Denise Golding McKenzie

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT DENISE GOLDING MCKENZIE

As a consultant, advisor and public speaker, I work at the intersection of digital governance and global tech policy for the public good. My passion for equitable access and ethical use of data drives my work in data ethics, governance, and sustainability. Over the past 25 years, I have held leadership roles internationally across government and nonprofits, co-hosted the Geomob Podcast, and co-authored the Locus Charter—10 principles for ethical location data use. I am a member of the Space Advisory Board for OpenUK, Supporter of the Reseau Network, the former Chair of the Association for Geographic Information (AGI), advocate of Women+ In Geospatial Network, and have led award-winning public-private partnership technology projects. I am a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and Royal Society of Arts, with a BA in Public Policy, an MSc in Sustainability, and am an ODI certified Data Ethics Professional.I advance ethical data use as Managing Partner of PLACE Trust and previously co-directed the Benchmark Initiative—Ordnance Survey\'s Geovation accelerator which resulted in the publishing of the Locus CharterMy career includes leading award-winning projects with the Victorian State Government and Open Geospatial Consortium, focusing on technology for public good, such as the UN-GGIM Geospatial Standards Guides. I have been at the forefront of digital innovation, from webservices to mobile, space, AI, and machine learning.Despite rapid technological progress, many lack equal access to digital benefits. At PLACE and elsewhere, I work to change this by partnering with governments, communities, and the tech sector. Key considerations include privacy, data security, and surveillance, which require regulation and oversight.It is an honour to be recognised as an international Thought Leader and Subject Matter Expert, and I look forward to continuing this work.