Keeping IT Brief

Mary Ann Brown & Tracey Aubey

Keeping IT Brief is FORUM’s fast, focused podcast delivering essential insights on government technology, federal modernization, and the evolving GovCon landscape. Each short episode features conversations with industry leaders, government executives, and innovators who are driving mission success through new strategies, emerging technologies, and forward-thinking approaches to public sector IT. Designed for busy federal and industry professionals, Keeping IT Brief gets straight to what matters—key trends, practical takeaways, and expert perspectives on cybersecurity, digital transformation, AI adoption, cloud advancements, and the policies shaping federal technology priorities. Instead of long discussions, the podcast provides concise, high-value briefings that help listeners stay informed and ready for what’s next. Whether you support federal programs, lead technology initiatives, work in business development, or simply want to keep pace with the rapid changes across government IT, Keeping IT Brief delivers the insights you need in a format that fits your schedule. Guests include senior government officials, CIOs, CTOs, acquisition experts, solution architects, and strategic voices from across the public and private sectors. About the Host: Mary Ann Brown hosts Keeping IT Brief and brings extensive experience in connecting government and industry across technology, policy, and mission-driven initiatives. As Senior Director of Operations at FORUM, she supports collaboration through strategic events, leadership programs, and platforms that elevate critical conversations in the federal space. Stay informed in minutes. Subscribe to Keeping IT Brief for timely insights that help you understand federal IT trends and anticipate opportunities across the government technology community.

  1. DoD Modernization, PMP Leadership & Electronic Security in Federal IT

    6 MAR

    DoD Modernization, PMP Leadership & Electronic Security in Federal IT

    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 — identifying opportunities in the Electronic Security Systems (ESS) federal government space. With experience in management, procurement, financial reporting, customer relations, training, and an active Secret Clearance, he brings a 360-degree view of government program delivery.  Recently PMP-certified through the Project Management Institute, Richard shares how formal project management frameworks strengthen execution in complex government environments — and why discipline, communication, and adaptability are critical in DoD modernization efforts.  We also explore:  • The biggest challenges of implementing new technology in secure DoD environments  • How ISO 9001:2015 and CMMI® Level 3 standards support federal IT excellence  • Building high-performing teams in government contracting  • Delivering innovation beyond the scope of work  • Emerging opportunities in federal electronic security and defense technology  If you’re interested in government IT, federal contracting, DoD modernization, PMP leadership, or electronic security systems, this episode delivers practical insight from the field.  Listen now and stay ahead of the mission.  #DoD #FederalIT #ProjectManagement #PMP #ElectronicSecurity #GovernmentContracting #DefenseTechnology #Modernization #Leadership #CMMI #ISO9001 #TIAG #FORUMPodcastNetwork #KeepingITBrief Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    11 min
  2. Digital Transformation in Federal IT: Growth, AI & Modernization Strategies

    3 MAR

    Digital Transformation in Federal IT: Growth, AI & Modernization Strategies

    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 of federal market experience, Mike has helped scale and grow industry leaders like Aquilent (acquired by Booz Allen Hamilton) and CollabraLink Technologies (acquired by Washington Harbour Partners). Now, he’s leading growth strategy at Alpha Omega as the company expands its impact in the full and open federal space.  We discuss:  • The biggest challenges in government IT modernization  • How agencies can successfully adopt artificial intelligence and cybersecurity solutions  • Building high-performing teams in a fast-changing federal environment  • Delivering real customer experience improvements in Federal agencies  • What’s next for digital modernization, AI in government, and operational resilience.  Alpha Omega supports national security and national resilience through expertise in digital modernization, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity — helping agencies future-proof legacy systems and accelerate operational efficiency.  If you care about federal IT, GovCon growth strategy, digital transformation, AI in government, cybersecurity, and mission-driven technology, this episode is for you.  #KeepingITBrief #FederalIT #DigitalTransformation #GovCon #ArtificialIntelligence #Cybersecurity #GovernmentTechnology #NationalSecurity #Leadership  Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    16 min
  3. AI Is Transforming Government—How to Stay Secure in 2026 with Chris Townsend of Elastic

    14 FEB

    AI Is Transforming Government—How to Stay Secure in 2026 with Chris Townsend of Elastic

