Turning Insight into Impact: Leadership, Federal Health, and the Power of Collaboration

What does it really take to move federal health from data and ideas to real-world outcomes? In this episode of Coach’s Corner: Leadership Unplugged, host Laura Bennett sits down with Jess Denman, Global Client Director for Federal Healthcare (Military Health) at ServiceNow and Outreach & Collaborations Chair for the HIMSS National Capital Area Chapter. Jess shares her leadership journey—from youth coaching and Air Force service to navigating complex federal health systems—and the values that have guided her through every chapter: service before self, people-first leadership, and accountability in action. Together, Laura and Jess explore why progress in federal health isn’t driven by technology alone, but by trust, change management, and collaboration across agencies. They unpack the purpose behind the HIMSS NCA Federal Health Focus Series and the common thread running through the 2026 programs—turning insight into impact through cross-sector partnership. Jess also offers a powerful real-world example of how interagency data sharing can directly inform public health response, and shares her vision for how HIMSS NCA serves as the connective tissue helping leaders bridge the gap between strategy and execution. This conversation is for federal health leaders, industry partners, and anyone working inside large systems who wants to understand what leadership looks like when the goal isn’t just innovation—but outcomes that matter. To connect with Jess, visit his LinkedIn page here.