Top 20 Cloud Executives to Watch in 2021

Ashley Mahan, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Technology Transformation Services, General Services Administration

In 2020, Ashley Mahan worked with the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program community in support of agencies’ cloud technology and FedRAMP needs during the pandemic. 

FedRAMP completed 64 authorizations in fiscal year 2020, which is over 40% more than in the previous year. Additionally, with the push to the cloud to accommodate a remote workforce, agencies increased their use of FedRAMP-authorized cloud products by 55% within this same time.  

The team also prioritized efforts to listen to customers and incorporate feedback into the program. A few examples include launching the FedRAMP agency liaison program and FedRAMP YouTube channel, re-imagining the FedRAMP website and re-launching, and revised FedRAMP procedural and technical guidance in support of cloud service provider and agency feedback.  

Why Watch

GSA has two critical funding components from the American Rescue Plan — $1 billion for the Technology Modernization Fund, and $150 million for the Federal Citizens Services Fund, Mahan said. The funds are expected to drive innovation through interagency projects that enhance the government’s digital operations.

Mahan said she is excited to be in her new role.

“I am supporting an incredible team to design and deliver a digital government with and for the public,” she said. “This work is focused on bringing trusted modern government experiences to the citizen and includes impactful programs and projects within cloud, identity, data and analytics, public experience, artificial intelligence and innovation.”