Chris Vein

Called San Francisco’s “tech zeitgeist” by Computerworld Magazine, Chris Vein is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the City and County of San Francisco (City).  In this role, he is responsible for setting the City’s technology vision and direction, ensuring the development and implementation of Citywide standards, policies, and procedures, and running the technology “utility” department providing enterprise services to the City with its 28,000 employees, 52 departments, and $6.5 billion annual budget.

In his tenure as CIO, Chris has led the City in becoming a national force in the application of new media platforms, use of open source applications, creation of new models for expanding digital inclusion, emphasizing “green” technology, and transforming government.  

In 2010, Chris was named to Government Technology Magazine’s Top 25:  Dreamers, Doers, and Drivers.  Last year, Chris was named to the top 50 public sector CIOs by InformationWeek Magazine and was honored as the Community Broadband Visionary of the Year by the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA).   

Chris is a sought-after commentator and speaker, quoted in a wide range of news sources from the Economist to Inc. Magazine.

In past work lives, Chris has worked in the public sector at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), for the American Psychological Association, and in a nonpolitical role, at the White House supporting three Presidents of the United States.

In his spare time, Chris is a voracious reader, pretty darn good cook, and sometimes mentor.