Dave is a Director in GAO’s Information Technology and Cybersecurity team. He oversees audits on critical infrastructure protection, the IT and cybersecurity workforce, cloud computing, and the IRS’s IT modernization efforts.

Dave joined GAO in July 2002. He has led numerous reviews of federal data center optimization and cloud computing, and was responsible for GAO’s work on the High-Risk area of Improving the Management of IT Acquisitions and Operations. Prior to joining GAO, Dave worked as a business consultant for several private sector firms (including PricewaterhouseCoopers), and served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy.

Dave earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Arizona. Dave earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Vassar College.

Dave works in GAO’s Dallas Field Office.

Ryan Palmer joined the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) team within the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) in October 2023, bringing with him a wealth of technical knowledge, data, automation, and cybersecurity experience.

Ryan started in federal service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a dynamic and eager student intern within their IT department. Demonstrating a natural affinity for technology, he rapidly transitioned to more intricate IT responsibilities. Ryan’s tenure at USDA was marked by a diverse array of roles, each enriching his skill set and contributing to his professional growth. From customer support to supervision, and from application development to operations and integration, his career path was characterized by continual growth and versatility.

In 2021, Ryan seized an opportunity to further specialize his expertise by joining the General Services Administration (GSA) as an Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) and FedRAMP Joint Authorization Board Technical Reviewer (JAB-TR). This role represented his first venture into a dedicated security and compliance position where he applied his diverse background as subject matter expert in cloud computing and cybersecurity.

Ryan’s approach to work has consistently been data-driven and automation-supported. This methodology not only enhances efficiency but also ensures that the solutions are grounded in tangible evidence and innovative practices. Ryan is driven by a commitment to service and a passion for advancing the use of technology within the federal government

Ryan’s educational background underpins his skillset and approach to work and includes a B.S. in Computer Engineering and a B.S. In Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University. These qualifications have been pivotal in shaping his technical capabilities and strategic approach to complex IT challenges within the federal government.

Mitch Herckis has spent two decades working with and for the public sector on technology and security policy. Currently, he serves as the Global Head of Government Affairs for Wiz, a cloud cybersecurity company.

Prior to joining Wiz, Mitch served as Director of the Federal Cybersecurity Branch within the White House's Office of Management and Budget, where he led cybersecurity initiatives within the Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer, including implementation on the President's Executive Order on Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity.

Before joining federal service, Mitch served as a Senior Advisor for New York City Cyber Command, facilitating security implementations across 100+ city agencies on behalf of the City’s central cybersecurity authority. He also spearheaded public initiatives to increase the digital security of City residents.

Mitch has advocated for sound technology policies at all levels of government, serving as the Director of Government Affairs for the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), and Senior Legislative Counsel for Federal Relations at the National League of Cities.

Elle has spent her career making it easier for the public and private sectors to work together to solve problems. Prior to co-founding The Atlas, Elle served as the Director of Strategy & Partnership at re:focus partners. She also served as Special Assistant and Communications Director in the U.S. EPA’s Office of International and Tribal Affairs, where she managed an initiative that facilitated city-to-city learning on urban innovation, designed a program that supported environmental entrepreneurship, and developed a strategy that educated stakeholders about EPA’s international success stories.

Elle has an MBA with a marketing concentration from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and a B.A. in Public Policy from the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.