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Announcing the 2025 FedScoop 50 award winners

The 2025 FedScoop 50 awards honor the most impactful leaders in the federal government who strive each day to leverage technology to transform government.

Scoop News Group is thrilled to announce the winners of the FedScoop 50 awards for 2025.

Now in their 14th year, the FedScoop 50 awards honor the most impactful leaders in the federal government who strive each day to leverage technology to transform government. Scoop News Group again experienced record voting for the FedScoop 50 in 2025, receiving more than 1.2 million votes across five categories.

Any time the federal government undergoes a transition of administrations, significant change inevitably accompanies it. And the Trump administration 2.0 brought with it some of the most dramatic changes in recent memory — from the restructuring of the federal workforce and major federal programs led by DOGE to the all-in adoption of AI and the reforming of federal acquisition regulations.

Yet there was one constant amid the ongoing shifts in Washington: a vibrant community of federal leaders unwaveringly dedicated to adopting and deploying modern technologies to drive better outcomes for the American public.

This year’s recipients for the FedScoop 50 are those brilliant leaders, innovative decision-makers and tireless workers dedicated to public service and making the federal government more efficient and effective through the use of technology.

Also, Scoop News Group would like to share a huge thanks to the sponsors of this year’s list: Amazon Web Services, Databricks, Salesforce and SAP.

Please join us in congratulating the winners, listed below alphabetically by each category, and sharing the list across social media and other platforms.

FedScoop 50 2025

Greg Barbaccia

Federal CIO, Executive Office of the President

Golden Gov: Federal Executive of the Year

Appointed as Federal CIO under the Trump administration in early 2025, Greg Barbaccia is responsible for shaping government-wide IT strategy and policy, overseeing the federal enterprise’s more than $100 billion in technology investments. A former Palantir executive and a U.S. Army intelligence veteran, he brings experience from defense, finance, and private-sector innovation to modernize systems and strengthen cybersecurity, while ensuring that federal IT investments align with mission delivery.

FedScoop 50 2025

Sonny Bhagowalia

CIO, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Golden Gov: Federal Executive of the Year

As CIO of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Sonny Bhagowalia directs the agency’s extensive IT enterprise, managing complex systems that support border security, trade, and immigration operations. With decades of government and technology leadership, he has led the modernization of CBP’s infrastructure and strengthened its cyberdefenses. Bhagowalia emphasizes leveraging emerging technologies like AI and advanced analytics to enhance situational awareness, streamline mission support, and secure the flow of people and goods at U.S. borders, ensuring technology advances directly support CBP’s mission.

FedScoop 50 2025

Mike Duffy

Acting Federal CISO, Executive Office of the President

Golden Gov: Federal Executive of the Year

Mike Duffy stepped in as acting Federal CISO at the end of the Biden Administration and has seen that role through into the Trump White House. In the position, he oversees cybersecurity policy and coordination across the federal government. With experience spanning DHS and CISA, he brings expertise in security architecture, program management, and national cyber strategy. Duffy plays a central role in implementing zero-trust principles, advancing threat detection, and strengthening agency cyber resilience, ensuring the federal enterprise is better prepared against increasingly sophisticated cyber adversaries.

FedScoop 50 2025

Brian Epley

CIO, Department of Commerce

Golden Gov: Federal Executive of the Year

Brian Epley leads the Department of Commerce’s IT enterprise as its chief information officer, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar technology portfolio supporting economic development, trade, and scientific research. Since taking the role in June 2024, he has advanced modernization across cybersecurity, data management, and mission systems. Epley prioritizes aligning IT investments with departmental goals, ensuring technology strengthens both internal operations and services to businesses and the public. His leadership emphasizes innovation, operational efficiency, and secure digital infrastructure as core enablers of Commerce’s mission.

FedScoop 50 2025

Kelly Fletcher

CIO, Department of State

Golden Gov: Federal Executive of the Year

While much of the Federal CIO Council saw major turnover amid the transition to the Trump administration earlier this year, Kelly Fletcher was one of a handful of familiar faces who remained. As CIO since October 2022, she has overseen global IT and cybersecurity operations across State’s vast diplomatic network and managed the modernization of networks, cloud adoption, and secure communications that enable diplomats to operate effectively in every region of the world. Fletcher drives strategy to improve resilience against cyber threats while ensuring technology solutions directly support U.S. foreign policy objectives and the daily work of embassies and consulates worldwide.

