The Government Huddle with Brian Chidester

Latest Episodes:

206: The One with the Homeland Security SME May 04, 2026

Show notes

Alan Metzler, Vice President of Department Homeland Security at ITC Federal joins the show to unpack one of the most pressing challenges in government today: aligning emerging technologies with mission outcomes. He shares an insider’s perspective on the complexity of the Department of Homeland Security with agency’s diverse, overlapping missions discusses how all Federal agencies can move beyond “technology for technology’s sake” and instead focus on measurable mission impact. Finally we take a forward-looking view on how DHS can balance innovation with operational demands—highlighting the importance of leadership, public-private collaboration, and empowering teams to take smart risks.

205: The One with the Elastic Public Sector VP Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

Chris Townsend, Global Vice President of Public Sector at Elastic joins the show to explore the evolving intersection of cybersecurity, AI, and data strategy in government. We dive into the shift toward continuous Authority to Operate (ATO) and why real-time, always-on security is becoming essential in an era of AI-powered threats. We also break down how both adversaries and defenders are leveraging AI and why “machine-speed attacks” demand equally fast, intelligent responses. Finally, we unpack the growing role of agentic AI in security operations, from automating threat detection and prioritization to augmenting SOC teams and how AI is transforming citizen services, with real-world examples of improving access to benefits and delivering more personalized government experiences.

204: The One with the Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

Sean Clifford, Quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals and former Heisman Trophy candidate at Penn State University joins the show to explore leadership under pressure and why those lessons are directly applicable to today’s public sector challenges. As government organizations navigate transformation, workforce shifts, and increasing complexity, this conversation highlights the core leadership traits that truly move teams forward: trust, preparation, resilience, and the ability to lead without formal authority. He shares what it means to operate in high-stakes, uncertain environments, where preparation meets opportunity, and how leaders can add value even when they’re not “the one in charge.” From mastering transitions to building confidence through disciplined preparation, the discussion offers practical insights for leaders working across agencies and missions.

203: The One with the Data Resilience SME Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

Mark Bentkower, Principal Technologist, Americas at Veeam Software joins the show to unpack what data resilience really means for public sector organizations. Together we explore the shift from traditional compliance checklists to a resilience-first mindset built on zero trust, automation, and cross-functional alignment. He also shares insights into how agencies can move beyond siloed operations and what separates organizations stuck in reactive mode from those building true operational resilience. Finally we dive into Veeam’s Data Resilience Maturity Model (DRMM) developed with McKinsey and discuss how agencies can benchmark their posture, align people, process, and technology, and make a business case for modernization.

202: The One with the Former Department of the Interior CISO Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

Lou Eichenbaum, former Chief Information Security Officer at the U.S. Department of the Interior and current Federal CTO at ColorTokens joins the show for a deep dive into the evolving world of federal cybersecurity. We dive into firsthand insights on what it really means to balance mission enablement with effective risk management and why today’s CISO must act not just as a security expert, but as an executive risk manager focused on resilience, communication, and strategic alignment. We unpack what real zero trust implementation looks like beyond the buzzword, why micro-segmentation is foundational to preventing lateral movement and building mission resilience, and how federal agencies can move beyond compliance checklists toward meaningful security outcomes. We also discuss candid perspectives on what drives cybersecurity priorities inside federal agencies and and how zero trust principles will play a critical role in protecting both IT and critical infrastructure systems in the years ahead.

201: The One with the Marin County, CA Innovation Chief Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

Crosby Burns, Chief Digital & Innovation Officer for Marin County, California joins the show for a candid and forward-looking conversation on what digital innovation really means in government today. Together, we explore how a service-first mindset can help governments balance security, accessibility, and trust in an era increasingly shaped by AI, bots, and new digital entry points. We also discuss how Marin County is rethinking public websites as repositories of structured information designed for both humans and machines and how accessibility is about far more than compliance, but about removing friction across the entire citizen journey.

200: The One with the Former Obama Federal CIO Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

Tony Scott, former Federal Chief Information Officer under President Barack Obama and current President & CEO of Intrusion joins the show to give a candid, inside look at how the CIO role has evolved across government and industry—from back-office IT leadership to becoming a critical connector across mission, policy, technology, and organizational strategy. Tony reflects on his time overseeing an $85B federal IT portfolio, the challenges and urgency of modernizing aging systems, and the events surrounding the OPM breach that reshaped federal cybersecurity.

199: The One with the CivicPlus Market Expert Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

Brenden Elwood, Vice President of Market Research at CivicPlus and a City Councilor in North Bend, Washington joins the show to unpack the latest insights from CivicPlus’ nationwide resident research. We explore what drives citizen satisfaction and trust in local government, from proactive communication to transparent service delivery. We also discuss how accessibility and user experience directly shape public perception, and why digital inclusivity is more than just a compliance checkbox, it’s a cornerstone of good governance.

198: The One with the Results for America Director Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

Emily Ferris, Director for What Works Cities at Results for America joins the show to discuss how artificial intelligence is impacting cities and what to expect in the future.

197: The One with the Human-Centered Design Pioneer Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

Suzanne Boyd, CEO of Anthro-Tech and a pioneer in human-centered design joins the show to share her journey from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to founding Anthro-Tech in 1997, by blending her love of anthropology with technology to improve lives through thoughtful design. We unpack the evolution and institutionalization of human-centered design, its impact on government and private sector organizations, and the importance of inclusivity and accessibility from the start of any project.

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