Census Bureau Names Deputy Directors

The U.S. Census Bureau has appointed Michael Lachanski as Deputy Director for Data, Policy, and Science, and John Studds as Deputy Director for Administration and Operations.

The Bureau says the hires come at a time when both operational innovation and data science are accelerating rapidly, and will help to ensure it delivers 'accurate, timely, cutting-edge data products.'

Lachanski is currently a Senior Advisor in the Department of Commerce's Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, where he leads two major Census Bureau modernization initiatives: broadening the administrative records database and lowering barriers to the adoption of AI across the federal statistical system. He is a demographer by training, and holds a Joint Doctorate in Demography and Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as Master's degree in Statistics and Data Science, and in Public Administration.

Studds is the Bureau's Chief Information Officer (CIO) and has more than 30 years of experience of enterprise technology and digital transformation leadership, including some of the Bureau's current programme of modernization - for example the expansion of enterprise Internet data collection. He has overseen major statistical programs such as the Consolidated Federal Funds Report and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse.

The Bureau said in a statement: 'At this important and exciting time for our country, Michael and John bring formidable vision and expertise for transformative modernization in the Census Bureau's information technology infrastructure, data collection operations and analytical processes. They will be pivotal in answering Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's call for an accurate, informative and trustworthy lineup of statistical products for the American people.'

The Bureau's home page is at www.census.gov .