Leaders from the Department of Defense and industry came together for the “Federal Executive Forum CTO’s Profiles in Excellence in Government 2025: Innovation and Emerging Technologies” webinar to discuss how federal agencies are evolving their digital strategies to support mission success. Their conversation focused on edge computing, AI, infrastructure modernization, and talent development. The discussion showed how quickly change occurs and how coordination is becoming more necessary.
The panelist of speakers included:
- Ramesh Menon, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Defense Intelligence Agency
- Dan DelGrosso, CTO, Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- Lance Scott, CTO, Federal Electronic Health Record Management Office, Joint Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs Office
- Lamont Copeland, Senior Director, Federal Solutions Architecture, Verizon
Using Edge AI to Reduce Decision Time
Ramesh Menon, CTO at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), outlined how DIA is using edge AI to process information closer to where it’s collected, especially in contested environments. Menon stated, “We are leveraging edge AI and extending algorithms to the edge so we can reduce the decision support time…We are continuing to build on that success as we integrate unmanned capabilities into manned missions.
Menon also spoke about DIA’s involvement in neuromorphic computing. “DIA is a transition partner for the neuromorphic AI chip, working with USDR and AFRL,” he explained. The goal is to provide a full-stack digital infrastructure to support the administration’s new operational priorities, including the Golden Dome initiative.
“If we don’t define our requirements, have a clear roadmap, and have a clear reference architecture—it is going to be very tough for any agency,” he said, emphasizing that progress depends on people just as much as tools.
Modernizing Infrastructure for Mission Agility
Dan DelGrosso, Chief Technology Officer at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), shared that being prepared is the first step towards success with emerging technologies. “If we don’t modernize our infrastructure, we’re not going to be able to absorb the new technology.”
Network integration, contractor consolidation, and building a unified DevSecOps environment are DelGrosso’s team priorities. This approach focuses on alignment with mission partners and streamlining processes to accelerate delivery without compromising security.
AI to Support Clinicians
Lance Scott, CTO at the Federal Electronic Health Record Management Office (FERHM), highlighted how they are using AI to enhance care and reduce the workload for clinicians. He shared a successful use case from a military entrance processing station (MEPS). “We worked with MEPS clinicians to develop what we call the MEPS button.” With just one click, this tool allows clinicians to screen for more than 1,000 conditions. “It’s reduced their workflow times by up to 80 percent and saved them millions of dollars.”
With a major shift to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and 13 VA sites scheduled for deployment in 2026, FERHM is striking a balance between operational stability and innovation. “If we do our job right as technologists, there should be very little that’s seen by the functional users—except that it works better, faster, and it’s more efficient.”
Scott, however, cautioned against adopting technology without considering the human side. “We always ask: does this make sense? We don’t want something to go out to the field and hear, ‘Who designed this?”
Building for the Edge and Beyond
Lamont Copeland, Senior Director, Federal Solutions Architecture at Verizon discussed the infrastructure demands for edge computing, cloud, and AI. “A lot of this will not happen or take place without strong infrastructure underneath.”
Copeland emphasized network modernization is becoming essential as agencies increase their AI initiatives and edge deployments. To handle growing data volumes from AI-driven workloads and autonomous systems, Verizon is focused on supporting government missions by enhancing connectivity across wired and wireless systems. “We’re going to see a bigger proliferation of these capabilities to the edge,” he said, pointing out that AI models are becoming more reliant on resilient network design and low-latency performance.
Additionally, Copeland stressed the need for built-in security across evolving network environments, especially as agencies prepare for future encryption standards. He noted the growing importance of secure connectivity in wired and wireless systems, “We’re working with NIST standards to embed quantum-resistant encryption.” As workloads shift to the edge, maintaining performance, interoperability and resilience will be critical for supporting mission needs.
Aligning Talent and Technology
All the panelists emphasized that technology alone isn’t enough, mission success depends on skilled personnel, strong collaboration between industry and agencies and clear alignment with agency and administration goals. The future of federal IT will be shaped by this combination of talent, coordination, and adaptability as agencies adopt AI, modernize infrastructure, and prepare for emerging threats.