Michael Schnuerle is a co-founder of Louisville’s Civic Data Alliance
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2016) — Mayor Greg Fischer announced today the hiring of the city’s first data officer, who will elevate efforts to use and analyze data to improve government performance and transparency.
Michael Schnuerle will be part of the city’s Office of Performance Improvement & Innovation. His role will include developing a strategy for collecting and using city data, working with departments and partners to foster data-driven decision-making, and to promote transparency through open data.
Schnuerle is a familiar presence to Louisville Metro Government and the city’s civic innovation scene. He’s the co-founder of the Civic Data Alliance, a non-profit focused on using data and computer coding for civic-focused projects.
The Civic Data Alliance — which is Louisville’s chapter of Code for America — has worked on projects with multiple Louisville non-profits and also city departments, including Metro Parks and Develop Louisville. Schnuerle helped to build civic technology products such as real-time bus tracking for TARC and Google, a tree canopy analysis, and city navigation for the visually impaired.
“Data is critical to our ability to revolutionize Louisville Metro Government, and this data officer post is a logical next step toward ensuring continuous improvement for services provided to citizens,” said Theresa Reno-Weber, the city’s chief of performance and technology. “Michael’s experience and skills will be an asset across our city.”
Grace Simrall, the city’s chief innovation officer, said: “As an early proponent of open data, Michael brings a history of civic engagement with Louisville Metro Government. His experience communicating both the challenges and opportunities that data analyses present us as a community will be a valuable asset to all citizens in Louisville Metro.”
Schnuerle comes to Metro Government from the online video production company Autodemo. He previously served as chief executive of Louisville-based Metro Mapper LLC., an interactive online mapping platform.
“I’m excited to join the mayor’s push to further incorporate data into the services delivered to residents, and to help keep Louisville at the national forefront of performance improvement and open data efforts,” Schnuerle said.
He will assume the data officer role on Oct. 10.
