FORUM POWER

Want to break into federal contracting or finally start winning more deals? This episode of FORUM Power is your insider playbook.We’re diving deep into government contracting, business development strategy, capture management, and federal tech trends—from AI and cybersecurity to procurement reform. If you’re a millennial professional building a career in tech, consulting, or entrepreneurship, this is the real-world insight you’ve been looking for.Our guest, Frederick Deese, CEO of Visual Connections, shares how he scaled a multi-million dollar IT contracting company to $215M in federal contracts—and what most companies still get wrong about competing in GovCon.After serving on two Gulf tours in the U.S. Navy, Frederick went on to lead multiple businesses across industries. In this conversation, he breaks down how to build sustainable pipelines, winning partnerships, and scalable growth strategies in one of the most competitive markets out there.In this episode, we cover:• How to break into federal contracting and GovCon• The evolution of business development & capture strategy• What separates companies that win vs. those that stall• How to stand out in crowded federal RFP competitions• The shift toward AI, cloud, cybersecurity & data analytics in government• Smart teaming strategies that actually work• Where the biggest GovCon opportunities are heading into 2026• Career advice for building success in federal technology & consultingIf you’re serious about scaling in GovCon, modernizing your tech strategy, or leveling up your career—this episode delivers.🎧 Tap in now and start building smarter, winning faster.#GovCon #FederalContracting #BusinessDevelopment #CaptureManagement #TechCareers #Cybersecurity #AI #CloudComputing #Entrepreneurship #MillennialProfessionals #Leadership #PodcastGrowth #FederalTech #VisualConnections #FORUMPowerPodcastFORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

Healthcare is evolving fast—and AI, data, and health technology are driving the next wave of change. But how do massive systems like the VA and Department of Defense actually modernize healthcare? Now leading public sector strategy at RGP Federal, physician and health tech leader Dr. Roshni Ghosh breaks down what it really takes to transform healthcare from the inside out. With 20+ years leading federal health IT strategy, electronic health record (EHR) modernization, and healthcare analytics, she shares how technology is improving care for Veterans and millions of patients nationwide. We talk about the real-world impact of AI in healthcare, interoperability challenges, health data analytics, and digital transformation in government health systems—plus what future physician and tech leaders need to know about the next era of healthcare innovation. If you're curious about health tech, healthcare leadership, digital health innovation, or how data is reshaping patient care, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the future of medicine. #HealthTech #DigitalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #AIinHealthcare #HealthIT #FutureOfHealthcare #VeteransHealth #RGPFederal #HealthcareLeadership #HealthData #FederalHealthcare #FORUMPowerPodcastFORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

Space is getting crowded—and the stakes are rising fast. Thousands of satellites, growing orbital debris, and constant launches are turning Earth’s orbit into a complex traffic system that must be managed safely. On this episode of FORUM Power, we’re joined by Kelli Furrer, Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at Slingshot Aerospace, to discuss how AI, satellite tracking, and space domain awareness are reshaping global space operations. With 25+ years of tech leadership, Kelli shares how aligning revenue strategy, marketing, and mission-driven innovation helps scale technology supporting government agencies, national security missions, and commercial space operators. We explore why space traffic coordination is now mission-critical—and how AI-powered data and predictive analytics help prevent collisions, protect satellites, and improve orbital decision-making. Kelli also explains how the Slingshot Platform combines global sensor data, satellite launch databases, and third-party intelligence to create one of the most accurate real-time and predictive maps of space activity available today. Beyond technology, the conversation dives into leadership, global team empowerment, and balancing revenue growth with public sector missions—offering insight into the future of the space economy. In this episode we explore: • Why space traffic coordination and orbital safety are urgent challenges • How AI and predictive space data support mission-critical decisions • Leadership lessons from 25+ years in tech transformation • Building empowered global teams • Key risks to space safety and sustainability • Balancing growth with national security missions 🚀 #SpaceTechnology #SpaceDomainAwareness #SatelliteTracking #AIInnovation #SpaceSafety #AerospaceIndustry #NationalSecurity #Leadership #SpaceTraffic #FORUMPowerPodcast #SlingshotAerospaceFORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

