Today, Data & Society is delighted to announce that Janet Haven has been named its executive director.

Previously Data & Society’s Director of Programs and Strategy, Haven spent over a decade at the Open Society Foundations, where she was an early leader at the intersection of rights and new technologies. Haven’s appointment strengthens Data & Society’s position as a leading independent research institute focused on social and cultural issues arising from data-centric and automated technologies.

“We are thrilled to share our deep confidence in Janet’s unique vision, and are delighted by her astute stewardship of recent growth. Her ability to anticipate breaking topics will serve Data & Society well as it moves to strengthen its already robust strategic position,” said Data & Society board member and Fog Creek Software CEO Anil Dash.

“I am proud to continue the work of Data & Society, uniting many fields to focus on grounding the cycles of hype around these technologies with empirical evidence,” said Haven. “In the coming year, Data & Society will reach out to an even broader array of partners in order to build a field of actors who bring values like privacy, accountability, equity, and fairness into direct dialogue with the development of data-centric technologies.”

As executive director, Haven will work closely with Data & Society founder and president danah boyd, who will continue to focus on governance, outreach, and new research opportunities.

“It’s hard to overstate all that Janet has done for Data & Society in her time here,” said boyd. “She has vision, drive, and understanding of the complex and interconnected fields in which we are working, and deep experience in how organizations succeed.”

At the Open Society Foundations, Haven oversaw funding strategies related to technology’s role in supporting and advancing civil society, particularly in the areas of human rights, governance, and accountability. Working with organizations and stakeholders on five continents, she developed innovative approaches to complex issues while helping practitioners and funders understand the implications of new technologies for the advancement of rights and justice.

Prior to joining OSF, Haven started her career in technology start-ups in Central Europe, participating in several successful acquisitions. She holds an MA from the University of Virginia and a BA from Amherst College, and currently sits on the board of the Public Lab for Open Science and Technology.

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