Claim OwnershipFormer Fed Friday
Subscribed: 0Played: 0
Subscribe
© Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Description
Listen in as hosts Mike Pereira, Hunter Gros, Shelley McGuire, or David Blackburn, this podcast explores the journeys, challenges, and successes of transitioning from the federal workforce to the private sector.
51 Episodes
Reverse
On this episode of Former Fed Friday, hosts Hunter Gros sits down with Kelly Murray, former Associate Director for Chemical Security at the Department of Homeland Security and current President of Resilience and Risk Solutions, as well as a Principal at Deepwater Point & Associates. Kelly reflects on a career that spanned decades in homeland security, critical infrastructure protection, and public–private partnership, including her leadership of the globally recognized Chemical Facility Antiterrorism Standards program.
The conversation explores what drew Kelly into federal service, how her career evolved from the private sector into government leadership, and what motivated her recent transition back into industry. Hunter asks what excites her most about this new chapter, particularly as government priorities shift and long-standing partnership structures change.
Kelly also shares candid insights on navigating career transitions out of government, addressing common misconceptions about pace and workload, and reflecting on the emotional and professional challenges many former feds face when stepping away from public service. The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on rediscovering purpose, embracing change, and finding opportunity in uncertainty—all while continuing to serve the mission of protecting critical infrastructure and national security.
To connect with Kelly visit her on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Deep Water Point & Associates by visiting their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
On this episode of Former Fed Friday, hosts Hunter Gros and Shelley McGuire welcome Solitaire Carroll, former Director of the Veteran Experience Services Portfolio at the VA and now a founder working at the intersection of government and industry. Drawing on her journey from contractor to federal leader and back to industry, Solitaire reflects on what motivated her to enter public service and how her perspective shifted as she moved across sectors.
The conversation explores the differences in mindset, scale, and responsibility between government and industry, asking how leadership changes when you move from building individual products to overseeing entire portfolios and billions in IT spend. Shelley and Hunter dig into how Solitaire approached high-stakes IT strategy at the VA, including how leaders can ensure they’re solving the right problems for veterans, not just improving systems for improvement’s sake.
The episode also examines what makes a strong government–industry partnership when tackling complex technology challenges, why shared outcomes matter more than competing priorities, and how transparency and prioritization shape trust across teams.
To connect with Solitaire visit her on LinkedIn here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
On this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire welcomes Greg Godbout, Chief AI Officer at Code360 and a longtime leader in federal technology innovation. With a career that includes serving as former CTO and U.S. Digital Services Lead at the EPA, co-founding and leading 18F, and working as a Presidential Innovation Fellow, Greg brings a rare, inside-outside perspective on how government adopts, and struggles with, new technology.
The conversation covers the pressing questions surrounding artificial intelligence and the future of the public-sector workforce. Greg discusses how AI is likely to transform roles across government, whether it truly represents a fundamental shift or just another wave of technology, and what lessons agencies should learn from industries like finance that have already undergone large-scale AI transitions.
The episode also explores why AI initiatives often fail when they’re developed in isolation, how experimentation needs to happen close to production to deliver real value, and what happens when agencies bet too heavily on massive, centralized data platforms.
Listen in as Greg challenges conventional approaches to AI adoption, governance, and platform strategy, offering a candid look at the questions government must answer now if it hopes to scale AI responsibly and effectively.
To connect with Greg visit him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Code360 by visiting their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
In this episode of Former Fed Friday, Shelley McGuire and Hunter Gros chat with Meaghan Hakala, Principal Consultant at Vericol LLC and a former GSA leader with nearly two decades of federal experience. Megan shares insights from her career spanning Public Buildings Service and GSA Assisted Acquisition Services, where she ultimately served as a division director overseeing a $2 billion portfolio of complex federal contracts.
The conversation explores how Meaghan’s experience managing contracts end-to-end—from acquisition strategy and evaluations to performance management and closeout—shapes the guidance she now provides to industry. She discusses what federal experience uniquely prepares professionals to bring into consulting roles, and why relationship-building and networking remain the most powerful tools for professionals transitioning from government to the private sector.
Looking ahead to 2026, Meaghan offers practical advice for government contractors navigating uncertainty, shifting agency priorities, and evolving acquisition policy. The discussion highlights the importance of strategic focus, disciplined bid decisions, understanding client pain points, and clearly articulating differentiators supported by real performance data and case stories.
To connect with Meaghan visit her on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Vericol LLC by visiting their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
Don't know vTech yet? You should as vTech Solution is a trailblazer in the IT services domain with key offerings that include Digital Modernization, including Application Modernization; Managed Cloud infrastructure; and Cybersecurity.
