Stephanie Wernet has officially started her new role as the Chief Innovation & Technology Officer (CITO) for the City of Cleveland. With a wealth of experience in various sectors, including public, private, nonprofit, tech startups, education, manufacturing, and healthcare organizations, Wernet brings a diverse skill set to her new position. Mayor Justin M. Bibb expressed his confidence in her ability to drive digital transformation for the city and enhance the user experience for residents.
Having previously served as the Chief Information Officer, Vice President of Information Technology, and Vice President of Purchasing for Breakthrough Schools, Wernet has a proven track record of transforming IT departments to be more secure, responsive, and efficient. Her leadership was instrumental in transitioning 4,000 scholars and 500 staff members to 100-percent online learning at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to her role at Breakthrough Schools, Wernet held senior positions at Goodyear, Reynolds & Reynolds, McKinsey & Company, and IBM.
Mayor Bibb highlighted the progress that the City of Cleveland has made in modernizing City Hall through initiatives such as the open data project, the overhaul of 311 services, and increasing online access for residents. Chief Wernet expressed her excitement to build upon this foundation and deliver on Mayor Bibb’s commitment to enhancing city services and making data-driven decisions through improved technology.
Wernet’s educational background includes an MBA from Stanford University College of Business and a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan. Her combination of technical expertise and business acumen positions her well to lead the city’s innovation and technology efforts.
As Chief Innovation & Technology Officer, Wernet will be responsible for managing the development, execution, and coordination of technology initiatives aimed at improving the overall user experience for municipal functions and interactions with residents. Her forward-thinking approach and extensive experience in IT disciplines, such as e-commerce, cybersecurity, and business development, make her well-equipped to drive innovation and expand the role of technology within the city.
In conclusion, Stephanie Wernet’s appointment as the Chief Innovation & Technology Officer for the City of Cleveland marks a significant step towards enhancing the city’s technological capabilities and improving services for residents. With her impressive background and proven leadership skills, Wernet is poised to lead the city into a new era of digital transformation and innovation. Residents can look forward to a more modern and responsive City Hall under her guidance.