Aneesh Chopra

Federal Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra is stepping down from his post, the White House announced Friday.

A White House official told Federal News Radio that Chopra’s last day will be Feb. 8, but the official did not indicate Chopra’s future plans.

FedScoop first reported Chopra’s departure and reports that some have speculated he will run for political office or that he will join a technology company, where he would lead the company’s Washington offices.

Chopra has served as federal CTO since May 22, 2009. During his tenure, he has been a proponent of open government. Prior to joining the White House, Chopra served as Virginia’s secretary of technology beginning in January 2006.

FedScoop reports potential replacements include:

• Peter Levin, CTO for the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Todd Park, CTO for the Department of Health and Human Services
• Richard Spires, chief information officer for the Department of Homeland Security