The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Chief Information Officer Nitin Pradhan has been selected as a 2011 Premier 100 IT Leaders honoree for his exceptional technology leadership, innovative solutions to business challenges and effectively managed IT strategies.
“The Premier 100 awards program honors an elite group of IT executives," said Scot Finnie, editor in chief of Computerworld. "In the face of the past few years of economic turmoil that for many meant budget cuts and staff downsizing, these 100 men and women continued to innovate and deliver measurable business value. They begin 2011 recharged and ready, positioning their departments and their businesses for speed and growth. We’re pleased to honor the achievements of these 100 men and women who deliver strategic vision and seamless leadership through turbulent times.”
'People First'
Pradhan is being honored among public- and private-sector IT leaders for his focus on business value, innovation and agility, as well as his dedication to a “people first” philosophy. His office works with DOT administrators and agencies to implement innovative business systems that provide focused, measurable, short- and long-term value with ability for growth.
“The Office of the Chief Information Officer is a dynamic organization with a staff that goes out of its way to be creative, forward-thinking and efficient,” Pradhan said. “This reward reflects the determination and dedication of every employee and contractor who works to make the DOT a world-class IT organization.”
Background
Pradhan was sworn in on July 6th, 2009, as the Departmental Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as part of the Obama administration. He is the chief advisor to Secretary Ray LaHood relating to information technology. In his role as the Departmental CIO, Pradhan provides information technology vision, strategy, planning, policy and oversight for DOT’s more than $3.0 billion IT portfolio.
He is a business strategist, technology expert, coalition builder and change agent with more than 20 years of experience, including 11 years at the CXO level in government, startups, non-profits and private industry. Pradhan’s expertise is in targeting new opportunities to utilize technology as a solution; advising operational managers in launching and promoting knowledge-centric products and services; and defining fundamental organizational transformation integrating entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology, as well as institutional and partner knowledge. His current focus is on Enterprise 2.0-based communications, collaboration and community building, and information assurance, security and privacy. Nitin is also a strong proponent of building public-private partnerships.
Pradhan’s holds a BS degree in engineering and an MBA in marketing from India, as well as an MS in accounting from the Kogod College of Business at The American University in Washington, D.C. He lives with his wife, son and daughter in Northern Virginia.