In a recent announcement, the U.S. Department of Education introduced Ross Santy as its new Chief Data Officer (CDO). Ross, who has a remarkable background in education and data management spanning almost three decades, assumed this pivotal role in October 2023.
Distinguished Career in Education Data and Research
From Educator to Data Leader
Before taking on his new responsibilities, Ross Santy served as the Associate Commissioner of the Administrative Data Division within the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This division, established in 2013 under the Department’s Institute of Education Sciences, was created to consolidate and manage major collections of aggregate statistics reliant on administrative record systems in K-12 agencies and postsecondary institutions. Within this division, Mr. Santy had oversight of prominent programs such as IPEDS, EDFacts, the Common Core of Data, and NCES contributions to the Civil Rights Data Collection.
A History of Empowering Data-Driven Education
Key Roles in Data Development and Education Improvement
In his past roles, Ross Santy has made significant contributions to the field of education data. He was the Director of the Performance Information Management Service, which was a component of the Department’s Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development. Moreover, he served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Data and Information.
Mr. Santy’s journey to becoming the CDO for the U.S. Department of Education included diverse experiences. He co-founded and led the information and operations department at Just for the Kids – California, a non-profit organization. He also worked for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, directed instructional technology at the Browning School in New York City, and taught history at a high school in New Jersey.
Strong Educational Foundation
Harvard Graduate School of Education and Princeton Alumnus
Ross Santy holds a master’s degree from the prestigious Harvard Graduate School of Education. He earned his undergraduate degree in Educational Psychology from Princeton University.
Leading ED’s Office of the Chief Data Officer
Elevating Data as a Strategic Asset
In his role as the Chief Data Officer, Mr. Santy is now at the helm of ED’s Office of the Chief Data Officer (OCDO). This office plays a pivotal role in data governance, open data initiatives, and data analytics aimed at enhancing the Department’s capacity to harness data as a strategic asset.
Ross Santy’s wealth of experience and expertise is poised to drive data initiatives and innovations within the U.S. Department of Education, marking a significant milestone for the agency’s data-driven future.
