The White House has named Dr. DJ Patil as the new Deputy Chief Technology Officer for Data Policy and Chief Data Scientist.
At the Office of Science and Technology, Patil will play a significant role in creating policies and practices that help bolster the government's return “on its investment in data,” according to an announcement penned by U.S. Chief Technology Officer Megan Smith.
Additionally, Patil will be working on the administration's Precision Medicine Initiative, which aims to leverage advances in data and health care to arm clinicians with new tools to better aid patients.
Previously, Patil served as the vice president of product at data intelligence firm RelateIQ – which was acquired by Salesforce – and put in stints at LinkedIn, Skype and Paypal. Prior to working in the private sector, he held a post at the Department of Defense.