In March 2009, Vivek Kundra became the first Federal CIO of the United States. He is the former Chief Technology Officer for the District of Columbia and former Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Technology for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Today, Vivek Kundra is utilizing his ample Information Technology know how to oversee technology investments made by the Federal government.

Vivek Kundra works to ensure other Chief Information Officers of Federal government sectors have agendas that promote open government while encouraging the advanced use of IT. His hope is to adopt technological advances to boost efficient government operations while making economical use of taxpayer money. He has attained recognition for his leadership in public safety communications, as well as cyber security and IT portfolio management. His know how includes technology and public policy expertise in the private sector and academia.

While serving the District of Columbia he executed diverse initiatives that saved residents tax dollars. One initiative was a transfer for D.C. employees to free Google platforms for e-mail, spreadsheets and PowerPoint. His first public move as part of the President’s administration was creating a new feature on USASpending.gov. It goes by the name “IT Dashboard.” This feature outlines U.S investments in IT and provides a timeline for project completion. He accomplished this project with New Media Director Macon Phillips.

Vivek Kundra has an IT vision for America that calls for streamlining government operations via new technologies. His previous experience at the District and State levels prepared him well for his role as the nation’s first CIO. Knowing he must supervise the government’s Information Technology budget efficaciously, he is focusing his creative energies on a technology strategy that embraces innovation, transparency, and accountability.