Episode 120: Remember the Mission: Darren Ash Reflects on His Career in Public Service
This week on the GovNavigators Show, Robert and Adam meet with Darren Ash, former federal CIO of multiple agencies, most recently at the Department of the Interior. Ash shares wisdom gained over an expansive career in government, including how IT innovation can transform public service.
Show Notes
NEW EO: Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking
GSA: Adding Leading AI Software to Award Schedules
GAO: Ruling on DOT Impoundment
NIST: Updated Digital Identity Guidelines
FOR ADAM'S FELLOW EM-DASH LOVERS: Wisdom from Poe
Events on the GovNavigator’s Radar
August 19, 2025: Celonis’ Public Sector Process Intelligence Day
August 20, 2025: Data Foundation’s AI Virtual Forum: Data & Policy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (Nominate presenters by 7/31 here; register here.)
Episode 119: Empowering Public Servants with Karen Lee
Karen Lee, co-founder of FedsForward, joins the GovNavigators to talk about her journey through federal service, the challenges of transitioning in and out of government, and how her organization is building scalable tools to help civil servants navigate career change.
Show Notes
Upcoming Events
August 5, 2025
Data Foundation’s Evaluating for Efficiency: Lessons from GAO and IGs
August 19, 2025
Celonis’ Public Sector Process Intelligence Day
August 20, 2025
Data Foundation’s AI Virtual Forum: Data & Policy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Episode 118: Understanding Federal Procurement Consolidation with Brian Friel
This week, the GovNavigators sit down with Brian Friel, Co-Founder of BD-Squared, for a discussion on how federal procurement looks in the age of consolidation. An expert in procurement data, Friel offers great insight into how past efficiency efforts have led us to this administration's push to rid the federal government of duplicative and unnecessary contracts.
Show Notes:
Leadership shakeup at GSA
M-25-31 (OMB memo on procurement consolidation)
America's AI Action Plan
Three AI-related EOs released
Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
July 28-29th: AGA’s Professional Development Training
July 30th: Rare HSGAC markup scheduled
August 5th: Data Foundation’s Evaluating for Efficiency: Lessons from GAO and IGs
August 19th: Celonis’ Public Sector Process Intelligence Day
August 20th: Data Foundation’s AI Virtual Forum: Data & Policy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Episode 117: The Performance Playbook with Nick Mastronardi
This week on the GovNavigators Show, Nick Mastronardi, founder and CEO of Polco and a former Air Force economist, joins the show to talk about transforming local government with data. Nick shares his journey from national security to civic tech, explains how cities are using performance metrics to make better decisions, and reveals what 400 jurisdictions have taught him about trust, ROI, and the power of listening at scale.
Show Notes
Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
July 23, 2025: AI Acquisition Forum
July 28-29, 2025: AGA’s Professional Development Training
August 19, 2025: Celonis’ Public Sector Process Intelligence Day
Episode 116: The Past, Present, and Future of FEMA with Eric Leckey
This week on the GovNavigators Show, Adam and Robert dive in with Eric Leckey, former Associate Administrator for Mission Support at FEMA, about the state of emergency response management. With hurricane season upon us and the administration considering big changes to the agency, Eric reveals how FEMA has adapted overtime, and offers valuable insight into what may be on the agency's horizon.
Show Notes
Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
July 17th, 2025: GovExec Government Efficiency Summit
July 17th, 2025: Shared Services Leadership Coalition Webinar
Episode 115: From OMB to IRS: Danny Werfel on Making Reform Stick
This week on the GovNavigators Show, former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel joins us to unpack the Trump administration’s rapid-fire push to modernize the IRS—and what gets lost when speed outruns strategy. Drawing on decades of federal service, including senior roles at OMB and DOJ, Danny reflects on his team’s detailed IRS transformation plan, contrasts it with today’s approach, and raises big questions about transparency, workforce cuts, and cybersecurity risks. Plus, a bonus deep dive into the future of financial reporting under M-25-30, the limits of paperwork-based oversight, and why civics literacy might be the government’s most underrated reform tool.
Show Notes
OMB: M-25-30
IRS: IRS FY25 Budget Justification
Episode 114: Pop-up Episode: Celebrating Independence Day!
The GovNavigators prepare for Independence Day weekend in this special pop-up episode of the GovNavigators Show. Unfortunately, leadership in Congress likely won't be enjoying the fireworks, as the administration insists everyone stay in town until the "Big, Beautiful Bill" is on the President's desk. Meanwhile, Russ Vought calls for a shakeup in federal auditing, and HUD gets a new headquarters.
