The Buzz with ACT-IAC

*NEW EDIT* In this episode, panelists from industry share their strategies and experiences for improving contact center operations. The session is moderated by Crystal Philcox, a former federal executive at GSA and IRS. Topics discussed include the importance of customer feedback, leveraging AI and analytics for better customer interactions, proactive support strategies, and empowering employees for better performance. 

Facilitator:...

In this episode, panelists from various government sectors discuss the critical importance of contact centers and share their experiences, challenges, and strategies for improving service delivery. The discussion includes insights into the role of technology, automation, and human factors in transforming contact centers. Key topics covered include the importance of simplicity, measuring the right metrics, leveraging AI, and fosteri...

In this special live edition of The Buzz, Pete Tseronis interviews key industry leaders on the critical role of contact centers in delivering services, especially through digital and omni-channel strategies. Key speakers, including Martha Dorris of Dorris Consulting International; Amanda Chavez from Qualtrics; Mia Jordan from Salesforce; Marcellus Walker, Jr. from the Office of Unified Communications; Gundeep Ahluwalia from NuAxis ...

In this episode of the Buzz , Pete Tseronis interviews Brian Epley, Chief Information Officer at the United States Department of Commerce. They discuss the intersection of mission-driven technology and humanizing government initiatives. Brian reflects on his journey from the private sector to public service, emphasizing the importance of understanding the mission, building partnerships, and continuous evolution in technology. Key t...

In this special live edition of The Buzz, hosted by Yohanna Baez from Jammin Java in Vienna, Virginia, the focus is on Voyager Talks, celebrating the achievements of the ACT-IAC Voyagers program. The event highlights the importance of collaboration between government and industry, featuring professionals from the program and supporting Canines for Warriors. The episode includes an interview with Annabelle Garcia, Capture Manager at...

In this special live edition of The Buzz, host Yohanna Baez broadcasts from Jammin Java in Vienna, Virginia, hosting the signature Voyager Talks event. This episode highlights the ACT-IAC Voyagers program, a professional development program for rising leaders in government and industry. Yohanna interviews Andrew Powell, Chief Growth Officer of Strongbridge, who shares his experiences in the Voyagers program, including effective com...

In this special live edition of The Buzz, host Yohanna Baez reports from Jamin Java in Vienna, Virginia, celebrating the ACT-IAC Voyagers program and its impact on government and industry leaders. The episode features an inspiring conversation with Colette Creech, Director of Growth Operations at Gunnison Consulting Group, discussing her team's presentation on navigating government compliance and her journey in the professiona...

In this episode, we sit down with Christina Binhack, Director of Operations and HR at ACT-IAC, to dive into her background, experiences, and passion for nonprofit work. Christina shares her journey from the Midwest to the DMV area, her involvement with ACT-IAC, and her dedication to community service through the ACT-IAC Gives Back program. She discusses the importance of volunteering, the various successful initiatives launched und...

In our final episode of the Associates graduate series, host Yohanna Baez interviews Lila Najmyar, a senior federal developer at IBM and a recent participant in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Lila shares her journey from college to IBM, the valuable experiences and lessons learned during the program, and how it has influenced her career. They discuss the importance of networking, skill development, and cro...

In this episode of The Buzz from ACT-IAC, host Yohanna Baez interviews Abby Cassell, a business development manager at ABS Consulting and an alumna of the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Abby discusses her career journey from graduating college in 2020, navigating business development during the COVID-19 pandemic, to joining ABS Consulting in 2022. She highlights her experiences in the Professional Development ...

In this episode of The Buzz from ACT IAC, host Yohanna Baez dives into the career journey of Olivia Henry, an early career professional who participated in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program.  Olivia discusses her transition from nursing to a leadership role in business operations, fueled by the support and skills gained from the program. The conversation covers Olivia's day-to-day responsibilities, key le...

We have a different host for this special episode of The Buzz, Pete Tseronis, founder of Dots and Bridges. He interviews Sarah Hughes, Director of Professional Development at ACT-IAC. They discuss Sarah's diverse career across industries, networking, mentorship, and career growth. Sarah shares insights from her journey, including her work with sports teams, transitions to government, and contributions to professional developme...

On our next episode of The Buzz from ACT-IAC, host Yohanna Baez interviews Paige Kowahl, a senior consultant at CGI Federal, about her experiences in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Paige shares her educational and career journey, which began with a pivot from chemistry to computer information systems, leading her to CGI. She discusses how the program helped her overcome social anxiety, gain confidence, and...

In this episode, Yohanna Baez hosts Mackenzie (Kenzie) Downes, a data and AI seller at IBM, to discuss her journey through the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Kenzie shares her background, how she was inspired by her mother to pursue sales, and her experience working at IBM. She dives into her motivations for joining the ACT-IAC program, the skills and network she gained, and specific moments that shaped her ca...

In this episode of The Buzz from ACT-IAC, host Yohanna Baez interviews Ryan Cloghessy, a capture manager at Leidos, about his journey through the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. They discuss Ryan's career trajectory, the impact of the program on his professional growth, and the valuable lessons and experiences he gained. Ryan shares his initial challenges, his role at Leidos, insights from his mentor, and ...

In this episode of 'The Buzz from ACT-IAC,' host Yohanna Baez dives into the journeys of early career professionals in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Senior Digital Transformation Consultant John Rehm from the Wilco Group shares his story, from his communications background to his current role in federal contracting. John discusses the invaluable skills he acquired, the challenges he overcame, an...

This week, The Buzz presents a conversation with Grafton deButts from Strongbridge LLC and the ACT-IAC Department of Transportation Federal Insights Exchange (FIE), as they sit down with Brian Cronin, the forward-thinking Director of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office at the U-S Department of Transportation. Together, they explore the world of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology—a game-changer poised to ...

Welcome Yohanna Baez: A Different Vision for The Buzz

In this special episode of The Buzz, new host Yohanna Baez introduces herself and outlines her vision for the podcast's future. She pays tribute to previous host, Colin Larsen, and discusses her plans to explore broader perspectives, amplify diverse voices, and provide actionable insights. Yohanna also shares her excitement about upcoming episodes focusing on new technologie...

This week, The Buzz presents a session from our Vision 2030 event.


In this opening keynote session, Alexis Bonnell, the Chief Information Officer and Director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory shares her insights on how government agencies can leverage technology to drive innovation and better serve the public. She discusses the importance of adopting a human-centered approac...