On June 13, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney announced the appointment of Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sandra Carter as the City's new Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective June 12.

Her appointment to the position comes as predecessor Mark Wheeler departs from the role, having held it since 2018.

“I am eager to embrace this new challenge and opportunity as Interim CIO,” said Carter. 

“I look forward to continuing to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of operations and government technology as we prepare for a new administration. Information security, digital accessibility, and innovative practices will remain at the forefront of our priorities,” she continued.

Carter's work with the City began in 2005, as an IT Project Manager, working on improving the technical efficiency of the City's applications. 

In 2010, she was chosen to lead the Operations Project Management Office team, where soon after she was promoted to the role of Deputy Director of Communications and Public Safety. 

From there, she rose through the ranks, becoming the Interim Deputy of Communications for the Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) in 2011, and Deputy Director of Communications in 2012.

In 2015, Carter became the Deputy CIO Unified Communications, aiding in the development of the City's IT infrastructure through her work with its support center operations and desktop support.

Carter was promoted to COO in 2017, taking leadership over 300 staff members as she oversaw enterprise support, project management, consulting services, and the newly created IT Command Center that operated 24/7 in the event of an emergency.

During his time holding the position, her predecessor Wheeler led the City's tech strategy, and was responsible for both operational and public technology and innovation.

Notably, Wheeler led the OIT as it launched PHLConnectED, a City program that sought to ensure K-12 students had internet access for remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mark has been a visionary leader in moving OIT from a support role in City operations to a leading role in technology transformation and strategic planning,” said Mayor Jim Kenney, in a press release.

“He played a critical part in key public initiatives, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, when mobilizing to remote work and information security was absolutely essential. I am thankful for his leadership and passion for modernization during his tenure,” he concluded.

As he departed, Wheeler said he is “confident the City is well positioned to continue innovating and leading in the information technology sector.”

Carter will now fill the role and lead the way for the City until a permanent CIO is named.