Former Fed Friday

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.  

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Shelley McGuire and Hunter Gros dive into the extraordinary journey of John Binks, former Chief of IT Management and Director of Air Operations at FEMA, now serving as Senior Director of Business Development at Titan Technologies. With 41 years of federal service under his belt, John brings unmatched insight into what it means to lead with purpose in both government and industry. From flying relief missions and modernizing FEMA’s IT systems to writing bestselling books on AI and mentoring the next generation of federal retirees, John’s story is about more than accomplishments — it’s about mission, compassion, and transformation. A veteran, a private pilot, and even a competitive axe thrower, he’s always followed his passion — whether responding to hurricanes that once tore through his childhood home or helping fellow “FEMITES” navigate disaster recovery in the field. Now on the contractor side, he continues to support FEMA’s mission by enabling innovation that works not just in boardrooms but in the trenches — on the ground, with survivors, in the most difficult moments of their lives. John also shares powerful lessons on making the leap from federal service to GovCon: the mindset shift, the real meaning of “mission enabler,” and how to give back by helping others transition with confidence and clarity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes service is personal, innovation must be human-centered, and leadership is about legacy as much as results. To connect with John, visit him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Titan Technologies by visiting their webpage 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 insightful conversation, Shelley McGuire sits down with Donald Bauer, former Chief Technology Officer for Human Resources and Global Talent Management at the U.S. Department of State and now a Partner at Strategic Results Consulting. From writing software for the space shuttle to racing stock cars, Donald dives into the serious business of federal HRIT reform and the lessons learned from decades of government service. He reflects on his viral article The Monday After, published after his departure from federal service, and opens up about the frustration he felt watching skilled public servants pushed out without proper change management. Donald unpacks the bespoke IT systems plaguing federal agencies, the complex reality of HR data, and why simply layering AI onto broken infrastructure won’t solve anything. Now on the industry side, Donald is still deeply committed to the mission of advocating for smarter modernization, data strategy, and systems that are built to adapt. To connect with Donald, visit him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Strategic Results Consulting by visiting their webpage 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, Hunter Gros chats with guest Augusto Cangahuala, Principal, Cynuria, who shares his inspiring journey from private sector communications to nearly a decade of federal service—and back again. With a background spanning sales, marketing, IT, and customer experience, Augusto carved out a unique path within agencies like the Peace Corps, EPA, and ACF. He reflects on his transition into public service as a deeply personal way to give back to the country that welcomed him as an immigrant. Now back in the private sector, he’s using his federal experience and leadership as a foundation for business development and growth. Augusto offers powerful insights for those considering a transition, whether by choice or necessity, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, identifying your “why,” and translating public sector experience into private sector success. He encourages former federal employees to recognize their transferable skills, build authentic relationships, and even consider entrepreneurship or consulting. For anyone navigating uncertainty, his message is clear: stay adaptable, stay visible, and lead with purpose. To connect with Augusto, visit him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Cynuria by visiting their webpage 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.  

