Megan Smith

Megan Smith is an American technology executive, engineer, and former government official who served as the third United States Chief Technology Officer under President Barack Obama. A prominent figure in Silicon Valley, she previously held senior roles at Google and served as CEO of PlanetOut. Her career has been defined by advocating for STEM education, open data, and greater diversity within the technology industry.

Early life and education

Born in Buffalo, New York, Smith demonstrated an early aptitude for science and engineering. She attended The Buffalo Seminary, an independent college-preparatory school for girls, where her interest in technology was nurtured. For her undergraduate studies, she enrolled at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. She remained at MIT to complete a Master of Science in Mechanical engineering, with a focus on Media Lab projects. During her time at the university, she was involved with the MIT Solar Electric Vehicle Team, contributing to the design of the Sunrayce vehicle, and also participated in the AeroAstro program.

Career

Smith began her professional career at Apple's Lisa division in the late 1980s. She later joined the General Magic startup, working alongside future technology pioneers. In 1995, she co-founded and served as CEO of PlanetOut, a pioneering online community for the LGBT population, which was a landmark venture in social media history. Her leadership at the company caught the attention of Google, where she was hired in 2003. During her eleven-year tenure at Google, Smith held several vice president roles, including leading new business development for Google.org and overseeing early-stage projects like Google Maps, Google Earth, and Picasa. She was also instrumental in major acquisitions, including the integration of Keyhole, Inc., the technology behind Google Earth.

U.S. Chief Technology Officer

In September 2014, President Barack Obama appointed Smith to the role of United States Chief Technology Officer, succeeding Todd Park. She was the first woman to hold the position permanently. As CTO, she advised the President of the United States and the Executive Office of the President on technology, data, and innovation policy. Key initiatives under her leadership included expanding national access to broadband internet, promoting the use of open data across federal agencies like NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and launching the TechHire initiative to train Americans for technology jobs. She also championed efforts to modernize government digital services and was a vocal advocate for increasing the participation of women and minorities in STEM fields.

Post-government work and advocacy

Following her government service, Smith returned to the private sector and continued her advocacy work. She co-founded and leads shift7, a technology company focused on collaborative problem-solving for social and economic issues. She remains a prominent speaker on innovation, frequently appearing at events like the South by Southwest festival and the United Nations General Assembly. A dedicated advocate for historical inclusion in technology, she co-created the #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit and has worked to highlight the contributions of overlooked pioneers like Katherine Johnson and the women of the ENIAC programming team. She also serves on the board of directors for organizations including the MIT Corporation and the WGBH Educational Foundation.

Awards and recognition

Smith has received numerous accolades for her contributions to technology and public service. She was named one of the "Forbes 40 over 40" and included in the "TIME 100" list of most influential people. Her alma mater, MIT, awarded her the prestigious Alumni Achievement Award. She has also been honored with the Anita Borg Social Impact Award and received an honorary doctorate from Clarkson University. Her work in promoting diversity has been recognized by groups such as the Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Women & Information Technology.

Category:American technology writers Category:United States Chief Technology Officers Category:Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni