Natalie Evans Harris

Natalie Evans Harris is a seasoned data and technology leader currently serving as the MD State Chief Data Officer for the State of Maryland since May 2024, focusing on creating data-driven organizations that utilize trustworthy and ethical data to address societal issues. As the Founder and President of Harris Data Consulting since September 2017, Natalie provides expertise in data strategies. Previous roles include Executive Director at the Black Wealth Data Center, Senior Advisor for Delivery at the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at BrightHive, where efforts were centered on enhancing data collection and governance for social services. Natalie also held the position of Senior Policy Advisor at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy under the Obama Administration and managed operations at the National Security Agency for over 16 years. Educational qualifications include a Master of Public Administration in Information Systems Security from The George Washington University and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Computer Science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.