We’re thrilled to introduce you to the newest member of our team, Larry Kilroy, DataKind’s new Director, Technology!
A technical strategist with deep experience in the social justice and global development spaces and a focus on globally-reaching, data-driven solutions, Larry will play a key leadership role at DataKind and for our Chapters around the world. He’ll spearhead technology initiatives and build and manage our tech team as well as create and implement best-in-class systems and processes related to data security. He comes to DataKind with more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of technology strategy, organizational development, policy leadership, product management, and communications.
Read more about Larry below, and join us in welcoming him to DataKind.
What were you up to before DataKind?
I’ve spent the majority of my career working in nonprofit and social entrepreneurship technology roles. Most recently, I was the CTO of an organization that worked to reduce the chemical hazards in building materials and, more importantly, in the communities the building materials are manufactured in. While there, I led the teams that built industry leading web application and data systems (used by architects, engineers, and large scale building owners, such as Google) to process the chemical ingredient profiles of building materials like carpets and paints. These applications were used to predict possible health hazards to building users, construction teams, and fence line communities. Prior to that, I worked for an international NGO, building and managing systems for managing online volunteers and partner projects around the world.
Why are you excited to join DataKind?
I believe in science, and I believe in data. And DataKind embodies the values I hold personally for using science and data for good. When I first read the job description and researched the organization, I was immediately excited about the possibility to work for DataKind. Here were a role and an organization that blended my values, interests, skills, and experience perfectly. As I’ve been introduced to the leadership and staff, I’ve grown even more excited as I see how committed to the mission and the team they are. I can’t wait to learn from all of them and solve problems together that’ll make the world a kinder place.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have a few sides to me. The nerd side of me loves to tinker with the newest technologies, and I love learning about concepts, tools, and languages, even though I may never use them in a professional setting. The jock side of me loves athletics of any kind – either playing them or watching them. You can almost always find “the growing slightly larger every year” side of me near a kitchen. I love to cook, and I love to eat. Finally, the grateful side of me is thankful for time with friends and family, traveling to new places, or just a simple day at home.
