Sandra brings a wealth of experience spanning over 36 years in business and technology executive roles specializing in orchestrating seamless strategies that bring together people, processes and projects. Her illustrious career began in 1986 in the telecommunications industry, and for the past 16 years, she has been instrumental in driving success within the public sector as a key contributor to the City of Philadelphia.
Starting her journey as a project manager in 2005, Sandra quickly rose through the ranks, earning recognition for her exceptional leadership abilities. In 2010, she was selected to lead the Operations PMO team, where she demonstrated her exceptional skills in managing complex operations with precision. Recognizing her exceptional talent, Sandra was handpicked to assume the role of Deputy Director of Communications and Public Safety in 2012. Leading multiple teams responsible for voice, mobile, and audio services which supported more than 50 departments, Sandra’s impact was far-reaching.
Under Sandra’s guidance, the City of Philadelphia witnessed remarkable transformations. She was influential in the citywide implementation of a cutting-edge VoIP platform, revolutionizing communication capabilities. Her visionary approach extended to set in motion the Philadelphia’s video surveillance program, enhancing public safety and bolstering security measures. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in providing robust communication resources and services for marquee events such as Welcome America, NFL Draft, and the Pope’s Papal visit to Philadelphia.
In 2015, Sandra’s remarkable achievements earned her a promotion to the position of Deputy CIO. In this expanded role, she not only continued her exemplary service delivery but also assumed responsibility for support center operations and desktop services, further elevating the city’s IT landscape.
Embodying an unyielding commitment to excellence, Sandra’s exceptional performance did not go unnoticed. In 2017, she was entrusted with the coveted position of COO, expanding her leadership responsibilities. Leading a diverse team of over 300 staff members across 12 units, Sandra’s oversight encompasses enterprise support, project management, consulting services, and the newly launched IT Command Center (ITCC), which ensures 24/7 emergency incident response. Within Philadelphia’s federated support model, she oversees ten IT Directors and Managers, ensuring seamless application support for the city’s various departments.
Operating in the dynamic landscape of IT Operations at the City of Philadelphia, Sandra thrives on the constant challenges and opportunities that come her way. Guided by her passion and resolute pursuit of knowledge, she fosters a culture of continuous learning within her team, promoting collaboration and sharing insights. A firm believer in the power of respect, Sandra treats everyone she encounters with utmost dignity and fairness, fostering an environment of transparency and productivity.
Sandra’s remarkable journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence. With her at the helm, the City of Philadelphia can confidently navigate the ever-evolving landscape of operations, transforming challenges into triumphs and driving the organization to new heights of success.
Andrew is a Deputy Chief Information Officer within Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology. He and his team focus on public technology and innovation, with a portfolio including digital equity, public sector innovation ecosystems, smart cities, creative services, and communications. After directing Philadelphia’s implementation of the KEYSPOT program, a citywide network of 77 community technology centers, he established the City’s first innovation team with a focus on helping public sector employees think and work more creatively. Andrew also started the Digital Literacy Alliance, a cross-institutional grantmaking group in the digital equity space, and collaboratively produced the City’s first comprehensive Digital Equity Plan. He earned a graduate degree in geography from Temple University in Philadelphia and teaches about the public sector in Temple University’s Master of Public Policy program.