Code for America Names Jonathan Porat as Chief Technology Officer to Drive Next Chapter of Innovation

OAKLAND, CA, May 6, 2026 – Code for America, the leading civic tech nonprofit that’s making public services easier to navigate through technology, today announced Jonathan Porat as Chief Technology Officer as the organization expands its strategic technology solutions to  modernize government systems nationwide. He will report to the CEO, Amanda Renteria, starting on June 1. 

Porat joins Code for America at a time when it’s partnering with governments and community organizations to transform benefits delivery and leverage emerging technologies that can help better serve people. Code for America has been a leader in advancing technology implementations and responsible AI adoption in government to improve how people access benefits and services, from food assistance and healthcare coverage to tax filing and disaster response. As CTO, Porat will lead the organization’s technology vision, guiding the development of innovative, responsible solutions that strengthen government services and improve outcomes for communities. His role will oversee technology systems and infrastructure, security, and responsible AI.  

“Jonathan’s deep public sector experience and demonstrated leadership in AI make him uniquely suited to lead Code for America’s technology strategy during a transformative moment,” said Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America. “As innovation evolves across everything from government service delivery to the promise of agentic AI, Code for America will continue to work with our government and community partners to develop the resources, tools, and solutions needed to ensure technology delivers real outcomes for people.” 

Porat has spent his career working across federal, state, and local government to advance innovations that improve the relationship between public sector agencies and the people they serve. Porat most recently served as Chief Technology Officer for the State of California, where he oversaw the Office of Technology Services (OTech) and Office of Digital Services (ODS), developing an internationally-leading approach to state technology innovation and operations. In that role, he helped modernize systems, strengthen digital services, and position California as a global leader in public sector technology.

“I’m proud to join Code for America at a pivotal time for government service delivery,” said Porat. “As states grapple with shifting policies, new requirements, and reduced resources, AI offers a path forward to making government services more effective and human-centered. I look forward to working alongside Code for America’s partners to build solutions that truly meet people where they are.” 

Porat previously held technology-centered roles with the City of Seattle, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Florida and his master’s degree in public policy from George Washington University.

For more than 15 years, Code for America has worked shoulder-to-shoulder with partners across the country to identify a problem, find solutions, and deliver outcomes for real people across the social safety net, criminal justice, and tax benefit systems. In 2025, Code for America worked in 27 states and Washington, D.C. to help 7 million people access $22 billion.

About Code for America 

Code for America, the country’s leading civic tech nonprofit for over 15 years, believes that government can work for the people, and by the people, in the new digital age. We work with government at all levels across the country to make the delivery of public services better with technology. We partner with community organizations and governments to build digital tools and client-facing apps that help people navigate government, change policies, and improve programs. Our goal: a resilient government that works well for everyone. Learn more at codeforamerica.org.