Former Fed Friday

Reorgs, RFPs, and Readiness: Phil Surine on FedHealth in Transition

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, Shelley McGuire talks with Phil Surine, former CMS leader and managing President at Medkasa, about key shifts in federal healthcare programs. Phil explains how Medicare Advantage continues to expand, now covering over half of Medicare enrollees, and why contractors should track this trend closely. 
He highlights the risk of chasing RFPs tied to declining programs and stresses the importance of understanding where the government is placing its long-term bets. The discussion also covers the rise of mandatory value-based care models, which are now running as long-term programs rather than short pilots. Phil shares how this creates meaningful, stable opportunities for contractors—if they’re informed. Rather than relying solely on capture processes, he urges companies to invest in program knowledge and policy insights. Curiosity, he says, is key to staying relevant and effective in this evolving space.
To connect with Phil, visit him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Medkasa, visit their webpage here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
 

Beyond the Badge: Venkat Kodumudi on Evolving from TSA to Tech Executive

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, David Blackburn sits down with Venkat Kodumudi, the Chief Technology Officer at Unissant and former senior leader at TSA. Venkat reflects on his nearly decade-long service at DHS, his smooth but eye-opening transition to the private sector, and the lessons learned along the way. With a deep sense of mission and humility, he shares advice for federal employees considering the leap to industry, highlighting the importance of empathy, adaptability, and understanding both government culture and industry innovation.
To connect with Venkat visit him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Unissant here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.
Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution. Don't know vTech yet? You should as vTech Solution is a trailblazer in the IT services domain with key offerings that include Digital Modernization, including Application Modernization; Managed Cloud infrastructure; and Cybersecurity.

Bridging the Gap: Carol Sefret on Federal Acquisition and Vendor Relations

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire chats with Carol Sefret, a newly retired federal leader who spent 37 years at CMS, going all the way back to when it was HCFA. Carol reflects offers honest, practical advice for vendors hoping to work with the government. She explains why showing up unprepared is a nonstarter, what agencies are really looking for during meetings, and how vendors can stand out in today’s challenging environment. 
She talks candidly about the realities of the acquisition process — why there's no magic wand to make things move faster, and how much of the change has to start internally within agencies themselves. Carol shares how grace, preparation, and persistence can go a long way in bridging the gap between government and industry.
To connect with Carol visit her on LinkedIn here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.
Don't know vTech yet? You should as vTech Solution is a trailblazer in the IT services domain with key offerings that include Digital Modernization, including Application Modernization; Managed Cloud infrastructure; and Cybersecurity.

Patrick Eager on Career Courage, Contracting Challenges & the Rise of AI

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Hunter Gros sits down with Patrick Eager, a Marine Corps veteran turned government leader and business executive. He is currently the Executive Vice President at Rexley. Patrick’s career spans critical roles in WMD response, federal IT leadership, and business development, offering invaluable insights into navigating both government and private sectors.
 
From his time in the Marine Corps specializing in nuclear, biological, and chemical threats to his leadership at DHS, TSA, and FDIC, Patrick shares how aligning core values with career choices led him to make bold moves—including stepping away from government to build his own business. He discusses the evolving challenges of federal contracting, the rise of AI in business development, and the importance of mentorship in shaping successful careers.
To connect with Patrick visit him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Rexley here.
Thank you to our sponsor!To connect with Hunter Gros visit him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about vTech Solution by visiting their webpage here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

Inside Emerald One: Former VA Exec Kai Miller Talks Strategy, Culture, and Real Talk

In this episode of the Former Fed Friday Podcast, Shelly McGuire sits down with Kai Miller, co-founder and Chief Experience Officer of Emerald One, a woman-owned consulting firm serving federal agencies. With over 15 years in government service, spanning NASA to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Kai brings a rare blend of high-level federal insight and grounded leadership to her work.
Emerald One was born from three former federal executives and their shared thought of wishing they had access to consultants who truly understood the realities of government life. Today, Emerald One delivers strategic consulting tailored to agency culture, not cookie-cutter solutions. “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” Kai reminds us, highlighting her team's focus on empathy, trust, and listening. Her leadership style is as grounded as her lifestyle: listen more, prepare often, and lead with intention.
Tune in to hear how Emerald One is redefining federal consulting, the role of culture in digital transformation, and why strong female partnerships are powering some of the most innovative work in the public sector today.
To connect with Kai, visit her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Emerald One here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.
Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution. Don't know vTech yet? You should as vTech Solution is a trailblazer in the IT services domain with key offerings that include Digital Modernization, including Application Modernization; Managed Cloud infrastructure; and Cybersecurity.

