Keeping IT Brief

Ever wonder why some tech upgrades actually make life easier… and others just create more meetings and headaches? This week on Keeping IT Brief , we’re cutting through the hype around AI, cloud tech, and digital transformation to talk about what actually works in the real world. Our guest, Abinaya Mettupatti Sivagnanam, Cloud Development Manager at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) ,...

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down—and neither can your strategy. In this episode of Keeping IT Brief , we sit down with Bryan Thompson, Chief Product Officer at Everfox , a leader in cybersecurity, enterprise technology, and defense-grade security solutions . Bryan shares what it really takes to build and scale secure, high-performing technology platforms in today’s rapidly evolving risk landscape...

Ready to rethink everything you know about business growth? This episode dives into how breaking the “right” rules can actually be your biggest advantage. In this episode of Keeping IT Brief , we sit down with Krystn Macomber (Gull), CP APMP Fellow, LEED AP, Founder + CEO of Summit Strategy , a powerhouse in strategic planning, proposal management, and B2G/B2B marketing growth . Krystn shares how...

What if firefighter training could be faster, smarter, and powered by AI? In this episode of Keeping IT Brief , we explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) are transforming training in the public sector—starting with the U.S. Air Force. This award-winning collaboration between the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) and APV is redefining how firefighters train, certi...

Cybersecurity jobs are everywhere—but why is there still a massive talent gap? In this episode of Keeping IT Brief , we break down the cybersecurity workforce shortage , what’s really causing it, and what it means for the future of government and public sector tech. Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Public Sector Strategy and Engagement at SANS, joins us to share real-world insights from his...

Healthcare is undergoing a massive digital transformation—but what does that actually look like inside the U.S. federal government?  In this episode, we break down how cloud computing, Salesforce platforms, and emerging technologies like AI are reshaping federal healthcare systems and improving how agencies serve millions of Americans.  Our guest, Sree Rednam , Sr. Manager of Cloud Development and...

How do you turn emerging technology into real mission impact for the Federal government?  In this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief , we sit down with Brian Funk, Chief Technology Officer at MetaPhase, to explore Federal IT modernization, GenAI, cloud architecture, DevSecOps, and Agile transformation .  With deep experience leading technology initiatives across government agencies, Brian shares...

What does it take to modernize technology inside the Department of Defense?  In this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief , we sit down with Richard Kellahan , Project Manager at TIAG, to talk about DoD contracts, electronic security systems, and federal IT project management .  Richard has supported Department of Defense programs since 2006 and currently leads projects in Charleston, SC — identify...

  Federal agencies are under pressure to modernize legacy systems, strengthen cybersecurity, and deliver better digital services—all while staying mission-focused.  In this episode of Keeping IT Brief , host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Mike Deutsch, Chief Growth Officer at Alpha Omega, to talk about what it really takes to drive digital transformation in government IT.  With more than 20 years o...

AI is moving fast—and cyber threats are moving faster. As federal agencies race to modernize, how can they adopt AI securely without increasing risk? In this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief , host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Chris Townsend, Global VP of Public Sector at Elastic , to unpack what’s coming next for AI, cybersecurity, and federal IT modernization in 2026. With the federal govern...

Healthcare AI can’t scale without the right cloud foundation. On this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief , host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Jaison Correya , CEO of CLOUDVICE , to explore how cloud, data engineering, and AI are reshaping healthcare and the U.S. public sector. Founded in 2020, CLOUDVICE is an Oracle partner with an exclusive focus on the public sector. The company helps healthcar...

Some conversations are worth hearing again—this episode is one of them.  Federal agencies are under pressure to innovate—while staying compliant. As cyber threats evolve and AI becomes mission-critical , agencies are struggling with the growing tension between innovation and compliance . Frameworks like NIST’s Risk Management Framework (RMF) are essential—but increasingly criticized for slowing mo...

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief , host Mary Ann Brown speaks with Oliver Sadorra, Chief Growth Officer at Dark Wolf Solutions. Oliver explores the real-world state of AI across government and industry and shares insights from years leading software development, DevSecOps adoption, and AI/ML integration for national security missions. Together, they unpack the AI trends that truly matter, publi...

Keri Gentilcore leads the DHS and National Security portfolio at ITC Federal, where she oversees teams delivering innovative, mission-focused technology solutions. With more than 20 years of experience across federal security and civilian markets—including leadership roles at Eagle Hill Consulting and Booz Allen Hamilton—Keri brings deep expertise in mission analytics, risk management, strategic p...

From the FIFA World Cup to the Olympics, securing massive global events isn’t just about physical barriers—it’s about defending digital infrastructure that supports everything behind the scenes. In this episode of Keeping IT Brief , host Mary Ann Brown speaks with Tim Miller, Field CTO and Public Sector Cyber Lead at Dataminr, about how cyber and physical security are converging—and why government...

Federal agencies struggle with tension between innovation and compliance as cyber threats evolve and AI becomes mission-critical. NIST's Risk Management Framework (RMF) faces scrutiny for complexity that slows transformative technology adoption.  The Authority to Operate (ATO) has become a bottleneck, frustrating agencies with delays and manual processes misaligned with modern development pra...

Federal agencies are under growing pressure to modernize digital identity systems as cyber threats escalate and citizens expect seamless digital services. Yet legacy infrastructure, siloed systems, and inconsistent standards create barriers to trust and efficiency. Biometrics and next-generation identity technologies offer a path forward—but adoption requires careful balance between security, usab...

A recent report from the Government Accountability Office from April identified cybersecurity concerns and lack of data privacy as some of the top risks associated with Generative AI. As the federal government ramps up AI investments, with the DOD prioritizing AI in its Software Fast Track (SWFT) Initiative and recent legislation allotting hundreds of millions for AI-related efforts, industry find...

The White House's latest cybersecurity executive order has introduced critical new directives for federal agencies: incorporate AI software vulnerability management into existing processes and share indicators of compromise for AI systems. But as agentic AI and GenAI adoption accelerates across government—often creating complex Shadow IT networks—how can agencies gain the visibility needed to...

Join host Mary Ann Brown for a fascinating conversation with Tim Solms, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, as he takes us beyond Earth's atmosphere to explore one of the most critical challenges of our time: keeping space safe, sustainable, and secure.  In this episode, Tim reveals how Slingshot Aerospace is transforming space domain awareness through cutting-edge AI technology. As space becomes inc...

As the federal government looks to modernize IT solutions to better support citizens and create efficiencies, they often face challenges in adopting emerging technologies like AI due to complex compliance requirements and integration barriers. It’s key that organizations have the ability to help government teams navigate these complexities and deliver measurable outcomes that modernize operations...

Fraud, waste and abuse of the Medicare system have always been challenging to get under control. Those who exploit federal health care programs can cost taxpayers billions of dollars, according to a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services report, while putting beneficiaries’ health and welfare at risk. CMS’s Center for Program Integrity plays a key role in managing this challenge by detecting,...

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief , host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Max Shuftan, Director of Mission Programs at SANS Institute, to discuss one of the most pressing issues in cybersecurity today: the talent shortage in federal agencies. As nation-state cyber threats continue to evolve, agencies are facing an uphill battle to find skilled cybersecurity professionals. Max sheds light on how inclu...

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief , host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Jim Coyle, US Public Sector CTO at Lookout, to discuss the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats posed by nation-state actors. With over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, Jim brings invaluable insights into the emerging tactics, tools, and techniques used by global adversaries to target critical infrastructure...

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief , host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Robert Ezekiel, Director and Product Strategist at Booz Allen Hamilton, and a winner of the prestigious 2025 FORUM IT100 Award. Robert reflects on what this award means to him personally and professionally, sharing how his work supporting Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Hiring Our Heroes program has made a lasting impact. Robert...