E64: Innovating Government Services with Data and Technology
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, host engages with Jeffrey Marino, Director of the California Office of Data and Innovation (ODI), to discuss his journey from data journalism to government service. They delve into government use of data during the COVID-19 crisis, the challenges of data analytics in state systems, and the mission of ODI to enhance service delivery through technology and human-centered design. They also explore the Engaged California program and Innovation Fellows initiative aimed at gathering state employee feedback and fostering transformational change from within.
Episode 64 of the Gov Tech Today podcast, hosted by Russell Lowery, titled "E64: Innovating Government Services with Data and Technology" was published on November 18, 2025 and runs 31 minutes.
November 18, 2025 ·31m · Gov Tech Today
Summary
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, host engages with Jeffrey Marino, Director of the California Office of Data and Innovation (ODI), to discuss his journey from data journalism to government service. They delve into government use of data during the COVID-19 crisis, the challenges of data analytics in state systems, and the mission of ODI to enhance service delivery through technology and human-centered design. They also explore the Engaged California program and Innovation Fellows initiative aimed at gathering state employee feedback and fostering transformational change from within.
Episode Description
In this episode of Gov Tech Today, host engages with Jeffrey Marino, Director of the California Office of Data and Innovation (ODI), to discuss his journey from data journalism to government service. They delve into government use of data during the COVID-19 crisis, the challenges of data analytics in state systems, and the mission of ODI to enhance service delivery through technology and human-centered design. They also explore the Engaged California program and Innovation Fellows initiative aimed at gathering state employee feedback and fostering transformational change from within.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:24 Jeffrey Marino's Background and Journey
01:29 COVID-19 Data Challenges and Solutions
03:08 Engaging the Public and Policy Impact
04:57 Building Data Analytics Pipelines
06:18 The Role and Mission of ODI
07:41 Innovation in Government: Challenges and Strategies
19:13 Engaged California and Innovation Fellows Program
24:09 Addressing Employee Feedback and Trust
31:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts