Thiago Sá Freire Steps Up as CEO of OpenGov to Propel AI-Native Growth

OpenGov's New Era: Thiago Sá Freire Takes the Helm as CEO

OpenGov, recognized as a leader in AI and ERP solutions for local and state governments across the United States, is embarking on a new chapter in its history with the appointment of Thiago Sá Freire as the new Chief Executive Officer. This significant transition marks a pivotal moment in the organization's evolution, as Sá Freire succeeds co-founder Zac Bookman, who will now serve as chairman emeritus while continuing to support the company's strategic vision.

This leadership change, effective from April 1, 2026, highlights OpenGov's commitment to scalability and innovation in public service technology. Sá Freire, who previously held the position of president and chief operating officer, has played a crucial role in expanding the company’s operations and enhancing its product offerings. His extensive experience and strategic insight are expected to drive the company's next phase of growth as it continues to streamline operations for over 2,000 government agencies nationwide.

The Vision Ahead

Sá Freire expressed his enthusiasm about taking on the CEO role at such a critical juncture for OpenGov, emphasizing the company's mission of enabling high-performance governance for all communities. “Our focus is on ensuring that our customers succeed, as their impact on communities is profound and immediate,” he stated. This dedication reflects a deep understanding of the challenges and needs that local governments face, and under Sá Freire's guidance, OpenGov aims to further enhance efficiency and transparency in public service delivery.

Former CEO Zac Bookman has been a driving force behind OpenGov since its inception in 2012, crafting a vision to enhance governmental accountability through technology. He expressed full confidence in Sá Freire's capabilities to propel the company forward. “Thiago is the ideal leader for this next chapter,” Bookman remarked, underscoring Sá Freire’s understanding of customer needs and operational excellence.

A Strong Background in Technology

With over a decade of experience in building and scaling tech companies, Sá Freire’s background includes pivotal roles that have prepared him for this leadership position. Before joining OpenGov, he served as chief revenue officer at Chorus.ai, where he was instrumental in driving company growth and leading it through acquisition. His leadership history at notable organizations such as Hudl, Oracle, and Responsys further bolsters his qualifications.

Cox Enterprises, which acquired a majority stake in OpenGov in 2024, has also expressed its support for the new leadership. Shereta Williams, executive vice president at Cox, noted the importance of Sá Freire's vision in effectuating technological transformations within governmental operations. “Investing in companies like OpenGov is about believing in the people and the problems they solve,” she said, highlighting the strategic importance of Sá Freire's role.

Building a Better Government with Technology

The appointment comes at a time when the demand for effective digital governance solutions is surging. OpenGov’s platform is already used by a substantial portion of the American population, with one in three Americans accessing its services. The company specializes in a comprehensive suite of products, including asset management, budgeting, licensing, and data transparency, aimed at optimizing governance.

With Sá Freire at the helm, OpenGov is set to continue its trajectory of growth and impact, improving how governmental entities operate and serve their constituents. The new CEO's commitment to leveraging technology for greater accountability and efficiency in public service bodes well for the future of governance in the U.S.

As OpenGov steps into this new era of leadership, the public and stakeholders alike will be observing closely how Sá Freire's strategic vision unfolds. His leadership is expected to not only sustain the legacy of innovation established by Bookman but also to introduce fresh perspectives that align with the evolving needs of local and state governments in a digital age.

For more information about OpenGov and its mission to transform public service, visit OpenGov's website.