Original Broadcast Date: 11/08/2026
Sponsored by Arlo Solutions
Federal agencies are finding new ways to use artificial intelligence, modernize technology, and improve mission performance. On this edition of Fed Gov Today, three leaders discuss how their organizations are approaching digital transformation, strengthening cybersecurity, and delivering better tools to the workforce.
Chandra Donelson, Strategic Advisor for IT Modernization, Analytics, and AI for the Department of the Air Force, joins Francis Rose to discuss the Iron Compass Initiative, an effort to modernize human resources IT systems across the Air Force and Space Force. Donelson explains how the department is stabilizing, rationalizing, and modernizing its technology portfolio while creating a more user-friendly experience for airmen, guardians, and their families.
Lonye Ford, CEO of Arlo Solutions, examines the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making. Ford explains how automation can help an already stretched cyber workforce manage vulnerabilities, continuously monitor systems, and turn large volumes of information into actionable insights. She also discusses why understanding mission context is essential when deciding where to invest cybersecurity resources.
Brian Campo, Director of Technology Readiness and Chief Data and AI Officer for the Coast Guard, joins George Jackson to discuss the Coast Guard's Digital Transformation Roadshow. Campo explains how visiting districts across the country helps technology leaders understand operational challenges and identify opportunities to reduce administrative work.
From modernizing personnel systems to improving cyber decisions and giving Coast Guard crews more time on mission, these conversations explore how technology can better support the people carrying out government operations.
The Department of the Air Force is taking a new approach to modernizing its human resources technology, and Chandra Donelson says the effort begins with rethinking how the organization operates.
Donelson, Strategic Advisor for IT Modernization, Analytics, and AI for the Department of the Air Force, joins Francis Rose on Fed Gov Today to discuss the Iron Compass Initiative, a department-wide effort to improve HR IT systems.
The initiative focuses on three priorities: stabilizing the existing technology portfolio, rationalizing systems and processes, and modernizing capabilities.
Donelson explains that modernization requires more than adding artificial intelligence to existing workflows. Instead, the department is examining how its business processes function and identifying opportunities to simplify them.
One major goal is creating a unified HR technology ecosystem where airmen, guardians, and other users can access services without navigating multiple systems.
Donelson also discusses how the department plans to measure progress through user experience and process efficiency. She points to opportunities to reduce complicated workflows, incorporate feedback directly from service members, and update policies when necessary.
The broader objective is delivering technology that better supports the workforce while helping the department move more quickly toward meaningful improvements.
Federal cybersecurity teams face growing demands, and Lonye Ford says artificial intelligence and automation can help organizations make better decisions without placing additional pressure on an already stretched workforce.
Ford, CEO of Arlo Solutions, joins Francis Rose on Fed Gov Today to discuss how technology, data, and human judgment can work together to strengthen cybersecurity operations.
She explains that cybersecurity organizations must manage large volumes of information while dealing with workforce shortages and evolving technology requirements. Automation can help gather and connect data, allowing cyber professionals to focus on evaluating risks and making decisions. But Ford emphasizes that data alone is not enough.
Cybersecurity teams need context to understand which vulnerabilities matter most to their systems and missions.
That includes examining hardware, software, system architecture, and where individual technologies operate within an organization's environment.
Ford also discusses Arlo Solutions' Decision Beacon platform, which brings information together to support decision-making.
Another major priority is continuous monitoring. Ford explains that traditional assessments capture security conditions at a particular moment, while threats, access, and system environments continue changing. She says combining automation with human expertise can help organizations maintain awareness and make more informed cybersecurity decisions.
The Coast Guard is taking its digital transformation efforts directly to the workforce, and Brian Campo says the goal is simple: give personnel more time to focus on their missions. Campo, Director of Technology Readiness and Chief Data and AI Officer for the Coast Guard, joins George Jackson on Fed Gov Today to discuss the service's Digital Transformation Roadshow.
The initiative brings technology leaders to Coast Guard districts across the country to understand how personnel use technology and identify opportunities for improvement. Campo explains that the effort supports Force Design 2028, which brings together initiatives focused on people, technology, organizational improvements, and mission outcomes.
A central priority is reducing administrative work that takes personnel away from operational responsibilities.
Campo says digital tools, automation, and artificial intelligence can help crews complete routine tasks more efficiently.
He also discusses improvements in connectivity aboard Coast Guard cutters, including efforts to make technology work in both connected and disconnected environments.
One example is the digitization of the Coast Guard's 4100 boarding form, allowing personnel to complete paperwork during operations rather than afterward. For Campo, successful modernization means removing digital friction and helping Coast Guard personnel spend more minutes on mission.