FedScoop 50 2025

Michael Kratsios

Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy, White House

Golden Gov: Federal Executive of the Year

Deputy Federal CTO during the first Trump administration, Michael Kratsios returned for the president’s second term to lead OSTP as the agency shaping federal science and technology policy at the highest levels of government. He has played a key role shepherding the White House’s advanced national priorities in artificial intelligence, quantum information science, and emerging technologies, most prominently in the release of the administration’s AI Action Plan. Kratsios’ leadership emphasizes positioning the United States at the forefront of global technology competition while ensuring federal R&D investments serve the public interest.

FedScoop 50 2025

Drew Myklegard

Deputy Federal CIO, Executive Office of the President

Golden Gov: Federal Executive of the Year

Drew Myklegard serves as deputy federal CIO, working with Federal CIO Greg Barbaccia to oversee federal IT investments totaling more than $100 billion annually. He plays a critical role in coordinating governmentwide efforts to modernize systems, expand secure cloud adoption, and drive implementation of the administration’s technology policy. A holdover in the role from the Biden administration, Myklegard has been a figure of consistency for the Office of the Federal CIO’s IT leadership as it focuses on ensuring technology advances improve government services, strengthen cybersecurity, and promote long-term IT sustainability.

FedScoop 50 2025

David Shive

CIO, General Services Administration

Golden Gov: Federal Executive of the Year

As one of the longest-serving federal CIOs and vice chair of the Federal CIO Council, David Shive leans on his wealth of federal IT management experience to direct the General Services Administration enterprise IT systems, managing nationwide networks, applications, and services that support tens of thousands of employees and federal partners. Under his leadership, GSA has been at the forefront of cloud adoption, digital services delivery, and shared technology platforms for other agencies, including most recently with the launch of GSAi and USAi. Shive emphasizes building scalable, secure, and cost-effective infrastructure while fostering collaboration across agencies, ensuring government technology investments deliver both efficiency and mission success.

FedScoop 50 2025

Christopher Alvares

Chief Data Officer and Chief AI Officer, Department of Agriculture

Federal Leadership

Christopher Alvares leads USDA’s efforts to leverage data and AI across agriculture, food safety, and natural resources. As the department’s chief data officer and chief AI officer, he developed USDA’s inaugural AI strategy for fiscal 2025–26, emphasizing responsible, ethical deployment of AI within firm governance, workforce readiness, and infrastructure frameworks. His leadership enables predictive analytics for crop estimates, disease modeling, and geospatial analysis — transforming USDA into a data-informed, mission-driven organization grounded in transparency and trust. 

FedScoop 50 2025

Natalie Buda Smith

Director, Digital Strategy, Library of Congress

Federal Leadership

Natalie Buda Smith is the director of digital strategy at the Library of Congress, where she leads initiatives to enhance the accessibility, usability, and enjoyment of the library’s digital products and services. With over 30 years of experience, she has worked with organizations worldwide, emphasizing human-centered design and inclusive practices. Her team’s work includes integrating artificial intelligence to improve legislative data analysis and exploring machine learning applications for public engagement.

FedScoop 50 2025

Anil Chaudhry

Senior Advisor for Artificial Intelligence, Department of Transportation

Federal Leadership

Anil “Neil” Chaudhry serves as senior advisor for artificial intelligence at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence (HASS COE). With over 20 years of leadership experience in technology delivery and program management across defense, intelligence, and national security sectors, Chaudhry has been instrumental in advancing AI and machine learning applications to enhance transportation safety and innovation. His work bridges policy, technology, and public service to drive mission-critical outcomes.

FedScoop 50 2025

Kirsten Dalboe

CDO, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Federal Leadership

Kirsten Dalboe is the inaugural chief data officer at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and chair of the Federal CDO Council. With a background in civil engineering and technology management, she has led transformative data initiatives across federal agencies. At FERC, Dalboe established robust data governance frameworks, enhancing transparency and decision-making. Her leadership extends to the CDO Council, where she drives cross-agency collaboration and innovation in data management practices.

