Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Ted Kaouk is a seasoned data and technology leader, currently serving as the Chief Data and AI Officer and Director of the Division of Data at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). With over a decade of experience in driving data-driven strategies and digital transformation across federal agencies, he is a recognized expert in leveraging data and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance mission delivery and operational efficiency.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Data and AI Officer at the CFTC, Ted is responsible for overseeing the agency's data and AI initiatives, ensuring the effective governance, management, and utilization of data assets to support the CFTC's regulatory and enforcement functions. In his role as the Director of the Division of Data, he leads a team of data professionals in developing and implementing data-driven solutions to address complex challenges within the commodities futures trading industry.
Career Progression
Prior to his current position, Ted served as the Chief Data Officer at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), where he spearheaded the modernization of data infrastructure, analytics capabilities, and data governance practices. He also held the role of Chair of the Federal Chief Data Officers Council, where he collaborated with senior data leaders across the federal government to drive data-powered innovation and policy initiatives.
Throughout his career, Ted has consistently demonstrated his ability to translate data and technology into tangible business value. As the Chief of Staff and a Special Assistant for IT Strategy and Technology Transformation at the USDA, he played a pivotal role in aligning the agency's digital transformation efforts with its strategic priorities, resulting in improved service delivery and cost savings.
Academic Background
Ted holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, where he specialized in data analytics and information technology management. He is recognized for his academic achievements, including his involvement in the Federal Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence-Building at the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Areas of Expertise
- Data governance and strategy
- Data infrastructure and architecture
- Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence
- Digital transformation and IT modernization
- Cross-agency collaboration and stakeholder engagement
- Policy development and implementation
Professional Impact
Under Ted's leadership, the CFTC has made significant strides in leveraging data and AI to enhance its regulatory oversight and enforcement capabilities. He has spearheaded the development of innovative data analytics tools and models to identify potential market manipulation and fraud, contributing to the CFTC's mission of ensuring the integrity and stability of the U.S. commodities futures markets.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in data and technology leadership, Ted Kaouk is a valuable asset to the CFTC and the broader federal government. His strategic vision, technical expertise, and collaborative approach have positioned him as a trailblazer in the data and AI space, driving impactful initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the agencies and the communities they serve.
