Vivek Kundra

Vivek Kundra is dedicated to projects that strive to revamp technology in Washington's schools, police cars, jails and health clinics. As Chief Technology Officer of his district, he begins most of his days questioning employees about the department's progress. Vivek Kundra thoroughly examines documentation in order to establish how money is being distributed. He is responsible for deciding if this money is being used wisely, or if it could be used in a more beneficial manner.

Vivek Kundra believes that citizens are "co-creators rather than subjects", and has received admiration for taking an unconventional approach to government. His approach could serve as a model for how a federal chief technology officer might operate. In an effort to give District residents access to city data such as crime reports and pothole repair schedules, he launched a contest called "Apps for Democracy" to encourage developers to create applications for the Web and cellphones. He estimates that $2.6 million was saved over what it would have cost to hire contract developers. His ideas for practical use of taxpayer money will continue to benefit us all.