Original Broadcast Date: 7/26/2026
Sponsored by Udemy and Carahsoft
Artificial intelligence continues to reshape how federal agencies manage data, develop their workforce, and improve mission delivery. On this episode of Fed Gov Today, three government technology leaders discuss how their organizations are approaching AI adoption while balancing governance, workforce development, and operational needs.
Jesus Caban, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at the Defense Health Agency, explains how the agency's new data strategy supports the Pentagon's goal of becoming an AI-first organization. He discusses the importance of data quality, governance, and collaboration across more than 100 systems while highlighting how the Defense Health Agency is expanding AI use cases and preparing its workforce through ongoing education and training.
Chris Wilson, Senior Federal Account Executive at Udemy, examines what AI literacy means for federal agencies. He explains why AI skills require continuous reinforcement as technology evolves and discusses how agencies can build training programs that align with organizational goals, measure workforce outcomes, and support employees across a wide range of roles.
Caroline Carusone, Chief AI Officer at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, shares how the agency combines organizational changes with AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency while maintaining its commitment to safety. She describes how the NRC shortens licensing reviews, evaluates where AI provides the most value, and emphasizes that technical experts remain central to every decision. Carisoni also outlines the agency's approach to AI literacy, experimentation, and thoughtful implementation as it builds a continuously learning organization.
Together, these conversations explore how agencies are building the data foundations, workforce capabilities, and governance needed to support responsible AI adoption across government.
Jesus Caban, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at the Defense Health Agency, discusses how the agency's new data strategy supports the Department of Defense's directive to become an AI-first organization. He explains that successful AI adoption begins with trusted, accessible data and describes the governance framework DHA is implementing across more than 100 systems, 47 medical centers, and more than 550 clinics worldwide. Caban highlights the importance of clearly defined roles and responsibilities, improved data quality, and cross-agency collaboration to ensure commanders receive timely, reliable information.
He also discusses lessons learned through collaboration with other Department of Defense components, the use of the War Data Platform to improve data sharing, and the agency's growing inventory of more than 400 AI use cases. Caban emphasizes that technology alone will not transform the organization, making workforce education and AI upskilling a key part of DHA's long-term strategy.
Three Key Takeaways
Chris Wilson, Senior Federal Account Executive at Udemy, discusses why AI literacy is becoming a foundational requirement across the federal workforce. He explains that agencies are developing AI literacy programs in response to government strategies and directives, but that each organization must first define what AI literacy means for its own mission.
He also discusses how agencies can build training programs that align with organizational objectives, measure outcomes beyond course completion, and address specialized workforce roles. Wilson encourages agencies to connect workforce development with mission performance by evaluating whether training improves employee behavior, skill proficiency, and organizational results rather than simply increasing participation.
Three Key Takeaways
Caroline Carusone, Chief AI Officer at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, discusses how the agency combines organizational change with AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency while maintaining its commitment to safety. She explains that the NRC's recent reorganization supports faster decision-making and enables teams to develop AI solutions alongside subject matter experts. Carusone describes how the agency shortened its licensing review process by using AI to handle repetitive tasks while keeping technical experts involved at every stage of decision-making.
She also discusses evaluating where AI is the right solution, distinguishing automation opportunities from AI applications, and measuring success through mission outcomes rather than the number of deployed use cases. Carusone emphasizes that AI literacy, experimentation, and continuous learning are critical as the NRC expands responsible AI adoption across the organization.
Three Key Takeaways