Department Heads
Nicolas Diaz Amigo
Chief Innovation & Data Officer
My commitment to public sector innovation has always been rooted at the local level. My first job at the municipality in Santiago, Chile where I'm originally from introduced me to my lifelong love for city government. Though resources were always scarce and the needs plenty, I also got to learn from so many colleagues who were relentless in their pursuit of a better city for all, in matters as diverse as improving the pedestrian experience and reducing childhood obesity. I aim to carry that passion with me for the rest of my professional career.
In my free time I enjoy nature and music. I think I will very much enjoy apple picking season.
Please reach out if there is any way that the API Team can help out.
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Conor Muldoon
Deputy Chief Innovation & Data Officer
I am a native Central New Yorker who recently relocated my family back to Syracuse after fifteen years in Chicago and New York City.
My professional background is in urban planning, economic development, and real estate. In hindsight, it’s easy to see that the seeds for that career path were planted at my parent's kitchen table, pouring over full-page Post Standard spreads about the future plans for the expansion of Carousel Mall.
In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my wife and two young daughters, cooking elaborate meals, building backyard playhouses, and exploring all that Syracuse and Upstate New York have to offer from the home base of our Meadowbrook neighborhood.
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Program Area Heads
Jason Thomas
Director of Data & Analytics
I wasn't born in Syracuse but I got here as fast as I could. I moved to Syracuse in 2015 and quickly grew to love the snowy winters and gorgeous summers.
Growing up, I used my love for numbers to gain an edge in video games before going to graduate school to get my Ph.D. in political science. I wrote my dissertation using quantitative analysis and econometric models to study election outcomes around the world before moving to Syracuse to work as a post-doctoral researcher at Syracuse University in an analytics role. Afterward, I worked in the private sector as a consultant, helping local businesses to better understand and use their own unique data to reach their goals and operate more efficiently.
Now I look to bring my passion and skills for quantitative analysis to help the city of Syracuse and the API team. In my free time, I love cooking, running, and gaming with friends.
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Kahssia Hills-Days
Director of Digital Services
After graduating from Syracuse University with a Bachelors in Information Management & Technology I spent the following years in various FinTech roles that all centered around Technology. I found that there was a direct correlation between how fulfilling I considered each role to be and how much I was able to interact with people. People are what I enjoy about working in Tech the most. Whether I am managing a cross functional project, resolving a user issue via a ticket management system, volunteering to expose youth to STEM jobs or sitting in on meetings with senior leaders - being at the intersection of people and technology is where I want to be.
Outside of work I love trying all sorts of tea, going to run errands at some of my favorite stores (woohoo ALDI), yelling from the stands of my childrens' sports games and going new places!
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Debdulal Bagchi
Deputy Director of Digital Services
My professional background is in digital technology field and extensive experience in product management & technology consulting spanning almost two decades.
I possess a fervent commitment to harnessing technology for the advancement of user engagement and the optimization of service delivery. My academic pursuit through the Post Graduate Program at Maxwell School, Syracuse University, was anchored in the realm of E-Governance within the public sector. My professional trajectory has seamlessly aligned with this passion, as I am currently engaged in the development and deployment of intuitive digital platforms aimed at empowering residents to seamlessly access governmental services with efficiency and transparency.
I love travelling for food across the world. In my free time, I play badminton, tennis, and explore lakes, mountains and rivers nearby.
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Innnovation & Performance Management
Jordanna Coutihno
Innovation Designer
I am a social innovator and systems thinker, channeling my expertise in design research and strategy towards identifying patterns and providing insights that turn social and civic problems into opportunities for impact through creative problem-solving. I believe design has the power to unlock resilient cities, living communities, and a net positive economy. It’s this belief that led me to pursue a Masters's Degree in Design For Sustainability at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Since then I have worked with social enterprises, nonprofits, and start-ups to maximize their impact, designing at the frontlines to build resilient products and services that speak to communities. As an innovation designer with the City of Syracuse, I am most excited to explore the intersection of human-centered design, service delivery, and policymaking.
In my free time, you can find me snuggled in with a good book, illustrating, playing the ukulele, or picnicking in the park.
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Sunaina Kuhn
Performance Management & Innovation Specialist
I have worked in or alongside the public sector for over a decade and am passionate about creating positive social change for residents and communities. After many years at a grassroots level, evaluating and identifying inefficiencies and bottlenecks in policy implementation, I was driven to pursue my Master’s in Design from the Institute of Design, Chicago, where I specialized in Civic Design, Systems Thinking and Service Design.
When not at work, you can find me outside – playing pickleball, walking, or even just laying in the grass. I adore animals, love a good book, a delicious meal, napping, and I am currently trying to address my fear of a blank page by putting pencil to paper and trusting the process.
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Craig Witmer
Innovation Project Leader
Craig was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and grew up in the Southtowns of Buffalo, NY. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in diplomacy and international relations at Seton Hall University. Upon graduation, he worked in the service, hospitality, and start-up spaces before joining a boutique law firm in New York City, all while serving different causes through grassroots community organizations.
