Think it takes all sorts of wrangling with public affairs folks to connect with a senior government official? Not if you’re trying to talk to the federal CTO or CIO.
Addressing an audience at FedScoop’s June 20 U.S. Innovation Summit on how to unleash the power of digital government, federal CTO Todd Park and colleague federal CIO Steven VanRoekel urged citizens, feds and industry alike to reach out to them about data initiatives and ideas around innovation.
“If you’re a developer or know developers or people ... who have great ideas, not only let us know but start working with this stuff,” VanRoekel said. “Work with your favorite agencies on saying, ‘hey, if this data was unlocked, I can do this amazing thing.’ We want to hear about those things.”
VanRoekel urged people to tweet both him (@stevenvDC) and Park (@todd_park) to share ideas and insight.
Those who want to make a difference and help grow the U.S. economy as well as foster innovation should look at healthdata.gov and similar data initiatives “and come up with brilliant ideas” and then submit their prototypes and platforms for consideration to be exhibited at upcoming “datapaloozas,” Park said.
Park also welcomed constructive criticism around the different federal data initiatives, saying the only way to improve government information is to get feedback from users.
“You can actually both tweet us or, if you like, email me directly at tpark@ostp.eop.gov,” he said. “If you’ve heard me speak before, you know that I read my own email and [follow] protocol which is that if I don’t get back to you in 72 hours, please reply with ‘You idiot’ and I’ll search and reply.”
Posted by Camille Tuutti on Jun 20, 2012 at 6:59 PM0 comments
Management consulting firm Grant Thornton LLP has announced a new global public sector managing principal, effective Aug. 1.
Srikant Sastry was named to the senior position of the Alexandria, Va-based practice that provides financial, performance management and systems solutions to governments and international organizations. Sastry replaces Hank Steininger, who is stepping down after 18 years with the firm.
Sastry currently leads Grant Thornton’s GPS Advisory Service Line and was recently appointed chair of Grant Thornton International’s Public Sector Strategy Group. In his federal service that spans 25 years, Sastry led activity-based cost management, budget and performance improvement projects for departments including Energy, Commerce, Labor, Interior, Agriculture and Treasury.
Before joining Grant Thornton, Sastry served in leadership roles for government cost and performance management practices at IBM Business Consulting Services and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. His career began in budget formulation and cost management at the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Management and Budget, and the Internal Revenue Service.
“I am confident that Srikant is the right person to build on the significant foundation and legacy that has been developed under the leadership of Hank Steininger,” said Lou Grabowsky, Grant Thornton’s chief operating officer. “Srikant’s demonstrated leadership, including the expansion of our GPS Cost and Performance Management group, is sure to take the practice and our firm to new heights.”
Posted by FCW Staff on Jun 19, 2012 at 6:59 PM0 comments
Some of the Army's top officers in positions critical to defense IT will be changing offices -- and locations -- very soon.
In a June 15 release, the Defense Department announced that Maj. Gen. Jennifer L. Napper, currently commanding general at the Army Network Enterprise Technology Command in Ft. Huachuca, Ariz., has been assigned as director of plans and policy at U.S. Cyber Command in Ft. Meade, Md.
Replacing Napper at Ft. Huachuca will be Maj. Gen. Alan R. Lynn, currently the commanding general at the Signal Center of Excellence and Ft. Gordon in Ft. Gordon, Ga.
Lynn will be succeeded by Brig. Gen. Lawarren V. Patterson, who is set for promotion to the rank of major general. Prior to the promotion, Patterson has been the commanding general of the 7th Signal Command (Theater) at Ft. Gordon, Ga.
Brig. Gen. John B. Morrison Jr., who has most recently served as the Pentagon-based director of the Army's LandWarNet/Mission Command in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, has also been reassigned. The 2012 FCW Fed 100 winner, who's been promoted from colonel since the honors, is replacing Patterson as commanding general of the 7th Signal Command (Theater) at Ft. Gordon, Ga.
Posted on Jun 18, 2012 at 6:59 PM0 comments