The World Bank Group's Technology and Innovation Lab, from Concept to Development: A Case Study in Leveraging an IT Department to Support Digital Transformation

Yusuf Karacaoglu is a Senior Advisor with the World Bank Group's Information and Technology Solutions Vice Presidency. He has several decades of hands-on experience leading digital transformation in developed and developing countries through the application of technology frameworks, software engineering, operating system and network design changes, and infrastructure upgrades. His numerous assignments include serving as the MIS Director for the State of Massachusetts, working with Partners in Health and Harvard Medical School in 13 different countries on 4 continents to improve connectivity and networks, consulting at the World Health Organization, and experience with the U.S. Air Force and Dartmouth College.

Stela Mocan joined the Information Technology Solutions Vice Presidency at the World Bank Group in July 2015 and is leading the Blockchain Lab Initiative, as part of the Technology and Innovation Unit under the chief information officer. In 2010, Mocan was appointed by the Government of Moldova as the first Government Chief Information Officer. From 2010 to 2015 she led the digital transformation of government operations and public service delivery. From 2009 to 2010, she served as the Moldova prime minister's advisor on governance and public administration reform. Prior to joining the public service, Mocan led and managed governance and democracy-building programs with UNDP, USAID, the World Bank, and international NGOs. Mocan holds a master's degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a master's degree in political science from the National School of Political and Administrative Studies. In March 2015, she was designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

Rachel Alexandra Halsema is an IT Officer at the World Bank Group and a member of the Technology and Innovation unit. She holds a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College in Russian language and literature and a master's degree in information systems technology from the George Washington University. In 2009, she rode her bicycle 3,800+ miles across the United States and Canada to raise money and awareness for the cause of affordable housing.