Government agencies face growing pressure to modernize technology while protecting mission-critical systems and national security operations. How can leaders balance innovation, cybersecurity, and operational reliability at the same time? In this episode of FORUM Power Podcast, we explore how cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, DevSecOps, and automation are reshaping federal technology strategy. Our guest, Siva Sivaraj, Vice President of Technology at ITC Federal, shares insights from more than 20 years leading technology innovation and solution architecture for complex federal missions. We discuss how agencies supporting organizations like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are approaching cloud migration, AI adoption, data-driven decision-making, and supply-chain resilience. You’ll hear practical insights on separating AI hype from real automation value, modernizing legacy government systems, and designing secure, mission-focused technology solutions that actually deliver results. If you work in federal IT, government technology, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, AI, or digital transformation, this episode offers valuable perspective on what’s changing—and what challenges remain the same. Key topics in this episode:• Federal technology modernization and cloud strategy • Artificial intelligence vs automation in government operations • DevSecOps, cybersecurity, and mission reliability • Data analytics and data-driven government leadership • Supply-chain resilience and operational risk management • Modernizing legacy federal systems safely • Designing solution architectures that deliver real outcomes #FORUMPowerPodcast #FederalIT #GovTech #CloudComputing #ArtificialIntelligence #DevSecOps #Cybersecurity #DataAnalytics #Leadership #Innovation #ITCFederalFORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

In this episode, we sit down with Oliver Sadorra, Chief Growth Officer at Dark Wolf Solutions, to explore how advanced software development, DevSecOps, and AI/ML are reshaping modern mission capabilities. Oliver shares lessons from securing major SBIR awards during the Air Force’s inaugural Pitch Day and explains what the Department of Defense values most when evaluating innovation. We dive deep into growth strategy in government technology contracting—how to align technical innovation with disciplined execution, avoid common capture mistakes, and move emerging technologies from prototype to mission-ready solutions. Oliver also discusses the transformative power of DevSecOps in national security, the operational advantages of AI/ML, and how advanced analytics and cybersecurity converge to deliver measurable mission outcomes. Beyond strategy and technology, this conversation highlights leadership principles for building high-performance teams and developing the next generation of technology innovators. If you’re interested in defense technology, government contracting, DevSecOps, or AI-driven mission systems, this episode delivers actionable insights and real-world perspectives.  #Podcast #DevSecOps #DefenseInnovation #GovernmentContracting #AI #MachineLearning #MissionEngineering #DarkWolfSolutions FORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

What does it really take to modernize federal technology at mission scale?In this episode of FORUM Power, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Atul Mathur, Principal and CIO at Credence Management Solutions, to explore the realities of leading large-scale digital transformation for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)—one of the most mission-critical organizations in U.S. defense.With over 20 years of experience across public and private sectors, Atul shares how he leads 150+ technologists, delivers cloud and AI solutions at scale, and earns trust as a strategic advisor to senior government leaders.🎯 Key topics include:Federal cloud modernization and managed servicesAI in defense: what’s real vs. overhypedDevSecOps adoption and cultural barriersBuilding high-performing teams in government contractingBalancing innovation with security and reliabilityLessons learned from enterprise architecture and system designDeveloping talent and becoming a trusted government advisorRapid Fire Round covers cloud vs. on-prem, underrated government tech, career advice, and the one federal IT challenge Atul would solve with a magic wand.If you care about government modernization, federal IT leadership, cloud migration, AI in defense, or mission-driven technology, this episode delivers real-world insight—no buzzwords, just impact.🎙️ Subscribe to FORUM Power for candid conversations with the leaders shaping the future of federal technology.#FederalIT #GovernmentTechnology #DigitalTransformation #CloudComputing #AIinGovernment #DevSecOps #DefenseTechnology #Leadership #CIO #GovTech #MissionImpact #CredenceManagementSolutions #FORUMPOWERPodcast #FORUM FORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

