Keeping IT Brief

Cybersecurity jobs are everywhere—but why is there still a massive talent gap?
In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, we break down the cybersecurity workforce shortage, what’s really causing it, and what it means for the future of government and public sector tech.
Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Public Sector Strategy and Engagement at SANS, joins us to share real-world insights from his experience across the military, Pentagon, and private sector. From leading in the 101st Airborne Division to advising top defense leaders, Michael brings a unique perspective on cyber defense, hiring trends, and workforce development.
We dig into the most in-demand cybersecurity skills and certifications, how hiring is evolving, and what organizations are really looking for right now. If you’re curious about breaking into cybersecurity—or building stronger teams—this conversation gives you a clear, practical roadmap.
You’ll also learn how different environments—from government to startups—approach cybersecurity talent, training, and strategy, and what the next five years could look like for this fast-growing field.
Whether you're a millennial professional exploring tech careers or a leader navigating hiring challenges, this episode is packed with insight you can actually use.
#Cybersecurity #TechCareers #ITJobs #CyberSecurityTraining #PublicSector #DigitalTransformation #MillennialCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #Keeping IT Brief #FORUMPodcast #SANS 
Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.
Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.
Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Healthcare is undergoing a massive digital transformation—but what does that actually look like inside the U.S. federal government? 
In this episode, we break down how cloud computing, Salesforce platforms, and emerging technologies like AI are reshaping federal healthcare systems and improving how agencies serve millions of Americans. 
Our guest, Sree Rednam, Sr. Manager of Cloud Development and Enterprise Architect at Federal Health, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), shares how large-scale government healthcare platforms are designed, scaled, and secured while navigating complex regulatory environments. 
Sree walks us through what it takes to lead enterprise cloud solutions in federal healthcare, collaborate with architects and mission leaders, and build scalable platforms that enhance user experience while maintaining strict compliance standards. 
We also explore how organizations like General Dynamics are driving innovation across government through digital modernization, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and cloud development. 
If you're interested in government technology, healthcare innovation, cloud architecture, Salesforce platforms, or digital transformation strategy, this conversation offers an inside look at where federal health tech is headed next. 
In this episode, we discuss: 
What digital transformation in healthcare actually means in practice
Scaling Salesforce and cloud platforms for complex federal healthcare programs
Navigating regulatory compliance while driving innovation
How AI, cloud computing, and emerging tech are shaping government healthcare
Aligning technology strategy with mission-driven leadership
The future of federal health technology and digital modernization
Whether you're in health IT, government contracting, cloud architecture, or digital transformation leadership, this episode provides valuable insights into the technology powering modern federal healthcare systems.

#DigitalTransformation #HealthIT #CloudComputing #AIinHealthcare #GovernmentTechnology #FederalHealth #Salesforce #GovTech #Cybersecurity #LeadershipInTech #Podcast #GDIT #KeepingITBriefPodcast
Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.
Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.
Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

How do you turn emerging technology into real mission impact for the Federal government? 
In this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief, we sit down with Brian Funk, Chief Technology Officer at MetaPhase, to explore Federal IT modernization, GenAI, cloud architecture, DevSecOps, and Agile transformation. 
With deep experience leading technology initiatives across government agencies, Brian shares how to evaluate emerging technologies like Generative AI and geospatial systems — and determine what truly drives mission outcomes versus what’s just hype. 
At MetaPhase, innovation lives at the intersection of business and IT. Their approach blends technical excellence with a culture-first consulting model, creating practical, scalable solutions that act as a true force multiplier for agencies. 
We also discuss: 
• How Agile development strengthens Federal digital transformation
 • The evolving role of DevSecOps in government cybersecurity
 • Building empowered, high-performing technology teams
 • Aligning cloud strategy with agency mission goals
 • The biggest opportunities and challenges shaping the future of Federal IT 
If you’re interested in government technology, Federal consulting, cloud modernization, DevSecOps, GenAI adoption, or IT leadership, this episode delivers insight you can apply today. 
Listen now and stay ahead of what’s next in government innovation. 
#FederalIT #GovTech #DigitalTransformation #CloudComputing #DevSecOps #GenAI #Agile #GovernmentConsulting #ITLeadership #Innovation #MetaPhase #FORUMPodcastNetwork #KeepingITBrief
Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.
Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.
Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

What does it take to modernize technology inside the Department of Defense? 
In this episode of FORUM’s Keeping IT Brief, we sit down with Richard Kellahan, Project Manager at TIAG, to talk about DoD contracts, electronic security systems, and federal IT project management. 
Richard has supported Department of Defense programs since 2006 and currently leads projects in Charleston, SC — identifying opportunities in the Electronic Security Systems (ESS) federal government space. With experience in management, procurement, financial reporting, customer relations, training, and an active Secret Clearance, he brings a 360-degree view of government program delivery. 
Recently PMP-certified through the Project Management Institute, Richard shares how formal project management frameworks strengthen execution in complex government environments — and why discipline, communication, and adaptability are critical in DoD modernization efforts. 
We also explore: 
• The biggest challenges of implementing new technology in secure DoD environments
 • How ISO 9001:2015 and CMMI® Level 3 standards support federal IT excellence
 • Building high-performing teams in government contracting
 • Delivering innovation beyond the scope of work
 • Emerging opportunities in federal electronic security and defense technology 
If you’re interested in government IT, federal contracting, DoD modernization, PMP leadership, or electronic security systems, this episode delivers practical insight from the field. 
Listen now and stay ahead of the mission. 
#DoD #FederalIT #ProjectManagement #PMP #ElectronicSecurity #GovernmentContracting #DefenseTechnology #Modernization #Leadership #CMMI #ISO9001 #TIAG #FORUMPodcastNetwork #KeepingITBrief
Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.
Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.
Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts

Federal agencies are under pressure to modernize legacy systems, strengthen cybersecurity, and deliver better digital services—all while staying mission-focused. 
In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Mike Deutsch, Chief Growth Officer at Alpha Omega, to talk about what it really takes to drive digital transformation in government IT. 
With more than 20 years of federal market experience, Mike has helped scale and grow industry leaders like Aquilent (acquired by Booz Allen Hamilton) and CollabraLink Technologies (acquired by Washington Harbour Partners). Now, he’s leading growth strategy at Alpha Omega as the company expands its impact in the full and open federal space. 
We discuss:
 • The biggest challenges in government IT modernization
 • How agencies can successfully adopt artificial intelligence and cybersecurity solutions
 • Building high-performing teams in a fast-changing federal environment
 • Delivering real customer experience improvements in Federal agencies
 • What’s next for digital modernization, AI in government, and operational resilience. 
Alpha Omega supports national security and national resilience through expertise in digital modernization, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity — helping agencies future-proof legacy systems and accelerate operational efficiency. 
If you care about federal IT, GovCon growth strategy, digital transformation, AI in government, cybersecurity, and mission-driven technology, this episode is for you. 
#KeepingITBrief #FederalIT #DigitalTransformation #GovCon #ArtificialIntelligence #Cybersecurity #GovernmentTechnology #NationalSecurity #Leadership 
Keeping IT Brief with Mary Ann Brown features quick, insightful conversations with government and industry leaders on federal IT, cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies shaping the future of government operations.
Don’t miss an episode—follow the show on your favorite podcast app.
Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts