Advertise on podcast: The Buzz with ACT-IAC

ACT-IAC’s 2026 Health Innovation Summit featured a panel on mission-critical AI decision-making across CMS, FDA, and NCI. Panelists described AI’s growing day-to-day role, including secure NIH-wide tools, productivity gains (reported time savings), and reducing administrative friction like performance reviews, emphasizing impact occurs when AI is embedded in workflows with “human in the lead.” The session closed with vendor guidance: show products via video, be future-focused, lead with data-sharing and tool strengths, and bring a “total package.” https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

Proud to have Gary Washington on today's show. He is a former Air Force member, longtime federal IT leader, and former USDA CIO (eight years), now Chief Strategy Officer at ACT-IAC. Washington recounts his career across agencies including Treasury, HHS, FDA, OMB, and USDA, and explains how military discipline shaped his emphasis on documented plans, accountability, and trust. He discusses common resistance to change in large organizations, USDA’s shift from decentralization toward centralization, and implementing the White House-driven IT Modernization Centers of Excellence through inclusive, business-driven governance, performance measurement, workforce education, RPA training, and results such as deactivating 37 data centers and consolidating networks and end-user support. https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

A panel discussion from CX Summit event, on unifying customer data to deliver seamless service across channels. Panelists describe diverse customers and the consequences of siloed data, including repeated identity verification, poor experiences, and high stakes errors like incorrect benefit payments or misdirected medications. https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

CX Summit panel discussion on the role of humans in AI-driven service delivery, defining “human in the loop” (active review in workflows) versus “human on the loop” (oversight and intervention when flagged). Panelist also discuss adoption approaches, emphasizing employee trust, governance, readiness, and change management. https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

Stephanie Hubka, founder of Protos Learning, who has spent 20 years designing human-centered learning strategies and has trained leaders in 50+ countries, is working with ACT-IAC on the business value of AI training for non-technical leaders. Hubka argues organizations often treat AI as either a magic fix or an existential threat, when it is better understood as a capability amplifier that requires humans in the loop. She emphasizes anchoring AI training to real work and quick wins, using everyday language instead of jargon, and building data literacy without turning everyone into analysts. Successful adoption depends on psychological safety, experimentation, and trust, with learning teams acting as strategic partners who understand the business. She shares how ChatGPT quickly drafted an outline but failed to create a quality, human training experience, reinforcing that transformation is ultimately about people. Stephanie's passion for training is equaled only by her love of exploring the globe; an avid traveler, she has visited all 7 continents, 70 countries, and all 50 US states. AI Training Series: From Turing to ChatGPT: The Evolution of AI | ACT-IAC https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

Shak McCants, the newly appointed 2027 Voyagers Chair and CEO of MacMore. Shak shares her inspiring journey from a part-time office manager to CEO, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, hard work, and a commitment to people. She discusses her vision for the Voyagers program, her career growth, and valuable insights into building lasting government and industry relationships. Shak's candid perspective on maintaining company culture, flexible leadership, and creating job opportunities makes for an enlightening discussion perfect for anyone navigating the GovCon space. As she prepares to lead the new Voyagers class, Shak aims to instill the qualities of being a flexible change agent in upcoming leaders. https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

This episode features a panel discussion from ACT-IAC's Imagine Nation ELC event focused on artificial intelligence (AI). The session emphasizes aligning AI initiatives with mission objectives, rigorous testing, and governance to ensure public trust and operational success. https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

In this episode, we continue our series on the Associates Program with a guest appearance from Jason Pan, a business development analyst at Dev Technology Group. Jason shares his journey from recently graduating college to working full-time in government contracting, and his experiences going through the Associates Program. He discusses the challenges and opportunities he faced, the influence of mentors, and the pivotal moments that defined his professional growth. Jason also highlights the value of networking and collaboration within the program, and his key takeaways that have influenced his career. The episode concludes with a fun game of 'Acronym Wars' and insights into the supportive community within ACT-IAC. Professional Development | ACT-IAC https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

This episode features a panel discussion from ACT-IAC's Imagine Nation ELC event focused on GSA's One Gov initiative, aiming to modernize and centralize IT procurement across the federal government. One Gov aims to eliminate waste, ensure better value, and enhance cybersecurity by unifying the government’s IT procurement process. The session also covers practical aspects such as the role of the Multiple Award Schedule, the tiered engagement model for vendors, and the roadmap for future expansion.  https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

This episode features a panel discussion from ACT-IAC's Imagine Nation ELC event focused on modernizing government acquisition processes, overcoming bureaucratic inertia, and fostering innovation within the constraints of federal regulations. They explore the significance of connecting to mission, embracing new procurement methods like OTs and CSOs, and the importance of challenging assumptions and fostering a culture of infinite learning and innovation. https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

We are honored to chat with Melvin Brown II, Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at Contract Administration Network International (CANI), LLC, to discuss authentic leadership amidst AI advancements. Melvin shares insights on effective leadership, addressing technology and culture gaps, and the significance of judgment and adaptability. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting decision-making skills, ethical practices, and the challenges of modernization in both federal and industry settings. Melvin emphasizes the shift needed from technology focus to capability building in people and underscores the need for outcomes-based rewards.  MORE INFO: ACT-IAC Academy | ACT-IAC https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

In this episode of The Buzz, we chat with Ben Barton and Jeremy Peterson from Pega Systems to discuss the latest innovations in government technology. They delve into practical applications of AI in the public sector and highlight Pega Systems' groundbreaking tool, Pega Blueprint. The conversation covers experiences from the recent ACT-IAC conference, shifts towards outcome-centric solutions, and the balance between innovation and risk in government tech. Try Pega Blueprint here: AI Workflow Builder | Pega Blueprint https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

In this episode, we chat with Dominic Palumbo about his career journey, academic background, and his current role at Maximus. Dom shares his experiences with the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program and discusses a significant project examining the impacts of climate change on data centers. Highlighting networking, confidence building, and research skills, Dom provides valuable advice for young professionals and emphasizes the importance of industry involvement. Tune in to learn about his journey, the importance of networking, and the exciting challenges of working on climate resilience projects. https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

In this episode of The Buzz, we sit down with Amanda Mahoney, Head of Marketing and Communications at Karsun Solutions, to discuss federal technology modernization with a specific focus on AI. Amanda delves into Karsun's platform Redux, highlighting how AI is used to modernize legacy systems efficiently. She also shares insights about the company's innovative processes, their collaborative culture, and the evolving landscape of AI applications in government. This conversation provides a glimpse into the future of federal tech and the importance of collaboration and curiosity in driving innovation. https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)

We get to talk with Kathryn Wayman, an early career professional who shares her journey through the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates (PDA) program. Kathryn highlights her background, experience in government and consulting, particularly at Accenture Federal Services, and her involvement in developing a playbook for federal readiness for quantum computing. They discuss Kathryn's passion for public service, the diverse opportunities provided by the PDA program, and the significance of quantum computing and cryptography in federal agencies. The episode wraps up with a fun acronym challenge, showcasing Kathryn's competitive spirit. https://www.actiac.org/act-iac-event/fellows-friends-day-domaine-fortier  Summary - A Hole in One with ACT-IAC Voyagers Program | ACT-IAC Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org. Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join. Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.   Intro/Outro Music: See a Brighter Day/Gloria Tells Courtesy of Epidemic Sound (Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community Courtesy of Epidemic Sound)