Dr. Sameer Sharma is the Additional Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development and Mission Director of the Smart Cities Mission. He previously served as the Principal Secretary, Urban Development in Andhra Pradesh. Prior to that, he served as Municipal Commissioner of three cities - Hyderabad, Vizag and Vijayawada. Dr. Sharma recieved a Masters in Community Planning and has a Ph.D. in Urban Development, and has over 30 academic and research publications. He's recently authored a book on achieving excellence in Leadership, and has written extensively on urban planning. He has recieved numerous awards in the practice of urban development.