Megan J. Smith is a distinguished engineer and technologist whose career has been marked by significant contributions to technology and public service. She began her professional journey at General Magic, where she played a pivotal role in developing early smartphone technologies. This experience laid the groundwork for her later success as the Chief Executive Officer of Planet Out, where she expanded partnerships and revenue, ultimately leading to a successful merger with Gay.com.

In 2003, Smith joined Google, where she quickly rose to the position of vice president of new business development. During her tenure, she spearheaded early-stage partnerships and technology licensing, leading to key acquisitions such as Google Earth and Google Maps. Her leadership extended to Google.org, where she managed philanthropic initiatives and co-created the Women Techmakers program, significantly enhancing visibility and resources for women in technology.

Smith’s career reached new heights when she was appointed as the third Chief Technology Officer of the United States under President Barack Obama. In this role, she recruited top tech talent to address critical issues such as AI, data science, and inclusive economic growth. Her initiatives, including the TechHire program and the Computer Science for All initiative, have had a lasting impact on the tech landscape and workforce development.

Currently, as the CEO and Founder of shift7, Smith continues to drive tech-forward innovation aimed at solving systemic challenges. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion in STEM fields is evident through her board memberships and advisory roles, where she actively promotes equitable opportunities in technology.