Jeremy Pesner, Baltimore City Department of Social Services

Jeremy's Fellowship:

Jeremy is a technology, data and policy analyst in the Office of Innovation in the Baltimore City Department of Social Services. Jeremy is using R, Excel, Tableau and related software to analyze data, create visualizations streamline information feedback and flow and define certain eligibilities and needs for Baltimore's foster children and social workers. He will also work to standardize data flows and programming conventions throughout the agency and initiate novel, technology-based smart city solutions to further develop Baltimore's IT infrastructure and empower its most at-risk residents

Background:

Jeremy Pesner is a multidisciplinary technologist, researcher and policy analyst with degrees in Computer Science and technology policy. He has lived throughout the MidAtlantic, growing up in New Jersey, attending Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, working for a variety of tech startups in New York City and then moving to Washington, DC, where he earned his Masters Degree from Georgetown University and worked for the U.S. General Services Administration on technology policy and management issues. Jeremy has given talks at venues including StartingBloc, Hackers on Planet Earth, TEDx Fulbright and the World Future Society, and is developing his spiritual side through meditation, neurofeedback and shamanistic practice. Jeremy is a proud member of the Jewish community and enjoys biking, video games and yoga.

Why do you choose to live and work in Baltimore?  

I've known for a while that I wanted to have an impact-driven career that helped others, but found in my previous jobs that my work was several steps removed from any meaningful impact. Baltimore is a city where the needs are clear and the potential for impact is enormous. By embedding myself in the community, I will understand the city's needs and ensure that my work helps those who need it most. On the personal side, I already have friends who live here and it's close to DC.

What's one surprising fact about yourself?  

I've never bought a DVD movie

Go-to snack? 

Hummus and chips with a glass of Naked juice