A Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) officially has been hired to represent the City of Dallas: Laila Alequresh.

In her new role, effective Jan. 11, Alequresh will lead the newly created Office of Innovation. Intended to spark change through the introduction of new ideas and innovative projects, the Office will pursue opportunities that drive operational and technological improvements.

For interested parties—city employees, local businesses, or organizations—looking to develop solutions to citywide challenges, Alequresh will serve as the consultant and facilitator.

“I believe government leaders should always listen to the public first when establishing a strategy to improve performance and the quality of life for residents,” she said in a statement. “It’s a key part of a holistic approach for making sure city initiatives have high-quality performance outcomes and maintain a ‘Service First’ outlook.”

Alequresh brings experience in the local government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors

Most recently, according to a release, Alequresh worked for the City of Los Angeles as an Executive Adviser, where she headed attempts to improve organizational structures and processes. Prior to that, she designed and implemented strategies as the citywide Performance Management Director for the City of Philadelphia.

Alequresh has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business Administration. She’s trained in Project Management, Learn Six Sigma, and the Baldrige principles (one of which is ‘Managing for Innovation’). The City of Dallas notes that she is also a past Baldrige examiner, and was a NextGen Government Public Service Award Finalist in 2015.

Alequresh’s appointment was announced Jan. 4 by Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax.

“Laila’s vast experience will be beneficial as we work to strengthen our capacity to be more strategic in how we adapt to the changing needs of our organization and diverse community,” Broadnax said in a statement. “Her role is critical in formulating non-traditional approaches and solutions to better address the challenges of our city and residents.”