Ruthbea Yesner Clarke is research director of the global Smart Cities Strategies program at IDC. Ms. Clarke's research includes the Internet of Things, Big Data and Analytics, cloud computing, mobility and social media in public works, intelligent transportation systems, intelligent public safety, smart water and citizen engagement and Open Data initiatives. Ms. Clarke contributes to consulting engagements to support state and local governments' Smart City strategies and IT vendors overall Smart City market strategies. She is a frequent speaker and panelist at industry events. Ms. Clarke has had several roles at IDC over the past 12 years. Prior to IDC, Ms. Clarke worked as a product manager in internet start-ups in Silicon Valley. Ms. Clarke holds a BA from Wesleyan University, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Boston College with an MBA and MSW joint degree. On January 20th, 2016, Ms. Clarke was presented with the James Peacock 2015 Memorial Award for her contributions in regards to organizing, conducting, and communicating IDC research results to IDC clientele.