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Volpe Center Highlights - Summer 2005

Dr. Ashok Kaveeshwar: First RITA Administrator

Director's Notes | Dr. Kaveeshwar: First RITA Administrator | Focus | Safety
Mobility | Security | Contributions to TRB | Published and Presented

Dr. Ashok Kaveeshwar, Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the parent agency of the Volpe Center.

Dr. Ashok Kaveeshwar is the first administrator of the newly created Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the parent agency of the Volpe Center. RITA was created under the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act to more effectively coordinate and manage the U.S. DOT's research portfolio and to expedite the implementation of cross-modal, innovative technologies.

The U.S. Senate approved Dr. Kaveeshwar's nomination by President George W. Bush on June 30, and he was sworn in by Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta on July 11, 2005. "The goal in creating RITA is to have a focused research agency, which is part Silicon Valley entrepreneurial company and part university research lab. By forming innovative partnerships with transportation-related industries, government agencies, and other public and private stakeholders, RITA will be more effective in coordinating research to more efficiently address the transportation needs of the 21st century," said Secretary Mineta. "Dr. Kaveeshwar's diverse experience, from managing successful high-technology companies to performing cutting-edge scientific research, makes him uniquely suited to carry out this vision."

Dr. Kaveeshwar has 35 years of experience in high-technology companies providing research and technology development to a wide range of federal agencies. He most recently served as president of Orange Technologies, Inc., a small business that provides information technology to government and commercial customers. From 1998 to 2002, Dr. Kaveeshwar served as Senior Vice President of Raytheon Technical Services Company, where he was responsible for leading the Scientific and Technical Services Division with more than 4,000 employees worldwide.

Previously, Dr. Kaveeshwar served as President and CEO of Hughes STX Corporation, a subsidiary of Hughes Electronics Corporation, where he led the successful integration of an independent company into a large aerospace and defense corporation.

"I would like to thank President Bush for giving me this opportunity to serve as RITA's first administrator, and I am excited to be able to work with Secretary Mineta, the RITA team, and our partners throughout DOT to develop a focused research and technology agenda that will move our nation's transportation system forward in the 21st century," said Dr. Kaveeshwar. "I look forward to helping RITA live up to its mission of identifying and facilitating solutions to the challenges and opportunities facing America's transportation system."

"The Volpe Center is integral to achieving this mission," Dr. Kaveeshwar stated. "With extensive experience in research and analysis for all transportation modes, significant knowledge of advanced systems technology, and a thorough understanding of the social value and impact of transportation, the Center is a valuable member of the RITA team."

The Volpe Center stands ready to support Dr. Kaveeshwar as he leads RITA into a new era of transportation innovation.

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