While navigating ways to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of digital technology in its work, the U.S. Agency for International Development decided that it needed someone to oversee the effort.
Enter Christopher Burns, the agency’s first chief digital development officer. He started the job at the end of last year and is also continuing in his role as director for technology at the Innovation, Technology, and Research Hub within the agency’s Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation.
In his new position, Burns is tasked with coordinating the implementation of digital technologies across USAID’s programs while also supporting collaboration on digital development initiatives between civil society, governments, funders, the private sector, and others.