Xavier specializes in large scale innovation, market growth, big data, digital product development, conceptual design, and service innovation and automation.  

He is currently a Senior Innovation Fellow for the office of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy where he leads workforce innovation and product development. 

Prior to joining Governor Murphy’s administration, Xavier Hughes was the 1st Chief Technology and Innovation Officer in ICMA’s history, where he helps create and support thriving communities throughout the world, including over 13,000+ members, 3,000+ City Managers, 1,000+ Assistant City Managers, 380+ County Managers and 190+ Assistant City Managers. 

From 2010 to 2016, Xavier served as the 1st Chief Innovation Officer in the history of the U.S. Government and Department of Labor, where he led the development of innovative business practices, performance and technology applications to improve outcomes and simplify operations. 

He is considered a leader in the area of open government and data liberation, having led the development and launch of several crowdsourcing data challenges covering worker safety and health, enforcement, labour statistics, disability employment, and equal pay. His ideas have revolutionised customer service strategies across the entire US Federal government.