Podcast
Modernizing the Mission: Secure AI, Cyber Resilience, and the Future of Energy IT
Meet the Speakers
Dawn Zimmer
Carolyn Ford
Episode Summary:
Carolyn Ford sits down with Dawn Zimmer, CIO of the United States Department of Energy, for a deep dive into what it really takes to modernize one of the most complex technology environments in government. From managing decades-old legacy systems across national labs and critical infrastructure to securely integrating AI into everyday operations, Zimmer shares how her team is transforming DOE technology at what she calls “the speed of need.”
Throughout the episode, Zimmer offers a candid look at balancing mission objectives, AI adoption, governance, operational continuity, and cyber hygiene in an era of rapid technological change. She discusses everything from modernizing HR systems in manageable phases to using AI for proactive IT support, cost reduction, and enterprise-wide cyber visibility through DOE’s new Echo initiative. The discussion ultimately highlights a new model for government technology leadership, one built on agility, mission alignment, reusable platforms, and secure innovation at scale.
Show Notes:
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- U.S. Department of Energy: https://www.energy.gov
- DOE National Laboratories: https://www.energy.gov/national-laboratories
- DOE Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response: https://www.energy.gov/ceser/office-cybersecurity-energy-security-and-emergency-response
