Matthew Montesano  

Connect with me about:

Data viz & comms
User research
Health communication
Web usability

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Senior Director of Data Communication
Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy
Division of Environmental Health
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

I lead teams that create digital products that communicate data in usable, engaging, and interesting ways. Based on 15+ years communicating public health data, I synthesize evidence-based data visualization techniques, web usability heuristics, user-centered design, and health communication theoretical models. I build ways for public health agencies to communicate their data - their knowledge - so that more people can understand and use it.

Current work

I manage the team that runs the NYC Environment and Health Data Portal. This site is unique among public sector (and public health) data websites: it combines exploratory products (visualizing datasets) with explanatory products (message-focused data stories and interactives), on a platform with a high level of usability.

In this role, I lead product development, strategy, user research, and design initiatives; I manage staff, budgets, and contractors; and I develop interactive data products.

I also lecture and consult/advise on data communication strategy and practices.

Experience & inspiration

I have done this work with federal, state, and city public health agencies, both as a civil servant, and in the private sector as a consultant/contractor.

Among the things that teach, inspire, and influence my work are: civic tech, service design, open source tech, accessibility/A11y, and data for justice ideas and practices.

My work is also informed by experience as a grantwriter, a community organizer, a musician, and an elite athlete.

Publications

Awards and honors