Building AI-First Government: Data Strategy, Workforce Readiness, and Responsible AI

Original Broadcast Date: 8/2/2026

Sponsored by Cohesity and Carahsoft

Artificial intelligence, data management, and technology modernization are at the center of this edition of Fed Gov Today. The program explores how agencies can strengthen the foundations of AI while improving technology delivery across government.

Marlin McFade, Public Sector Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Cohesity, discusses why protecting data is essential to successful AI adoption. He explains how data poisoning can alter AI outputs, why data resiliency underpins cyber resiliency, and why agencies should prioritize data management before investing in AI tools. McFade also examines the security implications of autonomous AI agents making decisions at machine speed and the importance of maintaining trusted, well-governed data.

Ashley Devoto, Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Air Force, shares her priorities as she begins her tenure in the role. Drawing on her military and private-sector experience, she outlines an extensive listening tour focused on warfighters, the Air Force workforce, partner organizations, and industry. Devoto discusses opportunities to modernize legacy technology, improve customer experience, strengthen data governance, and accelerate acquisition processes that deliver technology at the speed of mission needs.

The conversation also examines the Air Force's approach to artificial intelligence. Devoto explains why mission outcomes and clearly defined use cases should guide AI adoption, highlights the importance of enterprise AI for workforce productivity, and emphasizes training, data literacy, and responsible stewardship of government data. Throughout the episode, both discussions reinforce how trusted data, modern technology, and a prepared workforce support more effective decision-making across government.

Why Data Security Is the Foundation of AI Resilience

Marlin McFade explains why agencies should view data as the foundation of every artificial intelligence initiative. He discusses how data poisoning can influence AI models, alter decision-making, and amplify mistakes as AI systems operate at machine speed. McFade outlines the relationship between data management, data resiliency, cyber resiliency, and AI security, arguing that each depends on the integrity of the data beneath it. He cautions against treating AI as a standalone technology purchase, emphasizing that agencies must first establish strong data governance and management practices before deploying AI capabilities. The conversation also explores the growing role of autonomous AI agents and the security risks associated with allowing those systems to make decisions based on compromised or inaccurate information. Throughout the discussion, McFade emphasizes that trusted, resilient data is essential for reliable AI outcomes.

Three Key Takeaways

• AI systems are only as reliable as the quality and integrity of the data they receive.
• Strong data management and resiliency are prerequisites for cyber resiliency and effective AI adoption.
• Data poisoning can spread errors quickly as autonomous AI systems make decisions across multiple connected systems.

Ashley Devoto on Modernizing the Air Force Through Data, AI, and Customer Experience

Ashley Devoto discusses the priorities shaping her first months as Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Air Force. She describes an extensive listening tour focused on understanding the needs of warfighters, the broader Air Force workforce, partner organizations, and industry. Devoto identifies opportunities to modernize legacy technology, improve operational stability, strengthen data governance, and streamline acquisition processes that deliver technology more quickly. She also outlines her approach to artificial intelligence, emphasizing that mission outcomes and clearly defined use cases should guide adoption rather than implementing AI for its own sake. The conversation highlights the importance of enterprise AI for workforce productivity, data literacy, and preparing the Air Force's data environment before expanding AI capabilities. Devoto also shares how customer experience principles from the private sector influence her vision for modernizing technology across the department.

Three Key Takeaways

• Modernizing legacy technology and improving the employee experience are key priorities for the Air Force workforce.
• AI initiatives should begin with mission outcomes, supported by trusted data and clearly defined use cases.
• Faster technology acquisition and stronger data governance can help deliver capabilities at the speed of mission needs.