What if better visibility into your IT assets could unlock cost savings, strengthen security, and free teams to focus on the mission?
This week on Feds At the Edge, we explore how federal agencies are turning digital modernization into a strategic advantage by strengthening software and asset visibility. With a clearer understanding of existing licenses, agencies can eliminate duplication, retire unused tools, and collaborate across organizations to secure better pricing and maximize value.
The conversation also highlights how AI is elevating asset management, moving beyond static reporting to real-time insights, forecasting future needs, and uncovering hidden risks like shadow IT. At the same time, aligning asset and procedure management is enabling more proactive operations, where adaptive licensing and better data help teams shift from compliance-heavy tasks to mission-focused work.
Tune in on your favorite podcast platform to learn how a more connected, forward-looking approach is helping agencies cut costs, reduce risk, and operate smarter for the future.
To view this webinar: Emerging Technology: Trends in Digital Modernization.
Distiguished Speakers:
Caroline Carusone
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Caroline Carusone is the Deputy Chief Information Officer at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), where she began her career as a nuclear safety regulator in 2008. Her journey began as a Program Analyst and evolved through various roles, including senior staff positions and management and executive leadership roles in multiple divisions within the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation and the Office of Nuclear Materials Safety and Safeguards. Over the years, Caroline’s contributions have spanned areas such as reactor licensing — in both operating reactors and advanced reactors and non-power production and utilization facilities, rule-making, policy development, engineering, inspection support, and budget and human capital management.
In her current role within the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Caroline has spearheaded initiatives aimed at streamlining operations, enhancing security, elevating customer experience, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Her extensive background also includes leadership positions in financial assurance and environmental support, as well as directing EMBARK Venture Studio—an innovation accelerator at the agency.
Before joining the NRC, Caroline served as a Liaison Officer with the U.S. Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, playing an early role in establishing the Rapid Equipping Force post-9/11. Her expertise extends into the private sector, where she worked in commercial staffing and recruiting, and federal business development and administration. Caroline holds a degree in Physiology & Neurobiology and Mathematics from the University of Maryland and is a proud graduate of the NRC’s Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program.
Beyond her professional achievements, Caroline’s life takes an unexpected turn outside the office – where she’s become an unintentional mini farmer! Residing just outside the DMV, she shares her home with her family, five dogs, three goats, and an assortment of ducks and chickens. When she’s not navigating the challenges of federal IT service delivery or engaging in policy discussions, you can find her cheering on her high schoolers as they juggle all that comes with being multi-sport student athletes.
Whether she’s watching games or waiting in parking lots, Caroline tries to embrace the moment, all while exploring the latest in AI, machine learning, and technology innovation. With her blend of technical expertise, strong leadership, and passion for people and culture, Caroline is committed to advancing the NRC’s mission of protecting people and the environment. She is dedicated to making the NRC a leader in nuclear safety and technology.
Deputy Chief Innovation Officer,
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Dr. Shantrell (Nikki) Collier
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Dr. Shantrell (Nikki) Collier is the Deputy Chief Information Officer for the U.S. Department of Justice. Prior to rejoining JMD in October 2022, she served as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—responsible for a multi-million-dollar technology and cyber operating and maintenance budget in support of 13 geographically facilities, 15 research ships, nine aircraft, and the uncrewed systems program.
Prior to her role as CIO, Dr. Collier served as the Acting Deputy Director, Service Delivery Staff, the DOJ Office of the Chief Information Officer. She was the Project Lead for the Department’s move to Microsoft 365; she managed various contracts totaling $23 million and oversaw the migration of 120,000 email accounts to the cloud to consolidate 23 disparate email systems. In 2017, she was recognized for her efforts as an “Unsung Hero” by the Women in Technology.
Dr. Collier served 22-years in the United States Army holding various senior leadership positions in information technology and cyber operations retiring in 2015 at the Army’s highest enlisted rank—Sergeant Major. For seven years, she traveled worldwide as a Vice Presidential and First Lady Communications Officer at the White House Communications Agency.
Dr. Collier holds a Doctor of Business Administration Degree from Trident University International (2022). She also received a Project Management certificate from Syracuse University and an Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation v4 certification.
Deputy Chief Information Officer,
U.S. Department of Justice
Robbie Plourde
Global Principal Solution Engineer
Robbie Plourde is the Global Principal Solution Engineer at USU, where he leads IT Asset Management (ITAM) strategy and innovation for enterprise and public sector clients. With over two decades of experience helping organizations optimize software, hardware, and SaaS investments, Robbie brings practical expertise in cost control, compliance, and IT governance. At USU, he partners with IT leaders to modernize asset management processes and tackle today’s toughest challenges in hybrid IT environments.