    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 government prioritizing AI adoption and digital transformation—highlighted by the 2025 AI Action Plan and procurement initiatives like GSA’s OneGov program—agencies are under pressure to innovate quickly while maintaining security, compliance, and mission continuity. Chris explains how Elastic’s open, scalable Search AI Platform helps government organizations modernize legacy systems, strengthen security operations, and gain real-time visibility across data silos. The conversation also dives into the growing risks tied to rapid AI adoption, including supply chain attacks, identity-based intrusions, and zero-day exploits. You’ll also hear insights on Elastic’s recent partnership with CISA, focused on developing a unified SIEM-as-a-Service to standardize security data collection and accelerate incident response across federal civilian agencies. In this episode, you’ll learn: The top cybersecurity challenges facing government agencies in 2026How AI can turn security data into faster, smarter decisionsWhy standardized security data collection is critical for federal defenseHow Elastic supports Zero Trust, secure AI adoption, and modernization at scaleAs cyber threats continue to grow in complexity, this episode offers practical insights for public sector leaders balancing AI-powered innovation with the imperative to protect sensitive data. #KeepingITBrief #FederalIT #GovTech #Cybersecurity #AIinGovernment #PublicSector #Elastic #CISA #SIEM #ZeroTrust #GovAI #ITModernization #DataSecurity  Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    8 min
  4. Building the Cloud Foundation for Healthcare AI & Public Sector Innovation | Jaison Correya, CEO of CLOUDVICE

    20 JAN

    Building the Cloud Foundation for Healthcare AI & Public Sector Innovation | Jaison Correya, CEO of CLOUDVICE

    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 healthcare organizations and state and local governments modernize back-office and front-office operations—from payroll and finance to budgeting and planning—using Oracle SaaS Cloud to drive efficiency, transparency, automation, and ROI. Jaison shares what inspired him to launch CLOUDVICE and how his background in cloud, AI, and large-scale program management shaped the company’s mission to support innovation in healthcare and government. In this conversation, Mary Ann and Jaison discuss: The biggest barriers to scaling AI in healthcare, including data readiness and legacy systemsWhy real-time insights remain so difficult for many organizationsHow CLOUDVICE helps agencies build strong cloud and data foundationsWhat makes the CLOUDVICE + Kardia.ai partnership unique in improving workflows and decision support in heart failure careWhere healthcare AI is headed—and where CLOUDVICE plans to make its greatest impactIf you work in healthcare IT, public sector technology, cloud strategy, or digital transformation, this episode delivers clear, practical insight—without the fluff. 🔗 Guest: Jaison Correya, CEO, CLOUDVICE 🔗 Host: Mary Ann Brown 🔗 Connect with Jaison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaison-correya/ Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    19 min
  5. Encore Episode: Federal Cybersecurity: Creating a Modern Response for Today’s Risks

    13 JAN

    Encore Episode: Federal Cybersecurity: Creating a Modern Response for Today’s Risks

    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 modern technology adoption. One of the biggest pain points?  The Authority to Operate (ATO) process. In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, Peter O’Donoghue, CTO of Tyto Athene, and Gaurav “GP” Pal, CEO of stackArmor, join the conversation to explore how agencies can modernize RMF implementation without throwing the framework away. Together, they discuss: Why the ATO has become a bottleneck for federal IT and cloud programsHow manual, outdated processes clash with modern DevSecOps practicesThe role of automation, ATO-as-code, and continuous compliancePractical ways agencies can accelerate innovation while maintaining security and trustWith decades of experience in cloud computing, cybersecurity, FedRAMP, FISMA RMF, DoD RMF, and CMMC, Peter and GP bring real-world insight into how government can move faster—without compromising mission or security. If you work in federal IT, cybersecurity, cloud modernization, or compliance, this episode delivers clear, actionable perspective on what needs to change—and how to get there. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    19 min
  6. AI, Security & The Future Workforce with Oliver Sadorra of Dark Wolf Solutions

