Privacy, Security, & Governance
Role in DISC
Sean is the Director at the Data Integration Support Center, providing strategic oversight and administrative functions. Along with serving as a senior subject matter expert on privacy law and governance, Sean also serves as partnership director by seeking opportunities to align and support similar efforts to advance the development of integrated data systems.
State Experience
As the former data governance coordinator and privacy officer for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Sean provided leadership to the agency in establishing formal data governance structure and policies along with planning and implementing privacy and governance supports for the Wisconsin Information System for Education. Sean also spearheaded developing resources for districts in the state to use when accessing student data through the new state supported data system.
Experience with Integrated Data systems
Sean’s experience in Wisconsin with the P20W+ and early childhood integrated data system initiatives, provided a unique opportunity for him to focus on data governance and privacy in integrated data systems, that knowledge led him on his path to the NCES SLDS State Support Team and Privacy Technical Assistance Center at the U.S. Department of Education. Sean provided technical assistance and expert guidance and consultation to states and territories across the country in planning and expanding their integrated data systems.
Experience by Focus Area
Privacy & Governance
Sean has served as a national technical assistance provider to integrated data systems for over 5 years. Sean is a national expert on student privacy in an integrated data environment, and has consulted with over 35 states and territories on their SLDS programs.
Legislative Analysis
While serving in the state of Wisconsin, Sean had the opportunity to testify to a state legislative study committee on student privacy. Sean provided analysis of Wisconsin student privacy laws, and their implementation at WI DPI during his testimony. Sean has also support state legislative efforts across the country impacting student privacy and the use of longitudinal data.
System Security
Sean’s background from his early years has always included a focus on data security. Whether securely capturing and transmitting biometric records for federal agencies, or connecting disparate data sets in a state trying to get a better understanding of the outcomes for students, Sean advocates for understanding and applying a balance between data usability and security.
