Severino Neto works at the intersection of strategy, public innovation, data, and institutional engagement, with more than 10 years of experience across local government, communications, and stakeholder-facing roles. In his current role as Associate Director, Strategy & Growth at What Works Cities, he leads efforts related to growth strategy, outreach planning, strategic partnerships, and market-informed engagement models that help expand cities’ pathways into deeper participation and certification journey.

His previous experience includes serving as Secretary of Transparency and Open Data, Secretary of Communications, and Special Advisor to the Mayor’s Office in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil. There, he led work related to open government, data strategy, evaluation, public communication, and institutional positioning. He also brings experience from strategic consulting, along with postgraduate degrees in Business Intelligence & Analytics, Managing & Leadership, and political communication, which inform his approach to growth, partnerships, and regional strategy.