How do you modernize federal health IT systems that millions of Americans depend on—without disrupting care?In this episode of the Forum Power Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Wittman, Vice President at CGI Federal, who leads strategic growth and delivery for national and defense health programs supporting CMS, the Defense Health Agency (DHA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).With more than 25 years in government IT and executive leadership, Michael shares firsthand insight into modernizing some of the federal government’s most complex healthcare systems—spanning health IT modernization, data analytics, intelligent automation, and digital transformation.🔹 Key differences between national health programs and defense health systems 🔹 Common challenges facing CMS, DHA, and the VA—despite different missions 🔹 How to modernize decades-old health IT without disrupting critical services 🔹 Where data analytics is delivering real improvements in patient care 🔹 How intelligent automation is improving efficiency across federal health programs 🔹 Lessons learned from large-scale EHR modernization effortsWe also discuss what makes an effective partnership between federal health agencies and technology providers, and what federal health leaders must get right over the next 5–10 years.The episode closes with a rapid-fire round on misconceptions about federal health IT, career lessons, and advice for companies entering the federal health market.🎧 If you work in federal health IT, GovTech, healthcare modernization, or defense health, this episode offers practical insight from someone operating at scale where mission, care, and technology intersect. #FederalHealthIT #GovTech #HealthIT #DigitalTransformation #HealthcareModernization #DefenseHealth #VeteransHealth #DataAnalytics #Automation #CGIFederal #FORUMPowerFORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

When millions gather for the FIFA World Cup or the Olympics, physical security is only part of the equation.The real vulnerability often lies beneath the surface — inside networks, ticketing systems, power grids, and third-party platforms.In this episode of FORUM Power, we speak with  Tim Miller, Field CTO and Public Sector Cyber Lead at Dataminr and explore how AI-driven early warning systems, public sector cybersecurity strategies, and real-time intelligence are transforming crisis response for government agencies and large-scale event organizers.With 17 years of experience helping public sector organizations adopt innovative technology, Tim Miller shares frontline insight into:• The biggest cybersecurity challenges facing government today • Why static risk scores fail in fast-moving threat environments • How AI adoption in government can be done responsibly • Lessons from enterprise-scale deployments across DHS, State, and HHS • The growing connection between cyber threats and physical infrastructure risk • How real-time intelligence improves leadership decision-making under pressureDataminr, recognized as one of the world’s leading AI companies, delivers the earliest warnings on high-impact events using more than 50 proprietary large language models. Its AI platform enables faster response, stronger risk mitigation, and more effective crisis management for public sector agencies, first responders, NGOs, and global organizations.When cyber risk can trigger physical consequences, time becomes the most critical asset.If you care about AI in government, public sector innovation, cybersecurity strategy, national security, crisis management, and GovTech leadership, this conversation is essential listening.#PublicSector #Cybersecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #AIinGovernment #GovTech #CrisisManagement #NationalSecurity #RiskManagement #LeadershipFORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

What does it really take to modernize government technology—without breaking security, budgets, or mission focus?In this episode of FORUM Power, we sit down with Bob Stevens, Vice President of Americas and Public Sector at GitLab, to unpack the real-world challenges of digital transformation in government.A former U.S. Air Force member, Bob brings a mission-first mindset to federal IT modernization. He shares how GitLab helps agencies move beyond legacy systems, reduce technical debt, and adopt AI-powered DevOps—all while strengthening national security and citizen services.We also dig into what it means to lead in a fully remote organization, how GitLab’s culture stands apart, and why security must be built in from day one, not bolted on at the end.If you’re a government leader, technologist, or policy professional navigating DevOps, AI, cybersecurity, or digital infrastructure, this conversation cuts through the jargon and gets practical—fast.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why DevOps matters (in plain English) for non-technical leadersThe biggest barriers public-sector teams face with legacy systemsHow GitLab integrates security earlier in the software lifecycleWhere AI will have the most impact across DevOps in 2026 and beyondLeadership lessons from military service to modern tech teamsWe wrap up with a fun rapid-fire round you won’t want to miss. #FORUMPower #GovernmentTech #DevOps #GitLab #PublicSectorIT #DigitalTransformation #Cybersecurity #AIGovernment #FederalIT #TechLeadership #RemoteLeadership FORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

