Shannon Smith, CTO, Seattle Information Technology Seattle, June 8, 2026 — The City of Seattle today welcomes Shannon Smith, as its new Chief Technology Officer. Joining Mayor Katie B. Wilson’s leadership team, Smith will play a pivotal role in advancing the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community-centered service.
“Shannon Smith is a strong technical leader with deep experience in AI, strategy, and building high-performing technology organizations,” said Mayor Wilson. “Her expertise is exactly what Seattle needs as technology continues to evolve. Shannon understands that innovation should serve people, and I look forward to her leadership as we work to make City services more accessible, responsive, and effective for everyone who calls Seattle home.”
Shannon has led local government technology for over 18 years in Seattle, Bellevue, and King County. She has been noted nationally for her expertise in AI, data governance, and cybersecurity for local government leadership by the National Association of Counties, and she has spoken on these topics at various national and state organizations.
“I’m honored to be selected by Mayor Wilson to lead the Seattle Information Technology Department. Technology is part of the backbone of the City’s services, and I’m looking forward to working closely with other departments to meet the needs of our community. Together, we can build systems and support that are transparent, efficient, and innovative,” said Shannon Smith, Interim Chief Technology Officer for the City of Seattle. “I’ve worked with many of the Seattle IT employees throughout my career, and I know firsthand they are a dedicated workforce passionate about bringing equitable technologies to the public.”
Shannon brings over a decade of deep expertise in government technology to her new role. Most recently, she served as Director of Public Sector—Local Government—at CAI, where she led strategic planning and implementation of cutting-edge initiatives in cybersecurity, AI, and health and human services across city and county agencies. She is also a Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO), a nationally recognized executive leadership program designed to address some of the most critical issues facing public sector technology leaders.
As Chief of Staff for the King County Chief Information Officer, she was accountable for all technology implemented during the King County-Seattle Public Health’s COVID-19 response, which ensured continuity of county services, community care for quarantine safety, and increased vaccination rates in the county’s most vulnerable populations, as well as rent reduction support and improved digital access for residents and businesses.
City Leaders Offer Praise for interim Chief Technology Officer Shannon Smith:
“We are excited to welcome Shannon Smith back to the City as our Chief Technology Officer. Her leadership and experience in technology and innovation will be a tremendous asset, and we look forward to the perspective she will bring to the Governance Committee on modernizing government services and responsible AI.” – Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth.
“IBEW Local 77 is excited to have Shannon Smith on board at the City of Seattle. We look forward to working with her.” – Business Representative, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 77 Steve Kovac.
“We are eager to collaborate with Shannon Smith to find new ways of using technology to continuously improve how the Seattle Police Department serves and protects our community at a time when technology is rapidly changing. Shannon will be an invaluable partner to our department,” said Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes. “Not only does she have extensive experience in this field, but she is also committed to harnessing technology to make local government more effective and transparent.”
“At Seattle City Light, we work closely with Seattle Information Technology to ensure the essential technology that supports our utility operations and customer services is reliable, secure, and aligned with our mission to provide affordable, reliable, safe, and environmentally responsible energy. It is critical that Seattle IT leadership understand our business needs and how they intersect with Mayor Wilson’s values. I believe Shannon Smith brings a rare combination of public-sector technology experience, operational discipline, and community-centered leadership to support and elevate customer needs, strengthen accountable governance, and deliver modern, effective services for the people and businesses of Seattle,” said Seattle City Light Chief Information Officer Mujib Lodhi.
About Seattle IT
The CTO reports to the Mayor and serves on the Mayor’s Cabinet, with overall responsibility for vision, strategy, and leadership of information technology resources, as well as for the management of the work of Seattle IT. Some of the services the department provides include: telecommunications; data networking; supporting physical infrastructure; developing and managing applications; application infrastructure; administering data centers, servers, storage, cloud platforms, and backup equipment; supporting desktop, mobile, and printing devices; protecting the City’s data and technology assets; and delivering the digital tools necessary to engage with our public. The department also manages the Emmy Award-winning Seattle Channel and the City’s Technology Matching Fund (TMF) grant program, which partners with Seattle-area non-profits to support them as they work to close the digital divide within their communities. This year, eleven community organizations will share $455,000 in funding to provide programs and services that help Seattle residents overcome barriers to accessing and using technology.
The Seattle IT department employs 633 people, and the CTO is responsible for an annual operating budget of $280 million with a capital budget of $20 million. Learn more about Seattle IT at www.seattle.gov/tech.