Kenney Appoints Chief Operating Officer Sandra Carter as new Interim CIO
PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney today announced Philadelphia’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) Mark Wheeler will leave City government after serving in the role since 2018. Wheeler led the City’s technology strategy and was responsible for operational technology as well as public technology and innovation. Under his leadership, the Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) released the SmartCityPHL Roadmap, the City’s IT Strategic Plan, and the City’s first Digital Equity Plan – all of which were created through a process of public engagement. .
“Mark has been a visionary leader in moving OIT from a support role in City operations to a leading role in technology transformation and strategic planning,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “He played a critical part in key public initiatives, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, when mobilizing to remote work and information security was absolutely essential. I am thankful for his leadership and passion for modernization during his tenure.”
Under Mark’s leadership, OIT launched PHLConnectED—the City’s response to ensure K–12 students had internet access for remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mark previously served as Deputy CIO and the City’s first Chief Geographic Information Officer, overseeing the release of public digital tools Atlas, OpenMaps, and Vacant Property Indicators to visualize and use City property data.
“It has been an honor to lead this department and serve as the City’s Chief Information Officer,” stated Mark Wheeler. “The last five years included many challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, but I am proud of the agility and commitment from the OIT team. I am confident the City is well positioned to continue innovating and leading in the information technology sector.”
The Mayor appointed Chief Operating Officer Sandra Carter to serve as the next Interim Chief Information Officer effective Monday, June 12, 2023.
“I am eager to embrace this new challenge and opportunity as Interim CIO,” said Sandra Carter. “I look forward to continuing to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of operations and government technology as we prepare for a new administration. Information security, digital accessibility, and innovative practices will remain at the forefront of our priorities.”
Sandra brings a wealth of experience, including 16 years in the public sector, to the role. She began her career in telecommunications and was selected to lead the Operations Project Management Office team in 2010. Soon after she was recognized for her leadership talent and assumed the role as Deputy Director of Communications and Public Safety.
In 2015, Sandra was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief Information Officer and assumed responsibility for support center operations and desktop support, further elevating the City’s IT landscape. She expanded her leadership responsibilities in 2017 when she took on the role of Chief Operating Officer leading a diverse team of over 300 staff members. Her oversight encompassed enterprise support, project management, consulting services, and the newly launched IT Command Center (ITCC), ensuring 24/7 emergency incident response.
A headshot of Sandra Carter is available online.