7th Annual GovForward ATO and Cloud Security Summit - AGENDA
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Agenda

Times are subject to change.

9:00 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

George Jackson
George Jackson
Emcee and Moderator
GovForward
Craig Abod
Craig Abod
President
Carahsoft Technology Corp.
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9:10 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

Join Maureen “Marty” Fromuth, Professional Staff Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, for an insightful fireside chat on the critical policy frameworks shaping the future of IT and software adoption in defense and beyond. This discussion will delve into the broader implications of transitioning to software-centric solutions, exploring how these innovations drive efficiency, enhance security, and support mission success. A key focus will be the FORGED Act, highlighting its vision, objectives, and the legislative journey ahead to ensure robust digital transformation across government agencies. Don't miss this opportunity to understand the policy priorities defining the next era of technology governance.

Join Maureen “Marty” Fromuth, Professional Staff Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, for an insightful fireside chat on the critical policy frameworks shaping the future of IT and software adoption in defense and beyond. This discussion will delve into the broader implications of transitioning to software-centric solutions, exploring how these innovations drive efficiency, enhance security, and support mission success. A key focus will be the FORGED Act, highlighting its vision, objectives, and the legislative journey ahead to ensure robust digital transformation across government agencies. Don't miss this opportunity to understand the policy priorities defining the next era of technology governance.

Maureen 'Marty' Fromuth
Maureen 'Marty' Fromuth
Professional Staff Member
Senate Armed Services Committee
Natalie Alms
Natalie Alms
Staff Reporter
Nextgov/FCW
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9:35 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

As the federal government accelerates its cloud modernization efforts, agencies face a shifting landscape of security, compliance, and procurement priorities. This opening session will offer a strategic perspective on how evolving policies and technology strategies are influencing the way cloud services are authorized, secured, and delivered. Panelists will discuss the government’s vision for building a more agile, secure, and mission-driven cloud enviornment in the years ahead.

As the federal government accelerates its cloud modernization efforts, agencies face a shifting landscape of security, compliance, and procurement priorities. This opening session will offer a strategic perspective on how evolving policies and technology strategies are influencing the way cloud services are authorized, secured, and delivered. Panelists will discuss the government’s vision for building a more agile, secure, and mission-driven cloud enviornment in the years ahead.

Katie Arrington
Katie Arrington
Performing the Duties of the Chief Information Officer
Department of Defense
Frank Konkel
Frank Konkel
Editor-in-Chief
GovExec
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10:05 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

Join a dynamic panel of experts as they delve into the updated strategies for unlocking the full potential of promoting expedited and streamlined acquisitions. This discussion will focus on actionable insights for selecting the best acquisition vehicles, optimizing costs, and navigating federal compliance standards. Attendees will walk away with practical, real-world guidance to refine their procurement processes, accelerate cloud adoption, and drive measurable success across their organizations.

Join a dynamic panel of experts as they delve into the updated strategies for unlocking the full potential of promoting expedited and streamlined acquisitions. This discussion will focus on actionable insights for selecting the best acquisition vehicles, optimizing costs, and navigating federal compliance standards. Attendees will walk away with practical, real-world guidance to refine their procurement processes, accelerate cloud adoption, and drive measurable success across their organizations.

Theresa Kinney
Theresa Kinney
Senior Deputy Program Director
NASA SEWP
Skip Jentsch
Skip Jentsch
Schedule Cloud Lead
General Services Administration
Rich Beutel
Rich Beutel
Founder
Cyrrus Analytics
Greg Little
Greg Little
Senior Counselor
Palantir Technologies
Pete McKernan
Pete McKernan
Security Advocate
SpecterOps
Heather Kuldell-Ware
Heather Kuldell-Ware
Former Editor-in-Chief
GovExec
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10:35 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

Dave DeWalt
Dave DeWalt
Founder, Managing Director, CEO
NightDragon
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10:50 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

11:00 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

The Defense Information Systems Agency will explore its evolving approach to endpoint security in the cloud era, including how these capabilities integrate with broader Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP) operations and DISA's Log Compliance and Review Service (LCARS). The discussion will also offer insights into forward-learning efforts such as ISSM-as-a-Service, which has been piloted and is being considered for broader implementation. As the agency advances cloud adoption and accelerates Authority to Operate (ATO) processes, these layered security services are key to enabling secure, agile operations across the Department of Defense.