    08/12/2025

    AI, Security & The Future Workforce with Oliver Sadorra of Dark Wolf Solutions

    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, public perception vs. reality, how agencies can innovate without compromising trust, the emerging skills today’s workforce needs, and the one piece of advice Oliver gives organizations beginning their AI journey. Dark Wolf Solutions delivers agile DevSecOps, advanced analytics, cybersecurity, rapid prototyping, and mission engineering for federal and Fortune 500 customers—operating where technical innovation meets mission need.  #KeepingITBrief #AI #CyberSecurity #GovTech #DevSecOps #Innovation #DarkWolfSolutions #Leadership #TechTrends #FutureOfWork  Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    13 min
  7. Strengthening DHS IT Operations: Next Steps for National Security Efficiency with Keri Gentilcore

    01/12/2025

    Strengthening DHS IT Operations: Next Steps for National Security Efficiency with Keri Gentilcore

    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 planning, and IT modernization. ITC Federal delivers advancements in automation and AI, IT infrastructure and operations, and financial services to help federal agencies strengthen operational efficiency and national security. In this episode, Keri discusses the latest Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommendations for DHS and outlines practical steps the agency can take to modernize IT operations, improve acquisition and management processes, enhance financial management systems, and drive greater efficiencies across major national security programs.  #KeepingITBrief #ITCFederal #DHS #NationalSecurity #FederalIT #ITModernization #GAO #Cybersecurity #GovernmentTech #ITOperations #FinancialManagement #PublicSectorInnovation #TechPolicy  Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    13 min
  8. Bridging the Cyber-Physical Divide: Safeguarding Major Events with Tim Miller of Dataminr

    12/10/2025

    Bridging the Cyber-Physical Divide: Safeguarding Major Events with Tim Miller of Dataminr

    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 governments and event organizers must think holistically to stay ahead of threats. Tim shares insights from 17 years in public sector technology and explains how Dataminr’s world-leading AI helps deliver early warnings and real-time visibility when it matters most. Tune in to hear how proactive intelligence and AI-driven threat detection can protect both digital and physical domains. Tim Miller, Field CTO and Public Sector Cyber Lead at Dataminr Tim Miller has spent 17 years as a technologist helping public sector organizations adopt innovative technology solutions to create operational efficiencies and drive success across critical missions. Currently, Tim is the Field CTO for Dataminr’s Public Sector business, responsible for developing go-to-market strategies and client delivery of Dataminr’s first purpose-built cyber offering for the public sector. During his 8 years at Dataminr, he has held many different roles in managing some of the most strategic client relationships, helping lead enterprise-scale deployments of First Alert within the US Department of State, US Department of Homeland Security, and US Department of Health, among many others.   Dataminr Recognized as one of the world’s leading AI businesses, Dataminr delivers the earliest warnings on high-impact events and critical information far in advance of other sources. The company’s world-leading AI platform, powered by more than 50 proprietary large-language models, enables faster responses, more effective risk mitigation and stronger crisis management for public and private sector organizations, including global corporations, first responders, NGOs, and newsrooms. Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations. Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app. Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

    9 min
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About

Keeping IT Brief is FORUM’s fast, focused podcast delivering essential insights on government technology, federal modernization, and the evolving GovCon landscape. Each short episode features conversations with industry leaders, government executives, and innovators who are driving mission success through new strategies, emerging technologies, and forward-thinking approaches to public sector IT. Designed for busy federal and industry professionals, Keeping IT Brief gets straight to what matters—key trends, practical takeaways, and expert perspectives on cybersecurity, digital transformation, AI adoption, cloud advancements, and the policies shaping federal technology priorities. Instead of long discussions, the podcast provides concise, high-value briefings that help listeners stay informed and ready for what’s next. Whether you support federal programs, lead technology initiatives, work in business development, or simply want to keep pace with the rapid changes across government IT, Keeping IT Brief delivers the insights you need in a format that fits your schedule. Guests include senior government officials, CIOs, CTOs, acquisition experts, solution architects, and strategic voices from across the public and private sectors. About the Host: Mary Ann Brown hosts Keeping IT Brief and brings extensive experience in connecting government and industry across technology, policy, and mission-driven initiatives. As Senior Director of Operations at FORUM, she supports collaboration through strategic events, leadership programs, and platforms that elevate critical conversations in the federal space. Stay informed in minutes. Subscribe to Keeping IT Brief for timely insights that help you understand federal IT trends and anticipate opportunities across the government technology community.

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Ann Brown & Tracey Aubey
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    174
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Keeping IT Brief
  • Show Website
    Keeping IT Brief