Marcela Escobar-Alava has been appointed as the new Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Social Security Administration (SSA). This strategic appointment comes at a time when the SSA is undergoing a pivotal restructuring of its technology organization. The agency aims to enhance its IT management and operations through the creation of a new Office of the CIO, a move designed to realign its focus and strengthen its commitment to innovation and customer-centric services

Before this appointment, Escobar-Alava made substantial contributions in technology and leadership roles within the Executive Office of the President, serving as the Special Assistant to the President and Chief of Enterprise Applications since May 2023, and as Deputy Director of Technology since 2021. Her prior experience also spans across notable positions in the private sector, including roles as CIO at Monarch Landscape Companies, Chief Digital Officer at the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and Divisional CIO at Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Escobar-Alava’s proven expertise in leading technology-driven transformations and her experience in both the public and private sectors are expected to play a crucial role in advancing the SSA’s IT strategy and operational goals.

Martin O’Malley, the agency’s commissioner shared, ” She has a wealth of experience in successfully building highly engaged, transformative, agile, and innovative organizations with a customer-first orientation. She will make an excellent addition to our senior leadership team.”

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