Tag Archives: Steven VanRoekel

Picking Up the Open-Gov Torch

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From time to time GovEvents will come across information we feel our members and audience would benefit from. Here's something we wanted to share:

Originally posted on FCW

In September, the White House announced a series of new initiatives as part of its second Open Government National Action Plan. Among them was a commitment to developing and implementing a governmentwide open-source software policy by the end of 2015.

But two of the leaders of that initiative -- Todd Park and Steven VanRoekel -- left the White House toward the end of the summer, raising questions about whether the program will stay on track.

Former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Park and former U.S. CIO VanRoekel were in their respective positions for more than two years and played a role in the launch of the Digital Government Strategy, the Presidential Innovation Fellows program and the U.S. Digital Service. They also had a hand in writing the second open-government plan, which set a Dec. 31, 2015, target for developing an open-source software policy that, with the Digital Services Playbook, "will support improved access to custom software code developed for the federal government." Continue reading →

FOSE 2013–Experience Technology: See it. Hear it. Try it. Know it.

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The second day at FOSE, held in Washington, D.C., highlighted new technologies and solution-based strategies organizations are using to provide more efficient and less costly ways of doing business.

The morning opened with a keynote address by former Washington Redskins Quarterback, Joe Theismann, who in his charismatic and entertaining style, drew parallels between his career as an NFL quarterback, and the necessity for good management and effective leadership for organizations to be successful.  Theismann noted that effective leadership is all about 'people'. Whether it's an employee or a teammate, listening, trusting, and empowering your team to be responsible for company goals is key for outstanding performance.

Steven VanRoekel, second Chief Information Officer of the United States, drew a large crowd at the afternoon keynote session. His prior positions included Executive Director of Citizen and Organizational Engagement at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Managing Director of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Speech and Strategy Assistant to Bill Gates at Microsoft, and Senior Director of the Windows Server division. VanRoekel touched on operational, technical, financial, and human resource aspects, as well as introducing and using new technologies and social media to pioneer new solutions needed in agencies and organizations today.

Beyond the keynote speakers and educational sessions was the exhibit floor, where attendees could interact and discuss products, services and ideas with organizations offering solutions. Many attendees participated in a Passport Giveaway, which required them to receive stamps from select exhibitors, and upon completion they were placed in a drawing for an iPad. As evidenced at the GovEvents booth, the Passport Giveaway's popularity increased on day two, especially for those who had not won a prize the first day.

To access the full program agenda and find out about FOSE 2014, visit www.fose.com.

Federal CIO Steven VanRoekel Confirmed as Keynote for FOSE 2013

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Presentation to Address the Fiscal 2014 Budget and Beyond

Vienna, Va- FOSE 2013 has announced that Federal Chief Information Officer (CIO) Steven VanRoekel will deliver the featured keynote at this year's event.  The second CIO of the United States, appointed by President Obama on August 5, 2011, Mr. VanRoekel will provide insight on the fiscal 2014 budget and beyond.  FOSE 2013 will take place May 14-16 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

"We're honored to have Mr. VanRoekel as a keynote speaker at FOSE," said Mike Eason, Vice President, Public Sector Events, 1105 Media, Inc.  "His expertise and position in the market will provide attendees with a comprehensive view of the upcoming budget and its impact on new technologies and IT as a shared service in today's environment.  He'll be supported by our entire lineup of high quality keynote speakers that will set the tone for the conference and provide a variety of new views on timely issues surrounding government technology."

Prior to his position in the White House, Mr. VanRoekel held two positions in the Obama Administration: Executive Director of Citizen and Organizational Engagement at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Managing Director of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  At the FCC, Mr. VanRoekel oversaw all operational, technical, financial and human resource aspects of the agency.  He also led the FCC's efforts to introduce new technology and social media into the agency.

FOSE 2013 will feature a total of six keynote presentations focusing on various topics surrounding government technology, from effective leadership to the changing role of security in today's global world.   FOSE 2013 keynote presentations will feature fist-hand accounts from government technology leaders as well as bestselling author, Daniel Burrus, who will look at the concept of using trends to anticipate the evolution of technologies.  Other keynote presenters and associated topics include:

  • General Stan McChrystal, Former Commander of the U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan - "The State of International Affairs and the Security Challenges Facing America"
  • Senator Tom Carper, U.S. Senator for Delaware - "Congressional Oversight and IT Reform Initiatives: Actions That Will Affect You"
  • Jan Frye, DEP Assistant Secretary, Office of Acquisition and Logistics, Department of Veterans Affairs; Craig Killough, Vice President of Organization Markets, Project Management Institute; and Emily Murphy, Senior Counsel for the House Small Business Committee - "Doing More with Less: Efficient Government Through Project Management"
  • Joe Theismann, Former Washington Redskins Quarterback - "Managing to Win!"

All conference keynotes, tracks and education sessions are free to government attendees.

For more information and to keep up-to-date on the full program agenda, visit www.fose.com.  To see how FOSE addresses the technology road ahead, view the FOSE 2013 infographic at www.fose.com/techtrends.

About FOSE

FOSE, produced by 1105 Media's Government Events Group, is the premier government technology event that brings together federal, state, local and private sector partners to share the latest innovations and best practices in technology implementation.  Focusing on policy, technology and management, FOSE 2013 covers Cybersecurity, Cloud and Virtualization, Mobile Government, Big Data and Business Intelligence as well as Records and Information Management and Project Management.  FOSE 2013 will be held May 14-16 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.   www.fose.com

Media Contact:                                
Lori Ertel
ConnellyWorks, Inc.
571-323-2585 ext. 2250
fose@connellyworks.com