Syracuse University, jointly with Cybertrust America, NIST Global Community Technology Consortium (GCTC), US Ignite, and Global Cyber Alliance, has graduated its first cohort enrolled in the professional course “Leading Smart Cities with Trust,” a service aimed at equipping leaders in government, academia and the private sector with foundational knowledge and skills for successful smart city initiatives while expanding their professional network.

The six week-course engaged participants across the globe virtually from Sept. 6 to Oct. 11, 2022. The course included vision alignment; strategy collaboration; and execution of best practices in process, people and technologies toward trusted smart city outcomes.

Raimundo Rodulfo, chief innovation officer and director of innovation and technology, City of Coral Gables, Florida, whose team participated in the program said, “Our city’s team has not only broadened our knowledge base and professional network but also strengthened cross-departmental collaboration with shared vocabulary and experience, to continue improving our smart city services and the quality of life of our community.”

“We’re thrilled with this first-of-its-kind professional course. It’s timely and covers success stories as well as how to avoid past failures based on the latest research at Syracuse University,” said Daniel Nelson, director of accelerated learning, global engagement & the state and local initiative, Executive Education at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. The school is ranked #1 in the U.S. for public affairs (U.S. News & World Report). 

“Civic trust, the core foundation of this nation, faces grave challenges in smart city initiatives. This course empowers smart city leaders to overcome challenges and maximize stakeholder benefits,” commented Lan Jenson, CEO of Cybertrust America and co-chair of NIST GCTC: Smart Security and Privacy. “As a nonprofit specializing in trusted smart city initiatives, we are delighted to sponsor this highly-acclaimed course, which enhances attendees’ skills and connections through group projects guided by world-class experts.” 

Glenn Ricart, founder and chief technology officer of US Ignite, added, “Civic trust cannot be bought, but this course set up smart city leaders to foster it from their community and partners. As a high-tech nonprofit dedicated to supporting communities in smart city initiatives, we are excited to help broaden the skills of leaders in those communities.” 

"Syracuse is an emerging innovation hub with cutting edge work being done both by the City of Syracuse and Syracuse University," said Austin Zwick, assistant teaching professor in policy studies at the Maxwell School and senior research associate in the Autonomous Systems Policy Institute. "This one-of-a-kind professional education program allows us to showcase the transformational work being done here while demonstrating why Maxwell continues to be the top school in public affairs in the nation."

To learn more about Syracuse University’s Maxwell School and other professional courses visit the Maxwell School Executive Education website.