John Paul Farmer

John Paul Farmer is the Chief Technology Officer of the City of New York. In this role, he leads a team that deploys technology and innovation to improve how government serves the people of the Big Apple. He is also an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

Previously, John was a Managing Director of Microsoft Cities, based in New York City. He led a cross-functional team to build partnerships and co-design technology products that make communities more livable, more vibrant, and more equitable. As the Founder & CEO of The Innovation Project, John spread innovation best practices globally.

John served as the Senior Advisor for Innovation at the White House under President Barack Obama, where he co-founded and led the Presidential Innovation Fellows program to attract top private sector change-makers for focused tours of duty in government. Prior to the U.S. government, John built new business units in the private sector.