Vivek Kundra, CIO of the United States, is responsible for paring down government operations by way of a sound IT schema. Previously named Government Technology magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers, he believes in the ideal of open government and the wise use of tech in government. Vivek Kundra was part of President Obama’s transition team and he worked on tech policy for the administration.

Vivek Kundra reaches to adopt new ways of doing things, when those new ways lead to efficiency of operations. In his role as CIO, his job is to ensure the Federal government spends wisely concerning technology. This doesn’t mean forgoing new innovative ways of using technology. He began experimenting with new platforms for making city services run better upon taking over the District of Columbia’s technology operations in late 2007. He adopted the use of popular Web sites including YouTube, Wikipedia, and Twitter. He believes that taking advantage of newer technologies is a major step in helping government run better.

Expensive technology contracts that do not bring about significant ROI are an area where Vivek Kundra also thinks the Federal government can save money. To that end, he recently launched the Federal IT Dashboard. He is also working to ensure the government is serious and tough on contractors that do not deliver. His ultimate end result is to gain consultants and contractors that are adding value to the Federal government so the government can serve the country better. Born in Delhi, India, and raised in Tanzania, Vivek Kundra has a versatile educational and work background. He is applying his knowledge and expertise in Information Technology to achieve these aforementioned goals.

Vivek Kundra has an Information Technology vision for America that calls for streamlining government operations via new technologies. His prior 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 effectively, he is focusing his creative energies on a technology strategy that encompasses innovation, transparency, and accountability.