Episode 113: Karen Kerrigan on Small Business at a Crossroads
This week on the GovNavigators Show, Karen Kerrigan, head of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, shares insights from 30 years at the forefront of small business advocacy. From tax uncertainty and regulatory challenges to the promise of technology and smarter federal procurement, Karen breaks down what small businesses need now—and what policymakers can do to help.
Show Notes
SBE: Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
SBA: Small Business Administration
CTA: Corporate Transparency Act
Events on the GovNavigator’s Radar
June 25th, 2025: ACT-IAC's Data & Analytics Forum
Episode 112: The Impoundment Saga featuring Doug Criscitello
This week on the GovNavigators Show, Doug Criscitello, Program Integrity Fellow at Arnold Ventures, returns to unpack the resurgence of impoundment in the federal budget discourse. Doug sheds light on the Impoundment Control Act’s history and relevance, explains why the GAO is investigating 39 potential violations, and breaks down the tension between Executive authority and the Legislature’s power of the purse. From rescission packages to apportionments and Anti-Deficiency Act risks, Doug offers a clear-eyed take on what lies ahead for agencies and appropriators as fiscal pressures mount.
Show Notes
Arnold Ventures: Doug’s Webinar on ImpoundmentICA: Impoundment Control Act of 1974
GAO: Ruling on DOT Impoundment
Rescission Package Passed by the House
Dominic Pino’s Op-Ed in the Washington Post
ADA: The Antideficiency Act of 1870
Events on the GovNavigator’s Radar
June 17th, 2025: Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals
June 25th, 2025: ACT-IAC's Data & Analytics Forum
Episode 111: Soraya Correa on Rethinking Federal Procurement
This week on the GovNavigators Show, Soraya Correa, President and CEO of National Industries for the Blind and a longtime leader in federal acquisition, joins the show to reflect on her career and what's next for procurement reform. Soraya shares stories from her time building the Procurement Innovation Lab at DHS, offers a no-nonsense take on the FAR overhaul, and explains why empowering contracting officers—and bridging the gap between government and industry—matters more than ever.
Show Notes
JWOD: Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act
PIL: Procurement Innovation Lab
EO: Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement
Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
June 10, 2025: Arnold Ventures event on Impoundment
June 11, 2025: House Oversight and Government Reform Hearing on Reforming Defense Procurement
June 25, 2025: ACT-IAC's Data & Analytics Forum
Episode 110: The Oracle Returns: Charles Cooper on What’s Next
This week on the GovNavigators Show, Charles Cooper, Managing Partner and Founder of the Brumidi Group, returns to offer his no-nonsense forecast for what’s next on Capitol Hill. From budget reconciliation drama and appropriations gridlock to tariff tensions and the 2026 election, Charles breaks down the policy, politics, and personalities shaping the months ahead—and why even a missed vote could change everything.
Show Notes
OMB: Technical Supplement to the 2026 Budget
GAO: DOT and the Impoundment Act
Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
June 3, 2025:
Forum Global’s USA AI Summit
Carahsoft’s Customer Experience and Engagement Summit
June 5, 2025: Committee on oversight AI in Government Hearing
June 6, 2025: ACT-IAC's Health Innovation Summit
June 25, 2025: ACT-IAC's Data & Analytics Forum
Episode 109: Pop-Up Episode: Honoring Memorial Day!
The GovNavigators take a moment to honor Memorial Day and reflect on the sacrifices made in service to our country. With Congress narrowly advancing a reconciliation package before the long weekend, Robert and Adam also remember longtime good government champion Gerry Connolly.
Episode 108: Looking Under the Hood: Joshua Seawell and the Abundance Agenda
This week on the GovNavigators Show, Joshua Seawell, Head of Policy at the Inclusive Abundance Initiative, joins to break down the thinking behind the Abundance Agenda. Joshua shares how this emerging framework blends high-return public investment with regulatory reform to tackle challenges in housing, energy, AI, and government modernization.
Show Notes
GAO: 2025 Annual Report
Book: Abundance, by Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson
EPRA: Energy Permitting Reform Act
Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
May 21, 2025: GovNavigators Webinar with National Journal
May 22, 2025: PSC's FedHealth Conference
Episode 107: Reimagining Evaluation: A New Vision with Justin Baer
This week on the GovNavigators Show, Justin Baer, Senior Vice President at Fors Marsh, returns to share his perspective on the future of federal evaluation. Drawing from his recent article, Justin outlines why traditional approaches to evidence building are falling short—and what needs to change.