FedScoop 50 2025

Scott Flanders

CIO & Chief AI Officer, Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Federal Leadership

Scott Flanders serves as the chief information officer and chief artificial intelligence officer at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Joining the agency in 1991 as a reactor engineer intern, he has held various leadership roles, including director of the Division of Site Safety and Environmental Analysis and deputy director of the Division of Waste Management and Environmental Review. Appointed as permanent CIO in June 2024, Flanders oversees NRC’s IT functions, including cybersecurity, data management, and AI integration, to enhance information access and agency performance

FedScoop 50 2025

Allen Hill

CIO, FCC

Federal Leadership

Allen Hill serves as the chief information officer at the FCC, overseeing a dynamic $109 million IT portfolio that supports 19 bureaus and offices. Since joining in July 2022, Hill has led a comprehensive modernization strategy, migrating 75% of the agency’s servers to a multi-cloud environment and implementing zero-trust architecture. His focus on operational efficiency and full-stack observability has streamlined systems, reduced technical debt, and enhanced service delivery across the commission.

FedScoop 50 2025

Dr. Kristen Honey

CDO, Department of Health and Human Services

Federal Leadership

Dr. Kristen Honey serves as the chief data officer at HHS, leading data governance, strategy, and policy development within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology and Policy and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC). Previously, she was the chief data scientist and executive director of InnovationX at HHS, focusing on data-driven innovation and public-private partnerships. Dr. Honey has also held roles in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Office of Management and Budget.

FedScoop 50 2025

Dr. Mike Horton

Acting Chief AI Officer, Department of Transportation

Federal Leadership

Mike Horton was appointed as the acting chief AI officer for the Department of Transportation in September 2024. In the role, he has directed AI innovation at the department, overseeing AI governance, risk management, and compliance with federal frameworks. He also spearheaded the development of the AI governance platform “TrUCKR” and the Operations Network “TrAIN,” structured for systematic AI use-case tracking and deployment oversight. Horton champions scalable, mission-aligned AI — framing AI systems as “employees” requiring lifecycle care — and promotes workforce development, infrastructure modernization, and measurable ROI for AI adoption across the agency.

FedScoop 50 2025

Christopher Kraft

Deputy CTO, AI and Emerging Tech, Department of Homeland Security

Federal Leadership

Christopher Kraft serves as the deputy chief technology officer for artificial intelligence and emerging technology at the Department of Homeland Security. In this role, he supported the department’s AI strategy and the development of a generative AI “black belt” program to cultivate in-house expertise. Previously, when working at FEMA, Kraft was instrumental in deploying FEMA OCFO GPT, a generative AI tool designed to streamline budget-related inquiries, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. His leadership is pivotal in integrating AI solutions across DHS to address complex national security challenges.

FedScoop 50 2025

Gharun Lacy

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cyber & Technology Security, Department of State

Federal Leadership

Gharun Lacy serves as the deputy assistant secretary and assistant director for cyber and technology security at the Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security. A Senior Foreign Service security engineering officer, he leads the department’s global cybersecurity and technology security initiatives, safeguarding over 270 diplomatic posts worldwide. With a career spanning more than two decades, Lacy has held key roles in Iraq, Colombia, Belgium, Brazil, and Nigeria.

FedScoop 50 2025

Tahira Mammen

Chief, AI Security Center, NSA

Federal Leadership

Tahira Mammen leads the National Security Agency’s AI Security Center, where she oversees efforts to secure artificial intelligence systems critical to national defense. She directs research, standards, and partnerships that ensure AI is resilient against adversarial threats. Mammen’s work advances trustworthy AI adoption across government and industry, strengthening national security while setting benchmarks for safe, secure deployment. Her leadership ensures the U.S. remains at the forefront of protecting AI-enabled systems from evolving cyber risks.

FedScoop 50 2025

Natesh Manikoth

CIO, Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Leadership

Natesh Manikoth manages the FAA’s IT infrastructure, overseeing systems that safeguard U.S. aviation operations and air traffic control as the agency pursues a more advanced, modern air traffic management system. He directs modernization of legacy platforms, cloud adoption, and cybersecurity to enhance safety and efficiency. Manikoth’s work ensures technology keeps pace with growing aviation demands, supporting everything from commercial flight oversight to unmanned aircraft integration. His leadership strengthens the FAA’s digital resilience, ensuring reliable systems that underpin the safety and efficiency of national air travel.

