#USA #Washington, D.C. #Cybersecurity #Data Science #Coleridge Initiative

Coleridge Initiative Welcomes Three New Leaders to Its Board

On October 16, 2025, the Coleridge Initiative announced a significant expansion of its Board of Directors with the appointment of three esteemed professionals known for their expertise in data science, governance, and cybersecurity. These new members, Robert L. Santos, Roland Cloutier, and Kate Garman Burns, bring a wealth of experience that aligns with the organization's mission to leverage data for effective public policy making.

Meet the New Board Members

Robert L. Santos

Robert L. Santos, who served as the 26th Director of the U.S. Census Bureau from January 2022 to February 2025, is a recognized statistician with a stellar reputation in national demographics and public policy. His tenure at the Census Bureau culminated in transformative initiatives that improved data accessibility and utilization, benefitting various stakeholders across the nation.

Roland Cloutier

Roland Cloutier’s impressive career as a cybersecurity specialist includes serving as the Global Chief Security Officer at ByteDance (the parent company of TikTok) and ADP. His military background as a U.S. Air Force veteran complements his extensive experience in corporate security, where he has successfully managed and mitigated risks for some of the world’s major corporations. Cloutier is also known for his contribution to various boards focused on cyber defense, making him an invaluable asset to the Coleridge Initiative.

Kate Garman Burns

Kate Garman Burns is the Director of State and Local Innovation at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). Her prior roles have seen her leading initiatives that foster intergovernmental collaborations and innovative technology applications for urban challenges. With experience as a Technology Policy Advisor for two U.S. mayors, Burns has a proven track record of stimulating public-sector innovation that aligns well with Coleridge's goals.

A Strategic Advancement for Coleridge

The integration of these three experts into the Board is seen as a strategic move for the Coleridge Initiative. Ahu Yildirmaz, the organization's President and CEO, emphasized the importance of experienced leadership in guiding the responsible and ethical use of data to achieve public good. The new members are expected to drive capacity building within the organization, ensuring effective partnerships and enhancing infrastructure that empowers government agencies to utilize data responsibly.

Jeff Thomson, Chair of the Board, echoed these sentiments, noting that the new appointments come at a critical time when ethical data usage is paramount in public policy. By incorporating such diverse and in-depth expertise, the Coleridge Initiative can better translate complex datasets into actionable policies that can uplift communities and improve lives.

About the Coleridge Initiative

The Coleridge Initiative is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of data utilization in government decision-making. It offers essential services aimed at improving data literacy, facilitating innovative collaborations, and providing secure avenues for data sharing and access across agencies. With a focus on ensuring data-driven insights are applied responsibly, Coleridge serves a numerous array of clients, encompassing 24 state government agencies among other federal clientele.

In recent years, the organization has made strides in establishing partnership networks that aid in the responsible sharing of microdata while supporting a secure platform for analysis and research through the Administrative Data Research Facility (ADRF).

Understanding the evolving landscape of data policies and its implications for public good remains a priority for the Coleridge Initiative, further reinforced by the newly appointed Board members. For more information, visit Coleridge Initiative.