WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Census Bureau announced the high-profile appointments of Michael Lachanski and John Studds as its two new deputy directors. The leadership update arrives at a pivotal juncture for the agency as it navigates a period of rapid acceleration in data science and operational technology.
Dr. Lachanski will step into the role of Deputy Director for Data, Policy, and Science, while Studds has been named Deputy Director for Administration and Operations. According to the agency, their combined expertise will be critical in advancing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s directive to deliver an accurate, informative, and trustworthy lineup of statistical products for the American public.
Advancing Data Policy and Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Michael Lachanski transitions to the Census Bureau from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, where he has been serving as a senior advisor. In that role, he spearheaded two major modernization initiatives: expanding the bureau’s administrative records database and lowering barriers to the integration of artificial intelligence across the federal statistical system.
A highly credentialed demographer, Dr. Lachanski holds a diverse academic background:
- University of Pennsylvania: Joint doctorate in demography and sociology.
- The Wharton School: Master’s degree in statistics and data science.
- Princeton University: Bachelor’s degree in economics (summa cum laude) and a Master’s degree in public administration (with distinction).
In his new capacity, Dr. Lachanski will focus on strengthening the federal statistical enterprise to guarantee the delivery of relevant, comprehensive, and timely national data.
Over Three Decades of Digital Transformation
John Studds brings more than 30 years of executive experience to his new role, having previously served as the Census Bureau’s Chief Information Officer (CIO). Throughout his tenure, Studds has focused on driving digital transformation and aligning complex enterprise technology with the bureau’s mission-critical operations.
Studds has been a key architect behind some of the agency’s most significant ongoing modernization efforts, including the expansion of enterprise internet data collection. His leadership background includes:
- Program Oversight: Managing major statistical programs, including the Consolidated Federal Funds Report and the Federal Audit Clearinghouse.
- Platform Innovation: Spearheading the development of advanced data management platforms, such as Data Ingest and Collection for the Enterprise (DICE) and the Enterprise Data Lake.
A Vision for the Future
The appointments reflect a strategic push by the U.S. Census Bureau to overhaul its information technology infrastructure, data collection systems, and analytical frameworks.
Agency officials expressed immense confidence in the new leadership team, noting that both Lachanski and Studds possess the formidable vision required to keep the United States at the cutting edge of global data collection and analysis.