Sunny Hashmi on Navigating Federal Talent and Technology Transformation

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host David Blackburn talks with Sonny Hashmi, Head of Global Public Sector at Unqork, who highlights the unique value federal employees bring to private sector roles. They excel in deep user research, cross-functional project management, and financial analysis but often struggle to translate these skills clearly to employers. Sunny urges companies to engage with federal talent, identify skill gaps, and invest in their growth, noting their unmatched loyalty, ethics, and mission-driven mindset.
For federal workers transitioning to the private sector, Sonny advises being clear about role expectations, especially the balance between strategic work and business development, and investing in their professional network. He emphasizes patience during the challenging first six months, encouraging a full year to assess fit before making career decisions.
Sonny’s insights showcase how federal expertise, combined with tools like Unqork’s zero-code platform, can drive innovation and growth in today’s tech-driven market.
To connect with Sonny, visit him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Unqork here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

Lessons in Government, Industry, and Agility with Traci Walker

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Traci Walker, Executive Director of the Digital Services Coalition and founder of Awkward Walker Consulting. Traci brings a fascinating perspective as a former federal contracting officer turned industry bridge-builder, with experience spanning from GSA to the White House and the U.S. Digital Service.
She opens up about lessons learned from the healthcare.gov turnaround and shares insights on navigating the cultural shift from the public to private sector, misconceptions about industry, and how to stay mission-focused even after leaving government service. Traci helps break down barriers between government and industry—and reminds us that small wins and curious minds are key to driving meaningful change.
To connect with Traci, visit her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Digital Services Coalition here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.
Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution. Don't know vTech yet? You should as vTech Solution is a trailblazer in the IT services domain with key offerings that include Digital Modernization, including Application Modernization; Managed Cloud infrastructure; and Cybersecurity.

From CMS to Optum: Amy Giardina on Fraud, Funding, and the Future of Medicare

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire welcomes Amy Giardina, former Director at the CMS Division of Payment Models and now VP of Business Development at Optum. Amy brings a rich background from both the public and private sectors, having shaped bundled payment policy at CMS and led geriatric care at Johns Hopkins.
Amy dives into the key healthcare priorities of the current administration—tackling fraud and abuse, increasing drug affordability, and improving beneficiary education and tools for care. She also shares valuable insights from her time at CMMI, discussing the success of the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) and the future of value-based care.
Amy breaks down the complexities of payment model innovation and paints a powerful picture of how better coordination, access, and compassion can transform patient care—especially for our aging and disabled populations.
To connect with Amy visit her on LinkedIn here.Learn more about Optum here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

Bill Pratt’s Journey Through IT Innovation

In this episode of Former Fed Fridays, Hunter Gross interviews Bill Pratt, an experienced IT leader who shares his journey from the Navy to leading IT transformations at DHS. Bill emphasizes the need for young professionals to enter government roles, learn from retiring employees, and take on leadership positions. 
Bill also highlights the necessity of AI in government solutions, particularly at DHS, which has fully embraced AI integration. He plans to focus on AI-driven automation in governance compliance and business development, stressing that AI is key to securing government contracts and driving future innovation.
To connect with Bill visit him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about GovITWorks here.
Thank you to our sponsor!To connect with Hunter Gros visit him on LinkedIn here.Learn more about vTech Solution by visiting their webpage here.
If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.

Breaking Out of the Fed Bubble: Career Transitions with Mike Holmes

In this episode of Former Fed Friday, Hunter Gros chats with Mike Holmes, an executive recruiter specializing in helping senior civil servants, military personnel, and federal law enforcement officers transition into the corporate world. Mike shares his personal journey, from retiring as a lieutenant colonel in Army Military Intelligence to founding his own concierge recruiting firm.
Mike breaks down the challenges federal employees face when leaving government service, including identity shifts, unexpected career hurdles, and the importance of realistic expectations. He also offers invaluable advice on preparing for the transition, from starting early and crafting the right resume to embracing new career possibilities beyond the obvious paths.