Show Notes
GovExec: The Baer Method: A Roadmap for Agile Evidence Building
Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
May 13: AGA's Performance Counts Summit
May 22: PSC's FedHealth Conference
Episode 106: Rethinking Government with David Walker
This week on the GovNavigators Show, former Comptroller General David M. Walker joins to discuss his tenure leading the Government Accountability Office and his mission to drive lasting reform across the federal government. He reflects on how he transformed GAO into a more efficient, strategically focused agency and makes the case for why the rest of government must follow suit.
Show Notes
GSA: OneGov Strategy for IT
Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
May 4-6: ACT-IAC's Emerging Technology & Innovation Conference
May 5-9: Public Service Recognition Week
May 7: AABPA Panel on Budget and Performance
May 13: AGA’s Performance Counts Summit
Episode 105: Navigating Federal Real Estate with Norm Dong
This week on the GovNavigators Show, Norm Dong, Partner at FD Stonewater, joins to share insights from his distinguished career managing the federal government’s vast real estate portfolio. Reflecting on his tenure in public service, he discusses the complexities of property disposal, the impact of return-to-office policies on government facilities, and how agencies are adapting their real estate strategies for the future.
Show Notes
GSA: Top Ten Contractor Update
Executive Order: Strengthening Probationary Periods in the Federal Service
Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
April 29: UiPath's Ushering in the Era of Efficiency
May 4-6: ACT-IAC's Emerging Technology and Innovation Conference
May 13: AGA's Performance Counts Summit
Episode 104: Unpacking the Budget: A Conversation with Andy Pavord
This week on the GovNavigators Show, Andrew Pavord joins to reflect on a career that spans academia, local and federal government, and the private sector. As President of the American Association for Budget and Program Analysis and CEO of the Federal Consulting Alliance, he unpacks the budget reconciliation process and its impact on fiscal policy. Recorded just before the latest bill’s passage, the conversation explores congressional procedures, spending limits, and what it will take to confront the growing deficit.
Show Notes
Executive Orders:
Congress: House Unlocks Reconciliation
Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
April 22: ACT-IAC's Federal Tech Market Update II
April 27-29: PSC Annual Conference
April 29: UiPath’s Ushering in the Era of Efficiency
May 13: AGA’s Performance Counts Summit
Episode 103: A Conversation with Tim Brennan: Navigating the Road Ahead
This week, the GovNavigators are joined by Tim Brennan, Vice President of Government Relations at Professional Services Council, to discuss how PSC is helping its members navigate today’s uncertain political climate. Tim highlights PSC’s role in sharing information, identifying opportunities, and keeping a close eye on developments at the Capitol. He also previews PSC’s annual conference and why now is the perfect time for industry leaders to come together and strategize for the road ahead.
Show Notes
Executive Orders:
Congress: House Unlocks Reconciliation
Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
April 17: EDM Council's Public Sectors Forum: The Data Foundation on the Future of Data Transparency
April 22: ACT-IAC's Federal Tech Market Update II
April 27-29: PSC Annual Conference
Episode 102: Part 2: David Lebryk's Adventures in the Government
This week on the GovNavigators Show, we wrap up our two-part conversation with David Lebryk, former Fiscal Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Treasury. In Part 2, David reflects on nearly 40 years of public service, the power of leadership, and what really happens inside Treasury. He shares lessons learned and offers timely advice for today’s federal workforce.
Show Notes
OMB Memo: Accelerating Federal Use of AI
OMB Memo: Driving Efficient Acquisition of AI in the Government
Derek Thompson: The Abundance Agenda
Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
April 8: House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Hearing on Federal Real Estate
April 9: Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee meeting to vote on nominations of Scott Kupor(OPM Director) and Eric Ueland (OMB DDM)
April 9: Eptura and JLL’s webinar on right-sizing your federal office
April 22: ACT-IAC's Federal Tech Market Update II
Episode 101: Part 1: David Lebryk's Adventures in the Government
This week on the GovNavigators Show, we welcome David Lebryk, former Fiscal Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, for Part 1 of a two-part conversation. David shares the path that led him from a childhood shaped by public service to a decades-long career in government. He reflects on the people, programs, and pivotal moments that influenced his journey, and why his story might be a blueprint for the next generation of public servants.
Events on the GovNavigators' Radar
April 3, 2025:
AI in Action at DHS
GovExec’s Evening of Honors
April 9, 2025:
Eptura and JLL’s webinar on right-sizing your federal office