AI and Data in Action: Smart Strategies for Federal Innovation
September 11, 2025, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET | Amazon "Aurora," 1770 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202
8:00 AM
Registration  |  Breakfast
9:15 AM
Morning Presentation
9:40 AM
Harnessing AI Innovation While Ensuring Efficiency in Government Operations
As artificial intelligence advances, federal agencies face the challenge of balancing rapid innovation with operational efficiency. How can agencies integrate cutting-edge AI solutions while maintaining mission continuity, managing costs, and avoiding inefficiencies? This panel will explore strategies for responsible AI adoption, optimizing workflows, and ensuring that AI initiatives enhance, rather than hinder, government operations.
Federal leaders will discuss best practices for scaling AI, mitigating risks, and leveraging automation to drive both innovation and efficiency in public service.

Kayla Gunter
Associate Chief Information Officer, National Nuclear Security Administration, U.S. Department of Energy

Scott Simpson
SAG Testing Lead, Office of Government-wide Policy, General Services Administration

Don Tweedie
Deputy Chief Information Officer, Technology Delivery, Federal Communications Commission (Pending Agency Approval)

Denise Zheng
Chief AI Officer and Data & AI Lead, Accenture Federal Services

Moderator: Jason Miller
Executive Editor, Federal News Network
10:25 AM
Emerging Technology Showcase
10:50 AM
The Power of Data in AI: Transforming Federal Decision-Making
AI is only as effective as the data that fuels it. With the federal government managing vast amounts of data, agencies must ensure they have the right frameworks in place to collect, store, and utilize data effectively. This panel will examine the intersection of AI and data governance, discussing data quality, interoperability, privacy, and security.
Experts will share insights on how agencies can maximize the value of their data, improve decision-making with AI-driven analytics, and navigate challenges in data-sharing across government entities.

Theresa Kinney
SEWP Deputy Program Director, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Steven Harrison
Chief Engineer of the EMBM-J, Defense Information Systems Agency, U.S. Department of Defense

Dayal Sachdev
Senior Specialist Account Manager, Amazon Web Services

Moderator: Tom Suder
CEO/Founder, ATARC
11:25 AM
AI, Data, and Security: Building Trust in Federal AI Systems
As federal agencies expand their use of AI, ensuring the security and integrity of AI-driven systems is paramount. From protecting sensitive datasets to mitigating biases and ensuring explainability, trust remains a key concern in AI adoption. This panel will explore how agencies can implement secure and ethical AI practices, develop resilient AI models, and address concerns around transparency and accountability.
Federal leaders will discuss lessons learned and strategies for fostering trust in AI systems that impact government operations and public services.

Apostol Vassilev
Research Team Supervisor, National Institute of Standards and Technology

Alexandra Robinson
Senior AI Strategist, Chief Innovation Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Dr. Avi Jager
Senior Director and Head of the Severe-Harm Intel Department, ActiveFence

Moderator: Jason Miller
Executive Editor, Federal News Network
12:00 PM
Lunch
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