Making an entrance

If you’re late for a big event, you probably want to make your entrance as discreetly as possible. The likelihood of that actually happening when you’re a former federal chief technology officer, however, is low. 

The June 11 U.S.-India Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation was nearing its end when a familiar figure emerged through the doors, trying to sneak his way to the front row without drawing attention to himself. But no such luck.

“We just had one late addition; nice to see nothing changes! Aneesh Chopra, the former chief technology officer, just joined us,” Chris Vein, White House deputy chief technology officer, announced in jest as the latecomer flashed a sheepish smile and took his seat.

Chopra was appointed as the first federal CTO in 2009 and stayed for more than two years. The White House broke the news of his resignation in late January 2012, and a few weeks later came the announcement that he had joined the Advisory Board Co., a consulting firm focused on health care research.

During his White House tenure, Chopra led open government efforts and was involved with the creation of the Open Government Platform, which was unveiled at the June 11 event. The open source, so-called Data.gov-in-a-box, initiative strives to increase transparency and accountability, as well as provide citizens with one portal to government information.

Rumors have swirled that Chopra soon intends to announce a run for Virginia lieutenant governor, with one source saying that announcement will come after July 15.