Baron Rodriguez

Overview

Baron Rodriguez (he/him) is a nationally recognized expert in the fields of data integration, privacy, security, and data governance, particularly within the context of collaborative research involving multiple agencies. His expertise is sought after by public organizations, for whom he provides guidance on creating, designing, and safeguarding their data infrastructures, as well as maintaining the confidentiality of the information they handle. Additionally, Rodriguez plays a pivotal role in supporting policymakers, researchers, and leading figures by helping them utilize data effectively to advance state-level policy goals. 

Rodriguez is in charge of managing the technology that interacts directly with clients, as well as overseeing artificial intelligence initiatives and ensuring compliance with data security and privacy standards at WestEd. He recently spearheaded the creation of a cutting-edge, national support hub known as the Data Integration Support Center (DISC). DISC offers a range of services to public agencies, including legal advice, technical support, and guidance on privacy and security matters. The center’s work is instrumental in helping these agencies use data effectively to achieve policy goals related to fairness, education, workforce preparation, and social welfare programs. 

Rodriguez has played a key role in aiding public agencies to navigate the complex landscape of regulations, privacy, and security issues, as well as the technical aspects of combining different data sources. He established the Privacy Technical Assistance Center under the U.S. Department of Education, a resource that has delivered expert guidance on privacy and security matters to all states and territories across the United States. Rodriguez brings a wealth of experience from holding data-focused leadership roles in both the nonprofit sector and state government, particularly in areas concerning education and criminal justice. He is dedicated to the ethical use of high-quality data, emphasizing security, transparency, and fairness, with the goal of enhancing the well-being of all individuals. 

Education

• Certified Information Privacy Professional (E), International Association of Privacy Professionals
• MBA, business administration, George Fox University
• BS, management & communications, Corbin College

Select Publications

Rodriguez, B., Cottrell, S., & Tiderman, L. (2023). Adding a privacy focus to security reviews for integrated data systems. WestEd, Data Integration Support Center. https://disc.wested.org/resource/adding-a-privacy-focus-to-security-reviews-for-integrated-data-systems/  

McWilliams, M., Booth, K., & Rodriguez, B. (2022). Using a legal framework approach for integrated data systems. WestEd, Data Integration Support Center. https://disc.wested.org/resource/using-a-legal-framework-approach-for-integrated-data-systems/  

Rodriguez, B. (2017). Preparing for an SLDS security audit. Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/slds/publications.asp  

Rodriguez, B. (2017). Securing data systems. Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/slds/publications.asp  

Rodriguez, B. (2016). Strategies for handling system “opt-outs.” Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/slds/publications.asp  

Rodriguez, B. (2015). Data systems vendor management. Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/slds/publications.asp