In this episode of Former Fed Friday, Shelley McGuire sits down with longtime federal HR leader Traci DiMartini for a candid look at what the past year has meant for the federal workforce. Their conversation digs into what Tracy sees as an unprecedented breakdown in protections for federal employees, what it would look like if similar upheaval happened in the private sector, and how agencies should be thinking about the real cost of treating workers as expendable.
They explore where automation and AI can actually help HR teams—and where human judgment will always be essential, as well as the long-term consequences of losing so much institutional knowledge across government. Tracy also shares her perspective on how contractors fit into the rebuilding effort, why strong fed–contractor relationships matter more than ever, and why HR must be treated as a strategic partner rather than a back-office function.
To connect with Traci visit her on LinkedIn here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
This week, Former Fed Friday welcomes back Monica Padron Harris, former Senior IT Acquisition Advisor at DHS, who reflects on her first year stepping out of government and into entrepreneurship.
Monica shares what it was really like to build a business from the ground up, including what she expected, what she didn’t, and how her federal experience shaped every decision she made. She talks candidly about the realities of transitioning out of government, the shift in mindset required to succeed in industry, and the lessons she learned navigating new clients, new pressures, and a new pace of work.
She also dives into how she evaluates the clients and opportunities she takes on, why reputation and integrity matter more than ever, and how former feds can translate their mission experience into real value on the industry side.
If you're a current or former Fed, a DHS partner, or someone exploring the industry side of GovCon, Monica’s story offers candid insight, hard-earned advice, and a look at what it takes to build a business with purpose and credibility.
To connect with Monica visit her on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Procurement Pros here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
Don't know vTech yet? You should as vTech Solution is a trailblazer in the IT services domain with key offerings that include Digital Modernization, including Application Modernization; Managed Cloud infrastructure; and Cybersecurity.
In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire welcomes Teresa Hunter, former CFO of the IRS and now Executive Director at Management Science and Innovation (MSI), for an engaging conversation about leadership, modernization, and transformation inside one of the government’s most complex financial environments.
Teresa shares her 15-year federal journey, from auditing at KPMG to driving financial modernization at GSA, DHS, Interior, and the IRS. She offers an inside look at how strong collaboration between CFOs and CIOs can turn challenges into modernization success stories and how automation, RPA, and AI are reshaping financial management in government.
Whether you’re passionate about digital transformation, leadership in the public sector, or simply love stories of perseverance and innovation, this episode delivers practical insights and plenty of inspiration.
To connect with Teresa, visit her LinkedIn profile here.
Learn more about MSI by visiting their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Hunter Gros, Director of Marketing at Vtech Solution, sits down with Ben Shotzberger, a former DHS leader turned consultant, for a conversation that blends humor, heart, and hard-earned insight.
From serving in DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate to supporting FEMA and Secret Service missions, Ben shares what nearly a decade in homeland security taught him about innovation, mission focus, and the unarticulated needs that often get lost between policy and execution.
But perhaps what he’s best known for isn’t on his résumé - it’s the PIG. Meet Pig E. Shotzberger, the well-traveled, suit-wearing stuffed animal that’s accompanied Ben across the world for over a decade. What started as a sweet gesture from his daughter became a symbol of balance, family, and humanity in a high-stakes industry.
Ben also opens up about life after government, the transition to business development, and his biggest advice for former feds: your real value isn’t just what’s on paper, it’s what you know from being close to the mission.
To connect with Ben, visit his LinkedIn profile here.
Learn more about In Foul Territory Consulting by visiting their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
Don't know vTech yet? You should as vTech Solution is a trailblazer in the IT services domain with key offerings that include Digital Modernization, including Application Modernization; Managed Cloud infrastructure; and Cybersecurity.
In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire and co-host Hunter Gros sit down with Ariel Winter, founder of ABW Health Strategies and former longtime federal leader with nearly three decades in government, including roles at OMB, HHS, MedPAC, and CMS.
Ariel shares his remarkable journey from intern to senior Medicare policy expert—offering a rare insider’s view of how federal health programs are shaped, funded, and implemented. He explains what it’s really like to translate congressional intent into real-world healthcare policy and how his new consulting firm helps bridge the gap between government and industry.
The conversation explores lessons learned across the legislative and executive branches, the evolution of healthcare policy over 30 years, and the constant challenge of balancing cost, access, and innovation. Plus, Ariel reveals his favorite vacation memory—walking on a glacier in Iceland—and what’s next for him post-CMS.
Whether you’re a policy wonk, a healthcare contractor, or just curious how Medicare really works behind the scenes, this episode delivers deep insights with personal warmth and perspective.
