Paula Crowell selected as chief information officer
November 6, 2023 1:38 PM
UPDATE Dec. 5, 2023: Paula Crowell has withdrawn her acceptance of the chief information officer position at the city of Santa Monica. We understand the unforeseen and changing circumstances that contributed to her decision to stay with the city of Long Beach and respect her commitment to seeing the organization through one of the most challenging times in recent memory. We remain committed to serving our community effectively and efficiently with innovative technology solutions and will have more to share in the coming weeks.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2023) — City Manager David White announced the appointment of Paula Crowell as chief information officer to lead the city’s Information Services Department, following a nationwide recruitment.
Crowell has more than 20 years of experience in information technology, most recently serving as the director of information services for the Long Beach Utilities Department. She previously served as the IT manager for the city of Temecula and as IT director for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission in Washington, D.C.
"Technology is a cornerstone that allows us to serve the community more efficiently and effectively," White said. "Paula is a talented and experienced leader who brings a wealth of hands-on technical knowledge. With her at the helm, I'm confident the department will continue to find innovative ways to enhance and streamline city services."
As head of Information Services, Crowell will oversee a team of 50 city staff members and a $13 million budget. The department's responsibilities include staff training and support services, the city website, cybersecurity, software engineering, the Santa Monica mobile app, the city’s open data program and CityNet municipal broadband services.
"I'm eager to use my skills and expertise to drive innovation, digital transformation, and efficient technology solutions to address the city's challenges and enhance the quality of life in Santa Monica," Crowell said. "I look forward to collaborating with the talented city team and partnering with the community to ensure Santa Monica continues to be a model of innovation and sustainability in the digital age."
Crowell has a bachelor's degree in information systems from the University of Maryland. She will join the city effective Dec. 18, with an annual salary of $223,836.
Media Contact
Lauren Howland
Communications and public information manager
lauren.howland@santamonica.gov