In this episode of the Keeping IT Brief podcast, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Susan Burke, Vice President of Military and Veterans Health at Cognosante, a part of Accenture Federal Services. This week, we're celebrating Susan's remarkable achievement as a 2025 FORUM IT100 Hall of Fame Winner.

Susan shares her insights on what winning the prestigious FORUM IT100 Award means to her, both personally and professionally, as well as the pivotal moments and projects that have shaped her career. She dives deep into the future of technology in the military and veterans health sectors, offering a glimpse into the innovative solutions driving transformation in these critical areas.

In addition to discussing her own journey, Susan provides valuable advice to aspiring IT leaders, emphasizing the importance of dedication, innovation, and impact in driving meaningful change within the tech industry.

Tune in for a conversation packed with inspiration, expertise, and forward-thinking leadership! 

This week, we’re joined by Joel Krooswyk, Federal CTO at GitLab, to explore the critical issue of legacy IT systems in the public sector and how AI can be a game-changer in modernizing government IT infrastructures.

Key Topics We Cover:

1. The Legacy IT Challenge
   Many federal agencies still rely on outdated systems that are vulnerable to security risks, costly to maintain, and hinder the development of mission-critical applications. Joel discusses why these legacy systems are so challenging, particularly the issues with memory-unsafe languages and the high percentage of vulnerabilities they cause (70%).
2. AI as a Tool for IT Modernization
   With the lengthy process of modernizing legacy code, AI presents an opportunity to accelerate this journey. We explore how AI can help decode and refactor outdated systems, transforming them into more secure, modern, and memory-safe applications.
3. AI in the Software Development Lifecycle
   AI isn’t just for modernization—it's already making an impact. Joel highlights findings from GitLab’s report, showing that 35% of U.S. public sector organizations are already using AI in their software development lifecycle. We discuss how leveraging AI across the entire lifecycle can reduce silos, eliminate backlogs, and streamline development workflows.

This episode is packed with insights for anyone in the public sector or involved in IT modernization, from AI's potential to improve security to how it can transform development processes and accelerate mission-critical application delivery. 

 
Connect with Joel.

Joel Krooswyk

As federal CTO at GitLab Inc., Joel Krooswyk has over 25 years of experience in the software industry. His end-to-end software development life cycle expertise benefits customers and employees alike. Joel’s leadership experience spans not only the U.S. Public Sector, but also small, mid-market, and enterprise businesses globally. He’s an experienced leader, team builder, communicator, thought leader and researcher.

Joel’s expertise spans development, QA, product management, portfolio planning, and technical sales, and he has written a half million lines of unique code throughout his career. On an average day, you'll find him discussing software modernization, cybersecurity, governance and compliance, AI, ongoing digital transformation, and automation.

GitLab

GitLab is the most comprehensive AI-powered DevSecOps platform for software innovation that accelerates speed to mission. GitLab enables organizations to increase developer productivity, improve operational efficiency, reduce security and compliance risk, and accelerate digital transformation. More than 40 million registered users and more than 50% of the Fortune 100 trust GitLab to ship better, more secure software faster. 

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, we sit down with Brian Chidester, Head of Industry Strategy for the Public Sector at Adobe and a recipient of the prestigious FORUM IT100 Award. Brian shares what winning this award means to him both personally and professionally, reflecting on the pivotal moments in his career that have contributed to his success.

We delve into his vision for the future of technology in the public sector and how he sees the role of innovation and strategy evolving in this space. Brian also offers invaluable advice for aspiring IT leaders, drawing from his own journey and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Tune in for insights into leadership, innovation, and the transformative power of technology in the public sector—straight from one of the industry’s most respected voices.

Connect with Brian HERE.

 In this episode, we sit down with Eduardo F. Ortiz, a visionary CEO and Marine Corps combat veteran, whose journey from government service to entrepreneurship has been driven by a singular passion: breaking down barriers to access critical services.

As the CEO of Coforma, Eduardo leads a team that designs cutting-edge technology solutions, making life easier for countless people. Tune in to hear how his time as a software engineer and product strategist shaped his approach to innovation, and how his leadership philosophy is helping change the digital landscape for the better. With an MBA from the University of Maryland and a drive to serve, Eduardo shares his inspiring story of growth, resilience, and the power of technology to create real impact. Don’t miss this compelling conversation!

Eduardo F. Ortiz is CEO of Coforma, a digital services firm that crafts creative technology solutions that help people live better lives. He is a combat Veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps and several government civilian agencies. Eduardo is passionate about leveraging product and technology practices to remove points of friction that prevent people from accessing critical services. This passion has driven his professional journey from a software engineer and product strategist to an entrepreneur. He holds an MBA from the University of Maryland. Eduardo lives in Maryland with his wife, son, and two dogs. 

Welcome to this episode of Keeping IT Brief, where we dive deep into the world of technology with the experts shaping its future. Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Steve Orrin, Intel’s Federal Chief Technology Officer. Steve is a heavyweight in the tech world, spearheading Public Sector Solution Architecture, Strategy, and Technology Engagements at Intel. His career is a testament to leadership in cybersecurity and innovative technology, with past roles including CSO at Sarvega, CTO of Sanctum, co-founder of LockStar, and CTO at SynData Technologies.

