GovCast

Government agencies collect vast amounts of data, but accessing and using that data effectively has long been a challenge. Ahu Yildirmaz and the team at the Coleridge Initiative are working to change that. By providing secure data-sharing platforms, advanced analytics training and tools for cross-agency collaboration, the organization is helping policymakers make more informed decisions. The Coleridge Initiative is addressing common obstacles like data silos, privacy concerns and limited technical resources. Yildirmaz also discusses the broader implications of modernizing government data, how better access and analysis can shape policy, improve public service and create a more transparent and efficient government.

Defense Information Systems Agency networks are leveraging AI and sensors to boost real-time monitoring and synthetic traffic, as well as improve user experience and incident resolution. At AFCEA TechNet 2025 in Baltimore, DISA J6 Global Services Directorate Vice Director Brig. Gen. Michael Cornell discussed the impact of emerging technology on data tagging, diagnostics and interoperability of DOD systems. Ahead of his June retirement, Cornell also reflected on his proudest moments in of his decades-long career in uniform, particularly working alongside dedicated service members in operational environments.

Sean O'Lone, former senior assistant to the Department of Navy CIO and current CTO of SAIC's Navy Business Group, joined us at Nutanix .NEXT to discuss federal modernization efforts and the future of defense IT. O'Lone served in various positions across the Navy and Joint Staff before joining industry. He shared insights into key pilot programs that modernized endpoint IT capabilities for Navy personnel, including supporting the Navy's Flank Speed. He explored the persistent challenges of federal IT modernization, from navigating budget constraints to balancing security and innovation. O'Lone explained opportunities to reduce duplication in the software enterprise to drive cost and mission efficiency, and how industry can best support the Pentagon's digital transformation.

Col. Ret. Michael Medgyessy, former CIO at Air Force Intelligence, joined us at Nutanix .NEXT to reflect on his career and share forward-thinking strategies for modernizing defense infrastructure. Medgyessy offered a behind-the-scenes look at how Air Force Intelligence deployed Nutanix solutions to support distributed services, increase resilience and streamline operations. He highlighted the power of hyperconverged infrastructure and software-defined storage to enable seamless failover and continuity across missions. He also explored how modern IT environments are helping services break away from legacy, monolithic systems and provided advice to federal CIOs as they continue on their modernization journeys. He emphasized the importance of an “invisible” infrastructure for end users and reducing administrative overhead across classification levels through scalable platforms.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Navy have partnered to secure the seas NOAA's establishment in 1807. During Sea-Air-Space 2025, Rear Adm. Chad Cary, director of NOAA's Commissioned Officer Corps and the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, spoke to GovCIO Media & Research about NOAA's work integrating AI integration and autonomous systems into its operations, which he says have increased efficiency by 20 to 40% in data collection for research. Cary also says that NOAA is modernizing platforms and collaborating with academia and industry to leverage emerging technologies for better mission outcomes and marine domain awareness.

AI is reshaping the federal landscape, offering agencies a way to boost operational and cost efficiency and augment the workforce. However, speedy adoption remains a challenge. Lee Caswell, senior vice president of Product and Solutions Marketing at Nutanix, joined us at Nutanix .NEXT to explore how the latest policy directives are influencing innovation across government, the biggest barriers to tech adoption and what it takes to overcome them. He also discussed strategies for migrating to modern infrastructure, the importance of strong public-private partnerships and some of the most exciting federal tech use cases on the horizon.

When COVID-19 hit, Mike Taylor, hospital ship joint task director at the Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Navy, didn't just respond; he and his team innovated. At Nutanix .NEXT, Taylor joined us to discuss how he is leveraging telepresence technology and extending wireless networks to transform the way medical care is delivered, proving that technology isn't just a tool, it's a lifeline. From hyper-converged infrastructure to zero trust, Taylor is leading the charge in modernizing maritime medical operations. His approach isn't just about upgrading systems; it's about creating resilient, secure platforms that can serve humanity in the most challenging conditions. With an eye on emerging technologies like AI and a commitment to cautious implementation, he's showing how tech can be a powerful ally in humanitarian missions.

