Alyssa Lapan Appointed as Chief Data Officer of U.S. Department of State

In a significant development, Alyssa Lapan has been appointed as the Chief Data Officer of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Overseas Building Operations. This appointment, effective as of October 2023, marks a pivotal moment in her distinguished career.

A Technological Visionary with a Proven Track Record

Alyssa Lapan is a technologist and digital transformation strategist with over 15 years of experience. Her career has been characterized by her exceptional leadership skills in guiding large multi-disciplinary teams and her ability to deliver human-centered products while implementing new initiatives, policies, and operational models.

A Decade of Dedication to the U.S. Department of State

Alyssa’s journey within the U.S. Department of State spans almost a decade. Her most recent role, before being appointed as Chief Data Officer, was as a Product Manager. In this capacity, she demonstrated her prowess in shaping strategies, roadmaps, and feature definitions for real estate and facilities products that have global implications. Her role also involved the provision of expert advice, briefings, and policy recommendations to senior Department leadership on a wide range of workplace management topics.

Prior to her role as a Product Manager, Alyssa served in the dual capacity of Architect, BIM Lead, and Product Owner. During this time, she played a pivotal role in comprehensive portfolio analyses for mission-critical projects, overseeing modernization efforts using emerging technologies, and acting as the product owner for various custom and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products. Her expertise and innovative approach made her a valuable asset within the organization.

A Commitment to Education

Beyond her contributions to the U.S. Department of State, Alyssa has been actively involved in education. She has served as an Adjunct Professor at the Catholic University of America for over five years, where she established graduate and undergraduate courses that cover the theory, practices, data standards, and digital tools necessary for industry-leading digital design and construction project deliverables. Her courses encompassed crucial aspects such as preliminary layouts, modeling, simulated analysis, and designs for the development, alteration, and maintenance of facilities using cutting-edge technology.

Diverse Background and Volunteer Experience

Alyssa’s journey has been marked by a diverse range of experiences, including roles such as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the Catholic University of America, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, a Creative Designer and Event Manager, a Peace Corps Education Volunteer in the Kingdom of Tonga, and a Teaching Assistant for the America Reads*America Counts program. These experiences have equipped her with a unique perspective and skill set that have undoubtedly contributed to her success in her role as Chief Data Officer.

Alyssa Lapan’s impressive career trajectory and her commitment to excellence make her a remarkable addition to the U.S. Department of State’s leadership team. Her extensive experience in digital strategy, data operations, and data governance positions her to play a critical role in shaping the future of the Department’s data initiatives. We look forward to the innovative contributions she will undoubtedly make in her new role.