The cloud offers incredible potential, are you making the most of it?
This week on Feds At The Edge, our expert guests explore three key strategies for utilizing AI to optimize potential, lighten workloads and ensure security in the hybrid and cloud work landscape.
AI for Smarter Cloud Management: Kevin Walsh, Director, Information Technology and Cybersecurity Team at GAO, suggests turning your focus on what we’ve learned from past use cases, especially for those who are overwhelmed with the idea of where to even begin their integration journey.
AI-Powered Training for Cloud Optimization: Sam O’Daniel, President & CEO for TVAR Solutions, proposes if AI can generate summaries, why not use it to create dynamic, continuously updated training materials for cloud optimization?
Balancing Cost and Performance: Noell Rebelez, Cloud Services Program Manager at the Department of Labor, highlights the importance of cost analysis – especially around GPU expenses – to ensure cloud investments align with your agency’s mission.
Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform today as we take a step back in this rapidly changing federal tech landscape and explore actionable insights to help you maximize AI and cloud potential.
To view this webinar: Bringing Together Cloud Flexibility and AI Power.
Featured Speakers:

Kevin Walsh

Director, Information Technology & Cybersecurity Team
Kevin Walsh is a Director in U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) Information Technology and Cybersecurity team. He oversees work related to AI, Census, CIO authorities, legacy modernizations, and satellite and space systems. He has led reviews covering topics related to the authorities of federal Chief Information Officers, management of legacy IT systems, coordination of IT contracts, and assessments of IT-related risk.
Kevin joined GAO in June 2006, and led projects related to FITARA and GAO’s High Risk area on Improving the Management of IT Acquisitions and Operations.
Kevin earned a master’s degree in business administration from Virginia Tech and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Director, IT & CS Team,
U.S. GAO

Noell Rebelez

Cloud Program Manager
Noell Rebelez is a highly accomplished Cloud Program Manager with a career focused on leveraging cloud technologies to drive transformative change within the Department of Labor (DOL). With a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and a passion for public service, Noell has become a driving force behind the modernization efforts within the department.
Recognizing the potential of cloud computing to revolutionize government operations, Noell transitioned into a specialized role as the Cloud Program Manager within the Department of Labor’s Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). In this capacity, he has been instrumental in leading initiatives aimed at migrating legacy systems to cloud-based platforms, optimizing cloud networking and management, and enhancing automated delivery of cloud services.
Noell’s strategic approach to cloud adoption has enabled the Department of Labor to achieve significant cost savings, improve scalability and flexibility, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
With his unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to translate technical complexities into tangible results, Noell continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the Department of Labor’s digital transformation journey. His leadership and expertise position the department for success in the ever-evolving landscape of cloud computing and information technology.
Cloud Service Program Manager,
Department of Labor

Sam O’Daniel

President & CEO
Sam O’Daniel is the President and CEO of TVAR Solutions, with over a decade of experience in supporting federal government customers, specializing in IT/Data Center modernization, cybersecurity, and cloud initiatives. Throughout his career, Sam has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing the operational efficiency and security of federal systems. As part of the team at TVAR Solutions, a trusted solution provider, they have successfully delivered innovative technology solutions that meet the unique needs of government agencies. Their expertise not only helps clients navigate the complexities of digital transformation but also ensures robust protection against emerging cyber threats. Sam is dedicated to fostering partnerships that drive successful outcomes in the ever-evolving landscape of government technology.
President & CEO,
TVAR Solutions

Michael Kennedy

Moderator & Contributing Editor
Michael Kennedy retired in May 2017 from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). He had an extensive career in the Federal Government, with leadership responsibilities leading to numerous national level roles at the Senior Executive Service level since April 2006. He served in many positions within the ODNI beginning in its first year of operation and culminating in his final assignment as the Deputy Program Manager for Technology and Standards for the Program Manager – Information Sharing Environment (PM-ISE), within the ODNI.
Mr. Kennedy has left an indelible mark of professional accomplishment and Leadership across a broad spectrum of complex issues, most notably in the development of innovative technology solutions and transformative outcomes for the Intelligence Community (IC) during 42 years of total government service in IT and other leadership roles:
- Deputy Program Manager for Technology & Standards, ODNI (Nov 2011 – May 2017)
- Director, INTELINK, ODNI (July 2008 – Nov 2011)
- Chief, Information and Technology, ODNI (April 2006 – July 2008)
- Chief, Networks & Operations – Plans, Policy, & Resource; National Air & Space Intelligence Center (April 2003 – April 2006)
- Chief, Intelligence Systems Division, U.S. Southern Command (Feb 2000 – April 2003)
- Chief, Department of Defense Intelligence Information Systems (DoDIIS), System Integration Management Office, U.S. Central Command (March 1995 – Feb 2000)
- Head of Customer Support & Dep COTR, Supercomputer Center; Deputy Chief – Communications and Networks, Naval Oceanographic Office (Oct 1989 – Feb 1995)
- Retired U.S. Navy Captain with over 30 years combined active and reserve duty (1975 – 2009)
Contributing Editor,
FedInsider
