Premiere Computing Society Names Seasoned Technology Policy Strategist as Policy Director
NEW YORK, NY, January 15, 2025 – ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, has named Tom Romanoff as its new Policy Director. Romanoff will coordinate and support ACM's engagement on technology policy issues globally. As the world’s largest computing society, ACM educates policymakers and the public about the technical aspects of computing innovations, as well as the potential consequences of their application. Because of its long history and non-partisan stance, ACM is recognized as a trusted source for lawmakers seeking accurate and objective information.
“Technology has become a dominant force in society, improving our lives significantly, but also introducing new risks,” explained ACM CEO Vicki L. Hanson. “As computer scientists, we bring essential expertise to the policy dialogue. The broad range of computing disciplines our members work in also allows ACM to be a single source of information on a wide range of topics. As a seasoned leader with experience in the most pressing technology issues of the day, Tom is the perfect choice for this pivotal role within our organization.”
Most recently, Romanoff served as Director of the Technology Project at the Bipartisan Policy Center, where he worked on issues including AI, data privacy, cybersecurity, augmented reality, competition in the tech sector, cloud computing, space technologies, and online content moderation. Before his work with the US government, Romanoff helped the United Nations Development Program modernize its global data collection and analytics system. In that capacity, he spearheaded public policy initiatives related to technology’s role in government, as well as ensuring that digital tools promote transparency, accountability, and equity.
“ACM’s policy initiatives are considered the gold standard in the field,” Romanoff said of his appointment. “What sets ACM apart is that its members are all volunteers. Their only agenda is to educate the public and advance the public good. This is an exciting time to be working in technology policy. I look forward to working with our leadership to add more members to our policy teams amplifying our voice, and continuing to be a valued resource as new technologies emerge.”
Romanoff is an Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems Management and Public Policy, where he brings his real-world expertise in AI and tech policy to students preparing for public policy and management careers. A graduate of Warren Wilson College, Romanoff earned a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, where he served on their Alumni Board.
Under the umbrella of its global Technology Policy Council, ACM conducts its policy activities through a US Technology Policy Committee (USTPC), and a Europe Technology Policy Committee (ETPC) and through its TechBriefs series of short technical bulletins that present scientifically grounded perspectives on the impact of specific developments or applications of technology. The policy products of these committees include white papers, letters and invited comments for public officials and their staff members, statements outlining key principles to guide policy on specific technologies, and the HotTopics webinar series featuring technologists, lawyers and policymakers discussing pressing technology policy topics.
About ACM
ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery, is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources, and address the field's challenges. ACM strengthens the computing profession's collective voice through strong leadership, promotion of the highest standards, and recognition of technical excellence. ACM supports the professional growth of its members by providing opportunities for life-long learning, career development, and professional networking.
Contact: Jim Ormond
212-626-0505
[email protected]