About Josh Martin
Former Indiana Chief Data Officer, Now Helping Data Leaders Navigate Complex Challenges Across Government, Higher Education, and the Non-Profit Sector
Why I Do This Work
In 2012, I started as a program director in Indiana's Office of Management and Budget, conducting operational audits. I saw the same problem everywhere: smart leaders making decisions with terrible data.
By 2015, I was Chief of Staff for what would become the Management Performance Hub - Indiana's answer to data-driven government. We were building something from scratch, and I was learning by doing (and making mistakes).
In 2019, Governor Holcomb appointed me Indiana's Chief Data Officer. I was 32 years old, leading 50+ people, managing a $10M+ budget, and responsible for the state's entire data strategy.
Then COVID-19 hit.
Suddenly, data wasn't an abstract strategy - it was life and death. We were tracking infections, managing vaccine distribution, and informing policy decisions that affected millions of Hoosiers. The pressure was intense, but it clarified what really matters: ethical, practical, human-centered data work that serves the public good.
Over those 5 years as CDO, I:
• Built Indiana's first statewide data governance framework
• Created a data literacy program that reached 4,000+ state employees
• Led the COVID-19 data response
• Represented Indiana on national committees and contributed to federal policy
• Made every mistake you can make (and learned from all of them)
In January 2025, after 13 years in Indiana government, I stepped away to do two things:
- Share what I learned with other data leaders navigating these challenges
- Help organizations move faster on AI adoption - because I know the bureaucratic hurdles, the political dynamics, and the technical realities
I'm not a traditional consultant. I'm a former practitioner who knows what it's like to sit in your seat, face your challenges, and be accountable to stakeholders.
If you're looking for someone who will actually understand your context - not just give you a generic playbook - let's talk.
— Josh Martin
Beyond Government: Cross-Sector Data Leadership
While my career was in state government, I've always worked across sectors. At the Management Performance Hub, we partnered extensively with:
🎓 Universities & Higher Education
Built data sharing agreements between K-12, higher ed, and workforce agencies. Partnered with Indiana University on research initiatives. Presented at SHEEO on strengthening data literacy.
🤝 Non-Profits & Community Organizations
Led data collaboratives with community organizations on human services outcomes. Designed cross-sector data governance frameworks balancing privacy, impact, and trust.
📊 Foundations & Research Institutes
Partnered with Coleridge Initiative and AISP on administrative data research. Keynoted ADRCon on using administrative data for public good.
🏢 Private Sector & Technology Companies
Evaluated and implemented data platforms from major vendors. Consulted with Informatica on public sector sales strategy. Partnered with Kindo.ai on autonomous data operations.
I've learned that the best data strategies don't respect organizational boundaries - they focus on outcomes. Whether you're serving citizens, students, communities, or customers with a social mission, the principles of good data governance, ethical AI, and stakeholder-centered strategy apply.
If your organization's mission is to create positive social impact, we should talk.
How I Work
1. Practical Over Theoretical
I'm not an academic or a management consultant. I'm a former practitioner. Everything I recommend, I've actually done - and I can tell you what worked, what didn't, and why.
2. Context Matters
Government is different from private sector. Universities are different from non-profits. Your organization is different from Indiana. I don't believe in cookie-cutter solutions. We start with your context.
3. Ethical AI, Always
AI isn't just about efficiency or cost savings. It's about serving your mission better. I prioritize transparency, fairness, and accountability in every AI project - whether that's government services, student outcomes, or social impact.
4. Build Capacity, Don't Create Dependency
My goal is to help you build capabilities that last - not to create long-term consulting dependencies. I want to work myself out of a job.
5. Honest Feedback
I'm not here to tell you what you want to hear. If something won't work in your context, I'll tell you. If you're about to make a mistake I've made, I'll warn you. You're hiring me for judgment, not validation.