Principal Solution Engineer,
USU Solutions
Joseph Rhodes
Chief Technology Officer
Mr. Joe Rhodes is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the Defense Commissary Agency, with headquarters at Fort Lee, Va. He is responsible for formulating strategy to incorporate emerging technology into the organization as well as directing the daily operation of the Agency’s technical infrastructure, network, data centers, service desk, desktop support and sustainment of the major applications.
Mr. Rhodes assumed the position of Chief Technology Officer in 2022 after serving with the Defense Logistics Agency, where he was program manager for the major operational technology pillars, commonly referred to as Facility Related Control Systems (FRCS). These technology groups included building controls, utility controls, as well as automated material handling. He managed several innovative capabilities such as warehouse robotics and automated ground vehicles (AGVs).
From 2017 to 2019, Mr. Rhodes directed the Program Management Office Director with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). He directed several portfolio managers as well as managed an annual budget of $50 million. He provided oversight and direction to multiple Defense Business Systems (DBS) to include Mechanization of Contract Administration Services (MOCAS) and multiple Agency-level workflow management systems as well as other IT capabilities. Major accomplishments in this position include transitioning the Agency to Defense Enterprise email, migration to Cloud data centers and Enterprise VoIP adoption. Before assuming the directorship of the Program Management Office, Mr. Rhodes served as DCMA’s collaboration portfolio manager. This role included program management and oversight of the Agency’s SharePoint infrastructure, email, as well as the records management platform.
As a Department of the Army Civilian from 2006 to 2013, Mr. Rhodes served in multiple capacities in the Fort Lee Engineering Directorate. As the lead integration engineer for the Global Combat Support System-Army (GCSS-A), he successfully established policy for integration and implementation of this multi-billion dollar, ACAT-1AM logistics program. This effort was critical to deploying GCSS-A, which is an SAP-based, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) package to Army commands across the globe. In 2006, Mr. Rhodes served as the logistics automation chief for the product manager, Movement Tracking System (PM MTS), a $1 billion satellite-based vehicle and cargo tracking capability program. In this role, he managed technology enhancement and development as well as Information Technology (IT) resource management. He also delivered and sustained a range of network and communications solutions, to include satellite communications connectivity and encryption protocols, in support of the PMO mission and its commitment to the DoD warfighter. In this role, Mr. Rhodes spent multiple years deployed in support of Central Command, CENTCOM, Coalition Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC), Multi-National Corp-Iraq (MNC-I), and various other major commands, to correlate milestones and DA/DOD priorities to formulate a synchronized approach to development and implementation of project objectives.
Prior to his civil service career, from 1998 to 2006, Mr. Rhodes was a contractor for multiple companies that worked closely with DOD. As a team lead for the Computer Sciences Corporation, he deployed as chief of the Automated Logistics Assistance Team (ALAT) for the CFLCC-C4 Logistics Automation Cell. Mr. Rhodes served as the advisor and senior subject matter expert (SME) supporting over 2,000 Standard Army Management Information Systems (STAMIS) users in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). In this position, he managed a team of SMEs, which integrated all STAMIS servers and workstations in Southwest Asia during OIF.
In addition to his civil service and contractor career, Mr. Rhodes served in uniform. He was an Army active-duty noncommissioned officer from 1992 to 1998, serving at Fort Hood, Texas. During this tour, he primarily worked in the Combat Service Support Automation Management Office. He led major projects such as the logistics system computer upgrade across the 1st Cavalry Division. He also deployed numerous logistics systems software upgrades throughout the subordinate brigades. He supported the logistics systems as well as their end-to-end information flow requirements for the 1st Cavalry Division throughout several National Training Center (NTC) deployments.
Chief Technology Officer,
Defense Commissary Agency
Tyler Troutman
Solutions Architect
As a technology leader, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of settings, from startups and the private sector to government organizations. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on the industry.
My passion lies in creating exceptional user experiences through cutting-edge digital solutions. I believe that if an application requires a manual, it’s too complicated. I’m committed to fostering a positive workplace culture based on trust and strong relationships. To me, personal connections are the foundation of productive and impactful delivery.
My diverse work history across various professional domains has shaped my approach, enabling me to develop innovative solutions that push the boundaries. This broad background gives me a unique perspective on the factors that drive narratives and inspire creative solutions.
Solutions Architect,
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Max Mednik
Chief Operating Officer
Max is a serial entrepreneur and software engineer. He has co-founded four startups (three of which still exist today) spanning financial technology, legal technology, and aerospace and defense. He worked at Google as a senior software engineer and tech lead on the Chrome OS and Machine Intelligence teams. Max holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration from UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Chief Operating Officer,
Epsilon3
