Vivek Kundra, the first-ever White House CIO, is stepping down after two and a half years to take a position at Harvard University.
If you'll remember, I took the opportunity to write him an open letter way back when. I don't know if he ever saw it, but it seems he moved in that general direction.
While I'm personally sad to see him go, I think he did many good things during his tenure. I followed him closely, and quickly became a fan of his priorities and personal style.
No CIO's job is easy. Doubly true for those in the public sector. And tackling the CIO challenge at a federal policy level -- well, that's downright herculean.
Thank you, Vivek, for what you did. We can only hope that those that follow were as visionary -- and as effective -- as you were.
I don't doubt his vision... but outside of vision, could you list 3 major accomplishments he achieved? End-to-end completed projects?
Posted by: Greg Knieriemen | June 17, 2011 at 12:58 PM
I think you're applying the wrong standard here, Greg.
The White House CIO isn't about getting projects done, if you think about it. It's about changing how the US government acquires and consumes IT. That, in turn, means changing policies and getting multiple entrenched organizations to start to do things differently.
His was an agenda of change. And, I've got to tell you, the discussion with various govt agencies has been very different as a result of his influence and impact.
-- Chuck
Posted by: Chuck Hollis | June 17, 2011 at 03:16 PM