Steve has been recognized as one of InfoWorld's Top 25 CTOs and received accolades such as Executive Mosaic’s Top CTO Executives Award and Washington Exec's Top Chief Technology Officers to Watch in 2023. He has also made significant contributions to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and is a prominent fellow at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies. As the chair of the INSA Cyber Committee, Steve’s expertise spans the critical intersection of cybersecurity and technology strategy.

In today’s episode, we'll delve into Steve’s insights on navigating the complex landscape of enterprise security, risk mitigation, and the future of cybersecurity. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a cybersecurity professional, or just curious about the cutting-edge solutions shaping our digital world, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. 

Steven Orrin
Steve Orrin is Intel’s Federal CTO and leads Public Sector Solution Architecture, Strategy, and Technology Engagements. He has held technology leadership positions at Intel where leading cybersecurity programs, custom hardware and software architecture and solutions, products, and strategy. Steve is a cybersecurity expert and sought-after advisor to public and private sector leaders on enterprise security, risk mitigations, and securing complex systems. 

Steve was previously CSO for Sarvega, CTO of Sanctum, CTO and co-founder of LockStar, and CTO at SynData Technologies. He was named one of InfoWorld's Top 25 CTO's, received Executive Mosaic’s Top CTO Executives Award, is a Washington Exec Top Chief Technology Officers to Watch in 2023, was the Vice-Chair of the NSITC/IDESG Security Committee and was a Guest Researcher at NIST’s National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE). He is a fellow at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies and the chair of the INSA Cyber Committee.

Intel Corp
Intel Corporation designs, manufactures, and sells computer components, software, and related products. We create world-changing technology that improves the life of every person on the planet.

Intel put the silicon in Silicon Valley. For more than 50 years, Intel and our people have had a profound influence on the world, driving business and society forward by creating radical innovation that revolutionizes the way we live. 

Today we are applying our reach, scale, and resources to enable our customers to capitalize more fully on the power of digital technology. Inspired by Moore’s Law, we continuously work to advance the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address our customers’ greatest challenges. 

Data standards play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and interoperability within the healthcare and public health sectors. These standards are designed to enhance data exchange efficiency and support diverse healthcare environments.

Today we speak to from Leidos, Yoseph Asfaw, Chief Technology Officer
Austin Kreisler, HL7 Subject Mater Expert, on how health data standards are developed, shared, and maintained by the HL7 International organization in cooperation with the members of the healthcare/public health ecosystem – HL7’s Version 2 (V2), HL7's Version 3 Clinical Document Architecture (CDA®) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR). These data standards show a maturation to embrace technology advancements and expand adaptability for improved interoperability, increased speed of care and public health decision-making, and expanded health equity across society.

Yoseph Asfaw serves as Chief Technology Officer for Leidos Health and Civil Sector in Capability Integration, where he leads development of innovative technical solutions for Health and Civilian customers in areas of Data Strategy and Governance and AI readiness. Mr. Asfaw most recently led Digital Modernization efforts across a large porfolio for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and broader
HHS, overseeing best practoces in DevSecOps, User Experience, and Product Delivery. Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he is recipient of the 2021 National Award for “Disruptive Change Agent Shifting the Landscape” by G2Xchange for his leadership in transforming the government’s technology landscape by
delivering modern and high-performance applications for use by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Austin Kreisler serves as HL7 Subject Mater Expert for Leidos Health with expertise in the clinical and laboratory interface arena as interface support engineer, interface software developer, interface software designer, and an HL7 standards developer. He has more than 20 years of experience of various leadership experience within the HL7 organization and formerly served on the HL7 Technical Steering Commitee, Structured Documents Work Group, and Board of Directors.

 Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 45,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.leidos.com 

Value-based payment models have become increasingly important across healthcare as tools for reducing costs and improving the quality of care that patients receive. Many of these models have been the focus of large-scale experiments and require the use of large, data complex systems. Robin Weinick, Principal of Resonant, LLC, Aneesh Chopra, Chief Strategy Officer at Arcadia, and Don Simpson, Director at Guidehouse, discuss issues associated with data and AI in value-based models. 

Robin Weinick, PhD, Principal, Resonant, LLC
Robin brings three decades of experience working to improve U.S. healthcare system. In her current role as Principal of Resonant, LLC, she works with a wide variety of healthcare executives from diverse organizations, supporting them as a facilitator, executive coach, and consultant.

Aneesh Chopra, Chief Strategy Officer, Arcadia
Aneesh served as the first U.S. Chief Technology Officer under President Obama (’09-’12) and in 2014, authored, “Innovative State: How New Technologies can Transform Government.” He serves on the Board of the Health Care Cost Institute, the New Jersey Innovation Institute, and earned his MPP from Harvard Kennedy School and BA from The Johns Hopkins University.

Don Simpson, Director, Guidehouse
Don brings more than 20 years of experience providing management consulting to the federal government and private sector. He currently guides project delivery at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as drives business growth in the public health and commercial health markets. His expertise includes program/project management, digital services, strategy, performance management, process improvement, risk management, internal control, and information technology assurance. 

