Chamber News

Aneesh Chopra Named as Technology Director by President Obama

On Saturday, during his weekly address, President Obama named Virginia’s Secretary of Technology, Aneesh Chopra, as the nation’s Chief Technology Officer.

In his address, President Obama said that as CTO, Chopra would be tasked with promoting technical innovation, leading to job creation as well as using IT to lower the cost of healthcare. Finally, Obama made mention of the final task for Chopra, helping to oversee the security of the homeland. However, no mention was made as to what security initiatives Chopra would undertake first. Chopra previously worked as managing director with the Advisory Board Company, leading the firm’s Financial Leadership Council and the Working Council for Health Plan Executives. He has the management skills for the job -- that much is certain. However, politics in Virginia are completely different when compared to Washington D.C., but some experts are happy to see him handed the job. "Aneesh Chopra is a fantastic pick, he is a visionary and a great communicator. If I was looking for one person to bring change, and create energy he's the pick," said Mark Rutledge, director at McAfee's public sector business and former CIO for the state of Kentucky. "In this role, Aneesh will promote technological innovation to help achieve our most urgent priorities – from creating jobs and reducing health care costs to keeping our nation secure," said Obama when announcing the appointment during his national radio address. Along with the appointment of Chopra as CTO, President Obama also announced that Jeffrey Zients will serve as Chief Performance Officer to the administration. "Jeff will lead the President’s efforts on contracting and procurement reform, improve government productivity by helping to root out error and waste, build a performance agenda across government, and enhance the transparency of the government’s finances so that citizens are empowered to hold us all accountable for improved stewardship and performance," outlined Peter R. Orszag, OMB Director. "He will work closely with the also just-announced Chief Technology Officer, Aneesh Chopra, and the Federal Chief Information Officer, Vivek Kundra," Orszag added. On Wednesday, March 25 Mr. Chopra visited Patrick County High School.