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Cloudflare | The Modernization Crossroads: Balancing Security, Simplicity and Innovation

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Tune in January 28, 2026 at 2 PM EST

As federal agencies race to modernize, they face a complex set of pressures: citizens expect faster, more seamless digital services; cyber threats are growing in scale and sophistication; and budgets and talent pipelines remain tight. Many mission-critical systems still run on decades-old technology, making every upgrade a balancing act between maintaining continuity and embracing innovation. Leaders must find ways to deliver secure, user-friendly digital services while preparing for emerging technologies that will define the next decade.

In this GovExec webcast, federal IT leaders will share how they are simplifying modernization through automation, integration, and unified platforms to boost efficiency without compromising security. They will examine how agencies are aligning digital service delivery and cybersecurity as co-equal priorities, why simplicity and automation are becoming critical factors when selecting new platforms, and practical steps to prepare for Zero Trust, AI adoption, and post-quantum security.

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Speakers

Gharun Lacy

Deputy Assistant Secretary and Assistant Director of the Diplomatic Security Service for Cyber & Technology Security
Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Department of State
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Gharun Lacy

Deputy Assistant Secretary and Assistant Director of the Diplomatic Security Service for Cyber & Technology Security

Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Department of State

Mr. Lacy is a Senior Foreign Service Security Engineering Officer with the Diplomatic Security Service currently serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Assistant Director for Cyber and Technology Security. He assumed this position in April 2021. The Directorate is a crucial part of the Department of State’s law enforcement and security strategy that brings together cybersecurity, technology security, and investigative expertise to support the conduct of U.S. Foreign Policy.

Prior to this appointment, he served as Director of the Countermeasures Program Division in the Office of Security Technology, where he managed the domestic and overseas technical countermeasures program and served as the Department’s point of contact for technical countermeasures operations within the United States Intelligence Community.

Mr. Lacy served as Regional Director for Security Engineering for Near Eastern Affairs (Middle East and North Africa) from 2016 to 2019. He served as the Branch Chief of Security Engineering Services (2012-2015) where he oversaw the technical security advance operations for the traveling Secretaries of State. He was posted overseas as Officer-in-Charge of ESC Baghdad, Iraq (2015-2016), ESO Bogota, Colombia (2010-2012), and ESO Brussels, Belgium (2007-2010). He also opened both the ESOs in Brasilia, Brazil (2002-2005) and Lagos, Nigeria (2000-2002).

Mr. Lacy is the individual recipient of four of the Department’s Superior Honor Awards including one for Security Engineering Officer of the Year.

Through varied tours, Mr. Lacy always sought to support the wonderful people of the Department. He was chair of the American Embassy Baghdad Employee Association, the largest in the service and a critical part of the morale and well-being of the personnel at the world’s largest embassy.

Mr. Lacy is a proud native of Washington, DC. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Anish Patel

Head of Sales, Federal
Cloudflare

Anish Patel

Head of Sales, Federal

Cloudflare