Kara Swisher Ex-wife: Who Is Megan Smith?

Kara Swisher's ex-wife is Megan Smith, a prominent tech executive, engineer, and the former United States Chief Technology Officer. While Swisher is famous for her sharp-tongued tech reporting, podcasting, and media commentary, her first major marriage was to Smith, a union that shaped a significant chapter of Silicon Valley history before they separated.

Understanding who Megan Smith is, how their relationship unfolded, and where their lives went afterward reveals a compelling story behind the headlines. They built a family together, navigated demanding high-tech careers, and eventually transitioned into new chapters of their lives, with Swisher later marrying journalist Amanda Katz.

Who Is Megan Smith?

Megan Smith is far more than just a footnote in media gossip. Born in 1964, Smith is an acclaimed engineer and internet executive who has spent decades shaping technology. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she also worked on the MIT student satellite team.

Her professional resume includes high-profile leadership roles:

• Planet Out: She served as CEO of the early online LGBTQ+ community and media company.
• Google: Smith spent over a decade as a Vice President at Google, leading new business development and managing early acquisitions like Earth, Picasa, and Keyhole.
• White House: President Barack Obama appointed her as the third Chief Technology Officer of the United States, a role she held from 2014 to 2017.
• Shift7: She co-founded Shift7, an initiative focused on tech-driven solutions for systemic social challenges.

Marriage and Life Together

Kara Swisher and Megan Smith married in 1999, during a time when same-sex marriage lacked federal recognition and public visibility was vastly different for prominent tech and media figures. During their marriage, they had two sons, Louis and Alexander.

As a power couple in the tech sector during the dot-com boom and the rise of social media, they balanced high-stress careers while raising a family in the San Francisco Bay Area. Swisher was busy building her reputation as the fierce tech reporter behind All Things Digital and Recode, while Smith managed major technical teams at Google and tech startups.

Separation and Divorce

After 15 years together, Swisher and Smith separated in 2014. Their divorce was finalized around 2017. Despite the personal transition, both maintained their commitment to co-parenting their sons and continuing their respective leadership roles in public life.

Breakups in the public eye are rarely easy, but both handled the split with professional discretion. They pivoted focus to their children and their demanding careers, avoiding messy public spats.

Life After Divorce: Where Are They Now?

Both women moved forward into new personal and professional milestones following their divorce.

• Megan Smith continued her advocacy for diversity in STEM fields, leading national technological initiatives and advising organizations on innovation.
• Kara Swisher remained a powerhouse in tech journalism, launching hit podcasts like Pivot and On with Kara Swisher. In October 2020, Swisher married journalist and editor Amanda Katz, with whom she shares two additional children, expanding their blended family.

Frequently Asked Questions

When were Kara Swisher and Megan Smith married?

They tied the knot in 1999 and remained together for 15 years before separating in 2014. Their divorce was finalized by 2017.

Do Kara Swisher and Megan Smith have children?

Yes, they share two sons, Louis and Alexander.

What is Megan Smith's background?

Smith is a mechanical engineer and tech executive who served as the U.S. Chief Technology Officer under the Obama administration and held key leadership roles at Google.

Who is Kara Swisher currently married to?

Swisher married journalist Amanda Katz in October 2020.