Vivek Kundra, a veteran of several government technology posts with a bent toward privacy and security, has been tapped by President Barack Obama to lead the nation’s expansion of high-tech development and services.
Kundra, who most recently served as the chief technology officer for Washington, D.C., will direct the policy and strategic planning for the White House’s IT efforts.
In a written statement, Obama praised Kundra’s “depth of experience” and commitment to cost concerns. “As chief information officer, he will play a key role in making sure our government is running in the most secure, open and efficient way possible,” he said.
Kundra has been recognized as one of the top CIO’s in the country and in 2008 earned IT Executive of the Year. Before coming to Washington, he served as the assistant secretary of commerce and technology for Virginia, a cabinet position under Gov. Timothy Kaine.
