Jennifer Robinson merges her data analytics job at SAS with local government solutions as a long-time elected official on the Town Council for Cary, North Carolina. In these roles, she works with governments and other stakeholders to harness the power of data analytics to improve local systems such as water use.

During her early career in international development, Karina Ricks gained a lasting appreciation for transportation’s role in economic prosperity and social equity. Since 2017, she has applied these lessons at the local level within the U.S., overseeing transportation in Pittsburgh as the Director of Mobility and Infrastructure.

After growing up in the West, Kristina Swallow, P.E. served as an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Congressional Fellow and legislative staff member for New Mexico’s Senator Tom Udall. Today, she leads Nevada’s Department of Transportation (NDOT).

Ken Alston brought his experience working at the Department of Energy and Obama administration to New Energy Nexus, where he focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and international startups. The organization’s ambitious platform includes elevating 100,000 startups by 2030 in a quest to reach 100% clean energy.

Rich Lechner is a lecturer at Stanford University and the VP of Business Development at UrbanLeap, a startup that provides a platform for local governments to harness innovative solutions. Previously at IBM, Lechner has a long background fostering urban sustainability through intelligent building design and smart infrastructure.

Tech Exchange addresses digital equity by providing computers and digital support serves to underserved residents of California's Bay Area. Executive Director Seth Hubbert spoke to ESAL about the nonprofit and his journey in enabling technology for social change.

On May 8, four scientists and engineers shared their insights on community engagement at an ESAL happy hour in Berkeley, California. The event brought together leaders from across the San Francisco Bay Area who apply their expertise while serving on commissions in their local cities.

Henry (Hal) Cardwell, who earned a Ph.D. in geography and environmental engineering from Johns Hopkins University, has always been interested in systems. He recently finished a 3-year term as an elected school board official in the City of Alexandria, VA, applying this interest to a school district with 15,000 students.

Nigel Jacob, a Ph.D. computer scientist, co-chairs the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM) where he oversees local initiatives and innovative projects in Boston's mayoral office. Jacob spoke to ESAL about how MONUM brings an entrepreneurial spirit to Boston’s local bureaucracy.