Healthcare professionals increasingly use wireless devices such as smartphones and mobile apps as healthcare organizations become more dependent on mobile services for gathering patient data, monitoring remote patients and more. But as the number of devices healthcare organizations use increases and their functions and locations expand, management becomes more complex.

Today we speak with  DJ Oreb, President, Managed Services at DMI about how from cybersecurity risks to remote device maintenance logistics to BYOD, hospitals and other healthcare organizations can put themselves and their patients at risk without appropriate attention to all elements of mobile management.  

 DJ Oreb, President, Managed Services at DMI

As the President of Managed Services, DJ provides guidance and customer insights while retaining loyal and satisfied customers in today’s mobile-connected world. He possesses extensive industry experience in mobile lifecycle management, mobile strategy, help desk, telecom expense management, procurement and MDM management. DJ helps build strong reputable relationships to develop robust mobile programs for customers that drive business results to enhance and grow their mobile eco-system and user experience.

Upon joining DMI, DJ brought with him an extensive background of Information Technology, operations management, mobility management, managed services, systems administration, and project management experience. His customer-focused approach has brought customers new insights on how they manage their mobile programs today.

DMI is a leading global provider of digital services at the intersection of the public and private sectors. With broad capabilities, including infrastructure support services, cybersecurity, cloud, and application development, DMI provides on-site and remote support to clients within governments, healthcare, financial services, transportation, manufacturing, and other critical infrastructure sectors. DMI is continually recognized as a Top Workplace in both regional and national categories. 

OMB recently announced its first-ever government-wide policies to mitigate the risks of AI and harness its benefits for government agencies. This guidance will provide agencies with guardrails to ensure ethical use, citizen privacy, transparency, and promote IT modernization and competition across each sector.

Today we speak to Principal Solutions Architect at Sev1Tech, Greg Porter,  on how as agencies ramp up adoption of AI tools to increase operational efficiency and streamline workflows, it’s imperative to practice responsible AI use to harness its vast benefits and minimize risks.

Greg Porter, Principal Solutions Architect at Sev1Tech

Greg Porter is the Principal Solutions Architect at Sev1Tech. Since October 2021, he has led the Artificial Intelligence team as well as the company’s Digital Twin and Digital Thread efforts. For more than 12 years, Greg Porter has been a noteworthy leader in the IT industry. Prior to Sev1Tech, he was a Senior Systems Architect at Geocent, leading data analytics for logistics and Hadoop cluster projects, and Senior Big Data Administrator at Honeywell FM&T, where he was responsible for Big Data infrastructure design, configuration, installation, and security. Greg Porter has been honored with multiple Innovator of the Year awards for his contributions to Sev1Tech and, formerly, Geocent. He holds a master's degree in data analytics from Western Governors University.

Sev1Tech provides IT modernization, cloud, cybersecurity, engineering, training, and program support services to U.S. government agencies and major commercial organizations. Headquartered in the Washington D.C. metro area, Sev1Tech is a trusted contractor supporting critical missions across the defense, intelligence, homeland security, space, and health markets. Sev1Tech delivers better solutions, faster through highly qualified people, CMMI SVC 3, ISO 9001, ISO 20000, ISO 27001, and ISO 27017 certified processes, and cutting-edge technology.

Health disparities impair attainment of, and opportunity to attain, optimal health for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, preferred language, and other factors that affect access to care and health outcomes.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mark improved health care access as a priority area for the agency and the federal health community – this is evident through CMS’s Framework for Health Equity which strives to identify and remedy systemic barriers to access so that every one of the people CMS serves has a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health.

Today on Keeping IT Brief, Darryl Roberts, VP of Health Informatics at RELI Group, discusses how the Framework highlights priority areas and efforts that can help address avoidable inequalities and eliminate health and health care disparities – one area of note is the use of data and data analytics. The process of analyzing healthcare data to improve quality of care is a core approach and one that will be essential for future health care efforts. Details found through effective data analytics can be translated to inform public use files, technical documents, clearance processes, publications and more, ultimately helping guide public health policy.

Darryl Roberts

VP of Health Informatics at RELI Group

Darryl W. Roberts, PhD, MS, RN, FHIMSS, FAAN, brings more than three decades of diverse healthcare and informatics experience to RELI Group, having demonstrated profound expertise in healthcare quality, informatics, policy and management.

Dr. Roberts, a PhD-prepared registered nurse, has an extensive background that encompasses roles ranging from clinical practice, education and research to policy advisory and high-level consultancy. His noteworthy contributions include the development of pioneering quality measures and advancing informatics practices to optimize healthcare outcomes. His past experiences with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have positioned him uniquely to lead RELI Group’s health informatics strategies into the future.

RELI Group

Based near Baltimore, Maryland, RELI Group is a leading organization and partner in the federal and SLG arena, supporting health IT initiatives and security missions since 2013.

The company collaborates with agencies throughout the government that touch the lives of every American, with goals of improving health, safety and security from coast to coast. Ranging from cybersecurity and data analysis to health informatics and national security, RELI Group is prepared to support various mission-critical operations across the government.