Mission Forward - Building the Future of Federal Human Capital Management

Presented by SAP & Carahsoft

As federal agencies face increasing pressure to modernize operations, attract talent, and improve service delivery, artificial intelligence is emerging as a critical enabler of transformation. In Episode 3 of Mission Forward, presented by SAP, George Jackson spoke with Travis Hodley, Industry Executive Advisor at SAP, about how agencies can move beyond incremental improvements and embrace a future built on modern technology, workforce innovation, and strategic planning.

Hodley explained that while private sector organizations have spent decades modernizing human capital management functions, many public sector organizations have moved at a much slower pace. Early modernization efforts often focused on digitizing paper-based processes rather than fundamentally transforming how work is performed. Today, agencies face an opportunity—and a necessity—to catch up by adopting modern cloud-based platforms that deliver improved user experiences, advanced analytics, and greater operational flexibility.

According to Hodley, successful modernization requires more than implementing new technology. Agencies must carefully evaluate their existing business processes, policies, and operating procedures to determine how they align with modern solutions. Understanding both organizational requirements and the capabilities of current software platforms is essential to achieving meaningful transformation.

A major theme of the conversation was collaboration between information technology and human capital leaders. Hodley emphasized that successful modernization initiatives depend on strong governance, clearly defined requirements, and the active involvement of policy and workforce experts throughout the implementation process. Agencies that establish shared accountability and maintain transparency around project scope, cost, and timelines are better positioned to avoid delays and achieve desired outcomes.

Artificial intelligence represents the next major catalyst for change. Hodley noted that the federal workforce has gradually shifted from industrial and clerical roles toward knowledge-based work that requires employees to solve increasingly complex problems. AI is accelerating that transition by automating routine tasks and enhancing employees' ability to analyze information and make decisions. As a result, technology literacy will become an essential skill across a broader range of federal occupations.

Hodley also argued that the federal government's workforce structures may no longer reflect the realities of modern work. He pointed to the Classification Act of 1949 as an example of a framework that predates today's digital economy and may require significant modernization to support future workforce needs. As AI reshapes job responsibilities, agencies will need new approaches to defining work, developing talent, and organizing their workforce.

Looking ahead, Hodley believes agencies should establish dedicated innovation and customer experience teams that focus full-time on continuous improvement rather than treating modernization as a temporary project. By combining human capital expertise, technology knowledge, and process improvement capabilities, these teams can help agencies sustain innovation over the long term.

Ultimately, Hodley identified two factors that will separate leading agencies from those that fall behind: effective use of modern technology and the ability of human capital organizations to serve as strategic partners. Agencies that integrate workforce planning, technology planning, and AI adoption into a unified strategy will be best positioned to meet mission requirements, improve employee experiences, and deliver better outcomes for citizens in the years ahead.

Other Episodes:

Episode 1: The Federal IT Moment: Mission Meets Innovation
Episode 2: 

AI-Powered Modernization: From Services-Led to Standards-Based