What does it take to lead federal health IT modernization at scale—and deliver real results inside complex government systems?In this episode of FORUM Power, we’re joined by Sumesh Sundareswaran, Vice President at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), where he leads over 1,000 professionals supporting the critical missions of HHS and the Social Security Administration.With more than 20 years in federal health IT, Sumesh shares how leadership, trust, and innovation come together to move government technology forward—securely, responsibly, and at speed.In this conversation, we cover:What drew Sumesh into the federal technology space—and what keeps him passionate todayA pivotal career moment that shaped his leadership journeyThe single biggest shift agencies are making in modernization right nowHow to lead high-performing teams in high-pressure government environmentsNavigating bureaucracy, budget cycles, and risk while still driving innovationWhat industry partners often misunderstand about working with federal agenciesWhat government leaders should better understand about industry collaborationGrowing the HHS portfolio 3× in revenue in just 15 monthsHis role in advancing C-CDA, a national standard for health information exchangeBuilding trust and credibility with government, industry, and internal teamsLessons learned from professional setbacksWhere AI, cloud, zero trust, and emerging tech will have the greatest federal impactCareer advice for professionals who want to make a real difference in federal ITPlus, a fun Rapid Fire Round to close it out.This episode is a must-listen for federal IT leaders, health IT professionals, government contractors, executives, and anyone passionate about modernizing public-sector technology. #FederalHealthIT #GovernmentTechnology #HealthITLeadership #DigitalTransformation #PublicSectorInnovation #HHS #FORUMPower #LeadershipInTech #GDIT #FORUMPowerPodcastFORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

What happens when a board-certified physician becomes a healthcare IT executive—and refuses to compromise patient care in the process?In this episode, we sit down with Shane McNamee, MD, Global Health Industry Lead at Appian, former VA Physician Executive, and nationally respected Healthcare Solution Architect with more than 20 years of experience modernizing complex health systems.Dr. McNamee helped build the VA’s Polytrauma System of Care, creating rehabilitation programs for severely combat-wounded veterans—patients for whom failure is not an option. That frontline experience shaped everything he believes about healthcare technology today.We explore:How he transitioned from clinical medicine to health IT leadershipWhat treating polytrauma patients teaches us about what health IT must never compromiseWhy VA/DoD interoperability has been so hard—and what actually worksWhat’s truly at stake when medical records don’t follow service members from active duty to veteran careHow physicians can lead business growth without sacrificing clinical integrityTranslating between clinicians who distrust technology and executives focused on ROIWhy Agentic AI is fundamentally different from chatbots and algorithmsWhere AI will have the biggest impact on the patient care journey in the next 3–5 yearsThe single most important lesson for leaders driving large-scale healthcare modernizationWhat “efficient, safe, intelligently orchestrated healthcare” really looks like by 2030—and what happens if we failThis conversation is essential listening for healthcare leaders, clinicians, CIOs, federal health executives, health IT professionals, and anyone shaping the future of care delivery.#HealthcareLeadership #HealthIT #DigitalHealth #AgenticAI #VeteransHealthcare #Interoperability #FederalHealthIT #PhysicianExecutive #HealthcareInnovation #Appian #FORUM #FORUMPower #FORUMPowerPodcastFORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

What does it take to modernize IT for the people inventing the future of national defense?In this episode of the Forum Power Podcast, we sit down with Domenique Malone, Information Technology Manager at the Department of Defense’s Office of the Under Secretary for Research & Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), to explore how secure, user-focused IT enables innovation at the highest levels.Domenique operates at the intersection of digital transformation, AI integration, prototyping, and testing, supporting scientists, engineers, and program managers working on some of the most advanced—and sensitive—defense technologies in the world.We unpack what successful digital transformation actually looks like inside defense research and engineering, how to balance rapid innovation with national security, and why user experience, collaboration tools, and digital hygiene are mission-critical—not optional.You’ll also hear Domenique’s perspective on: • The biggest barriers to IT modernization inside the DoD • What government gets right that most people underestimate • How resilient networks support mission assurance in contested environments • Why solution-oriented leadership matters more than ever • How defense innovation translates into benefits for everyday public lifeWe close with a rapid-fire round on the future of defense IT, career advice, and what IT professionals should know before entering government service.If you care about technology, leadership, cybersecurity, AI, or how government innovation actually works, this is a must-listen.#ForumPowerPodcast #DefenseInnovation #ITModernization #Cybersecurity#DigitalTransformation #GovernmentIT #DefenseTech #LeadershipInTech#AIIntegration #NationalSecurity #PublicSectorInnovationFORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

