Cybersecurity teams are facing a “perfect storm” — more attacks, fewer defenders, and outdated infrastructure.
This week on Feds At The Edge, we offer a sneak peek into an upcoming webinar that will teach you how to truly see what’s happening on your network — moving beyond basic monitoring to actionable observation.
Brian Chamberlain, Account Executive, USMC/USN, SolarWinds, Chamberlain breaks down why simple monitoring isn’t enough. Without pinpointing blind spots or knowing where to start, agencies waste time, increase risk, and rack up costs. He explores:
Automation: Threats move too fast for humans to manage alone.
Hierarchy: How to prioritize what matters most.
Compliance: Practical takes on NIST 800-207, FIPS 140-2, and Common Criteria.
AI in Action: How artificial intelligence can reveal inefficiencies and free humans to focus on decisions.
Tune in on your favorite podcast platform today, and while you are here, register for the full webinar to learn how to optimize your IT infrastructure, modernize effectively, and get the right tools to defend your mission.
To view this webinar: How to Optimize Federal IT Operations.
Featured Speakers:
Dr. Jay Eckles
Division Director for Application Development
Dr. Jay Eckles leads the Application Development division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), overseeing web development, software engineering, enterprise applications, user experience, and artificial intelligence and business analytics. He also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer in Business Analytics & Statistics at the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee. With over two decades of experience in IT and education, Dr. Eckles’ expertise spans various industries, and he is known for his engaging presentations and ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical insights.
Division Director, Application Development,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Carter Farmer
Chief Information Officer
Carter Farmer is an accomplished technology executive with over 15 years of experience leading enterprise IT transformation in both public and private sectors. He most recently served as Director of IT Systems and Solutions at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), where he led major cybersecurity initiatives, modernized the organization’s identity and access management architecture, and oversaw strategic cloud infrastructure projects. Prior to USIP, he held a key IT leadership role at Amtrak, where he contributed to critical improvements in operational technology and service reliability for one of the nation’s largest transportation networks.
Carter began his career in the private sector, holding strategic roles at Telarix, a global telecommunications software company, and DISYS, a professional services and technology solutions firm. In these roles, he advised enterprise clients on system modernization, data security, and IT service delivery. Carter holds a B.S. in Information Systems Management, and a B.S. in Computer Science from Radford University and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Information Technology.
As CIO for the Environmental Protection Agency, Carter brings a pragmatic and mission-focused approach to technology leadership, prioritizing modernization, data integrity, and operational excellence to support the EPA’s statutory and strategic goals.
Chief Technology Officer,
Environmental Protection Agency
Mark Pettit
Principal Deputy Chief Information Officer
Mark Pettit is the Principal Deputy Chief Information Officer (PDCIO) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), where he supports the CIO in the strategic execution, management, and financial oversight of all enterprise Information Technology (IT) functions.
As the Principal Deputy Chief Information Officer, Mark brings over 30 years of proven expertise in technical and project management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. With a strong foundation in engineering and physics, coupled with extensive experience in enterprise IT systems, Mark has consistently delivered innovative solutions to complex challenges while fostering high-performing teams. With a career marked by technical innovation, strategic leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to excellence, Mark is dedicated to advancing organizational missions and driving impactful IT solutions.
Prior to becoming the PDCIO, Mark served as the Deputy Program Leader and Deputy Division Leader for Enterprise Infrastructure Services, overseeing the strategic direction and operational execution of multidisciplinary teams of IT professionals responsible for enterprise IT infrastructure.
Before joining LLNL, Mark held various technology roles at several startup companies and large multi-national corporations within the Silicon Valley.
Mark attended Santa Clara University where he earned an M.S. in Computer Engineering. He received his B.S. in Physics from the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.
Principal Deputy CIO,
Lawrence Livermore Laboratory
Brian Chamberlain
Account Executive
Brian M. Chamberlain is a seasoned professional with a distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps, where he held various leadership roles including Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Operations Officer and DoD Sales Manager for Solarwinds. Currently, Brian is the Navy, Marine Corps Account Executive at SolarWinds. He has extensive experience in the modernization and integration of land-based, space, and maritime communication information systems, supporting U.S. and allied/coalition partners.
During his military career, Brian was responsible for the application, implementation, security, and availability of IT systems and services supporting a globally employed workforce of over 500 employees. He managed a multimillion-dollar DoD classified and unclassified data center and was a member of the DoD crisis response team for the National Capital Region.
As Chief Technology Officer in Okinawa, Japan, Brian led strategic and tactical IT planning for an organization of 19,000 employees. He also served as Chief Operations Officer, overseeing IT communications services for over 19,000 customers across the Indonesian-Pacific region.
Brian’s leadership and project management skills were further demonstrated in his role as Project Manager and Marine Corps consultant to the U.S. Navy, where he developed and integrated maritime, space, and ground-based communication systems. He also served as an IT consultant and liaison to allied and partner nations, establishing cyber governance and best practices.
Outside of his professional career, Brian is passionate about leveraging his extensive knowledge of cybersecurity standards and best practices to build high-performing, cross-functional teams from diverse groups of professionals.
Account Executive, USMC/USN,
SolarWinds
John Breeden II
Moderator & Contributing Editor
FedInsider Contributing Editor John Breeden II is an award winning journalist and reviewer who has spent 20 years working in the federal, technology and government space. Articles and reviews written by him have appeared in numerous national publications including Chief Security Officer, Stars and Stripes, The Washington Post, NextGov Magazine, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Technology, Network World, The Sacramento Bee, The Boston Globe, Government Computer News, Up Front New Mexico and many others.
For FedInsider, he has written many articles and white papers and acted as the moderator for over 20 interviews featuring federal, state and local officials discussing technology, policy and governmental issues.
In addition to his normal writing, Breeden has authored two technical how-to type computer books published by Prompt Publications. Those titles, Exploring Microsoft Office and Guide to Webcams enjoyed both commercial success and reviewer acclaim. He is also the founding publisher and chief editor of Gameindustry.com, one of the longest running publications covering the video game industry. He is the CEO of the Tech Writers Bureau, a group of professional journalists who craft thought leadership projects for government and private organizations.
He has twice been awarded Jessie H. Neal gold medals for excellence in business journalism as well as numerous national awards for journalism by the American Society of Business Publication Editors.
Contributing Editor,
FedInsider
