Acting TMF Executive Director Eyes AI to Drive Efficiency

The General Services Administration’s recently appointed Acting Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) Executive Director Jessie Posilkin is exploring how AI can promote efficiency and revolutionize digital operations, she told GovCIO Media & Research in a recent interview.

Her recent appointment as acting executive director marks the fourth time Posilkin has held the role. She said, while she has previously served in the position, her return offers a new opportunity partner with GSA leadership to execute the agency’s tech vision, ensure TMF meets statutory requirements and deliver streamlined, fiscally responsible citizen services.

“I’m excited to recommit ourselves to ensuring government-wide efficiency and maximizing value for the American taxpayer through modern technology services,” said Posilkin. “The promise of TMF has always been that we deeply believe Americans should have the same expectations of private sector tech and public services, and I have seen in multiple roles across the federal government that funding aligned with priorities was the missing piece to make that happen.”

Posilkin succeeds Larry Bafundo, who transitioned from his role as TMF executive director on Feb. 28.

“Under his leadership, the TMF has helped innovate across government through investments in artificial intelligence, shared services and cybersecurity, with projected cost savings of $1.2 billion,” GSA Acting Administrator and Deputy Administrator Stephen Ehikian told GovCIO Media & Research.

Investing in AI Across Government

TMF plans to continue to invest in AI-related modernization projects across government.

“Americans are frustrated that lots of our government systems are not working the way systems in the private sector do. … This is a really clever and important way to get targeted money to agencies where it ought to be and we’re going to keep doing that,” said Posilkin during ZScaler’s 2024 Public Sector Summit.

During the interview, Posilkin said TMF is exploring new ways for AI to boost efficiency and accelerate tech modernization. With GSA’s renewed focus on centralization, Posilkin expects there will be additional opportunities to help TMF’s investment agencies advance their modernization priorities.

“As technology is an enabler for government efficiency and effectiveness, GSA has the critical products and technical talent to serve this purpose; thus, supporting this administration’s drive to embrace best in class technologies to accelerate digital transformation and modernize IT infrastructure.”

AI Boosts Workforce Efficiency

GSA recently launched a new internal AI tool to help its workforce be more effective.

GSA developed this tool, which features a chat function and application programming interface (API), based on staff feedback and concerns about the risks of using commercial AI tools that might not meet government security and privacy standards. By building an in-house solution, GSA aims to give employees a secure, reliable option that boosts productivity while keeping sensitive information safe.

The agency’s AI efforts come amid calls from President Donald Trump’s administration to boost government efficiency. As one of his first acts in office, Trump signed an AI executive order replacing former President Joe Biden’s guidance. The order aims to streamline federal innovation. Last week, the Office of Management and Budget released two new AI memos echoing the executive order directives, calling for agencies to accelerate AI adoption and speed up acquisition.

“With this administration’s support for AI and ML, we’re excited to expand that work,” said Posilkin. “AI and automation being one of many [initiatives], the TMF aims to be a key enabler as we move forward in serving the changing needs of the government landscape.”