Some personal news…

In Haley Van Dyck’s February TED talk, she talked about the “growing dichotomy between the beneficiaries of the tech revolution” and “those it’s left behind.” She rightly called this one of the greatest challenges of our time.

Van Dyck is co-founder of the United States Digital Service, a two-year old organization helping to improve how you interact with government services, from the TSA to the IRS to Immigration Services. Over the past year, I’ve watched this community grow and I’ve heard personal stories about how this group is beginning to disrupt a massive institution, an institution we all depend upon. It’s pretty damn exciting.

The USDS hits right at the heart of all the feels. As a user experience practitioner, I want to create experiences that people love, experiences that help people live better lives. USDS is an enormous opportunity to improve people’s lives — right at the backbone of the country. And, those of you that know me, know I love a challenge. The bigger the better.

One of my favorite things to do is throw a bunch of people in a room that have “never worked together” and “have tried that before.” Then, I like to work through it until the magic happens, until the real problem is unearthed and solutions become clearer. It isn’t easy but the result is well worth the challenge.

This is why I’m so excited for my next journey.

This month, I am joining the US Digital Service family, specifically the Department of Homeland Security Digital Service, working with Eric Hysen to help chip away at this problem, and hopefully make your life more delightful.

It is going to be great to reconnect with some of my favorite humans in the D.C. area & I cannot wait to meet the rockstars helping reboot the government. For those of you in NYC, don’t fret. You’ll still find me wandering around the village.

If you’re interested in the US Digital Service, you can find more information at usds.gov.