Arlington, VA – 01/27/2012 – Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, issued the following statement regarding the announcement that Aneesh Chopra was stepping down as the federal government’s chief technology officer.

“Aneesh Chopra created an important and impressive legacy as the nation’s first chief technology officer. He moved the nation forward in the use of technology, encouraged and made progress in interagency coordination, and helped spread a culture of transformation through technology and innovation.

“More, Mr. Chopra was a favorite participant at our own CEA events, to both our staff and our guests. He was passionate, exuberant, knowledgeable and a great representative of excellence in government. We will miss working with Mr. Chopra and wish him well in his next endeavor.”