Vivek Kundra the First Federal Chief Information Officer of the United States
Sunday, January 31st, 2010Vivek Kundra, Chief Information Officer of the United States, is responsible for streamlining government operations by way of a sound Information Technology schema. Previously referred to as Government Technology magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers, he believes in the ideal of open government and the wise use of technology in government. Vivek Kundra was part of President Obama’s transition team and he worked on tech policy for the Presidential team.
Vivek Kundra has a vision for the Federal government and IT. He strives to make government information readily obtainable to U.S citizens as part of the government’s Transparency policy. This includes data that is not private or restricted for national security purposes. He also works to make sure the government does not overspend on technology and that technology employed makes different government agencies run expeditiously. His prior expertise as CTO for the District of Columbia positioned Vivek Kundra well for his current role.
While serving Washington, D.C. he fulfilled diverse initiatives that saved residents tax dollars. One project was a shift for District employees to free Google platforms for e-mail, spreadsheets and PowerPoint. His first public move as part of the President’s administration was developing a new feature on USASpending.gov. It goes by the name “IT Dashboard.” This feature outlines United States investments in the tech sector and provides a timeline for project completion. He accomplished this project with New Media Director Macon Phillips.
Vivek Kundra has an IT view for America that requires streamlining government operations via new technologies. His past experience at the District and State levels prepared him well for his role as the nation’s first CIO. Knowing he must manage the government’s IT budget efficaciously, he is focusing his creative energies on a technology strategy that encompasses innovation, transparency, and accountability.