Want to know what's happening in the GovTech ecosystem? This is your place.
As we wrap up the final week of the year, we want to introduce you to five of our 2022 GovTech Groundbreakers. These are global leaders who are revolutionizing the public sector and setting the stage for the next generation of innovators. We hope you'll join us in learning more about these incredible individuals.
Johnny Hugill (PUBLIC - United Kingdom)
He is a graduate student in Philosophy at the University of Cambridge. His research focuses on using public policy to promote trust, cooperation, and social capital. He has extensive experience in government consulting and advisory work, including leading projects for the Dutch government to develop a GovTech strategy and working with the UK Cabinet Office on their civil service reform program. His expertise in procurement of technology and innovation has earned him a spot on the UK government procurement advisory panel, and he has also led procurement transformation projects for several European governments. Prior to his work at PUBLIC, he collaborated with universities on projects related to behavioral science and startups.
Oscar Hernández (Open Contracting Partnership - Colombia)
He is the Head of Operations for Latin America at the Open Contracting Partnership (OCP). In this role, he leads the regional organizational strategy and operations, and works with governments and civil society partners to design and implement strategies that improve procurement systems and address key challenges facing the public sector. He is an expert in using evidence-based approaches to enhance the efficiency, integrity, and effectiveness of public spending. Prior to joining OCP, he was a Government Innovation Fellow at Harvard University's School of Government.
Agustín Suarez (Government of the City of Buenos Aires - Argentina)
He earned his degree in Social Communication from the Austral University of Buenos Aires, focusing on Marketing and Business Management. He is enthusiastic about utilizing communication, innovation, and technology to bring about significant positive change. Agustín has experience in both the private and public sectors, as well as in the entrepreneurial world. He has been a part of the government of the City of Buenos Aires since 2014 and currently serves as the Smart City Secretary Assistant, leading a team that works on products designed to enhance experiences through Boti and on developing the GCBA Digital Identity project.
Ana María Quiróz (Innpulsa - Colombia)
She is a Graphic Advertising Communicator with a Master's in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and degrees in Marketing Management and Business Administration and Management, and in Innovation in the Public Sector. She is currently the Director of #MiLab, the first Govtech laboratory in Colombia and Latin America, operated by Innpulsa Colombia. Prior to this role, she served as the Coordinator of Communications and Projects for the Mayor's Office of Medellín, Colombia. As a dedicated public servant, she has focused on communications and citizen mobilization, as well as managing and coordinating innovative projects that promote a culture of innovation. She has also served as a strategic executive, forming and managing successful public-private partnerships. Ana María is committed to using her skills and experience to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact in the public sector.
Helena Fonseca (Organization of American States - United States)
She holds a Master's degree in Government and Public Management for Latin America from the Barcelona School of Management at Pompeau Fabra University and is a Colombian lawyer with a specialization in Administrative Law from Sergio Arboleda University. She has served as the Public Procurement Coordinator Program at the Organization of American States (OAS) and Technical Secretary of the Inter-American Network of Government Procurement (INGP) since 2017. Throughout her more than 12 years at OAS, Helena has supported Member States in improving institutional capacity through regional cooperation projects related to public management, including promoting transparency, efficiency, integrity, and sustainability in government procurement, e-government, and the fight against corruption. Before joining OAS, Helena worked for the National Anti-Corruption Unit of the Attorney General's Office in Colombia. She is known for her strong sense of service and her ability to build networks and establish trusting relationships.
Stay tuned for more updates on the GovTech Groundbreakers and don't forget to share your thoughts on who you think should be included in the 2023 GovTech Groundbreakers in the comments below.