FedScoop 50 2025

Antoine McCord

CIO, Department of Homeland Security

Federal Leadership

Antoine McCord oversees IT modernization and cybersecurity across DHS, one of the largest and most mission-critical technology portfolios in government. Under that portfolio, he manages enterprise systems supporting border security, immigration services, disaster response, and cyber defense. Appointed early during the Trump administration’s second term, McCord is tasked with prioritizing secure cloud adoption, data interoperability, and mission alignment, ensuring technology advances DHS’s ability to protect the nation. He comes to the role with over 18 years of experience in cyber operations and national security, including prior experience in the U.S. Marine Corps and the intelligence community.

FedScoop 50 2025

Patrick Newbold

CIO, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Federal Leadership

After stints in IT leadership roles at the Social Security Administration and NASA, Patrick Newbold joined the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in November 2024 as its CIO. In this role, Newbold directs CMS’s technology strategy, managing IT systems that support healthcare coverage for more than 160 million Americans. He oversees the modernization of claims systems, cybersecurity protections, and data platforms essential to Medicare and Medicaid, and the U.S. government health insurance marketplaces. Newbold emphasizes secure, efficient, and user-friendly systems that improve service delivery for beneficiaries and providers. His leadership ensures CMS technology is modern, resilient, and aligned with national health policy goals.

FedScoop 50 2025

Pavan Pidugu

CIO, Department of Transportation

Federal Leadership

CIO Pavan Pidugu drives IT strategy and modernization at the Department of Transportation, overseeing technology systems that support safety, infrastructure investment, and transportation innovation. He leads digital transformation initiatives, including cloud adoption, data integration, and emerging technologies. Pidugu focuses on aligning IT capabilities with DOT’s mission to build safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation networks. His leadership ensures technology enhances agency performance, improves public services, and prepares DOT for future transportation challenges.

FedScoop 50 2025

Amy Ritualo

Acting Chief AI Officer, Department of State

Federal Leadership

Amy Ritualo guides the State Department’s early efforts to integrate artificial intelligence responsibly into diplomacy and global engagement. As acting chief AI officer, she helps shape governance frameworks, pilot applications, and ethical standards for AI adoption as State works to be a leader in AI, most prominently with its StateChat generative AI platform. Ritualo’s focus is on ensuring technology strengthens U.S. foreign policy, supports diplomatic missions, and protects democratic values abroad. Her leadership positions AI as a tool for advancing secure, innovative, and principled diplomacy worldwide.

FedScoop 50 2025

Kristin Ruiz

Deputy CIO, Transportation Security Administration

Federal Leadership

Kristin Ruiz serves as deputy CIO supporting TSA’s IT strategy, helping oversee systems that safeguard U.S. transportation security operations. She advances digital modernization, data-driven decision-making, and cybersecurity resilience across mission-critical platforms. Ruiz ensures frontline personnel have reliable, secure tools to manage passenger screening, threat detection, and aviation security. Her leadership emphasizes efficiency and innovation, strengthening TSA’s ability to protect travelers while adopting technology that improves operations across the nation’s transportation systems.

FedScoop 50 2025

David Salvagnini

Chief AI Officer, NASA

Federal Leadership

Serving as NASA’s chief AI officer, David Salvagnini leads the space agency’s AI strategy, guiding adoption of artificial intelligence to support space exploration, scientific research, and mission operations. He oversees efforts to integrate AI into spacecraft systems, data analysis, and mission planning while ensuring safe and responsible use. Salvagnini emphasizes transparency, accountability, and innovation in AI development.

FedScoop 50 2025

Laura Stanton

Deputy Commissioner, Federal Acquisition Service, General Services Administration

Federal Leadership

As deputy commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service at the General Services Administration, Laura Stanton is reshaping how the federal government buys and manages technology, particularly as GSA is made a central figure in procurement under the Trump administration. Within FAS, where she previously was assistant commissioner for the IT category, she champions approaches that make procurement faster, smarter, and more transparent. Stanton is known for bridging the gap between policy and execution, helping agencies tap into modern cloud, cybersecurity, and shared service solutions without unnecessary complexity. Her focus on collaboration and innovation has made FAS not just a contracting hub, but a driver of government-wide digital transformation.

