Former Fed Friday

Latest Episodes:

Turning Technology Into Mission Impact with Jamie Holcombe. Former Fed Friday Sponsored by vTech Solution Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

Government agencies are investing in AI, launching pilots, and exploring new technologies, but how much of that activity is actually improving mission outcomes?

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Hunter Gros and Shelley McGuire welcome Jamie Holcombe, Chief Operating Officer at Electrosoft and former Chief Information Officer at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). With more than 30 years of federal technology and cybersecurity leadership across civilian, defense, intelligence, and industry environments, Jamie brings a practical perspective on what it takes to move AI beyond experimentation and into meaningful mission impact.

Jamie explains why many AI initiatives struggle, not because the technology isn't ready, but because organizations start with the technology instead of the problem they're trying to solve. Drawing on his experience at USPTO, he shares a straightforward approach: identify a mission bottleneck, measure it, apply AI, and measure the results again. If performance improves, scale it. If it doesn't, stop funding it.

But technology is only part of the equation. Jamie identifies organizational culture as the biggest obstacle to government AI adoption, emphasizing that leadership, accountability, and a willingness to challenge established processes are essential to making progress.

The conversation also explores why trust must be built into AI systems from day one through security, transparency, auditability, and governance, not added after deployment.

Jamie's message for government and industry leaders is clear: Don't deploy AI simply because it's AI. Deploy it because it makes the mission better.

If you're looking to move beyond AI pilots and deliver measurable results, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for putting mission outcomes, leadership, and trust first.

To connect with Jaime, visit him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Electrosoft by visiting their website here.

Don't know vTech yet? You should as vTech Solution is a trailblazer in the IT services domain with key offerings that include Digital Modernization, including Application Modernization; Managed Cloud infrastructure; and Cybersecurity. Learn more about vTech Solution here.

From Federal Leader to Industry Leader with Todd Anthony. Former Fed Friday Sponsored by vTech Solution Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

Leaving federal service can feel like stepping into an entirely different world—but the skills, mission focus, and experience built during a government career may be more valuable to industry than many federal employees realize.

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Hunter Gros and Shelley McGuire sit down with Todd Anthony, Chief Operating Officer at ThinkTek and former Chief Procurement Officer at the IRS, to talk candidly about making the transition from federal service to GovCon. After overseeing a $4.6 billion annual contract portfolio at the IRS and previously serving as Senior Procurement Executive at OPM, Todd knows both sides of the federal acquisition landscape.

Todd tackles some of the biggest misconceptions about industry, including the idea that GovCon is driven solely by profits. He shares how he found that same commitment to public service on the industry side—and discovered new ways to support government missions through advising, acquisition strategy, and industry engagement.

For federal employees considering their own move, Todd offers practical advice: find mentors who have already made the transition, don’t wait for the “perfect” job, get comfortable stepping outside your expertise, and learn how to translate federal accomplishments into the language of business results. Instead of focusing solely on compliance or process, talk about efficiencies gained, dollars saved, problems solved, and mission outcomes delivered.

And one of his biggest surprises after leaving government? More freedom to manage his time, make decisions, and chart his own path.

If you’ve ever wondered what comes after federal service—or how to turn years of government experience into your next career chapter—this conversation offers an inside look from someone who has successfully made the jump.

To connect with Todd visit him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about ThinkTek by visiting their website here.

Modernization Isn’t the Mission - Outcomes Are with Marc Richardson. Former Fed Friday Sponsored by vTech Solution Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

After 28 years in federal service, Marc Richardson may have moved to the industry side, but his focus hasn’t changed: the mission still comes first.

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Shelley McGuire sits down with Marc, Executive Vice President at USA InfoTech and former CMS Senior Executive Director, to talk about the lessons he carried from a career spanning Social Security, VA, and CMS—and how those experiences continue to shape the way he approaches federal health IT today.

Marc shares why technology modernization should never be about technology for technology’s sake. Whether helping someone navigate Social Security benefits or leading systems supporting HealthCare.gov, the real measure of success is whether the programs work for the people who depend on them. Now in industry, he’s seeing the same mission from a different vantage point—and finding opportunities to bring greater speed, flexibility, AI, automation, and modern testing to government challenges.