From CMS to CEO: Karen Shields on Purposeful Transition and Ethical Leadership In this episode of Former Fed Friday, Shelley McGuire interviews Karen Shields, a veteran with over 30 years in federal government service and current CEO of K Shields Health Tech Consulting. Karen shares her deep knowledge of transitioning from government roles to the private sector, emphasizing the importance of personal integrity alongside formal ethics guidelines. She encourages former government employees and contractors to identify their unique strengths and leverage them thoughtfully outside of government, as these skills remain highly valuable. Karen highlights the vital partnership between government and vendors, urging contractors to actively contribute to policy discussions and share their expertise to improve service delivery. Despite changes in the market and government priorities, she stresses that core mission needs remain, offering ongoing opportunities for those ready to adapt. Her advice to leaders and professionals is to keep researching, learning, and moving forward with purpose and resilience. Karen’s experience exemplifies how to navigate complex transitions while maintaining strong values and impact. To connect with Karen, visit her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about K Shields Health Tech Consulting, visit their webpage 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 sits down with Nicole Mayerhauser, co-founder and COO of Emerald One and a former federal executive with nearly two decades of service. Nicole shares her journey from economist at the Bureau of Economic Analysis to senior leadership at the VA, and now to entrepreneurship. She dives into the importance of outcomes-driven work, building meaningful relationships beyond agency walls, and how her government background gives her team a unique edge in consulting.  Nicole also opens up about the misconceptions surrounding federal employees and stresses the urgent need for leadership development even amidst budget cuts. Her reflections offer both practical advice and a passionate defense of the federal workforce. To connect with Nicole, visit her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Emerald One, visit their webpage 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 talks with Phil Surine, former CMS leader and managing President at Medkasa, about key shifts in federal healthcare programs. Phil explains how Medicare Advantage continues to expand, now covering over half of Medicare enrollees, and why contractors should track this trend closely.  He highlights the risk of chasing RFPs tied to declining programs and stresses the importance of understanding where the government is placing its long-term bets. The discussion also covers the rise of mandatory value-based care models, which are now running as long-term programs rather than short pilots. Phil shares how this creates meaningful, stable opportunities for contractors—if they’re informed. Rather than relying solely on capture processes, he urges companies to invest in program knowledge and policy insights. Curiosity, he says, is key to staying relevant and effective in this evolving space. To connect with Phil, visit him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Medkasa, visit their webpage 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, David Blackburn sits down with Venkat Kodumudi, the Chief Technology Officer at Unissant and former senior leader at TSA. Venkat reflects on his nearly decade-long service at DHS, his smooth but eye-opening transition to the private sector, and the lessons learned along the way. With a deep sense of mission and humility, he shares advice for federal employees considering the leap to industry, highlighting the importance of empathy, adaptability, and understanding both government culture and industry innovation. To connect with Venkat visit him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Unissant 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 chats with Carol Sefret, a newly retired federal leader who spent 37 years at CMS, going all the way back to when it was HCFA. Carol reflects offers honest, practical advice for vendors hoping to work with the government. She explains why showing up unprepared is a nonstarter, what agencies are really looking for during meetings, and how vendors can stand out in today’s challenging environment.  She talks candidly about the realities of the acquisition process — why there's no magic wand to make things move faster, and how much of the change has to start internally within agencies themselves. Carol shares how grace, preparation, and persistence can go a long way in bridging the gap between government and industry. To connect with Carol 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.

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Hunter Gros sits down with Patrick Eager, a Marine Corps veteran turned government leader and business executive. He is currently the Executive Vice President at Rexley. Patrick’s career spans critical roles in WMD response, federal IT leadership, and business development, offering invaluable insights into navigating both government and private sectors.   From his time in the Marine Corps specializing in nuclear, biological, and chemical threats to his leadership at DHS, TSA, and FDIC, Patrick shares how aligning core values with career choices led him to make bold moves—including stepping away from government to build his own business. He discusses the evolving challenges of federal contracting, the rise of AI in business development, and the importance of mentorship in shaping successful careers. To connect with Patrick visit him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Rexley here. Thank you to our sponsor! To connect with Hunter Gros visit him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about vTech Solution by visiting their webpage 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.

In this episode of the Former Fed Friday Podcast, Shelly McGuire sits down with Kai Miller, co-founder and Chief Experience Officer of Emerald One, a woman-owned consulting firm serving federal agencies. With over 15 years in government service, spanning NASA to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Kai brings a rare blend of high-level federal insight and grounded leadership to her work. Emerald One was born from three former federal executives and their shared thought of wishing they had access to consultants who truly understood the realities of government life. Today, Emerald One delivers strategic consulting tailored to agency culture, not cookie-cutter solutions. “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” Kai reminds us, highlighting her team's focus on empathy, trust, and listening. Her leadership style is as grounded as her lifestyle: listen more, prepare often, and lead with intention. Tune in to hear how Emerald One is redefining federal consulting, the role of culture in digital transformation, and why strong female partnerships are powering some of the most innovative work in the public sector today. To connect with Kai, visit her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Emerald One 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 David Blackburn talks with Sonny Hashmi, Head of Global Public Sector at Unqork, who highlights the unique value federal employees bring to private sector roles. They excel in deep user research, cross-functional project management, and financial analysis but often struggle to translate these skills clearly to employers. Sunny urges companies to engage with federal talent, identify skill gaps, and invest in their growth, noting their unmatched loyalty, ethics, and mission-driven mindset. For federal workers transitioning to the private sector, Sonny advises being clear about role expectations, especially the balance between strategic work and business development, and investing in their professional network. He emphasizes patience during the challenging first six months, encouraging a full year to assess fit before making career decisions. Sonny’s insights showcase how federal expertise, combined with tools like Unqork’s zero-code platform, can drive innovation and growth in today’s tech-driven market. To connect with Sonny, visit him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Unqork 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.

