Bharti Sharma / LinkedIn/ Bharti Sharma

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani on June 30 appointed Indian American healthcare executive Bharti Sharma as executive director of the Center for Innovation through Data Intelligence (CIDI).

Sharma joins CIDI from NYC Health and Hospitals, where she most recently served as senior director of Data and AI Strategic Enablement and Operations. 

Also Read: Sunit patel joins Rice University trustees’ board

She previously held leadership roles in data analytics and information services at the nation's largest municipal health system, helping lead the city's data-driven response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Bharti Sharma has dedicated her career to using data as a tool to improve people's lives," Mamdani said in a statement. "Whether leading our city's public health response during the global COVID-19 pandemic or building systems to make government more effective, she has shown how responsible, creative use of data can help solve our city's most pressing issues. Her leadership will help City government deliver better services and real results that New Yorkers deserve."

Founded in 2011, CIDI conducts interagency research to identify gaps in city services and improve outcomes for New Yorkers. The center works across Health and Human Services agencies and other city partners to use data, research and collaboration to inform policy and strengthen service delivery.

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Helen Arteaga said Sharma's experience would strengthen the city's efforts to coordinate health and social service programs.

"Bharti Sharma brings unmatched experience and expertise that will be invaluable as we coordinate comprehensive, citywide solutions for health and social services," Arteaga said. "I am confident that she will be an exceptional leader as we work to provide solutions for all New Yorkers."

Accepting the appointment, Sharma said she was committed to using data to improve outcomes for city residents.

"It is an honor to serve the people of New York City in this role," Sharma said. "CIDI sits at an extraordinary intersection where government, data, and human impact converge and that is precisely where I want to be. I've spent my career inside public health systems, seeing firsthand how the right data – or the absence of it – shapes outcomes for real people. I come ready to listen, to build, and to ensure that the work we do here delivers for every New Yorker."

At NYC Health and Hospitals, Sharma designed and led the systemwide COVID-19 Intelligence Hub, providing real-time operational data on ICU capacity, emergency department throughput, bed availability, ventilator supply and surge planning during the pandemic. She also led the development of the city's COVID-19 testing and vaccination wait-time dashboards.

Following the pandemic, Sharma launched the Data Champion Program, which expanded to more than 300 participants across hospitals, ambulatory sites and central offices. She also established the Data Academy, which has trained more than 500 staff members. 

According to the mayor’s office, the initiatives generated an estimated $4.75 million to $5.5 million in annual cost avoidance while helping establish NYC Health and Hospitals' enterprise data governance framework.

Laura Iavicoli, chief medical officer at NYC Health and Hospitals/Elmhurst, said Sharma's leadership during the pandemic demonstrated her ability to combine data analysis with public service.

"I witnessed firsthand how her leadership, innovation, and relentless focus on data-driven decision-making helped guide our health system through an extraordinarily difficult time," Iavicoli said. "She has a rare ability to connect data, strategy, and human impact, and I can think of few people better suited to help shape policies and decisions that improve the lives of New Yorkers."

Divya Pathak, chief AI officer at Regeneron, described Sharma as "a new generation of data and AI leaders," adding that her work had shown how large public-sector healthcare systems can scale data intelligence while maintaining strong governance.

Before joining NYC Health and Hospitals, Sharma held roles at UnitedHealth Group, Northwell Health and St. John's Episcopal Hospital. 

She holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, a Master of Health Administration from Hofstra University and a Master of Science in Information Systems Engineering and Management from Harrisburg University.

Discover more at New India Abroad.