Megan Smith is an American engineer and technologist. After earning both a BS and MS in mechanical engineering from MIT, Smith worked at a variety of start-ups. In 1996 she joined Planet Out, an online LGBT media company, as COO and in 1998 became its Chief Executive Officer. In 2003, she joined Google, eventually becoming a vice president on the leadership team. Smith left Google in 2014 to become the third, and first woman, United States Chief Technology Officer under President Barack Obama. The initiatives she co-created included the Image of STEM campaign, to promote a more inclusive and diverse image of STEM fields, highlighting the contributions of women and minorities in technology and science. Today Smith is CEO and founder of shift7, and continues to be an active proponent of STEM education and innovation.