What does digital transformation in government actually mean—and why do so many initiatives fail before delivering real impact?In this episode, we’re joined by Jason Adolf, Vice President of Global Public Sector at Appian, who leads AI-powered process automation and digital transformation initiatives for government and defense organizations across five continents.With more than 20 years of experience delivering complex IT programs for civilian agencies and defense organizations, Jason breaks down what separates successful government modernization efforts from costly missteps—and why technology is rarely the hardest part.🔹 What digital transformation really means (and what it doesn’t) 🔹 The universal challenges governments face—no matter the country 🔹 Why business process modernization matters more than new tools 🔹 How agencies can innovate responsibly without “moving fast and breaking things” 🔹 Where AI is delivering real value in government today—and where it’s not ready 🔹 How leaders can drive adoption in organizations built for stability, not speedJason also shares a forward-looking view of AI-driven government, exploring what citizens will expect from public services in the next five years—and how agencies can prepare now.We close with a rapid-fire round covering the biggest barriers to transformation, underestimated tech trends, and one action government CIOs should take this month to accelerate progress.🎧 Whether you’re a government leader, technologist, policymaker, or public sector partner, this episode offers practical insight into building modern, accountable, and citizen-centric government systems.FORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

AI is moving fast.Security isn’t keeping up.On this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Elad Schulman, Co-Founder and CEO of Lasso Security, to break down what it really takes to secure Generative and Agentic AI—before it becomes your biggest risk.Elad is a seasoned technology entrepreneur who’s built, scaled, and sold companies across startups and enterprises. After selling Segasec to Mimecast, where he served as VP of Brand Protection, Elad saw a new and urgent problem emerging: organizations racing to adopt AI without knowing how to secure it. That realization led to Lasso Security, a platform built from the ground up for the GenAI era.In this candid conversation, Elad explains why securing LLMs and AI agents is fundamentally different from traditional cybersecurity—and why existing tools aren’t enough. He shares the real vulnerabilities keeping CIOs and CISOs up at night, especially in highly regulated environments like government contracting.Mary Ann and Elad also explore:Why AI agents create a new attack surfaceThe biggest misconceptions about GenAI securityHow organizations can adopt AI without exposing sensitive dataWhat “secure by design” really means for GenAIHow government contractors should approach AI under CMMC, FedRAMP, and compliance pressureWhether you’re a technology leader, government contractor, or cybersecurity professional, this episode delivers a clear-eyed look at how to move forward with AI—without putting your mission, data, or reputation at risk.FORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

AI is reshaping federal cybersecurity—but execution still matters most.On this episode of FORUM POWER, host Mary Ann Brown talks with Johann Dettweiler, CISO at stackArmor (a Tyto Athene company), about how risk, FedRAMP, and leadership are evolving across federal IT.Johann shares his unconventional path into cybersecurity, the shift from quantifiable to qualifiable risk, and what agencies must balance as AI adoption accelerates.From inside FedRAMP, Johann breaks down common misconceptions, why CSPs underestimate the effort, what’s needed for FedRAMP 20X automation, and why agency adoption is critical.The conversation also explores risk-based leadership, aligning security with mission goals, and why security must be a culture—not a checkbox.⚡ Plus: a lightning round on leadership advice, AI tools, and career lessons.🎯 A must-listen for federal IT, cybersecurity, cloud, and GovCon professionals.FORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly. 

What does delivery excellence really mean in federal IT—and why does it matter now more than ever?In this episode of the FORUM Power Podcast, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Adam Byer, Chief Delivery Officer at iTech AG, to explore how leadership, culture, and innovation drive successful outcomes in government contracting and federal technology.Adam shares how iTech AG’s Customer Success Partnership Program is redefining transparency and collaboration in GovCon and how the company’s Centers of Excellence in Low Code/No Code, Agile, and Project Management are transforming how federal programs are delivered.The conversation dives into:Delivery excellence as a leadership strategyLow code/no code adoption in federal ITWhat’s working—and not working—with Agile in governmentScaled Agile in a federal environmentBuilding culture while scaling federal contractsWhat agencies and contractors should prioritize through 2026 and beyondThis episode is designed for professionals working in or interested in government contracting, federal IT modernization, Agile delivery, and customer success—as well as leaders looking to improve mission outcomes across the federal marketplace.🎙 New episodes weekly.FORUM POWER Podcast delivers insider conversations on GovCon and federal IT leadership, hosted by Mary Ann Brown, President of FORUM. Follow FORUM on LinkedIn for updates. New episodes weekly.