Janak Alford
About Janak Alford
Janak Alford serves as the Chief Technology Officer for the Government of Canada, focusing on sustainable urban and national solutions. He has a background in architecture and extensive experience in various leadership roles within government agencies.
Current Role at Government of Canada
Janak Alford serves as the Chief Technology Officer at the Government of Canada, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing technology initiatives and strategies that support government operations. His work focuses on leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and improve efficiencies within government processes. Alford's leadership in this position contributes to the development of innovative solutions that address the needs of Canadian citizens.
Previous Experience at Correctional Service of Canada
Janak Alford held multiple roles at the Correctional Service of Canada. He served as the Senior Director of Application Services from 2017 to 2019, where he managed application development and support. Following this, he transitioned to the role of Senior Director, Business Transformation and Innovation for 11 months in 2020. In these positions, he focused on implementing technological advancements and business transformation initiatives to improve operational effectiveness.
Educational Background in Architecture
Janak Alford has a strong educational foundation in architecture. He earned a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) from Carleton University, completing his studies from 2009 to 2011. Prior to this, he obtained a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (B.A.S) from the same institution, studying from 2005 to 2009. Additionally, he holds an Architectural Technician Diploma from Loyalist College, which he achieved from 2002 to 2004. This educational background supports his expertise in design and urban solutions.
Role at MadeMill
In addition to his government role, Janak Alford is the Executive Director at MadeMill, a Makerspace and Advanced Digital Media Lab located at Bayview Yards in Ottawa. In this capacity, he coordinates and oversees the launch of new projects and businesses, focusing on fostering innovation and creativity within the community. His leadership at MadeMill emphasizes the importance of design and technology in developing sustainable solutions for urban and national challenges.
Career at Canada Border Services Agency
Janak Alford worked at the Canada Border Services Agency from 2006 to 2013 as a Manager and Program Officer. During his tenure, he was involved in various programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing border security and facilitating trade. His experience in this role contributed to his understanding of the intersection between technology and public service.