The Defense Information Systems Agency will explore its evolving approach to endpoint security in the cloud era, including how these capabilities integrate with broader Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP) operations and DISA's Log Compliance and Review Service (LCARS). The discussion will also offer insights into forward-learning efforts such as ISSM-as-a-Service, which has been piloted and is being considered for broader implementation. As the agency advances cloud adoption and accelerates Authority to Operate (ATO) processes, these layered security services are key to enabling secure, agile operations across the Department of Defense.

Steve Mathews
Steve Mathews
Technical Adviser for the Cybersecurity Division
DISA J-9 Hosting and Compute
George Jackson
George Jackson
Emcee and Moderator
GovForward
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11:30 AM EDT Thursday, July 24

As government agencies look to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance their operations, the challenge of deploying these solutions in a secure and responsible manner remains paramount. This panel will explore the integration of standards such as ISO 42001 and NIST AI RMF to ensure the efficient delivery of AI technologies to government end users without compromising security. Discussions will emphasize responsible AI practices and explore how aligning with these standards can accelerate authorization timelines.

As government agencies look to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance their operations, the challenge of deploying these solutions in a secure and responsible manner remains paramount. This panel will explore the integration of standards such as ISO 42001 and NIST AI RMF to ensure the efficient delivery of AI technologies to government end users without compromising security. Discussions will emphasize responsible AI practices and explore how aligning with these standards can accelerate authorization timelines.

Victoria Yan Pillitteri
Victoria Yan Pillitteri
Manager, Security Engineering and Risk Management Group
NIST
Tyler Jaeger
Tyler Jaeger
Public Sector - ATS Sr. Sales Engineer
Ivanti
Matt Mandrgoc
Matt Mandrgoc
Head of Public Sector
Zoom
Courtney O'Neal-Allen
Courtney O'Neal-Allen
Director of Content
GovExec
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12:00 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

12:40 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

How does GovRAMP enable governments to enhance cybersecurity while streamlining procurement processes? In this power panel, experts will discuss their strategies for leveraging the framework to assess offerings, manage risks, and ensure compliance with evolving security standards. Gain actionable insights into adopting GovRAMP to improve efficiency, protect critical infrastructure, and foster trust in state and local operations.

How does GovRAMP enable governments to enhance cybersecurity while streamlining procurement processes? In this power panel, experts will discuss their strategies for leveraging the framework to assess offerings, manage risks, and ensure compliance with evolving security standards. Gain actionable insights into adopting GovRAMP to improve efficiency, protect critical infrastructure, and foster trust in state and local operations.

Leah McGrath
Leah McGrath
Executive Director
GovRAMP
Antoinette Webster
Antoinette Webster
Assistant Director of Procurement Programs and Services
State of Connecticut
Jessica Van Eerde
Jessica Van Eerde
Chief of Operations
GovRAMP
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1:10 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

The introduction of FedRAMP 20X presents new opportunities and approaches for Cloud Service Providers in navigating the authorization process for government cloud services. This panel will feature experts who work closely with CSPs and government agencies to guide them through the transition, offering insights into changing program requirements and agency engagement. Panelists will share practical strategies for aligning with the new model and accelerating time to authorization.

The introduction of FedRAMP 20X presents new opportunities and approaches for Cloud Service Providers in navigating the authorization process for government cloud services. This panel will feature experts who work closely with CSPs and government agencies to guide them through the transition, offering insights into changing program requirements and agency engagement. Panelists will share practical strategies for aligning with the new model and accelerating time to authorization.

Matt Conner
Matt Conner
Chief Information Security Officer
Second Front Systems
Brian Conrad
Brian Conrad
Director, Global Strategic Compliance Initiatives, Zscaler
(and former FedRAMP Acting Director)
Johann Dettweiler
Johann Dettweiler
Chief Information Security Officer
StackArmor
Sri Iyer
Sri Iyer
Founder and CTO
Kovr.AI
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1:40 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

2:00 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

This panel brings together agency leaders to discuss the balance between fostering innovation and maintaining robust security within the frameworks of FISMA, FedRAMP, and DoD CC SRG. The session will highlight how adhering to these frameworks enhances the government’s return on investment by reducing duplicative efforts and associated costs, and by facilitating quicker access to cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, the discussion will emphasize the importance of reuse and reciprocity principles, which streamline cloud adoption and promote agile, cost-effective solutions across government entities.

