Turning Technology Into Mission Impact with Jamie Holcombe. Former Fed Friday Sponsored by vTech Solution Video

Leaving federal service can feel like stepping into an entirely different world—but the skills, mission focus, and experience built during a government career may be more valuable to industry than many federal employees realize. On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Hunter Gros and Shelley McGuire sit down with Todd Anthony, Chief Operating Officer at ThinkTek and former Chief Procurement Officer at the IRS, to talk candidly about making the transition from federal service to GovCon. After overseeing a $4.6 billion annual contract portfolio at the IRS and previously serving as Senior Procurement Executive at OPM, Todd knows both sides of the federal acquisition landscape. Todd tackles some of the biggest misconceptions about industry, including the idea that GovCon is driven solely by profits. He shares how he found that same commitment to public service on the industry side—and discovered new ways to support government missions through advising, acquisition strategy, and industry engagement. For federal employees considering their own move, Todd offers practical advice: find mentors who have already made the transition, don’t wait for the “perfect” job, get comfortable stepping outside your expertise, and learn how to translate federal accomplishments into the language of business results. Instead of focusing solely on compliance or process, talk about efficiencies gained, dollars saved, problems solved, and mission outcomes delivered. And one of his biggest surprises after leaving government? More freedom to manage his time, make decisions, and chart his own path. If you’ve ever wondered what comes after federal service—or how to turn years of government experience into your next career chapter—this conversation offers an inside look from someone who has successfully made the jump. To connect with Todd visit him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about ThinkTek by visiting their website here.

After 28 years in federal service, Marc Richardson may have moved to the industry side, but his focus hasn’t changed: the mission still comes first. On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Shelley McGuire sits down with Marc, Executive Vice President at USA InfoTech and former CMS Senior Executive Director, to talk about the lessons he carried from a career spanning Social Security, VA, and CMS—and how those experiences continue to shape the way he approaches federal health IT today. Marc shares why technology modernization should never be about technology for technology’s sake. Whether helping someone navigate Social Security benefits or leading systems supporting HealthCare.gov, the real measure of success is whether the programs work for the people who depend on them. Now in industry, he’s seeing the same mission from a different vantage point—and finding opportunities to bring greater speed, flexibility, AI, automation, and modern testing to government challenges. Looking ahead, Marc explores where CMS and federal health IT are headed, including digital-first services, data interoperability, program integrity, AI and advanced analytics, system reliability, and stronger partnerships with states. The takeaway? Modernization isn’t the end goal. Better outcomes are. It’s about connecting policy, technology, and operations to build services people can rely on when they need them most. To connect with Marc visit him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about USA InfoTech by visiting their website here.

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Hunter Gros and Shelley McGuire sit down with Katrina Brisbon, CEO of Columbia Alliance and former HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition and Senior Procurement Executive, to challenge one of GovCon’s most common assumptions: that access equals advantage. Drawing on more than 27 years of federal experience, Katrina explains why relationships can provide valuable insight into an agency’s mission, pain points and priorities—but positioning is what ultimately wins. Katrina breaks down the four types of intelligence companies should be gathering long before an opportunity hits the street: market, opportunity, competitive and engagement intelligence. From tracking budget movements and contract expirations to understanding incumbents, competitors, vehicles and changing procurement strategies, she shares what companies should be watching to make smarter bid, teaming and investment decisions. The conversation also explores why industry days should validate your research—not begin it—and why listening may be far more valuable than walking into a meeting ready to deliver your capabilities pitch. The takeaway? If your strategy starts when the opportunity is posted, you’re already behind. The companies positioned to win are watching the market, following the breadcrumbs and building their strategy years before everyone else sees the opportunity. To connect with Katrina visit her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Columbia Alliance by visiting their website here.

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Hunter Gros and Shelley McGuire sit down with Ryan Ferry, National Security Manager at RELI Group and a former DHS and TSA leader with nearly two decades of federal experience. Ryan shares a firsthand perspective on the role data plays in mission execution, from passenger screening and workforce planning to technology deployment, risk management, and resource allocation. The conversation explores some of the biggest challenges facing national security agencies today. How can agencies break down data silos and connect legacy systems? What does modern data sharing actually look like? How do you make information more accessible without creating new security risks? And what role should industry play in helping agencies modernize beyond simply delivering new technology?Ryan also discusses where agencies early in their modernization journey should begin and why understanding the mission, existing capabilities, resources, and acceptable risk is critical to making meaningful progress. If you work in national security, federal technology, data, or GovCon, this conversation offers an inside look at what effective modernization really requires. To connect with Ryan visit him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about RELI Group by visiting their website here. 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. Learn more about vTech Solution here.

On this episode of Former Fed Friday, Shelley McGuire and Hunter Gros sit down with Leslie Reid, Vice President of Defense Programs at iWorks Corporation and former Senior Advisor at DCSA, for an inside look at one of the federal government's most ambitious modernization efforts. Drawing on her experience leading through the evolution of the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) and Trusted Workforce 2.0, Leslie shares why modernizing government technology is far more than replacing legacy systems. The conversation explores the challenge of translating policy into technology requirements, why strong workflow design matters more than simply adding AI, and how identity data and continuous vetting are reshaping the future of personnel security. Leslie also reflects on her transition from government to industry, explaining how understanding customer pain points drives better technology solutions, why "innovation theater" often stalls meaningful progress, and what it takes to bridge the gap between operational expertise and technical implementation. Whether you're navigating government modernization, developing AI-enabled solutions, or supporting federal missions, this episode offers practical lessons from someone who has worked on both sides of the table. To connect with Leslie visit her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about iWorks Corporation by visiting their website here. 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. Learn more about vTech Solution here.