Lauren Woodman has been appointed as president of USAFacts, the government-data organization established by Steve Ballmer, who previously served as Microsoft’s CEO. The Bellevue, Washington-based nonprofit announced the leadership change, with Woodman set to begin her role on April 20.

This marks only the second time the organization has filled the president position during its decade of operation. Woodman will work directly under Ballmer, who founded the organization.

Ballmer expressed confidence in the new appointment, noting that Woodman’s background in technology and public data arrives at a critical time. He emphasized that Americans are increasingly seeking dependable, nonpartisan data sources. With artificial intelligence transforming both the creation and consumption of information, Ballmer highlighted that Woodman’s guidance will be crucial in maintaining the organization’s mission of delivering transparent and trustworthy government data to citizens.

Woodman brings substantial experience to her new position. She previously led DataKind as CEO for five years, where the nonprofit focused on helping organizations with social missions leverage data science and artificial intelligence. Her professional background also includes senior positions at both Microsoft and NetHope.

In her statement about the new role, Woodman acknowledged the transformative impact technology is having on public access to government information. She sees this as an opportune moment to advance the dual goals of transparency and reliable data while helping the public better comprehend the information available to them.

The organization operates by publishing various 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, along with a “State of the Union: In Numbers” report that coincides with the presidential address to Congress.

Woodman succeeds Poppy MacDonald, who previously held the president position before departing last year. The organization has been strengthening its leadership team, having brought on Megan Winfield as chief technology officer last year. Winfield came to USAFacts with executive experience from companies including Campspot and Hilton.

The timing of this leadership transition comes as USAFacts continues to evolve its approach to presenting government data to the public. The organization has carved out a niche in providing nonpartisan information about government operations, filling what many see as a growing need for objective data sources.

As the organization enters its second decade, Woodman’s technology expertise and experience in the nonprofit sector position her to guide USAFacts through an era where information access and verification have become increasingly complex challenges. The intersection of her data science background and public service focus aligns with the
organization’s core mission of making government data more accessible and understandable to ordinary Americans.

The appointment reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining high standards for data presentation while adapting to rapidly changing technological landscapes, particularly as artificial intelligence reshapes how people interact with and interpret information about their government’s activities and performance.