This panel brings together agency leaders to discuss the balance between fostering innovation and maintaining robust security within the frameworks of FISMA, FedRAMP, and DoD CC SRG. The session will highlight how adhering to these frameworks enhances the government’s return on investment by reducing duplicative efforts and associated costs, and by facilitating quicker access to cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, the discussion will emphasize the importance of reuse and reciprocity principles, which streamline cloud adoption and promote agile, cost-effective solutions across government entities.

Danny Holtzman
Danny Holtzman
Executive Director
DOD CDAO
Dave Raley
Dave Raley
Digital Program Manager
Marine Corps Community Service
Stephen Pipino
Stephen Pipino
Distinguished, Technical Architect
Salesforce
Shea Connelly
Shea Connelly
Executive Editor
Studio2G
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2:30 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

As automation becomes central to FedRAMP 20X, this panel will feature compliance technology providers supporting CSPs and agencies through the shift to continuous validation and real- time risk management. Panelists will explore how automation is being used to streamline security assessments, enforce configuration baselines, and align with FedRAMP’s evolving expectations. Attendees will discover how the strategic integration of advanced automation technologies can promote agility and bolster the integrity of cloud authorization processes.

As automation becomes central to FedRAMP 20X, this panel will feature compliance technology providers supporting CSPs and agencies through the shift to continuous validation and real- time risk management. Panelists will explore how automation is being used to streamline security assessments, enforce configuration baselines, and align with FedRAMP’s evolving expectations. Attendees will discover how the strategic integration of advanced automation technologies can promote agility and bolster the integrity of cloud authorization processes.

Mark Bagley
Mark Bagley
Chief Product Officer
Caveonix
Matt Goodrich
Matt Goodrich
Director, Solution Sales, Diligent
(and Former FedRAMP Director)
Mitch Herckis
Mitch Herckis
Head of Global Government Affairs
Wiz
Drew Kahle
Drew Kahle
Information Security Program Manager
Rubrik
Paul Romano
Paul Romano
Director of Technology Compliance
Splunk
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3:00 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

As the new administration marks its first six months, federal agencies are navigating a period of both continuity and change, especially in the evolving landscape of cloud security and procurement. This rare moment brings together top civilian leaders from OMB, OPM, GSA (including the FedRAMP PMO), DHS, and VA to discuss how these shifts are shaping the future of FedRAMP and federal cloud adoption.

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As the new administration marks its first six months, federal agencies are navigating a period of both continuity and change, especially in the evolving landscape of cloud security and procurement. This rare moment brings together top civilian leaders from OMB, OPM, GSA (including the FedRAMP PMO), DHS, and VA to discuss how these shifts are shaping the future of FedRAMP and federal cloud adoption.

The panel will examine what has remained foundational to FedRAMP’s mission and what new priorities and challenges have emerged, particularly in areas such as supply chain security, authorization agility, and inter-agency reciprocity. Speakers will examine the health of the FedRAMP program today and also tackle the enduring tension between speed and risk in securing innovative technologies. This is an essential conversation for anyone involved in federal IT, cloud service delivery, cybersecurity, and acquisition, providing actionable insights on where FedRAMP is headed and how government and industry can work together to ensure secure, efficient, and scalable cloud adoption.

 

Sylvia Burns
Sylvia Burns
Chief Information Officer
FDIC
Allan Mangasar
Allan Mangasar
Senior Advisor to the US Federal CIO
Office of Management and Budget
Drew Myklegard
Drew Myklegard
Deputy Federal CIO
Office of Management and Budget
Pete Waterman
Pete Waterman
FedRAMP Director
General Services Administration
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3:40 PM EDT Thursday, July 24

George Jackson
George Jackson
Emcee and Moderator
GovForward
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