The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2024 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 20, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 21.
Next is Ashley Mahan, director of the General Services Administration’s Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program and Secure Cloud Portfolio, and finalist in the Cloud Executive of the Year, Government category. Here, she talks about recent achievements, shares career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2024?
As a member of OMB’s Office of the Federal CIO, my primary focus areas include:
- Serving as a subject matter expert in the areas of cloud technology and cybersecurity.
- Contributing to the first FedRAMP OMB Memorandum, “Modernizing FedRAMP”, M-24-15, released in July 2024.
- Leading a team of 30+ technology experts who are working closely with agency CIO/CISO teams as they work to implement Federal IT statutory requirements and OMB technology policies.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Amplifying the “Modernizing FedRAMP” guidance as agencies work to implement key actions. Cloud is a cornerstone of IT modernization and FedRAMP is a critical mission enabler for agencies to achieve these goals with an emphasis on cybersecurity and protecting federal information.
Continuing to embrace human-centered design principles when developing technology policy as its critical to take into account operational experiences and voices of those that will implement them.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Develop an area of expertise. Do the hard work to learn the details. Stay curious and gain exposure to as many technology areas as possible. Proactively learn from others’ experiences!
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know?
I’ve been a basketball coach for a number of years and love the game!