--- Justin Elszasz, former Chief Data Officer for Baltimore and GovEx advisor and CDO-in-Residence, shares what it takes to lead data strategy, navigate complexity, and guide responsible AI use in cities.
--- Part of our Meet the CDOs miniseries, this episode explores how the chief data officer role is evolving alongside the rise of AI, why data sharing and governance remain persistent challenges, and how cities can move from curiosity to practical application. Justin reflects on the realities of leading in city government, from breaking down silos to helping teams learn and adapt, and highlights the importance of focusing on real-world use cases that improve outcomes for residents.