FedScoop 50 2025

Pete Waterman

Director, FedRAMP, General Services Administration

Federal Leadership

Pete Waterman leads FedRAMP, the government’s flagship program for securing cloud services, with a focus on balancing speed and rigor. Under his direction, FedRAMP has evolved from a compliance hurdle into an enabler of innovation — helping agencies adopt modern cloud tools without compromising security in a more rapid manner through the FedRAMP 20x revamp. Waterman is recognized for building stronger partnerships with industry, streamlining authorizations, and making cybersecurity a shared responsibility. His work ensures cloud technology can be trusted at the scale the government requires.

FedScoop 50 2025

Dr. Zach Whitman

Chief Data Scientist & Chief AI Officer, General Services Administration

Federal Leadership

Dr. Zach Whitman is helping GSA — and the broader federal enterprise — rethink how government uses data and AI. As both Chief Data Scientist and Chief AI Officer, he brings technical expertise and a pragmatic approach to solving real mission challenges. He played a key role in GSA’s development of its internal AI tool GSAi that has since been scaled for use governmentwide as USAi.

FedScoop 50 2025

James Wolff

CIO, National Nuclear Security Administration

Federal Leadership

As CIO of the National Nuclear Security Administration, James Wolff oversees one of the most sensitive technology portfolios in government — keeping the digital backbone of the U.S. nuclear security enterprise secure and resilient. He is responsible for protecting classified and unclassified systems that support stockpile stewardship, nonproliferation, and emergency response. Wolff is responsible for blending technical rigor with mission urgency, ensuring modernization efforts never compromise security.

FedScoop 50 2025

Dawn Zimmer

Principal Deputy CIO, Department of Energy

Federal Leadership

Dawn Zimmer helps steer the vast digital enterprise of the Department of Energy, where cutting-edge science, clean energy innovation, and national security converge. She stepped into the role of deputy CIO at the end of the Biden administration, and since then, has played a key role in stabilizing the department’s IT leadership as several CIOs have come and gone. As such, Zimmer is responsible for translating the complexity of DOE’s diverse missions into clear technology priorities — modernizing IT infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity, and advancing cloud and AI adoption across national labs and offices.

FedScoop 50 2025

Jennifer Chronis

Vice President, Public Sector, Snowflake

Industry Leadership

Jennifer Chronis leads Snowflake’s public sector business, where she is driving a cultural shift in how agencies think about data. Rather than treating cloud as just infrastructure, she champions it as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and smarter decision-making. Chronis is recognized for building partnerships that help agencies unlock the value of their data securely and at scale. Under her leadership, Snowflake has been a catalyst for digital transformation across government.

FedScoop 50 2025

Michelle Faison-Oldham

National Director, Federal Civilian, T-Mobile

Industry Leadership

Michelle Faison-Oldham is a transformative force in federal technology, steering T-Mobile’s federal civilian division toward innovative solutions that redefine government connectivity. With a focus on secure, scalable wireless infrastructure, she champions the integration of 5G and AI to enhance mission-critical communications across agencies. Her strategic leadership empowers federal clients — from Capitol Hill to national security sectors — to adopt agile, future-ready technologies that streamline operations and bolster resilience. Faison-Oldham’s work bridges the gap between private innovation and public service, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for government excellence.

FedScoop 50 2025

Amy Gilliland

President, GDIT

Industry Leadership

Amy Gilliland stands at the helm of General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), steering the organization toward a future where innovation meets mission-critical government needs. With a legacy rooted in naval service, she brings a disciplined, strategic approach to federal IT modernization. Under her leadership, GDIT has pioneered advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, establishing a national network of labs to test and scale emerging technologies. Her commitment to workforce development ensures that GDIT remains agile and responsive to the evolving demands of federal agencies. Gilliland’s visionary leadership continues to shape the landscape of federal technology, driving impactful change across defense, civilian, and intelligence sectors

FedScoop 50 2025

Christian Hoff

Director, Federal Civilian, Amazon Web Services

Industry Leadership

Christian Hoff is a pivotal architect in the modernization of U.S. IT systems. As director of federal civilian at Amazon Web Services, he leads initiatives that empower agencies to harness cloud and AI technologies, enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency. Drawing from over two decades of military and industry experience — including roles at Booz Allen Hamilton and a company acquired by General Dynamics IT — Hoff’s leadership bridges strategic vision with technical execution, fostering innovation across sectors like healthcare, education, and public safety.