To connect with Ariel, visit his LinkedIn profile here.
In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire welcomes Darren Ash, Executive Advisor at Management Science and Innovation (MSI) and former CIO of the Department of the Interior, to share his journey from decades of public service to his new role in industry.
Darren reflects on his 20+ years as a senior federal executive across agencies like the IRS, USDA, and Department of Transportation, offering an inside look at how mission-driven leadership, innovation, and collaboration can transform government operations. He discusses what drew him to MSI, the importance of organizational culture, and how former federal leaders can bridge perspectives between government and industry to drive real impact.
From lessons learned at USDA and Interior to insights on partnership, networking, and the power of strong C-suite collaboration, Darren’s story is a masterclass in public service, transition, and purpose-driven leadership.
If you’re a current or former Fed—or simply passionate about improving government through innovation—this conversation will leave you inspired and energized.
To connect with Darren, visit his LinkedIn profile here.
Learn more about Management Science and Innovation by visiting their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Vinay Singh, former CFO and Chief AI Officer at HUD and now Chief Experience Officer of Velocity Group Solutions, to talk all things AI, innovation, and impact.
From spinning records as a college DJ to spinning up national AI strategy, Vinay brings a refreshingly human perspective to the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence. He and Shelley dig into how the federal government is adopting AI, the balance between innovation and risk, and what real transparency should look like in this space.
Vinay also unpacks why fear of AI is often misplaced, how “AI literacy” is the new must-have skill for every professional (and parent), and why the future of AI should be focused on connection, not control. His take? AI should give us back time to think, create, and, most importantly, talk to each other again.
If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate the hype, the headlines, and the human side of AI, this episode delivers grounded insights and optimism from someone who’s been on both sides of the government–industry divide.
To connect with Vinay, visit his LinkedIn profile here.
Learn more about Velocity Group Solutions by visiting their website here.
In this episode of Former Fed Friday, hosts Shelley McGuire and Hunter Gros sit with Meikle Paschal, Senior Solutions Director at Amivero and former RPA Program Manager at USCIS’ Center of Excellence.
Meikle brings a career rooted in national security and IT modernization, from testing border security systems at CBP to leading automation initiatives at DHS. Now, less than a year into his role on the industry side, he’s leveraging that federal experience to drive innovation, human-centered solutions, and mission outcomes for DHS and beyond.
He shares stories from his time working hands-on with border technology, standing up automation programs inside USCIS, and now tackling industry challenges where precision, passion, and transparency define success. Meikle also reflects on what makes for strong government-industry relationships when delivering high-stakes IT solutions—and why good work leads to even better work in the future.
Tune in for insights from a leader who’s built his career on bridging mission needs with modern technology, and who’s not afraid to add a little humor along the way.
To connect with Meikle, visit his LinkedIn profile here.
Learn more about Amivero by visiting their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Richard Klemmer, President of Black Box Strategies and Partner at Catapult Growth Partners. Richard’s career path is anything but ordinary. He started as a wage grade 4 in a warehouse and rose all the way to Acting CIO at the Department of Commerce’s NTIA.
With over 25 years of leadership spanning technology, cybersecurity, finance, and mission support, Richard shares how he built his career step by step, from self-taught programming to overseeing major federal IT portfolios. He also reflects on the leap from public service to industry, the lessons learned in navigating uncertainty, and why perseverance and collaboration are the keys to thriving in today’s federal contracting landscape.
To connect with Richard, visit his LinkedIn profile here.
Learn more about Black Box Strategies by visiting their website here.
Learn more about Catapult Growth Partners by visiting their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
Don't know vTech yet? You should as vTech Solution is a trailblazer in the IT services domain with key offerings that include Digital Modernization, including Application Modernization; Managed Cloud infrastructure; and Cybersecurity.
Fresh out of federal service, Mark Canfield joins the Former Fed Friday podcast with Shelley McGuire to share his journey from Deputy Director at CMS to Founder & CEO of 5pointe. In this candid conversation, Mark talks about why he left after nine years at CMS, what it was like leading high-profile programs like hospital quality reporting and the CQP platform, and how he’s now helping organizations navigate federal challenges with clarity and precision.
From building custom golf carts to building a new consulting firm, Mark brings humor, perspective, and practical insights on bridging the gap between government and contractors. If you’re curious about CMS, federal IT modernization, or the leap from public service to entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with real talk and inspiration.
To connect with Mark, visit his LinkedIn profile here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
In this Former Fed Friday episode, Shelley McGuire chats with Mark Junda, Executive Director of Digital Experience at TISTA Science and Technology Corporation and former senior acquisition leader at the VA. With over 20 years in federal service, including roles at the VA TAC, OMB, and USDS, Mark reflects on his journey driving procurement reform, building contracting vehicles like T4 and T4NG, and shaping IT acquisition strategies that still influence the market today.
