Public-sector data leadership requires more than data expertise. It requires a way to connect programs, processes, systems, governance, and reporting so leaders can make informed decisions while maintaining trust.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Neil Cooke, Chief Data Officer (CDO) at the State of Texas, speaks with Dr. Adita Karkera, Chief Data Officer, Government and Public at Deloitte, about the practical path that shaped Cooke’s approach to data leadership and the challenges of taking on statewide responsibility.

Cooke discusses the transition from agency-level data leadership to a broader statewide role and the need to balance continuity with forward movement. The conversation examines how visibility, listening, decision-making, and removing blockers can help sustain momentum during a leadership transition. It also looks at the role of the Texas chief data office within the state’s technology structure.

The discussion then turns to the capabilities CDOs need across public and private sectors. Cooke highlights business acumen, governance discipline, communication, change management, and the ability to build alignment across executives, program owners, IT, legal, privacy, security, frontline teams, and lawmakers.

The conversation explores several themes:

• Trust as a foundation: Trust influences whether data is used for decisions and whether people have confidence in governance and data practices.
• Governance and coordination: Statewide priorities require coordination across agencies, programs, systems, and stakeholders.
• The CDO as a connector: The role connects people, policy, systems, and decisions.
• Shared priorities across sectors: Data quality, cybersecurity, AI governance, interoperability, and measurable outcomes matter across public and private organizations.

On the move? Take this conversation with you. If you don’t have time to finish the video, you can stream the complete, uninterrupted audio edition of this episode on the go.