GOOD23
Closing panel

Ana Brandescu

Doctoral Researcher AI
McGill University

Ana Brandusescu is a researcher, advisor, and facilitator who works on a more critical and accountable use of technology. Under her PhD capacity, she researches the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) pertaining to two significant factors: political power and privatization. This work is a continuation of her research on AI policy and public investments in Canada conducted at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Montreal as the 2019-2021 McConnell Professor of Practice. She also co-leads AI for the Rest of Us, a project exploring meaningful participation in government decision-making processes being automated with AI. Previously, Ana led research and policy projects on government transparency and digital rights to advance the open movement at the World Wide Web Foundation.

Ana is on the Research Advisory Committee of the Global Data Barometer, advises the think tank Urban AI, and served on Canada's Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Open Government. Ana is a member of the <A+> Alliance for Inclusive Algorithms, a research and policy network for feminist and inclusive AI, as well as @openheroines, a virtual community for women and non-binary people working in the open+spaces: open data, civic tech, and open government.

Steve Czjaka

Senior Manager, Smart City Strategy
Telus Business

Data Professional (BES, OLS, OLIP) with over 20+ years experience in geographic information systems, data visualization, smart city, data science, management, consulting, and development of leading edge public sector business solutions. Recognized for vision, innovation, creativity, enthusiasm, team motivation and a client focused approach.


Tracey Lauriault

Associate Professor, Critical Media and Big Data
Carleton University

Dr Tracey P. Lauriault is Associate Professor, Critical Media and Big Data, School of Journalism and Communications, Cross Appointed to Digital Humanities, and board member of the Institute for Data Science at Carleton University in Canada. She a founder of the field critical data studies, open data and Open Smart Cities. As a data and technological citizen, she examines large and small data and technology systems to make them more just, inclusive, equitable and environmentally sustainable.

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1847-2738

Cyrus Tehrani

Chief Digital Officer & Director of Innovation
City of Hamilton

Cyrus Tehrani is the City of Hamilton’s Chief Digital Officer and Director of Innovation. His portfolio includes Smart City, Open Data, Digital & Innovation, Strategic Partnerships, Corporate Initiatives, and Hamilton’s CityLAB program. Cyrus has over 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles in IT, digital solutions and transformation, quality assurance, process improvement and project management in the healthcare, manufacturing and education sectors. Cyrus has a keen interest in digital social equity and all things technology-related. He is also a member of the United Way Halton Hamilton Cabinet, YMCA Community Connections Newcomer Mentor, and Chairs the Public Safety Innovation Alliance Canadian Smart Cities Community of Practice.

Connie McCutcheon

GOOD Director of Communications

Connie is currently the President of MISA Canada (Municipal Information Systems Association) and the Past President of MISA Ontario.

She is an active leader in the open government community as a Board of Directors member of GOOD (GO Open Data) and Director of Communications and an inaugural member of the Canadian Open Data Society (CODS).

Connie holds a degree in Urban Geography from the University of Western Ontario as well as a certificate from Brock University in Urban and Environmental Studies.  She is passionate about citizen engagement and the opportunity open government provides for new innovations and insights.