Harnessing AI for Data-Driven Resilience

Josh Barnes is the Program Manager for the Disaster Response Coordination System at NASA.

Darren Death is the CISO, Chief Privacy Officer, Deputy CAIO, at EXIM.

Xan Fredericks is the National Geospatial Program Emergency Response Coordinator and Geospatial Information Response Team (GIRT) Chair for the USGS.

Dr. Jeff Hyacinthe serves as the Chief Data Officer (COO) under the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget (AS-PMB) in the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), where he leads strategic data initiatives to enhance governance, utilization, and integration across its departmental offices. With over 20 years of experience in data management, science, and artificial intelligence (Al), Dr. Hyacinthe is at the forefront of leveraging data to modernize federal mission delivery, foster data-driven decision making, and align emerging technologies like Al with public sector needs.

A strong advocate for collaboration between Chief Information Officers (Cl Os) and CDOs, Dr. Hyacinthe focuses on bridging gaps to drive technology modernization, Al adoption, and compliance with federal data policies. As the co-leader of the department’s Information Management and Technology Strategic Plan for FY 2024 – 2029, Goals and Objectives: “DOI Data Answers Tomorrow’s Questions Today,” he promotes data literacy, standardization, and the responsible use of advanced technologies. He also played a leading role in the development of the first Federal Data Maturity Model as part of the Obama Administration’s White House Data Cabinet, helping agencies enhance their data capabilities.

Dr. Hyacinthe’s contributions extend beyond his government role. Previously, at Johns Hopkins University’s GovEx Lab, as a Research Data Analyst, he supported data-driven public policy innovations aimed at ensuring equitable outcomes. He also served as an adjunct instructor in data science, specializing in machine learning and predictive analytics.

He holds advanced degrees in management and decision science and computer science, and is certified in applied machine learning, data strategy, and leadership in research. His work uniquely positions him to drive discussions on the transformative power of data and the synergies between CIOs and CDOs, which align with the Federal CDO Council symposium theme, “Data Powers Mission.”

Tonya Jeppesen is the Geospatial Information Officer and Lead Analyst in the Office of Emergency Management at the NNSA.

Cecile Kellam is a technical solutions specialist supporting NetApp Public Sector customers on their data-centric workload challenges and goals. Before moving into the TSS role, Cecile spent 5 years at NetApp supporting the cloud portfolio. She is a NetApp A-Team technical advisor, a customer advocate on the NetApp Technical Advisory Board, and a NetApp Women in Tech Steering Committee member.

Rep. Jay Obernolte is the Chairman at the Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence.

Justin Ubert, D.Sc., is a seasoned cybersecurity and IT professional with over a decade of experience in managing and leading enterprise-wide security programs across federal agencies. Currently serving as the Cybersecurity & Operations Division Chief at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration, Justin oversees the IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and privacy programs for over 1,000 personnel and thousands of external users. He is a recognized leader in implementing advanced information technology/security strategies, including DevSecOps, cloud migrations, and zero trust while ensuring compliance with federal mandates such as Executive Order 14028.

In addition to his leadership roles in cybersecurity, Justin serves as an adjunct professor at Marymount University, where he teaches undergraduates in the College of Business, Innovation, Leadership, and Technology. He holds a Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity from Marymount University and multiple professional certifications, including CISSP and CISA.