VA Modernization Forum: Progress in Motion

Zack Schwartz is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the VA.

Anthony Consoldane is an Air Force Veteran and Information Technology Specialist with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Information and Technology. He brings 28 years of federal service, including nearly six years in the Air Force.

Anthony’s work includes developing large IT service contracts and supporting major VA initiatives, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s Chapter 33 program. He takes particular pride in helping colleagues throughout VA navigate complex challenges and bring large initiatives to completion.

As both a Veteran and a VA employee, Anthony brings a personal commitment to the mission and to helping the people behind it succeed.

Mike Ryan, President of the National Security Sector who has been supporting the Department of War for 32 years. He has over 25 years of formal program and project management experience leading engineering, software development and operations and maintenance activities. He is an Air Force veteran with fourteen years of active-duty service in the USAF, and 1 year of service as Civilian Employee of the US Navy and over 17 years of industry experience. His work experience has spanned locations to include Asia (Korea), Europe (Germany), Alaska, multiple CONUS locations, 4 Combatant Commands, the Pentagon, NCIS, DEA, and USCIS. He has managed programs ranging in size up to 485 personnel of varying complexities.

Mike Dombrowski is Senior Vice President at GovCIO, where he has led billions in growth by driving innovation across emerging technology markets. He guides a dynamic team in developing solutions that harness artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, space operations, and data operations to address the most complex challenges faced by the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and the Intelligence Community.

With over 30 years of IT and national security experience, Mike has managed portfolios as large as $200 million and 750+ personnel across 30 global locations, delivering mission-critical technology solutions and operational support worldwide. His career spans AI-driven data operations, cyber defense, and IT transformation, giving him a unique perspective on how artificial intelligence can advance mission success and strengthen national security.

A PMI-certified Project Management Professional, Mike holds a B.S. in Computer Science, dual master’s degrees in Information Systems Management and Military Arts and Sciences, and completed a Harvard Fellowship in National Security Policy. He is also an adjunct university instructor and frequent lecturer for military and space operations courses, sharing insights on the application of AI, cyber, and emerging technologies in mission environments.

Fernanda Manzano is Senior Vice President of Strategy & Delivery at GovCIO, where she leads enterprise technology modernization and operational transformation initiatives supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs. With over 15 years of experience in federal technology, she has built and led large-scale organizations delivering mission-critical systems and services supporting both veterans and VA personnel.

Throughout her career, Fernanda has focused on the intersection of people, technology, and operations, helping organizations navigate complexity, strengthen collaboration, and translate ambitious modernization goals into meaningful, sustainable improvements. Her leadership reflects a belief that successful transformation depends not only on technology, but on understanding the needs of the people who build, deliver, and rely on it.

Fernanda holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and a master’s degree in Project Management.

With over three decades of experience in information technology, Justin Stout has held technical leadership and program management roles supporting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the State of Texas. His work spans cloud modernization and enterprise architecture, including leading the VA’s Data Access Services program and architecture for its Veteran Relationship Management (VRM)  Dynamics 365 and Power Platform ecosystem under the Veteran Experience Servies. He currently serves as a DW/BI Architect with GovCIO supporting Veteran Enterprise and SI Platform (VEDAS) and concurrently supports the VA.gov Modernization Initiative.

A seasoned program manager and solutions architect, Justin brings expertise in Azure, AWS, Dynamics 365, Power Platform, data warehousing, business intelligence, and Agile delivery. He holds a Master of Science in Information Systems and Business Analytics from West Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science from Texas A&M University–San Antonio, complemented by certifications in SAFe, Scrum, ITIL, VMware, and Microsoft technologies.

Jeff Valeo has served as CLEAR’s Chief Product & Technology Officer since September 2025, and prior to his appointment as CTO, he served as Senior Vice President of Engineering. Before joining CLEAR, he led Engineering at Dutchie, a commerce technology platform, and Grubhub, an online food ordering and delivery platform. He spent his early career in engineering roles at Google and Apple, Inc. He lives in New York City.