City of Boston CIO Santiago Garces Named To Government Technology's Top 25 Dreamers, Doers, and Drivers

This honor is a testament to Chief Garces’ leadership, the City’s commitment to consistently improving resident services, and the robust collaboration between Boston’s dedicated city employees and departments

The City of Boston is proud to celebrate Chief Information Officer Santiago ‘Santi’ Garces being named a Government Technology Top 25 Dreamer, Doer, and Driver for 2025. This national award recognizes innovative leaders who usher government forward and have a demonstrated record of solving problems and improving resident services. 

"Santi is an invaluable breed of leader,” said Tiffany Chu, Chief of Staff for Mayor Michelle Wu. “He could be repairing a WiFi router in a closet today, and delivering a global keynote presentation on AI tomorrow. He has leveled up our technology and innovation work exponentially while pushing the envelope. We are so lucky to have Santi serving our City and the residents of Boston."

Since joining the Innovation and Technology Cabinet (DoIT) in 2022, Garces has grown DoIT into an engine of transformation that serves residents and employees. Under his leadership, the City of Boston has achieved remarkable progress:

These initiatives have helped the City make progress in ensuring that Boston is a home for everyone. In 2023, Boston earned the What Works Cities Gold Certification from Bloomberg Philanthropies Results4America. Boston has continuously been named a Digital Equity Visionary Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance for its exemplary digital inclusion practices. These accomplishments reflect the positive impact of Garces's leadership on public servants, partners, and the community.

“Santi is a proven visionary leader, who leads with intention,” said Kerry Jordan, Chief of Staff for the Innovation and Technology Cabinet. “His ability to develop trust, challenge the status quo and solve complex issues solidifies why he deeply deserves this recognition. He inspires those around him to find new ways to innovate, helping us deliver value and grow exponentially. Under Mayor Wu’s leadership, the Innovation and Technology Cabinet is achieving amazing things – much of which would not be possible without Chief Santiago Garces.”

"Congratulations to Chief Garces on this well-deserved recognition," said Julia Gutierrez, Chief Digital Officer. "Since joining the City, his people-first leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation have transformed how we approach technology in government. He models what it means to roll up one's sleeves and do the work, whether high-level or hands-on. Chief Garces' support for the Boston Digital Service Team has allowed our neighbors to receive continuously exceptional city services."

"Santi has positioned the City of Boston as a leader in AI while delivering accessible technology that works for all of our residents," said Michael Lawrence Evans, Director of the Office of Emerging Technology. "He brings the perfect blend of technical knowledge, policy insight, and management expertise to his role. GovTech's recognition confirms what we already know -- Santi is one of the most dynamic CIOs in America."

For more information about the Innovation and Technology Cabinet's initiatives, please visit boston.gov/doit. For press inquiries, please contact shelby.houghton@boston.gov.