Young Bang, former principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, joined us at Nutanix .NEXT in Washington, D.C., to discuss the challenges and opportunities for Army innovation as new directives from the new administration shape the future of defense IT. From navigating outdated acquisition processes to transforming logistics with machine learning and integrating commercial AI into defense systems, Bang offered insights into how the Defense Department can modernize to keep pace with emerging technologies. He also highlighted standout programs driving innovation across the Pentagon and discusses the critical role of public-private partnerships in optimizing performance and driving operational efficiency in the digital age.

According to officials, the Defense Department's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program is a national secutity imperative to protect intellectual property and maintain an American competitive advantage in defense technology. At AFCEA TechNet 2025 in Baltimore, Katie Arrington, performing the duties of the DOD CIO, says CMMC needs to adapt dynamically to evolving cyber threats. With evolving tech like AI and quantum, acquisition rules need to adjust to evolving technologies while maintaining security standards. Arrington says that the Defense Department needs to continue to streamline cyber requirements through required standards, guidance and executive orders. She also discusses the need for a cultural shift towards continuous cybersecurity, the new Software Fast Track Initiative and baking cybersecurity into all DOD functions.

The Naval Research Laboratory's PROTEUS program is a cutting-edge maritime domain awareness system designed to provide near-real-time global maritime situational awareness for agencies and partners. The program integrates multi-source data ingestion and fusion services to identify, query and filter maritime vessels based on user-defined criteria. During Sea-Air-Space 2025, Alan Hope, head of the NRL's mission development branch, spoke to GovCIO Media & Research about how Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration and other agencies are using PROTEUS to fulfill their mission. Hope says that PROTEUS is crucial assist to human analysts at agencies, using AI to sift through vast datasets to highlight potential threats and anomalies, which allows experts to focus on validation and decision-making rather than raw data interpretation. Hope also talks about the PROTEUS user experience, highlighting the cloud-based, easily accessible workbench that provides real-time updates and historical data for in-depth analysis, fostering collaboration among users across different agencies and locations.

A recently published study by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) discovers a link between physical activity and cancer risk after gathering data from wrist sensors, which could help lead to major advances in cancer research. Alaina Shreves, predoctoral fellow at NCI's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, said the findings come from accelerometer-measured physical activity, which associated low-intensity exercise with up to a 26 percent decreased risk of certain cancers. Shreves highlighted the importance of wrist sensor data in cancer prevention. She also shared her excitement about a new project involving wearable technologies to determine how walking patterns impact cancer development.

Emerging tech policies focus on balancing technological advancement with governance, creating frameworks that encourage rapid innovation while maintaining critical safeguards for national security and public interest. President Donald Trump's recent AI guidance prioritizes American leadership in technological development, particularly in response to global competition from countries like China. Lisa Costa, former Space Force chief information and transformation officer, highlights the critical need for public-private partnerships in tech development. She discusses the pivotal role industry plays in helping government agencies adopt and implement AI technologies more effectively. AI is increasingly being integrated across sectors — from health care to cybersecurity — with an emphasis on creating trusted, secure and adaptable technological solutions. Agencies and industry are working together to reduce regulation and establish broad guidelines that foster innovation, protect sensitive information and position the United States as a global leader in AI.

The Coast Guard is pursuing artificial intelligence via data analytics to enhance its diverse missions, Deputy CIO and Chief Data and AI Officer Brian Campo told GovCIO Media & Research during Sea-Air-Space in National Harbor, Maryland. Campo said that the Coast Guard is learning lessons from other military branches and DHS components to adopt a "fast follower" approach to AI. Campo emphasized the synergy between his dual roles, allowing for a streamlined approach to implementing data-driven AI solutions. Despite budgetary constraints, the Coast Guard is using AI and automation to improve efficiencies. He also said that the service is focusing on using AI to simplify and make marine regulations more accessible to mariners and other in the maritime domain.

The National Cancer Institute is exploring a new new tech-based treatment to help patients overcome a severe breathing disorder caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. Leaders from the agency's Center for Cancer Research — Dr. Clint Allen, a senior investigator, and Dr. Scott Norberg, an associate research physician — join us to discuss the findings from their recent study on the Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis, which can cause damage to the vocal cords and block airways, making it hard to breathe. Allen and Norberg shared details about the therapy, which uses a gorilla adenovirus based-technology to target the infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's annual milestone updates in its public health data strategy include expanding TEFCA, enabling easier data access and analytics capabilities, and a new shared workspace with its partners. Dr. Jennifer Layden, director at CDC's Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance and Technology, detailed the latest in the agency's comprehensive data strategy and how advanced technologies are revolutionizing disease detection and community health protection. From wastewater surveillance to AI-powered data processing, the strategy's mission is to create a more responsive, interconnected public health system. Layden explored the critical challenges of data integration, highlighting how the CDC is developing an enterprise platform that enables faster, more accurate tracking of health threats. Layden also discussed the importance of interoperability between health care systems, the potential of AI in processing complex medical information and the practical ways these technological advances can help communities respond more effectively to emerging health challenges.

Editor's Note: Jacob Glassman's comments do not reflect the position of the Department of the Navy and are his own personal views. The Navy's Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) philosophy is designed to enable the service to quickly integrate and prototype emerging technology. As the services adopt MOSA and its service-specific variants, Glassman says the strategy will foster the interchange of systems, support emerging technologies adoption and spur modernization. MOSA 1.0 is the first iteration of the Navy's strategy. The Navy plans to solicit feedback from industry, academia and across the Defense Department as it updates its strategy on an annual basis, fully realizing its vision with its 3.0 plan, according to Glassman.

The latest iteration of the National Institutes of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) helps organizations strengthen their security posture and align their cybersecurity efforts with enterprise-wide risk management. NIST's Steven Quinn, the project lead for the Cybersecurity Framework, provides a comprehensive overview of the key updates and transformative features in the 2.0 version. At the center of the new framework is the introduction of the "govern" function, which empowers executives and risk management professionals to seamlessly integrate cybersecurity risk into their existing enterprise-level decision-making processes. By bridging the gap between technical security controls and business objectives, the framework enables organizations to make more informed, strategic investments in their cybersecurity programs. Additionally, the framework has been enhanced to address emerging technologies, such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence, ensuring an organization is prepared to navigate the evolving threat landscape.

Technology and modernized data systems are opening up new frontiers for health care clinicians, agencies and patients. Large volumes of data offer new perspectives and drive better health care outcomes. Federal leaders from Defense Healthcare Management Systems (DHMS), Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization (FEHRM) office and Maximus share best practices around integrating health data collection, security and analysis to create comprehensive records of patients. They provide insight on: -How federal agencies are working toward a unified health care records system through the implementation of emerging technology -Industry's role in providing solutions to federal agencies through public-private partnerships -Best practices for health data sharing and cybersecurity protocols

Former Energy Department CIO Ann Dunkin managed a $5 billion IT budget and a $1 billion high-performance computing budget during her tenure. With a new administration taking shape, she offered insights into some of President Donald Trump's new priorities and how they might impact the agency. She discussed the new AI executive order, the growing influence of global AI competition and the federal government's evolving strategies for cybersecurity and quantum advancements. She also highlighted ongoing challenges in recruiting top tech talent and streamlining acquisition processes. Hear Dunkin's take on the administration's priorities, the risks and rewards of AI deregulation, and what's next for federal IT modernization.

The newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is working to modernize government and combat waste, fraud and abuse. The Congressional DOGE Caucus co-chaired by Rep. Pete Sessions aims to bridge efforts between Congress and DOGE and examine the need for a comprehensive technology strategy to tackle inefficiencies within government. Rep. Sessions discussed how his caucus is working with DOGE staffers to tackle the waste in government operations at agencies like IRS and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Sessions broke down how his caucus is using data, the budget process and working groups to make government more efficient for taxpayers. Sessions also examined the fast-paced changes happening within the executive branch and how his caucus is keeping up.

Federal agencies and industry partners are increasingly exploring AI use to improve health care. As adoption rates increase, so do policies and regulations around the emerging tech. In the first half of 2024 alone, state legislators introduced 745 AI-related bills and Congress held numerous hearings on the topic. HIMSS EHR Association's Tina Joros and Leigh Burchell, who also chair the AI Task Force and the Information Blocking Compliance Task Force respectively, discuss the evolving role of AI in electronic health records. They dive into the impact of federal legislation on AI development, the challenges of balancing innovation with compliance and how global regulatory approaches are shaping the future of AI in health care.

AI is transforming government health services by streamlining administrative processes, reducing wait times and improving patient outcomes through predictive analytics and automation. From enhancing disease detection with machine learning to optimizing resource allocation, AI enables agencies to deliver more efficient, data-driven and personalized health solutions. Live from the HIMSS 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, Noel Hara, vice president and CTO for NTT Data's Public Sector, explores how emerging technologies are shaping the future of efficiency, security and innovation. From AI-driven automation to cloud adoption in government, Hara shares how agencies and organizations can optimize their IT strategies. He also unpacks the role of technology in improving health care outcomes and efficiency.

For over 30 years, Health Level Seven International (HL7) has set the standard for electronic health information worldwide. Federal agencies also leverage HL7 standards to exchange and share electronic health information to ultimately improve patient outcomes and health system performance. HL7 provides a set of standards for exchanging clinical and administrative health data between applications. At HIMSS, Diego Kaminker, deputy chief standards implementation officer at HL7 International, discusses HL7's goals in the health care sector, the impact of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule on standards development, and the evolution of Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) for data sharing.

By leveraging emerging technologies and standardized data frameworks, federal health leaders can enhance real-time decision-making and deliver more efficient, patient-centered care. Chris Nichols, program manager for the Enterprise Intelligence and Data Solutions (EIDS) program for the Program Executive Office at Defense Healthcare Management Systems (DHMS), joined us during HIMSS to discuss his vision of data-driven health care in the military. He shares insights into recent milestones in health data interoperability, the next steps in seamless and secure information sharing, and how public-private partnerships can drive innovation while ensuring regulatory compliance. Nichols also dives into how emerging technologies can enhance patient care and improve health outcomes across the defense health care system.

The Department of Veterans Affairs aims to develop and apply innovative AI solutions, boost interoperability and transform the agency by facilitating a learning environment that supports the delivery of benefits and services to veterans. At HIMSS in Las Vegas, Dr. Shane McNamee, senior advisor to the chief medical information officer for health solution architecture at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and Dr. Johnathan Nebeker, executive director of Clinical Informatics at VA, discuss how they're improving data integrity and interoperability to unlock AI's full potential, as well as how AI-driven personalization is enhancing patient care. McNamee and Nebeker also highlight how the PACT Act has increased the need to leverage innovation to support the influx of claims and benefits delivery. They explain the department's efforts with workflow automation, recent AI use cases and the game-changing technologies on the horizon.

Interoperability efforts are ensuring patients and providers can access and use health data seamlessly. The Sequoia Project has been at the forefront of Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ASTP/ONC)'s Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) that removes barriers to sharing health information electronically. At HIMSS in Las Vegas, The Sequoia Project CEO Mariann Yeager highlights why interoperability matters, how plain language and digital transformation can help patients understand their rights, and what it takes to break down the barriers preventing true data exchange.

After a strategic pause, the Department of Veterans Affairs is preparing to resume its federal electronic health record rollout in mid-2026 with a renewed focus on continuous improvement and system modernization. The Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization (FEHRM) office's goal is to unite capabilities across the VA, Defense Department, Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — along with other federal partners — to deploy the same federal EHR. Ahead of HIMSS, FEHRM Director Bill Tinston discussed the vital role FEHRM has played in gathering feedback, sharing lessons learned and driving program enhancements. He highlighted recent successes in the federal EHR initiative, how the program aligns with the new administration's push for greater transparency and accountability, and what milestones are on the horizon as the rollout resumes. He also dove into the broader health IT landscape, highlighting the innovations and emerging technologies that could be game-changers for federal health care.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is exploring how it can leverage artificial intelligence to enhance cancer screening techniques, ultimately improving patient outcomes across the nation. Dr. Katrina Goddard, director of the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences at NCI, explains how her division is leveraging AI, and other innovative solutions like the low-dose CT scan, to better detect lung cancer and enable better access to data.

Former Defense Department CIO John Sherman anticipates many shifts from President Donald Trump and his administration's incoming leadership on tech development and defense priorities. Sherman, who now serves as Dean of Texas A&M's Bush School of Government and Public Service, has spent 30 years in national security and intelligence positions in the CIA, DOD and other agencies. As DOD CIO, he oversaw technology and cyber modernization for a 4 million-person enterprise with a $60 billion IT and cyber budget. He was also politically appointed as Intelligence Community CIO under Trump's first administration. Since taking office, Trump has released new guidance, shifting government's approach to technology modernization and personnel management. Sherman explained how he sees the new administration's priorities developing and provided insight on the Office of Personnel Management's recently released guidance regarding redesignating SES CIO positions. Plus, he shared his perspective on the new AI executive order and the Defense Department's push to develop an “Iron Dome.”

The new year began with a new White House executive order on strengthening and promoting innovation in cybersecurity, building on previous efforts, like the National Cybersecurity Strategy, to enhance the security of the nation's digital infrastructure. Looking into 2025, Deputy Assistant Director of FBI's Cyber Division Cynthia Kaiser said her division plans to leverage emerging technology like artificial intelligence to thwart cyber adversaries and better detect threats around critical infrastructure, while aligning with federal policies and directives. Kaiser's division is also advancing patch management and other AI-enabled technology to boost resiliency. Kaiser highlighted some of the top exploited vulnerabilities FBI has seen over the recent years, the agency's special partnership with CISA as well as the importance of the “Secure by Design” model to counter cyber attacks.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the nation's largest internal help desk in government. Robert Cunningham, executive director for Enterprise Command Operations at VA, explains his oversight of the agency's internal help desk, which processes more than two million requests per year with the help of automation and AI. The tech also enables VA to better manage outages and bugs within the agency's systems. Cunningham also shares how he collaborates with VA employees, government agencies and industry to offer IT services unrivaled in scale to better serve veterans and those that serve them.

Maintaining legacy communications systems is expensive and can leave military services like the Navy and Marine Corps behind. During AFCEA West in San Diego, Verizon Navy and Marine Corps Public Sector Director David Reaves explained how he's seeing the Navy's challenges in modernizing voice and data communications, focusing on the Defense Department's mandate to transition from outdated systems to IP-based infrastructure. Reaves said that the high cost and difficulty of maintaining legacy systems means that the Navy should modernize to an enterprise-wide deployment strategy to ensure consistency and cost-effectiveness across bases. Reaves also discussed the importance of converging voice and data networks for operational efficiency and explained how the Navy can leverage existing contracts to streamline the acquisition of modern technologies like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

The Naval Postgraduate School's recent partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit formalizes NPS' focus on fostering innovation in the school's student body. NPS President Ann Rondeau said Thursday that the the school not only supports innovation, but lays the foundation for creative thinking, collaboration and finding real-world solutions to support the Defense Department. During AFCEA West in San Diego, California, California, Rondeau described NPS as a hub for "warrior scholars" – experienced military, international, civilian government and industry professionals – who work together to address real challenges facing DOD. She added that the school's curriculum is also continuously updated based on feedback, ensuring relevance and responsiveness to evolving needs like AI, quantum and other emerging technology.

The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command supports technical authority and acquisition command for information warfare, which presents modernization challenges as the speed of technology evolution increases. At AFCEA West in San Diego, NAVWAR CIO Ben Motten said his office is empowering the workforce by providing the necessary tools and capabilities, allowing warfighters to focus on the mission rather than the technology itself. Legacy infrastructure and software present hurdles, he said, but they also provide an opportunity to modernize by "leapfrogging" to newer technologies like low-code/no-code platforms and future spectrum connectivity technologies.

In 2024, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) signed a memo of understanding to codify their joint effort to develop future leaders to manage innovative solutions. During AFCEA West in San Diego, Kaitie Penry, director of emerging technology and innovation at the Naval Postgraduate School, discussed how that agreement is going. She highlighted the impact it has had on developing leadership skills in students, particularly in acquisition and innovation, and preparing them for senior-level positions in the Defense Department. Penry also discussed how she is fostering an innovative mindset to meet DOD and student needs.

During AFCEA West in San Diego, California, Mark Gorak, Defense Department's principal director for resources and analysis and director of the Cyber Academic Engagement Office, discussed his priorities for cyber talent and retention amid new federal leadership. Gorak lauded his office's efforts to lower the average days it takes to hire cyber talent and discussed his efforts to retain cyber talent. The Cyber Workforce Strategy, which has been deployed since 2023, has been implemented hand in hand with ongoing and emerging innovations within and outside of the department. Gorak has overseen hiring thousands of employees. He noted that departures from the agency allow other agencies and industry to hire talented individuals from the DOD, creating an ecosystem of like-minded experts throughout government.

The Marine Corps is modernizing its systems to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology while centering warfighters. During AFCEA West in San Diego, California, Marine Corps Systems Command Cyber Technology Officer Gaurang Dävé said that innovation requires speed in delivering capabilities to the warfighter. Dävé highlighted that Marines act as sensors in the battlespace, needing the best information in real-time for informed decision-making. Dävé also discussed the Marine Corps' approach of containerized, modular applications and the service's collaborative work with the Army's software factory in Austin, Texas, that allows Marines to code applications and receive hands-on training in innovative technology.

Security and agility are critical to balancing the Department of the Navy's zero-trust journey amid evolving cloud modernization priorities. At AFCEA West in San Diego, California, DON's CIO Jane Rathbun discussed the service's recent zero-trust achievements with its Flank Speed initiative to enable secure cloud deployment. Rathbun shared some of the lessons learned for other organizations throughout the journey. She also highlighted how collaboration between cyber operators, acquisition communities, resource sponsors and requirement owners enabled the service's success and discussed how the role of operator feedback, especially from cyber operators, is shaping IT architecture and future modernization.

Countering adversaries in the cyber domain requires the Navy to harness information at the speed of technological innovation. During AFCEA West in San Diego, California, Vice Adm. Craig Clapperton, commander of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and Navy Space Command, discussed how he is approaching the evolving landscape of cyber threats and developing strategies to counter them in his dual-hat role. From recent cyber incidents like SolarWinds and Volt Typhoon, to the role of emerging technologies like AI, Clapperton dives into the complexities of modern cyber warfare and explains how he's eyeing collaboration with industry partners and allies, recruiting top cyber talent and staying ahead of adversaries in a rapidly changing digital environment.

Technology has made cyber threats more complex and difficult to discern for defense intelligence operations and combatant commands providing insights to decision-makers across the globe. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (Northcom) work with industry, allies and other combatant commands to secure all domains for the U.S. and Canada. Director of Intelligence and Information Brig. Gen. Maurizio Calabrese discussed the evolving role of defense intelligence, the importance of cyber warfare and the need for global threat awareness. He also addressed the growing importance of the Arctic region, citing increased international interest and the need for advanced tech capabilities.

Office of Personnel Management Chief Data Officer and Acting Chief AI Officer Taka Ariga provided an inside look at the agency's innovative use of artificial intelligence. OPM is navigating the potential for AI in use cases such as general productivity tools and bespoke solutions tailored for federal workforce needs. Ariga highlighted the importance of data integrity and trust, the careful alignment of people, processes and technology, and the pivotal role AI plays in modernizing government operations. The interview also highlighted OPM's efforts to grow the federal cybersecurity workforce and showcased how AI is shaping recruitment and training strategies. Additionally, Ariga shared how storytelling is helping simplify complex concepts like data governance to build trust and understanding across the agency.

Data security and customer experience are top priorities for Jennifer Wendel, the newly confirmed permanent CIO at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Wendel emphasized the agency's commitment to implementing special cybersecurity measures and strengthening incident response processes to safeguard patient data from malicious actors. Wendel highlighted some of her other key priorities from HHS' 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. This includes improvements to grants.gov by introducing new tools designed to make accessing health services faster and more efficient. Wendel is also driving initiatives to upskill the HHS workforce, equipping employees with essential expertise in cybersecurity, data management and cloud technologies to meet evolving challenges.

The first season of AI GovCast brought listeners the voices at the forefront of government's AI revolution. We heard from State Dept. Chief AI Officer (CAIO) Matthew Graviss on how his agency is driving ethical and responsible use of AI in diplomacy, hiring AI professionals and integrating better data practices in AI implementation. Department of Labor CAIO Mangala Kuppa explained the principles around AI that the agency is adhering to while developing and adopting the emerging technology. Coming Jan. 14, season two will dive deeper into AI governance, use cases and implementation.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Cyber Integration Center (CCIC) is the hub of cybersecurity strategy and response at the agency. The collaborative center focuses on internal assessments to protect sensitive patient data and improve threat detection. Acting CISO Keith Busby explained how CCIC red, blue and purple security engagements teams are conducting Penetration Testing (PenTesting) to monitor the agency's critical infrastructure and prevent malicious actors from causing devastating cyber attacks. Busby shared details about the agency's Risk Management Strategy, which uses secret scanning and other enterprise level technologies to mitigate risks. He also highlighted the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cyber performance goals agencies should be prioritizing to boost their resiliency.  

Federal agencies are making significant strides in revolutionizing data access and records management by adopting new technologies, improving processes and fostering greater transparency. The Library of Congress and National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) are revolutionizing access to their vast amounts of historical records and born-digital content. The organizations are taking innovative approaches to digitization, metadata management and leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning to enhance discoverability and accessibility. Natalie Buda Smith, director of digital strategy at the Library of Congress, and Jill Reilly, digital engagement director at NARA, dive into the challenges of preserving and providing access to digital-native materials, from obsolete formats to emulation strategies.

Department of Homeland Security AI Corps Director Michael Boyce runs the largest civilian AI hiring effort in the federal government. The new service is modeled after the White House's U.S. Digital Service that embeds experts at agencies to tackle critical tech projects — in this case embedding AI across the agency's critical mission areas. On this AI GovCast miniseries, Boyce discusses his journey to the agency with his prior roles at the Office of Management and Budget. He breaks down how he envisions the growth of the AI Corps, how it ties into the department's goal of serving as a model to the rest of government around AI development and some of the unique considerations he faces around upskilling the workforce and developing guardrails around responsible use of AI.

In the final episode of our Storytelling Miniseries, we discuss building meaningful relationships through storytelling. Department of House and Urban Development's Director of Business Operations and Technology Sarah Moffatt, Program Manager at the Department of Energy's Office of Sustainable Environmental Stewardship Cate Berard and IBM's U.S. Federal Civilian Agency Business Development Leader Lauren Craig discussed why building connections is so crucial in storytelling and how the relationships you create can have a lasting impact on your career. They also shared tips on how to ask better questions, practice active listening and pace the flow of information to avoid overwhelming your audience. The leaders discussed how these practical tools can help federal leaders grow their careers.

Customs and Border Protection CTO Sunil Madhugiri discussed how the agency is using artificial intelligence at the nation's borders to sift through mountains of data more quickly. Artificial intelligence and large language models are not new to CBP. The agency has been developing the technology for its use in its missions including detecting suspicious items and packages at border entries and ports. Madhugiri discussed CBP's infrastructure it created for this tech and how it plans to adopt it without further burdening employees and officers working at ports and borders nationwide.

The Department of the Navy is leading the charge in innovation, speeding up the federal acquisition process to improve tech adoption and remain competitive in the evolving tech landscape. Acting CTO Justin Fanelli joined us at AWS re:Invent to highlight how the two new designated enterprise services in its COSMOS zero-trust computing platform and the Naval Enterprise Service Desk (NESD) are moving the Navy toward more shared services. He also discussed the newly launched Innovation Adoption Kit, a powerful new resource to help Program Executive Offices (PEOs) speed up procurement and collaborate with an ever-expanding vendor ecosystem. Specifically, he walked through the 15 “plays” in the kit, including using outcome metrics and structured piloting, and explained how the Navy is tackling some of the toughest challenges in adopting cutting-edge technologies. He also discussed the Navy's Flank Speed initiative, a cloud-based collaboration tool, recently completed all 91 target zero trust activities three years ahead of the Defense Department's deadline. He explained the strategies and innovations that made this milestone possible and how Flank Speed is setting the standard for scaling zero trust outcomes across the Navy — and potentially across the entire federal government.

Cutting-edge technology is transforming health care, with solutions like artificial intelligence helping agencies like the National Cancer Institute (NCI) improve screening, diagnosis and treatment. During AWS re:Invent in Las Vegas, Nevada, NCI CIO Jeff Shilling discussed the critical role of data standardization backing AI initiatives and how he is thinking about ethical concerns like bias, data privacy and risk management to ensure AI is both effective and responsible. He highlighted the importance of regulating AI in the medical field and how its future might require practices like data certification. Tune in to learn how the agency is working to overcome challenges related to data management and security while staying aligned with organizational priorities.

The FDA is taking a proactive approach to its digital transformation efforts that its tech leaders highlighted in a new IT strategy. FDA CIO Vid Desai and Office of Business and Customer Assurance Director Josh Lehman discussed the new strategic plan that includes a vision for emerging technologies like quantum computing and empowering its tech workforce. The leaders also outlined their priorities in cybersecurity to navigate the technological shifts ahead in federal government.