FedScoop 50 2025

Molly Just-Behr

Global Head of Public Sector, Databricks

Industry Leadership

Molly Just-Behr is a transformative leader at Databricks, where she serves as the global head of public sector. With a background as a former Department of Defense official, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. At Databricks, she is instrumental in driving the adoption of advanced data and AI solutions across government agencies, focusing on eliminating data silos, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring robust governance. Her leadership is pivotal in helping public sector organizations modernize their data architectures, enabling them to deliver better services and outcomes to citizens.

FedScoop 50 2025

Lynn Martin

Group VP & GM, Government, Workday

Industry Leadership

Lynn Martin leads Workday Government, a subsidiary she helped establish to modernize federal human resources and financial systems. With over 30 years in public sector technology, including roles at Google and VMware, she brings deep expertise to her position. Under her guidance, Workday Government has implemented secure, AI-powered platforms that streamline operations and enhance the employee experience across agencies.

FedScoop 50 2025

Leigh Palmer

Vice President, Google Public Sector

Industry Leadership

Leigh Palmer serves as vice president of technology delivery and operations for Google Public Sector, where she leads initiatives that empower government agencies to modernize their IT infrastructures. Since joining in 2022, Palmer has been instrumental in securing critical compliance authorizations, including IL5 and IL6, enabling the Department of Defense to utilize Google Cloud for sensitive workloads. Her leadership in deploying advanced AI solutions, such as Gemini, and promoting transparency in public sector AI applications underscores her commitment to enhancing mission effectiveness through innovative technology solutions.

FedScoop 50 2025

Kevin Paschuck

EVP, North America Public Sector & Education, Salesforce

Industry Leadership

Kevin Paschuck serves as executive vice president for North America public sector and education at Salesforce, where he leads initiatives to modernize government operations through cloud-based customer relationship management solutions. His leadership has been instrumental in driving the adoption of Salesforce technologies across federal, state, and local agencies, enhancing citizen engagement and service delivery. Paschuck’s strategic vision supports digital transformation efforts that improve transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency within public sector organizations.

FedScoop 50 2025

Chris Townsend

VP, Public Sector, Elastic

Industry Leadership

Chris Townsend serves as the vice president of public sector at Elastic, where he leads the company’s efforts to provide federal, state, and local governments with cutting-edge search, observability, and security solutions. Townsend has been instrumental in expanding Elastic’s footprint in the public sector, helping agencies harness the power of data through Elastic’s platform for real-time search and analytics. His leadership focuses on enabling government organizations to organize, secure, and access data quickly and at scale, driving transformative outcomes in areas such as cybersecurity, zero trust, secure adoption of generative AI, and improved customer experiences.

FedScoop 50 2025

Abby Bowman

Web Modernization Lead and Web Services Chief, NASA

Most Inspiring Up & Comer

Abby Bowman is leading NASA’s digital transformation as the agency’s web modernization lead. Since 2022, she has spearheaded efforts to consolidate NASA’s public websites into a unified, user-centric platform, enhancing accessibility and user experience. Prior to NASA, Bowman served as web media branch chief at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and deputy director of digital engagement at the Department of Commerce

FedScoop 50 2025

Amber Chaudhry

Chief Experience Officer, Department of Justice

Most Inspiring Up & Comer

Amber Chaudhry is the chief experience officer at the Department of Justice, where she leads transformative efforts to humanize federal services through customer-centric design. With a background as a Presidential Management Fellow, she has spearheaded initiatives at the Small Business Administration and the Bureau of Fiscal Service, delivering rapid, mission-critical results. An advocate for equity and innovation, Chaudhry is reshaping how the public interacts with government, making justice more accessible and responsive.