Looking ahead, Marc explores where CMS and federal health IT are headed, including digital-first services, data interoperability, program integrity, AI and advanced analytics, system reliability, and stronger partnerships with states.

The takeaway? Modernization isn’t the end goal. Better outcomes are. It’s about connecting policy, technology, and operations to build services people can rely on when they need them most.

To connect with Marc visit him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about USA InfoTech by visiting their website here.

In Federal Contracting, Relationships Inform. Positioning Wins. A Conversation with Katrina Brisbon. Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Hunter Gros and Shelley McGuire sit down with Katrina Brisbon, CEO of Columbia Alliance and former HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition and Senior Procurement Executive, to challenge one of GovCon’s most common assumptions: that access equals advantage. Drawing on more than 27 years of federal experience, Katrina explains why relationships can provide valuable insight into an agency’s mission, pain points and priorities—but positioning is what ultimately wins.

Katrina breaks down the four types of intelligence companies should be gathering long before an opportunity hits the street: market, opportunity, competitive and engagement intelligence. From tracking budget movements and contract expirations to understanding incumbents, competitors, vehicles and changing procurement strategies, she shares what companies should be watching to make smarter bid, teaming and investment decisions.

The conversation also explores why industry days should validate your research—not begin it—and why listening may be far more valuable than walking into a meeting ready to deliver your capabilities pitch.

The takeaway? If your strategy starts when the opportunity is posted, you’re already behind. The companies positioned to win are watching the market, following the breadcrumbs and building their strategy years before everyone else sees the opportunity.

To connect with Katrina visit her on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Columbia Alliance by visiting their website here.

Former Fed Friday. Data at Mission Speed: Modernizing National Security with RELI Group's Ryan Ferry Sponsored by vTech Solution Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Hunter Gros and Shelley McGuire sit down with Ryan Ferry, National Security Manager at RELI Group and a former DHS and TSA leader with nearly two decades of federal experience. Ryan shares a firsthand perspective on the role data plays in mission execution, from passenger screening and workforce planning to technology deployment, risk management, and resource allocation.

The conversation explores some of the biggest challenges facing national security agencies today. How can agencies break down data silos and connect legacy systems? What does modern data sharing actually look like? How do you make information more accessible without creating new security risks? And what role should industry play in helping agencies modernize beyond simply delivering new technology?
Ryan also discusses where agencies early in their modernization journey should begin and why understanding the mission, existing capabilities, resources, and acceptable risk is critical to making meaningful progress.

If you work in national security, federal technology, data, or GovCon, this conversation offers an inside look at what effective modernization really requires.

To connect with Ryan visit him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about RELI Group by visiting their website here.

Beyond the Buzzwords: AI, Security, and Federal Innovation with Leslie Reid - Former Fed Friday Sponsored by vTech Solution Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Shelley McGuire and Hunter Gros sit down with Leslie Reid, Vice President of Defense Programs at iWorks Corporation and former Senior Advisor at DCSA, for an inside look at one of the federal government's most ambitious modernization efforts.

Drawing on her experience leading through the evolution of the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) and Trusted Workforce 2.0, Leslie shares why modernizing government technology is far more than replacing legacy systems. The conversation explores the challenge of translating policy into technology requirements, why strong workflow design matters more than simply adding AI, and how identity data and continuous vetting are reshaping the future of personnel security.

Leslie also reflects on her transition from government to industry, explaining how understanding customer pain points drives better technology solutions, why "innovation theater" often stalls meaningful progress, and what it takes to bridge the gap between operational expertise and technical implementation. Whether you're navigating government modernization, developing AI-enabled solutions, or supporting federal missions, this episode offers practical lessons from someone who has worked on both sides of the table.

To connect with Leslie visit her on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about iWorks Corporation by visiting their website here.

