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    Ex-Pixar executive to head federal tech innovation service 

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments1316 Views
    In this March 25, 2001, file photo, Rob Cook poses backstage with Loren Carpenter, not seen, with his Oscar for significant advancements to the field of motion picture rendering as exemplified in Pixar's "Renderman," at the 73rd annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

    By Tami Abdollah

    WASHINGTON (AP) --

    A former Pixar executive who won the first ever Oscar for software is taking over a U.S. government agency responsible for improving federal digital technology.

    Rob Cook, whose credits include "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2," will become commissioner of the Technology Transformation Service on Oct. 31. He will have top secret security clearance.

    Cook is credited with advancements in software-driven animation. He said in a statement that the U.S. needs first-rate technology expertise, effective relationships with industry and partnerships throughout government. He declined, through a spokesman, to speak to The Associated Press. Cook's appointment was for three years. He has been a Democratic donor to the campaigns of President Barack Obama and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

    The Technology Transformation Service is part of the U.S. General Services Administration. It was created in April to "transform the way government builds, buys and shares technology." It includes "18F," a Silicon Valley-style startup for government digital projects that was the subject of a highly critical review by the agency's inspector general over its financial losses of $32 million and lack of viable financial planning, among other issues.

    Cook will also oversee investments, acquisitions and the presidential innovation fellows program, among other offices.

    Cook joined Pixar in 1981 when it was part of Lucasfilm and was the primary author of Pixar's RenderMan software, which creates photo-realistic computer images for animation, effects and design. It has been used in 19 of the last 20 films to win Oscars for visual effects. Cook later started a digital imaging company and headed a software company he sold to Microsoft, before returning to Pixar as vice president of software development. Since 2012, he has been a business consultant to prominent Silicon Valley companies.

    "Rob's renowned experience, both as a software developer and in cultivating innovative teams throughout his career, are incredible additions to our long-term goal of enhancing the way government uses technology to deliver world-class services for citizens," Tony Scott, the U.S. chief information officer, said in a statement.

    Cook won an Oscar in 2001 for software and in 2009 an award for a lifetime of contributions to computer graphics from a computer professionals group.

    Cook's job pays between $123,175 and $185,100.

    Tags:PiarRob CookTechnology Transformation Service



    Trump taps “Apprentice” producer, Mark Burnett, as special envoy to the U.K.

    Saturday, December 21, 2024
    Television producer Mark Burnett, left, looks on as President Donald Trump arrives for the National Prayer Breakfast, Feb. 2, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

    Mark Burnett, the power producer who helped reintroduce Donald Trump to a national television audience with "The Apprentice," is being tapped by the president-elect as special envoy to the United Kingdom in his upcoming administration.

    "With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role," Trump announced Saturday.

    Burnett, who was born in London, helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired on NBC in 2004.

    Trump had been well-known in real estate and pop culture circles for decades. But the show helped again make him a household name — though Trump severed ties with NBC in 2015, the same year he launched his first White House run.

    The selection of Burnett continues Trump's trend of filling out his incoming administration with people who have high-profile backgrounds in television or politics, or both — including his choice to be defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, a former co-host of "Fox & Friends Weekend," and ex-television doctor and unsuccessful Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, Mehmet Oz.

    Trump's first campaign in 2016 was rocked by allegations about his conduct on "The Apprentice" and other appearances during his association with NBC, notably in footage in which he said he could sexually assault women and get away with it because he was a "star."

    Almost a decade after he left his reality TV role, Trump's television career remains central to his biography and political rise. The show presented Trump Tower to tens of millions of people as a symbol of power and success before Trump launched his first... Read More

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