What's Happening?
Rob Lloyd, the Chief Technology Officer for the City of Seattle, has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Center for Digital Government (CDG), effective March 30, 2026. Lloyd brings nearly three decades of experience in technology leadership
across state and local governments. His new role will involve leading CDG's research and advisory programs, including the Digital Communities initiative and the Center for Public Sector AI. Lloyd's appointment comes at a critical time as state and local communities face pressures such as the adoption of artificial intelligence, evolving cybersecurity threats, and challenges in housing and public safety. His extensive experience includes serving as Deputy City Manager and Chief Information Officer for San José, where he led the city to top rankings in CDG’s Digital Cities Survey.
Why It's Important?
Lloyd's appointment is significant as it comes during a period of rapid technological change and increasing demands on public-sector technology professionals. His leadership is expected to enhance CDG's ability to provide practitioner-driven insights to government leaders. The challenges faced by state and local governments, such as AI adoption and cybersecurity, require experienced leadership to navigate effectively. Lloyd's track record of innovation and results in complex municipalities positions him as a valuable asset to CDG, potentially benefiting communities nationwide by fostering collaboration and sharing successful strategies.
What's Next?
Lloyd will step down as Seattle's CTO on March 27, 2026, with Tracye Cantrell appointed as Interim CTO. In his new role, Lloyd will remain based in Seattle and focus on strengthening CDG's impact on communities and leaders. His leadership is expected to catalyze collaboration across jurisdictions, providing clearer frameworks and faster pathways to scale proven solutions. The transition marks a new chapter for CDG as it aims to address the interconnected challenges faced by public-sector technology professionals.
