoenix is strengthening its commitment to data privacy, appointing a seasoned City Hall executive, Ciara Maerowitz, as its first-ever chief privacy officer (CPO).

Privacy has increasingly been top of mind for state and local officials in recent years, and the numbers of similar appointments have risen accordingly. In naming its inaugural CPO, Phoenix is making a significant move to safeguard data, while paving the way for future innovation.

Maerowitz, a seasoned regulatory compliance expert, recently moved into the role of CPO after having served as the city’s data privacy manager for more than four years. Her responsibilities will include ensuring the city upholds high standards in handling the sensitive information of residents, employees and partners, while navigating foreign and domestic privacy laws.

The new CPO, who brings nearly a decade of experience to her task, has worked in global financial services, implementing privacy programs in more than 50 jurisdictions, the city said. She will leverage that expertise to enhance the city’s data governance framework, address privacy risks and act as the primary point of contact should a data breach occur. Prior to joining Phoenix in December 2020 as its data privacy manager, Maerowitz worked as a data privacy attorney with MUFG, a global financial group.

In a news release, Maerowitz said she is “honored to continue my work in privacy as the city’s first dedicated Chief Privacy Officer.”

“Privacy is a cornerstone of the trust our residents place in us, and I look forward to leading the city's efforts in enhancing privacy protections and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations,” she added.

Maerowitz has a Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Bryn Mawr College. She has been named a Fellow in Information Privacy by the International Association of Privacy Professionals and is a founding quantum member of Women in AI Governance.