The conversation dives into the evolution of VA’s Technology Acquisition Center, the ongoing debate over GSA’s role in federal IT buying, and lessons learned from scaling T4 contracting vehicles. Mark also shares insights on the shift from buying teams to buying outcomes, how AI is changing procurement, and why relationships between contracting shops and program offices remain critical.
To connect with Mark, visit his LinkedIn profile here.
To learn more about Tista Science and Technology Corporation, visit their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
Don't know vTech yet? You should as vTech Solution is a trailblazer in the IT services domain with key offerings that include Digital Modernization, including Application Modernization; Managed Cloud infrastructure; and Cybersecurity.
In this Former Fed Friday episode, Hunter Gros sits down with David Gonzalez Rice, Senior VP for Policy at the National Low Income Housing Coalition and former Biden-Harris administration appointee. David shares his journey from nonprofit leadership into federal service—and back again—highlighting how his experiences in housing and homelessness shaped national policy.
He opens up about the personal and professional reasons that led him to Washington, the skills that transfer between the government and nonprofit sectors, and what it takes to navigate both effectively. From building coalitions to embracing a fail-fast mindset, David offers valuable advice for public servants considering their next career move and for anyone passionate about advancing housing policy.
To connect with David, visit his LinkedIn profile here.
To learn more about National Low Income Housing Coalition, visit their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
In this episode of Former Fed Friday, hosts Shelley McGuire and Hunter Gross sit down with Rob Brown, Senior Vice President of National Security Solutions at Alpha Omega and former CTO of USCIS at DHS. Rob shares his journey from the federal government to industry, reflecting on a decade of leading large-scale IT modernization efforts, cloud adoption, cybersecurity evolution, and building mission-driven teams.
He offers insights on vendor relationships, managing major federal contracts, and balancing innovation with the risk-averse nature of government agencies. From pioneering cloud strategies to fostering cultures of curiosity and experimentation, Rob highlights what it takes to modernize technology while staying grounded in mission success.
To connect with Rob, visit his LinkedIn profile here.
To learn more about Alpha Omega, visit their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
On this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Thomas Kessler, owner of Kessler Healthcare Consulting and former Senior Advisor at CMS’s Center for Program Integrity. With nearly 37 years of federal service, including 28 at CMS, Tom brings unmatched insight into program integrity, fraud prevention, and the evolving role of technology in Medicare oversight.
Tom shares highlights from his career, from leading fraud prevention system reports to Congress, to shaping Medicare payment suspension and prior authorization programs, to exploring AI-driven medical record review. He also breaks down CMS’s latest initiatives—the WISEeR model and the Chili Cook-Off—explaining what they mean for providers, contractors, and beneficiaries alike.
To connect with Tom, visit his on LinkedIn here.
In this Former Fed Friday episode, Shelley McGuire chats with Jeffrey Grant, President & Founder of Schedule F Healthcare Strategies and longtime CMS leader, to talk about life after 42 years in government service. From record-setting Marketplace enrollments and navigating tough transitions to building a consultancy that champions former CMS talent, Jeff shares his passion for people, programs, and public service. He also opens up about his love of the outdoors, multigenerational national park adventures, and why the best part of retirement just might be time with his grandkids.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to lead inside CMS, pivot with purpose, or find inspiration on the trail and beyond, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
To connect with Jeff, visit her on LinkedIn here.
To learn more about Schedule F Healthcare Strategies, visit their website here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
In this Former Fed Friday conversation, Shelley McGuire sits down with Anita Allen, the fiery redhead you may remember as HHS’s long-time small business specialist for CMS and NIH, now freshly retired and stepping into life as an independent consultant. With over 35 years of federal service under her belt, Anita opens up about her journey, from navigating the sudden closure of much of HHS’s small business outreach office to her recent retirement.
She shares tips for small businesses on staying informed and competitive without the once-reliable direct line to a specialist, including leveraging forecasts and free resources to make the most of networking events and podcasts. Anita also hints at her behind-the-scenes efforts to keep transparency alive at CMS and ensure small businesses aren’t left in the dark.
It’s equal parts personal storytelling, practical GovCon advice, and a glimpse into what’s next for one of the community’s most passionate advocates.
To connect with Anita, visit her on LinkedIn here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
Don't know vTech yet? You should as vTech Solution is a trailblazer in the IT services domain with key offerings that include Digital Modernization, including Application Modernization; Managed Cloud infrastructure; and Cybersecurity.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States