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 leaders
• The biggest barriers public-sector teams face with legacy systems
• How GitLab integrates security earlier in the software lifecycle
• Where AI will have the most impact across DevOps in 2026 and beyond
• Leadership lessons from military service to modern tech teams

We 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.
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