FedScoop 50 2025

Remy DeCausemaker

Open Source Lead, Digital Service, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Most Inspiring Up & Comer

Remy DeCausemaker is the open source lead for the Digital Service at CMS, where he pioneers the integration of open-source practices into federal healthcare technology. As the architect of CMS’s inaugural Open Source Program Office (OSPO), he has developed scalable frameworks and tools — such as the Repo Scaffolder and Duplifier — that streamline secure, compliant open-source releases across government agencies. DeCausemaker’s leadership is instrumental in modernizing federal software development and fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration.

FedScoop 50 2025

Samantha Hubner

Senior AI Policy Advisor, Office of the Federal CIO, Executive Office of the President

Most Inspiring Up & Comer

Samantha Hubner is a senior AI policy advisor in the Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer within the Office of Management and Budget. She plays a pivotal role in developing and overseeing policies that guide federal agencies in the responsible use and procurement of artificial intelligence. Her work ensures that AI technologies are implemented in ways that prioritize public safety, equity, and innovation. Hubner’s efforts are instrumental in shaping a secure and effective AI governance framework across the federal government.

FedScoop 50 2025

Chris Kuang

Co-Founder & Deputy Director, U.S. Digital Corps, General Services Administration

Most Inspiring Up & Comer

Chris Kuang co-leads the U.S. Digital Corps, a two-year fellowship launched in August 2021 by the Biden administration in the General Services Administration to recruit early-career technologists into public service and contribute to high-impact efforts across the federal government. Digital Corps fellows are software engineers, data scientists, product managers, designers, and cybersecurity specialists. The program has remained a key pipeline of tech talent into the government during the Trump administration.

FedScoop 50 2025

Danielle Rowell

CISO, Office of Personnel Management

Most Inspiring Up & Comer

Danielle Rowell serves as chief information security officer at the Office of Personnel Management, bringing over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to the role. Previously, she led cyber engineering initiatives at OPM, focusing on modernizing security operations and implementing zero-trust architecture. Rowell is also an International Coaching Federation-certified leadership coach, dedicated to mentoring the next generation of cyber professionals. Her unique blend of technical acumen and people-centered leadership drives OPM’s mission to secure federal workforce systems.

FedScoop 50 2025

Drew Zachary

Deputy Chief Innovation Officer, Census Bureau

Most Inspiring Up & Comer

Drew Zachary is the deputy chief innovation officer at the U.S. Census Bureau, where she leads initiatives to modernize data systems and enhance public engagement through technology. Previously, she served as the managing director of the Census Open Innovation Labs, co-founding The Opportunity Project, a program that connects communities with open data to address local challenges. Her work integrates human-centered design and data science to improve federal services and promote inclusive economic development.

FedScoop 50 2025

FedRAMP 20x

General Services Administration

Innovation of the Year

FedRAMP 20X is accelerating federal cloud adoption by streamlining security authorization and compliance across government agencies. The program modernizes FedRAMP’s approach, integrating automated workflows, advanced analytics, and continuous monitoring to reduce approval timelines and strengthen cybersecurity. By empowering agencies to adopt cloud technologies with confidence, FedRAMP 20X enhances operational agility, safeguards sensitive data, and drives innovation. It positions federal IT programs to move faster, scale securely, and meet the evolving demands of the digital government landscape.

FedScoop 50 2025

GSAi

General Services Administration

Innovation of the Year

The General Services Administration aspires to provide centralized artificial intelligence tools for use across the government. Earlier this year, it introduced GSAi internally within the agency, allowing employees to experiment with a variety of generative AI models. Since then, GSA has expanded that work under the banner of USAi, a program that gives other federal agencies access to a handful of AI models for testing in hopes that it will drive wider use across government.

FedScoop 50 2025

StateChat

Department of State

Innovation of the Year

The State Department has emerged as a leader in adopting generative AI, with its chatbot deemed StateChat, which it launched in late 2024. By integrating AI-driven insights and collaborative platforms, StateChat enhances decision-making, streamlines operations, and fosters seamless information sharing. The program empowers the State Department to respond rapidly to global developments while strengthening internal coordination. Through StateChat, technology becomes a force multiplier for diplomacy and international collaboration.