John Tolva

President at PostivEnergy Practice

John Tolva is the president of PositivEnergy Practice, an urban systems engineering firm based on data-driven decision-making for sustainable new building design, retrofits, and urban master planning. 

John’s career has focused on developing and applying technology to improve the urban environment. From 2011 to 2013 he was Chief Technology Officer for the City of Chicago, leveraging technology to streamline public services through more efficient data-sharing, digital communications, and next-generation infrastructure. Prior to joining the City, he was Director of Citizenship and Technology at IBM Corp

In 2012, the White House recognized Tolva as a ‘Champion of Change,' and in 2006, he was honored as Crain's ’40 Under 40.'