Lee Ann Crochunis on How to Bridge the Government-Industry Gap Sponsored by vTech Solution Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Hunter Gros and Shelley McGuire welcome Lee Ann Crochunis, former CMS Deputy Director of the Office of Information Technology and now Technology Account Lead focused on CMS at Guidehouse, for a candid conversation about the realities of government, industry, and what it takes to successfully bridge the two.

Drawing from more than 24 years at CMS and leadership roles in both government and industry, Leanne shares why empathy—not assumptions—is one of the most valuable skills anyone working in the federal market can develop. She explores the unseen pressures driving both federal employees and contractors, why commercial solutions often require more adaptation than companies expect, and what industry frequently gets wrong when trying to build relationships with government leaders.

Rather than focusing on the next sales pitch, Leanne challenges listeners to rethink how they engage with federal customers by listening more deeply, understanding context, and building genuine trust before offering solutions. Whether you're new to GovCon or a seasoned federal contractor, this episode offers practical lessons on navigating change, translating commercial innovation into government, and creating partnerships that last.

To connect with Lee Ann visit her on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Guidehouse by visiting their website here.

AI Governance Beyond Compliance with Robert Wood Sponsored by vTech Solution Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Shelley McGuire sits down with Robert Wood, former Chief Information Security Officer at CMS and founder of Sidekick Security, to discuss what it really takes to secure AI adoption in federal agencies and the companies that support them. Drawing on his experience leading cybersecurity programs in government and advising organizations today, Robert explains why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to AI governance and how organizations can avoid the most common security blind spots.

The conversation explores the difference between traditional compliance and operational AI governance, why understanding your organization's AI use cases should come before investing in new tools, and how contractors can make smarter cybersecurity investments as AI capabilities continue to evolve. Robert also shares why governance isn't a one-time exercise, but an ongoing process of adapting to new features, new risks, and new ways AI is being used across the enterprise.

Whether you're a federal leader, GovCon executive, cybersecurity professional, or AI strategist, this episode offers practical insights for protecting innovation while enabling responsible AI adoption.

To connect with Robert visit him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Sidekick Security by visiting their website here.

Former Fed Friday The Human Side of Cybersecurity Leadership with Hemant Baidwan Sponsored by vTech Solution Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Hunter Gros sits down with Hemant Baidwan, former DHS Chief Information Security Officer and Acting Deputy CIO, and current Chief Information Security Officer with Knox Systems, Inc. to discuss leadership, career growth, cybersecurity, and the transition from public service to industry. Hemant reflects on the experiences that shaped his 26-year career, the importance of building a strong personal brand, and why successful leaders never stop rolling up their sleeves to help their teams.

The conversation explores lessons learned leading cybersecurity efforts across the Department of Homeland Security, how trust and empowerment drive success in large organizations, and what professionals can do today to prepare for future leadership opportunities. Hemant also shares his perspective on moving from government to the private sector, the realities of managing cyber risk in both environments, and why adaptability remains one of the most valuable skills in technology and security.

To connect with Hemant visit him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Knox Systems, Inc. by visiting their website here.

Networking, Teaming, and the Future of CMS Procurement with Jeff Grant. Sponsored by vTech Solution Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Shelley McGuire and Hunter Gros welcome back Jeff Grant, founder of Schedule F Healthcare Strategies and former CMS executive, for a candid discussion about what he has learned during his first year helping displaced federal employees find new opportunities and supporting GovCon companies navigating the healthcare market.

Drawing on his experience inside CMS and now in industry, Jeff shares why networking matters long before you need a job, what federal employees often underestimate about the business development and teaming process, and how stronger collaboration between agencies and industry can lead to better procurement outcomes.

The conversation also explores emerging trends at CMS, including the agency’s growing focus on fraud prevention, modernization of legacy systems, and the increasing use of proof-of-concept evaluations to assess contractor capabilities. Jeff offers a unique perspective on why demonstrating solutions may become just as important as writing proposals, especially as agencies look to evaluate AI and digital transformation efforts more effectively.

To connect with Jeff visit him on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Schedule F Healthcare Strategies by visiting their website here.

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