Arlington Names Patricia Sheppard Chief Information Officer

ARLINGTON, MA — Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine recently appointed Patricia Sheppard Arlington's next chief information officer.

Sheppard, who served as the vice president for information technology at the Museum of Science and director for information technology at MIT, has more than 20 years of experience in senior management and technical positions.

She assumed the role Aug. 18.

"I am pleased Ms. Sheppard has accepted the appointment," Chapdelaine said. "She brings a wealth of technical and organizational expertise from higher education environments to the town of Arlington, which will be a great benefit to the town."

Sheppard has served as chief financial officer for a state agency and had oversight over both information technology and finance. In each of her roles, she has designed, launched and managed large-scale organizational development, management, process improvement and educational initiatives.

She has a passion for developing and maintaining relationships across organizations and boundaries, facilitating consensus among diverse parties and demonstrating strong active listening, problem-solving and decision-making abilities, according to a statement from the town.

"It's great to be working with the team here in Arlington," Sheppard said. "I look forward to building upon the existing technology foundation to continue to provide, and evolve, a wide range of technology and services for the town and district."

Sheppard holds a bachelor's degree from Wellesley College, a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School and an executive certificate in management and leadership from MIT's Sloan School of Management. In her free time, she is an avid yoga and fitness enthusiast.