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Leveraging Data for DHS Operational Efficiency

Modernizing Data for Operational Efficiency

The Department of Homeland Security is leveraging technology’s rapid evolution to support the agency’s immigration mission in the 21st century. Data center modernization, efficiency and partnerships are critical to modern border security.

Leaders from Customs and Border Protection and Maximus will discuss the ways DHS uses data to address administration priorities surrounding concerning immigration and border security.

They provide insight on:

Generative AI use to protect the border.
How CBP is focusing on data quality to ensure trustworthiness.
Interoperability challenges and solutions across agencies.

Featuring

Ross Gianfortune Senior Staff Writer, GovCIO Media & Research
Ross Gianfortune
- Senior Staff Writer
- GovCIO Media & Research
Prior to joining the GovCIO Media and Research staff, Ross Gianfortune worked at Government Executive, The Washington Post, The Gazette Newspapers and WXRT Radio. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from University of Missouri and a master’s in communications from the American University.
Sonny Bhagowalia CIO, CBP
Sonny Bhagowalia
- CIO
- CBP
Sonny Bhagowalia is the CIO at the CBP.
Derrick Pledger Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), Maximus
Derrick Pledger
- Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO)
- Maximus
Derrick Pledger is the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) at Maximus. He joined the company in January 2024, focusing on driving technology strategy, delivery operations, and digital modernization activities for the organization. As an industry leader with over 20 years of experience, Derrick’s technical expertise spans a wide range of areas, including systems integration, automation, cloud and edge computing, artificial intelligence, IT delivery governance, data analytics, and end-to-end solution development. His mission is to deliver value and outcomes for Maximus customers via the application of advanced technologies, establishing industry-leading technology partnerships, and maintaining a skilled workforce capable of driving secure digital transformation.

Prior to joining Maximus, Derrick was the CDIO at Leidos, where he was responsible for executing digital and enterprise strategies in support of worldwide IT delivery operations. While
there, he oversaw a global delivery team that supported a $15 billion corporation with more than 47,000 employees. His leadership promoted growth, operational resilience, and enhanced enduser experiences for the business and its customers.

Derrick earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech. He is a U.S. Army Veteran who served multiple tours of
duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa in uniform and as a defense contractor. Derrick is also a founding member of the WashingtonExec Cloud Council and serves on the Pamplin
College of Business, Business Information Technology Advisory Board at Virginia Tech, the Customer Advisory Board for Rancher Government Solutions, and the Advisory Board for CapitalCIO.