A couple of recent actions he has taken are inline with this goal. Several weeks ago, he appointed a Chief Technology Officer and Chief Performance Officer to look at ways to cut costs, and made a request to all cabinet officers to find a way to eliminate $100 M from their budgets by finding new efficiencies.

As an Adobe Community Expert, one of my favorite cost-saving measures implemented by Obama, is the U.S. Department of State use of Adobe Connect Pro. Through Adobe Connect, this geographically dispersed organization can save a substantial amount in travel costs by meeting ‘virtually’ online.

High-profile users that I am aware of? Secretary of State Hillary Clinton used Connect Pro for her historic meeting with the European Parliament.

And most recently, President Obama himself has made his Connect Pro debut, presenting at a Town Hall meeting during a recent visit to Turkey.

The cool part? They’re not just using Connect Pro – their getting into it! Adobe Connect Pro allows for a wide range of customization in virtual ‘room-layouts’, graphics, and widgets. The Department of State has become a power-user in this area.

I’m happy to see the Obama Administration delivering on their promises of streamlining government, openness, transparency – and a commitment to using technology to achieve these goals.

This is the first time in my lifetime where it has felt like ‘we the people’ have been heard. We worked hard. We made a difference.

As most of you know, Becky and I produce a nationwide animation and motion graphics conference. It takes tons of work, and tons of our time. We just finished our second year a couple of weeks ago, and it was deemed a great success by attendees, speakers, and sponsors alike – and even by us As our attendees tell us ‘there’s nothing like it’.

Each time the conference comes to a conclusion – we are absolutely exhausted. All we want to do is kick back, take time off – and catch up on sleep!

But we also know, it is our passion and commitment to the event that makes it what it is. Sure – we can take some time off, but ultimately, we need to roll-up our sleeves and dig back in to ensure that next year’s event is equally as good.

While the comparison pales, I can’t help but draw an analogy. Many people have committed their time, energy, and talent to make the Obama campaign a success. Almost every friend I know, was involved in one way or another. It has been truly amazing.

Not unlike our conference, we can all take some time off now – and enjoy the celebration. But ultimately to ensure the ‘success’ of our country – and to support Obama as our new President, we must be ready roll-up our sleeves and dig in once again.

Let’s celebrate – but don’t forget your passion. Don’t forget your commitment.

Congratulations to Barack Hussein Obama – the 44th President of the United States.

I feel blessed that I have been able to experience this historical event my lifetime.