White House names first chief data scientist

The White House on Wednesday created the new position of chief data scientist, appointing DJ Patil to the job. 

Patil is credited with helping coin the “data scientist” term and has worked at companies including Skype, PayPal, eBay, LinkedIn and GreyLock Partners, a venture capital firm. 

{mosads}He most recently worked at the business relationship management company RelateIQ. He also previously worked at the Defense Department before his time in the private sector. 

In announcing the hire, chief technology officer Megan Smith said the position would help “maximize the nation’s return on its investment in data.” One area of specific focus for Patil will be on using data to help determine the right medical treatment for patients. 

“President Obama has prioritized bringing top technical talent like DJ into the federal government to harness the power of technology and innovation to help government better serve the American people,” Smith wrote. 

Obama has created a number of new technology positions in the White House during his tenure. Smith is only the third chief technology officer after Obama created the position early in his first term. 

Patil’s full title will be deputy chief technology officer for data policy, as well as chief data officer. He will work in the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy.