Vivek Kundra, the first CIO of the United States, will be the keynote speaker at the 2012 ACORD LOMA Insurance Systems Forum. Kundra will open the conference and describe how the best defense is a good offense in overcoming technology challenges.

"Kundra's visionary thinking makes him an ideal speaker for the Insurance Systems Forum. In difficult economic times, business and technology are working hard to balance cost containment with innovation. His experience will be inspirational for attendees who are facing the same obstacles he did," said Beth Grossman, chief learning officer, ACORD. K

undra will share with the audience how leaders and organizations must adapt to transformation in a change-averse environment, embrace action-oriented methodologies, and make tough decisions to succeed in today's marketplace. Among the topics Kundra takes on will be: Balancing innovation and cost leadership—how do you measure project performance and allocate IT investments accordingly?; how countries can architect a better future through building blocks of innovative technologies; replacing subjective judgments about projects with objective, data-driven analytics; how to evaluate IT projects for rescoping and cancelation; the increasing importance of cybersecurity in protecting our nation's critical infrastructure; and how technology companies can disrupt the public sector market.

"The ability for business and technology to work together and solve problems is crucial today. As the first CIO of the United States, Kundra has faced such challenges and worked to bring about change. These experiences can help ACORD LOMA attendees achieve results within their own organizations," added Jeff Hasty, senior vice president, LOMA.

Among Kundra's many honors, he was selected by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader for his professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world. He was named Chief of the Year in 2009 by Information Week for driving unprecedented change in federal IT and is currently working with Harvard University, conducting research at both the Berkman Center for Internet & Society and the Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy.

The ACORD LOMA Insurance Systems Forum is scheduled May 15 to 17, 2012 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando.