Avero GovTech Insights

Does your organization have technology leadership — or just someone keeping the servers running? In this episode of the Gov Tech Podcast, we break down one of the most common structural problems in local government: asking one person to serve as both IT operations manager and enterprise CIO. Keeping systems operational is a full-time job. Leading digital transformation is also a full-time job. The...

Government ERP decisions often fail long before contracts are signed — not because leaders lack diligence, but because they’re asking questions that can’t surface real risk. We break down why traditional reference checks are structurally misleading and how vendor-provided references are designed to sound positive without revealing what actually went wrong. We walk through real public-sector exampl...

One of the most persistent myths in government technology is that hiring a Big 4 consulting firm guarantees a successful ERP implementation. The brand feels like a safety net — but experience shows it often creates new risks instead. In this episode, we break down why large consulting firms frequently fail government ERP projects: misaligned incentives, junior staffing models, one-size-fits-all ap...

Software demos are not reality — they’re commercials. Yet agencies continue to make multi-million-dollar decisions based on features that don’t exist, roadmap promises that never materialize, and AI mockups built hours before the presentation. In this episode, we break down the modern vaporware problem: vendors showcasing future-state features as if they’re available today, governments signing con...

Government has elevated countless IT practitioners into CIO roles — but the title doesn’t automatically create a leader. In this episode, we explore the critical differences between technical expertise and executive leadership, and why so many CIO transitions fall short. We discuss how organizations often promote people based on technical strength rather than leadership readiness, why exposure to...

Many government CIOs begin their careers solving technical problems — but leading at the executive level requires far more than technical strength. In this episode, we break down the mindset and skill shift required to move from practitioner to enterprise leader. We explore the core capabilities CIOs must develop: speaking to enterprise risk, right-sizing cybersecurity and disaster recovery invest...

Vendor threats are becoming increasingly common across the public sector — “your system is sunsetting,” “support ends this year,” “you’ll lose your discount if you don’t sign now.” But most of these tactics are designed to accelerate vendor revenue cycles, not support government readiness. In this episode, we break down the truth behind vendor pressure and how agencies can navigate it without sacr...

ERP systems shape the backbone of government operations, but selecting one isn’t as simple as comparing features. Political pressure, vendor instability, staffing turnover, sunsetting products, and perceived conflicts of interest all influence the decision-making landscape — and each one can derail long-term success. In this episode, we examine the realities agencies face when navigating ERP moder...

AI may be the hottest topic in GovTech, but much of today’s conversation is being shaped by rebranded legacy vendors, recycled “experts,” and custom development disguised as artificial intelligence. In this episode, we unpack how custom software has quietly resurfaced under the umbrella of AI and why government leaders should approach these promises with healthy skepticism. We explore why agencies...

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most dominant topics in GovTech, but not every “AI solution” is built to solve a real government problem. Agencies are being asked to adopt tools before defining the need, establishing baselines, or preparing their teams for the operational lift behind the scenes. In this episode, we take a grounded look at what is actually working in public-sector AI....

Shortlist presentations are one of the most valuable opportunities in public procurement — but most agencies and vendors are still not using that time effectively. In this episode of the GovTech podcast, Megan Seaton and Robert Kornovich break down what makes a vendor interview meaningful, productive, and worth the committee’s time. They discuss why relying too heavily on slides kills engagement,...

If you’ve ever sat through a vendor presentation where no one turned on their camera , this one’s for you. In this episode of GovTech , Megan Seaton and Robert Kornovich dive into how to make shortlist presentations and Q&A sessions more engaging — for both sides of the table. They discuss why cameras matter, how body language and dialogue can completely change outcomes, and what both vendors...

Not all consulting partners are created equal — especially in the age of AI. In this GovTech episode, we unpack how civic leaders can evaluate AI vendors and consulting partners the right way: through independence, governance, and transparency. We discuss how to start small with AI pilots, measure outcomes that matter, and protect data integrity every step of the way. Because in the public sector,...

Legacy systems can keep governments stuck in the past—and the longer you wait to modernize, the harder it becomes to move forward. In this episode of the GovTech Podcast , Megan Seaton and Robert Kornovich explain how public agencies can avoid what they call the “dinosaur trap” —the point where outdated systems cost more to maintain than replace. They share insights on: Recognizing when your ERP s...

Every agency wants to modernize faster—but speed isn’t the real measure of success. In this episode of the GovTech Podcast , Megan Seaton and Robert Kornovich unpack what truly determines a successful transformation timeline. They explain why readiness, change management, and vendor accountability often matter more than the technology itself. This episode covers: Why compressed timelines create ri...

AI is no longer optional—it’s already in your organization, whether you’ve planned for it or not. In this episode of the GovTech Podcast , Megan Seaton and Robert Kornovich unpack how housing authorities can adopt AI safely and strategically. From data privacy and bias to employee training and ethical use, they outline what readiness really looks like—and why ignoring AI is a bigger risk than usin...

AI is here—and it’s already reshaping how housing authorities operate. In this GovTech Podcast, Megan Seaton and Robert Kornovich break down how agencies can adopt AI safely, ethically, and strategically. From data security and privacy concerns to managing employee fears, they share how housing leaders can balance innovation with responsibility. This episode covers: How to talk about AI without fe...

What happens when your ERP system hits its “sunset date”? Vendors often frame it as a crisis—but agencies have more options than they realize. In this GovTech Podcast, Megan Seaton and Robert Kornovich explain how to navigate looming sunset deadlines, avoid vendor scare tactics, and plan a timeline that makes sense for your budget, staff, and long-term goals. Because modernization isn’t just about...

What happens when governments think modernization is “done”? They fall behind. In this episode of the GovTech Podcast, Megan Seaton and Robert Kornovich explain why ERP modernization is a constant drumbeat , not a one-time project. From the dangers of complacency to the critical role of independent advisors, they unpack how agencies can avoid failure and set themselves up for long-term success. Be...

Building safer communities requires more than new tools—it takes trust, accountability, and engagement. In this GovTech Podcast, Abhijit Verekar sits down with Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel to explore how technology and culture intersect in modern policing. From AI auditing bodycam footage to online surveys and face-to-face community engagement, Chief Noel shares what it takes to reach the 90%...

From virtual training simulators to AI-powered analytics and drone response programs, technology is reshaping modern law enforcement. In this GovTech Podcast, Abhijit Verekar sits down with Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel to explore how innovation is driving safer communities, smarter policing, and stronger public trust. This episode dives into: AI that helps officers process critical information...

AI is changing how schools use student data—moving from static records to actionable insights that guide success. In this episode of the GovTech podcast, Abhijit Verekar and Dustin Bainbridge—founder of Horizon Education and Unified Track and a leading voice in EdTech—explore how AI can: Generate progress reports that simulate guidance and counseling Help counselors manage overwhelming caseloads o...

AI is reshaping education—not by replacing teachers or counselors, but by giving them tools to act sooner. In this episode of the GovTech podcast, Abhijit Verekar and Dustin Bainbridge, EdTech innovator and founder of Horizon Education and Unified Track, explore how predictive analytics can help schools: Flag at-risk students earlier Map course pathways to college and career goals Support overburd...

Not all government ERP projects end the same way. Atlanta modernized successfully—engaging stakeholders, cleaning up data, and standardizing processes before going live. The results: smoother payroll, reduced costs, and sustainable upgrades. San Francisco, on the other hand, spent $55 million on a payroll system that left teachers unpaid and trust eroded. The difference came down to leadership dis...

Government technology projects don’t fail because of bad software—they fail because of poor planning, lack of governance, and unrealistic expectations. This episode unpacks the common pitfalls that derail ERP and modernization efforts: Scope creep and runaway customizations The burden of technical debt Weak governance and leadership gaps The monolithic vs. composable ERP debate Outdated approaches...