Elaine Ho
Chief of Staff, U.S. Digital Service
Early in her career, a mentor told Elaine Ho that down the road she would be more disappointed by all the things she didn’t do than the things she did. Ho took this to heart, and her career now includes a leadership position at one of the government’s key innovation agencies. “Over the years, I’ve learned to really embrace stepping out of my comfort zone,” the chief of staff at the U.S. Digital Service told FedScoop. “If I hadn’t, I would have missed out on so many life experiences, like serving as a lawyer in the Air Force or stepping away from the traditional practice of law; becoming the deputy chief of staff of the IRS; working with Michelle Obama’s office; and landing here at the United States Digital Service. I’ve grown and learned so much about myself thanks to these experiences — and no disappointments yet!”