Accelerating Government Innovation: Workforce, Modernization, and Naval Readiness

Original Broadcast 2/23/25

Presented by Maximus

This week’s episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose explores the rapid evolution of government workforce policies, the critical role of human-centered modernization in defense, and the Navy’s approach to accelerating innovation adoption. Featuring insights from former OPM Director Jeff Pon, Partnership for Public Service VP Jenny Mattingley, Maximus Executive Managing Director Pamela Powers, and Acting CTO of the U.S. Navy Justin Fanelli, the episode examines the speed of policy changes at OPM, the necessity of considering human factors in digital transformation, and how the Navy is operationalizing innovation to enhance mission readiness.

Navigating Workforce Policy Shifts in Government

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a surge of new policy directives, reshaping the landscape of federal workforce management. Former OPM Director, Jeff Pon and Jenny Mattingley, Vice President for Government Affairs at the Partnership for Public Service discuss the implications of these changes, highlighting the challenges of resilience, workforce adaptation, and digital transformation in federal HR. They emphasize the tension between private-sector agility and government constraints, as well as the need for long-term workforce strategy amid fast-moving policy shifts.

Key Takeaways:

• Policy Overload & Workforce Resilience – With numerous OPM directives being issued rapidly, federal managers must focus on guiding their teams through change while ensuring stability.
• The Digital Transition – Efforts are underway to shift from paper-based personnel management to digital solutions, but legacy systems remain a challenge.
• Strategic Workforce Planning – While reform efforts are critical, they must be executed with long-term sustainability in mind, rather than purely reacting to political or administrative changes.

Prioritizing the Human Factor in Defense Modernization

At WEST 2025, Pamela Powers, Executive Managing Director / Defense at Maximus discusses the necessity of adopting a human-centered approach to digital modernization within the Department of Defense (DoD). She explains how traditional modernization efforts have focused on technology rather than the individuals using it, and why understanding user experience and mission impact is essential for successful implementation. Powers highlights the role of data as a strategic asset and the need for cultural transformation to support technological advancements.

Key Takeaways:

• User-Centric Modernization – Modernization efforts must be designed with end-users in mind to ensure effective adoption and operational impact.
• Data as a Strategic Asset – Treating data as a core component of decision-making enhances efficiency and improves mission outcomes.
• Cultural Transformation & Change Management – Successful modernization requires buy-in from all levels of an organization, necessitating strong change management strategies.

Equipping the Navy for Rapid Innovation Adoption

Justin Fanelli, Acting CTO at the U.S. Navy explains how the U.S. Navy is bridging the gap between innovation and execution through its Innovation Adoption Kit (IAK). Designed to streamline the process of integrating new technologies, the IAK provides structured frameworks, tools, and best practices to quickly convert private-sector innovations into mission-ready capabilities. Fanelli emphasizes the need for speed, alignment, and measurable mission outcomes in technology adoption.

Key Takeaways:

• Innovation Execution Over Ideation – The Navy’s focus is on converting ideas into operational capabilities rather than simply exploring innovation.
• Overcoming Bureaucratic Barriers – By using rapid piloting processes and flexible contracting methods, the Navy is accelerating technology deployment.
• Outcome-Based Metrics – The success of new technologies is measured by mission impact, ensuring that investments deliver tangible results for warfighters.