Lauren Woodman has been appointed as president of USAFacts, the nonprofit organization focused on government data that was established by Steve Ballmer, the former chief executive of Microsoft. The Bellevue, Washington-based organization announced that Woodman will assume her new role on April 20, reporting directly to its founder.
This marks only the second time in USAFacts’ decade-long existence that the organization has filled the president position. Woodman brings extensive experience from the technology sector and data science fields to her new role.
In a statement, Ballmer highlighted the timing of Woodman’s
appointment, noting that demand for trustworthy, nonpartisan data sources is growing among Americans. He emphasized that her background in technology and public data makes her particularly well-suited to lead the organization during a period when artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming information creation and consumption. Ballmer expressed confidence that under Woodman’s guidance, USAFacts will maintain its commitment to delivering transparent and reliable government data to the public.
Prior to joining USAFacts, Woodman served as the chief executive officer of DataKind for five years. DataKind is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to assisting social-impact entities in leveraging data science and artificial intelligence technologies. Her professional background also includes senior positions at both Microsoft and NetHope, further strengthening her credentials in the technology and data sectors.
Woodman expressed enthusiasm about joining USAFacts at what she described as a pivotal moment. She noted that technology is rapidly transforming how citizens access and comprehend information about their government. According to Woodman, the current challenge is to ensure that transparency, dependable data, and public comprehension advance in tandem.
The organization produces a variety of online resources and reports that monitor government expenditures, revenue streams, demographic information, and policy results. Among its notable publications is an annual report styled after corporate 10-K filings, providing a comprehensive overview of government operations. USAFacts also releases a “State of the Union: In Numbers” report, strategically timed to coincide with the presidential address to Congress.
The president position was previously held by Poppy MacDonald, who departed from the role last year. The organization has been
strengthening its leadership team, with Megan Winfield joining as chief technology officer last year. Winfield brought experience from her previous executive roles at Campspot and Hilton to the position.
The nonprofit organization has established itself as a resource for individuals seeking fact-based information about government operations and performance. By presenting data in accessible formats and maintaining a nonpartisan approach, USAFacts aims to enhance public understanding of how government functions and how taxpayer resources are utilized.
Woodman’s appointment comes at a time when concerns about information reliability and data integrity are increasingly prominent in public discourse. Her experience leading DataKind, where she focused on helping organizations effectively utilize data science for social benefit, aligns closely with USAFacts’ mission of making government data more accessible and understandable to the general public.
The organization continues to operate under Ballmer’s vision of providing Americans with clear, factual information about their government, drawn from official sources and presented without political bias. This approach has positioned USAFacts as a unique resource in an era where data interpretation and presentation often become contentious issues.