Experience & Credentials
Professional Experience
State of Indiana (June 2012 - January 2025)
Chief Data Officer & Executive Director, Management Performance Hub
January 2020 - January 2025
• Led 50+ person data agency with $10M+ annual budget
• Developed and implemented Indiana's first statewide data strategy
• Directed state's data response to COVID-19 pandemic
• Built statewide data governance council and advisory groups
• Grew agency capabilities from 26 to 50 staff
• Developed data proficiency program reaching 4,000+ state employees
• Promoted state's interests with federal government on data policy (contributed to OMB 2024 Uniform Guidance revisions)
Chief of Staff, Management Performance Hub
January 2015 - December 2019
• Established the Management Performance Hub as central data agency
• Oversaw personnel, professional contracts, technology platform, data management
• Co-chaired drug data working group for Commission to Combat Drug Abuse
• Reduced reliance on professional service vendors (significant ongoing savings)
Program Director, Office of Management & Budget
June 2012 - January 2015
• Conducted operational and procedural audits of state agencies
• Performed financial planning and designed efficiency projects
• Supported negotiations for statewide public safety contract ($24M savings)
Education
• Master of Public Affairs - Indiana University Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Bloomington IN
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Law and Society - Purdue University, West Lafayette IN
Certifications
• Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM)
Awards & Recognition
• Global Top 100 Innovators in Data & Analytics 2024
• 40 Under Forty Data Leaders 2022
• Governor's Distinguished Service Medal
• Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Secretary's Health Impact Award
Leadership & Advisory Roles
• State CDO Network Steering Committee
• White House US Tech Policy Network (Founding Member)
• Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy - National Advisory Committee Member
• National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO)
• Future of Data Council
Outside of Work
When I'm not helping organizations navigate data strategy, I'm:
🔧 Tinkering in my home lab
Currently exploring LLM integrations, microservices architecture, and containerization with Docker. I maintain technical proficiency across GCP, AWS, and Azure environments through hands-on development.
🎙️ Building AI literacy
Previously co-founder of The AI Dialogues, focused on human-centered AI education for government and educational entities. Successfully exited in August 2025.
📚 Continuous learning
Reading everything about data privacy, AI governance, ethical AI, and digital transformation. A lifelong learner who bridges the gap between high-level policy and technical implementation.
👨👩👧👦 Family time
Spending time with my family in Indianapolis.
I believe the best data leaders stay technically current while maintaining strategic perspective. That's the balance I strive for.
Let's Connect
Best Ways to Reach Me:
📧 Email: josh@martin-innovation.com
I actually check this - typically respond within 24 hours.
💼 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-martin-IN
Connect with me and follow Martin Innovation for updates.
📅 Schedule Time: Book a free 30-minute strategy call
Speaking Requests
I'm selective but open to the right opportunities. If you think I'd be a good fit for your conference, leadership retreat, or professional development event, reach out.
Topics: Data governance, AI strategy, crisis leadership, cross-sector collaboration
Audiences: Government, higher education, non-profits, foundations, data professionals
Media & Podcast Requests
Happy to discuss:
• AI governance and ethics
• Data strategy in government and public sector
• Lessons from building statewide data programs
• Cross-sector data collaboration
• Public sector innovation
Collaboration Opportunities
Interested in partnering with other consultants, firms, or organizations doing work in the public good space.
Martin Innovation
Data & AI Strategy for Public Good
Indianapolis, IN 46203
What to Expect When Working Together
Discovery
We start with a conversation about your specific situation. No sales pitch - just honest assessment of whether I can help and what approach makes sense.
Customization
Every engagement is tailored to your context. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all consulting. Your challenges, your culture, your constraints.
Collaboration
I work with you, not for you. My goal is to build your internal capabilities, not create dependencies. You should be better equipped after we work together.
Honesty
I'll tell you what I really think - including when I think you're on the wrong track or about to make a mistake I've made. You're hiring me for judgment, not validation.
Results
You'll get practical, implementable solutions based on what actually works. No academic theory. No corporate buzzwords. Just real talk from someone who's been there.