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Traci Walker, Executive Director of the Digital Services Coalition and founder of Awkward Walker Consulting. Traci brings a fascinating perspective as a former federal contracting officer turned industry bridge-builder, with experience spanning from GSA to the White House and the U.S. Digital Service. She opens up about lessons learned from the healthcare.gov turnaround and shares insights on navigating the cultural shift from the public to private sector, misconceptions about industry, and how to stay mission-focused even after leaving government service. Traci helps break down barriers between government and industry—and reminds us that small wins and curious minds are key to driving meaningful change. To connect with Traci, visit her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Digital Services Coalition 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 Amy Giardina, former Director at the CMS Division of Payment Models and now VP of Business Development at Optum. Amy brings a rich background from both the public and private sectors, having shaped bundled payment policy at CMS and led geriatric care at Johns Hopkins. Amy dives into the key healthcare priorities of the current administration—tackling fraud and abuse, increasing drug affordability, and improving beneficiary education and tools for care. She also shares valuable insights from her time at CMMI, discussing the success of the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) and the future of value-based care. Amy breaks down the complexities of payment model innovation and paints a powerful picture of how better coordination, access, and compassion can transform patient care—especially for our aging and disabled populations. To connect with Amy visit her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Optum 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.

In this episode of Former Fed Fridays, Hunter Gross interviews Bill Pratt, an experienced IT leader who shares his journey from the Navy to leading IT transformations at DHS. Bill emphasizes the need for young professionals to enter government roles, learn from retiring employees, and take on leadership positions.  Bill also highlights the necessity of AI in government solutions, particularly at DHS, which has fully embraced AI integration. He plans to focus on AI-driven automation in governance compliance and business development, stressing that AI is key to securing government contracts and driving future innovation. To connect with Bill visit him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about GovITWorks here. Thank you to our sponsor! To connect with Hunter Gros visit him on LinkedIn here. Learn more about vTech Solution by visiting their webpage 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.

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, Hunter Gros chats with Mike Holmes, an executive recruiter specializing in helping senior civil servants, military personnel, and federal law enforcement officers transition into the corporate world. Mike shares his personal journey, from retiring as a lieutenant colonel in Army Military Intelligence to founding his own concierge recruiting firm. Mike breaks down the challenges federal employees face when leaving government service, including identity shifts, unexpected career hurdles, and the importance of realistic expectations. He also offers invaluable advice on preparing for the transition, from starting early and crafting the right resume to embracing new career possibilities beyond the obvious paths.

Making the leap from government to industry—and sometimes back again—can be a complex journey. In this episode of Former Fed Friday, David Blackburn talks with Ratima Kataria, a seasoned growth leader who has navigated both worlds with remarkable success. From her time as Deputy CIO at HRSA to her current role driving strategy for ICF’s Federal Health, Ratima shares invaluable insights on transitioning careers, building a powerful network, and making an impact in both federal and private sectors.  Ratima suggests getting involved with groups like ACT-IAC, AFCEA, and PSC. Whether you're considering a career move or looking to strengthen public-private collaborations, this conversation is packed with actionable advice. To connect with Ratima visit her on LinkedIn here. Learn more about ICF here. Thank you to our sponsor! Learn more about vTech Solution by visiting their webpage 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.