He pursued a double degree program from the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business where he earned a master's in International Business concentrating on International Trade and Investment with a certificate in Global Strategy and a master's in Management specialized in Economics and Public Policy from ESCP Business School - Paris. His early career spent working at the United Nations and European Union inspired him to pursue more work at the local level.
He's passionate about hospitality, food, travel, reading, public policy, fashion, urbanism, games, learning new things, and lists.
And, of course, Go Bills.
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Data & Analytics
Meet Joanna Bailey
Data Analyst
I am a born and raised Central New Yorker, having lived across from a dairy farm through high school and then moving all around Syracuse and its suburbs for school and work. I have been fortunate to work for several local companies and universities in data analytics, and I am continuing my education at Syracuse University with a Master’s in Public Health. I’m excited to work as a data analyst in the Office of Accountability, Performance, and Innovation to help inform on work that can benefit the city that has been my home my whole life.
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Email: jbailey@syrgov.net
Meet Robin Bista
Data Engineer
My fascination with technology shaping our society led me to DePauw University to pursue a degree in Computer Science. During my undergraduate years, I experimented with various tech-related fields, from troubleshooting issues on the college website to 3D printing space suits. Over time, I found my niche – Data. In my work, I enjoy turning data into impact and helping individuals, societies, and organizations make more informed decisions.
In my free time, I chiefly enjoy venturing outdoors, reading a book (sometimes rereading them), cooking and experimenting with new recipes, or wandering (for curiosity) on beautiful aspects of life, society, and human culture.
Ping me anytime and we are on for an adventure!
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Jason Scharf
Data Program Manager
I have lived in Syracuse, NY for the last 17 years and have grown to love it as my new home. I enjoy exploring the many parks, hiking trails, and waterways with my family which includes my wife, Courtney, our sons, Jaiden and Luke, and our dog, Ryder. I have worked in local government for the past 12 years and am passionate about using technology and open data to educate, inspire, and help our residents.
I am beyond thrilled to support and improve our public data portal and provide transparency on how the City of Syracuse uses surveillance technology. I enjoy being active in computer coding boot camps, Syracuse's developer Meetups, local Hackathons, and community data meetings. Please feel to reach out if you have ideas about public data, datasets that you would like to see, or are interested in using public data for an educational, work, or personal project!
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Digital Services
Tim Liles
Information Systems Coordinator
I was born and raised here in Syracuse. My passion for technology and learning new skills lead me to take part in the first cohort of the Careers in Code Full Stack Developer Boot Camp through Hack Upstate. During my time with the city, I’ve helped to update and modernize the city’s website, Syr.gov, develop multiple auxiliary websites for the city, and support other projects including AIMS and Camino.
In my free time I enjoy working out, running, listening to music, watching movies, planting, and learning new skills
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Nicole Broadnax
Systems Analyst
I'm Nicole Broadnax, a tech enthusiast from Brooklyn, NY, now based in Syracuse. My professional journey has led me through the world of technology, specializing in full-stack web development and project management. Outside of work, I'm passionate about educating youth on STEM opportunities. I also enjoy staying updated on tech trends, swimming, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, and capturing moments through photography.
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Mel Saffold
Enterprise Project Lead
My professional background in process improvement, project management, and independent consulting spans over a decade. I currently serve as the Enterprise Project Lead for the City of Syracuse, where I collaborate with various business units to identify and implement digital transformation initiatives across the city.
I hold a Bachelor's degree from Stony Brook University, have completed technical training from Hack Upstate, and earned a computer programming certification from Le Moyne College. This education has fueled my passion for using technology to enhance user engagement and optimize service delivery. Throughout my career, I have worked on projects that empower internal clients and residents to utilize digital services efficiently. My roles include end-to-end implementations, automations, code development, stakeholder management, and developing and executing product roadmaps.
Outside of work, I like to stay grounded, play sports, and spend time in nature.
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Egzona Imeri
System Trainer
My current role is System Trainer. In my previous role, I worked for the Syracuse City School District as an After-School Program Coordinator, where I oversaw the well-being of 300 students and managed 50 staff members. I have also worked as a Server Trainer for many years. During my time in the city, I have completed a Full Stack Developer Bootcamp through Hack Upstate and an Apprenticeship through MACNY. I have been instrumental in implementing the Syracuse Workforce Central, a new digital timekeeping system. I have also been involved in other projects, such as UKG Telestaff and the A.I.M.S Code Enforcement.
Outside of work, one of my favorite sports to play is tennis, which I love and happen to be great at. I also enjoy watching sports. When I'm not working, I spend my time planning my next trip, mostly overseas, but I also enjoy going for weekend getaways. In addition, I love taking walks and hikes through the many beautiful parks and hiking trails in our city. One of my most preferred genres of books is addictive psychological thrillers that keep me hooked. A cause that I am passionate about is providing aid to children in war. Advocacy is important to bring awareness of what children go through when they are amid a war.
I am someone who enjoys being around others and being a part of a positive and uplifting atmosphere. The Digital Services Team has become like a second family to me. I am proud of the value that each member brings to the API Team, as well as to the city.
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CONTACT US
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