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Tune in September 16 at 2:00 PM EDT
In an era defined by contested domains and rapidly evolving threats, the Department of the Air Force is investing in advanced cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to secure its digital battlespace and maintain strategic advantage. From safeguarding mission-critical IT systems and resilient communications networks to leveraging AI for real-time decision-making, the Air and Space Forces are transforming their digital infrastructure to meet today’s operational demands.
In this episode of GovExec TV from DAFITC 2025, leaders from the Department of the Air Force and Google Public Sector will explore how next-generation technologies are strengthening cyber resilience, optimizing information flow, and enhancing warfighter readiness. The conversation will also highlight efforts to build and retain a future-ready cyber workforce capable of defending against increasingly sophisticated adversaries.
Key topics will include:
- Strengthening cybersecurity posture across mission-critical systems and communications infrastructure
- Using data and AI as operational force multipliers for faster, smarter decision-making
- Building and sustaining the next generation of cyber warriors through workforce innovation and training
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Speakers
Scott Heitmann
Chief Technology Officer
Department of the Air Force
The Air Force Acting Chief Technical Officer, and leads several enterprise efforts across the DAF: Shrink the AFNET initiative - laying the foundation for Zero-Trust, Enterprise deployment of Microsoft Defender Suite, and the Innovation Landing Zone (ILZ) – delivering first-of-a-kind micro-services to the DAF. He has built coalitions across the cyber community to design, pilot and field Cloud Device Management, Device Direct-Patching, and Cloud VoIP/UC. His Direct-Patching initiative saved the Air Force 220k Man-Days and $20M in annually contract costs. Additionally, he led the effort to migrate over 500k NIPR systems to modern M365 office in 10 days – the fastest M365 deployment in the world. Lastly, during the initial days of COVID-19, Mr. Heitmann developed ACC’s Communication Capability Response Plan; integrating multiple cross-organizational teams, he coordinated efforts to rapidly expand remote work capabilities 400%.
Susan Davenport
Chief Data & AI Officer
Department of the Air Force
Ms. Susan K. Davenport, a member of the Senior Executive Service, currently serves as the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer within the Office of the Chief Information Officer, comprised of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. Ms. Davenport develops and implements strategies for enterprise data management, analytics, digital transformation, and responsible/ethical artificial intelligence to optimize performance and drive innovation in and across the Department of the Air Force.
Ms. Davenport has more than 35 years of experience in intelligence, acquisitions, cyberoperations, and advanced space technologies, primarily supporting the Air Force, and National Reconnaissance Office. Prior to her current position, Ms. Davenport served as the Senior Advisor for Defense Innovation in the Concepts, Development and Management Office, where she was responsible for creating and implementing innovative capabilities, identifying optimized strategies, and determining operational efficacy to meet cyberspace, and information and applied technology requirements for intelligence activities and operations.
Josh Marcuse
Director, Strategic Initiatives
Google Public Sector
Josh Marcuse
Director, Strategic Initiatives
Google Public Sector
Dan Ellis
Principal Architect
Google Public Sector
Dan Ellis
Principal Architect
Google Public Sector