Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibbs has tapped Stephanie Wernet as the city’s new chief innovation and technology officer (CITO).
In her new role, Wernet will manage the development, execution and coordination of technology with the goal of transforming the user experience for both municipal functions and in everyday interactions with residents.
“Our new CITO is a forward-thinking leader with the right blend of experience to drive digital transformation for the City of Cleveland,” Mayor Bibb said. He cited her “deep skill set in a wide range of IT disciplines, from e-commerce and business development to education and cybersecurity, adding, “I am confident that Chief Wernet will help us innovate and expand the role of technology to better serve residents.”
Wernet joins the city after eight years in the education sector. She most recently served as chief information officer, vice president of information technology, and vice president of purchasing at Breakthrough Schools, a Cleveland-based charter school network. Before joining Breakthrough Schools, Wernet spent more than seven years at Goodyear, serving as vice president of eCommerce and vice president of information technology.
“The City of Cleveland has made great progress in its work toward a more modern and responsive City Hall, through the open data project, the overhaul of 311 and increasing access for residents to interact and conduct business with the city online,” Wernet said. “I am excited to take this work to the next level and deliver on Mayor Bibb’s commitment to enhance city services and make data-driven decisions though better technology.”
