Please join us our second Emerging Technologies Lunch and Learn series
Title: Creating AI Centers of Excellence
Date: Thursday, May 2
Time: 12-12:45 pm ET
Koniag Government Services is excited to present a session on how to establish an AI Center of Excellence. With AI gaining traction and maturity, government agencies are navigating how to adopt and incorporate AI capabilities in a responsible, secure, and scalable manner.
Join us in partnership with AWS as we bring top experts to guide you on AI strategies for your organization, ensuring you adopt AI effectively and maximize the value of your investment.
Please register here for the free Lunch and Learn: Creating AI Centers of Excellence:
About the KGS Lunch & Learn Series: Disruptive Technologies in the Federal Space
Emerging technologies are disrupting the established paradigms. Traditional lines are blurred within the governmental operational space. Technology can now be put directly into the hands of those who need it most, when they need it. Hear how Koniag Government Services’ Subject Matter Experts are utilizing these new technologies to predict and safeguard our nation’s top assets.
Speaker Bios
Paul Williams
Vice President of Solutions, KGS
Paul Williams is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in Information Technology Leadership. He currently serves as the Vice President of Solutions for Koniag Government Services, where he plays a crucial role in driving innovation and delivering effective solutions to clients.
With a Master’s degree in Information Systems, Paul possesses a strong educational foundation to complement his extensive practical experience. His expertise lies in Cloud, Software Development, and DevSecOps, making him a valuable asset in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Driven by a passion for continuous learning and professional growth, Paul holds several certifications, including Service Oriented Architecture, SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), Cloud Architect, ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), and Security+.
Paul has a notable track record in implementing METOC (Meteorological and Oceanographic) systems, with over 6 years of experience developing METOC systems for NAVOCEANO and CNMOC. His deep understanding of METOC systems and their applications has allowed him to successfully deliver advanced solutions to clients.
Zach Curtis
Solutions Architect, KGS
Zachariah Curtis is a seasoned Solutions Architect and technology leader with a robust background in government contracting, particularly in the realm of DevSecOps and user experience design. With clearances including Public Trust and Top Secret, Zach has demonstrated his ability to design and architect secure, reliable, and innovative web applications that meet stringent government standards. His tenure at Koniag Government Services has seen him lead the development of a DevSecOps platform, leveraging Generative AI to enhance internal processes and improve product quality. As a panel speaker on federal usage of Generative AI at AWS HQ2 for Federal Small Business Partners, Zach has established himself as a thought leader in the intersection of government needs and cutting-edge technology. His commitment to continuous learning and application of new technologies is evident in his certifications, including AWS Generative AI Essentials and being a Certified SAFe 5 Practitioner. Zach’s objective to play a lead role in dynamic, interactive, and data-driven web application development is supported by his extensive experience and a forward-thinking approach to software management and team leadership.
Brian Smitches
Solutions Architect, AWS
Brian Smitches is a Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS) of 3.5 years. Brian supports Federal Partners as a technical advisor when architecting cloud solutions and maturing their offerings and operations. Brian has an interest in Infrastructure as Code, automation, and full stack development.
Brian has an MS in IT and Management from University of Texas at Austin and a BBA in Management Information Systems.
David Kalishman
David is a Senior Advisor for AI Strategy & Organizational Transformation at Koniag Government Services. With more than ten years of experience, he guides public sector agencies and Fortune 500 companies through AI and digital transformation. David enables organizations to establish AI Centers of Excellence to accelerate the implementation and adoption of AI through strategic planning, technology investment, process improvement, and organizational adoption. He holds a master’s in Public Affairs from Indiana University and a Certification in AI Applications for Growth from Northwestern University.
Lunch and Learn Series: Disruptive Technologies in the Federal Space
Emerging technologies are disrupting the established paradigms. Traditional lines are blurred within the governmental operational space. Technology can now be put directly into the hands of those who need it most when they need it. Hear how Koniag Government Services’ Subject Matter Experts are utilizing these new technologies to predict and safeguard our nation’s top assets.
METOC Limited Series:
The field of Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) is rapidly advancing with new technologies. See how Generative AI, Machine Learning, Predictive Modeling and other technologies can improve decision making capabilities for the warfighter and enhance our national security.
Session 1: IT in METOC: Impacting Mission Success
Date: Thursday, March 28 at 12:30 ET/11:30 CT
This panel discussion explores the vital relationship between Information Technology (IT) and Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) in achieving mission objectives. It emphasizes how IT enables accurate data collection, analysis, and dissemination for improved decision-making in METOC operations. The challenges of IT integration, including infrastructure, data governance, and personnel training, are discussed. Real-world examples demonstrate the transformative impact of IT on METOC missions. Attendees will gain a concise understanding of the critical role of IT in METOC and practical insights for leveraging IT to enhance mission success.
Speaker Bios
Paul Williams
Vice President of Solutions, KGS
Paul Williams is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in Information Technology Leadership. He currently serves as the Vice President of Solutions for Koniag Government Services, where he plays a crucial role in driving innovation and delivering effective solutions to clients.
With a Master’s degree in Information Systems, Paul possesses a strong educational foundation to complement his extensive practical experience. His expertise lies in Cloud, Software Development, and DevSecOps, making him a valuable asset in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Driven by a passion for continuous learning and professional growth, Paul holds several certifications, including Service Oriented Architecture, SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), Cloud Architect, ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), and Security+.
Paul has a notable track record in implementing METOC (Meteorological and Oceanographic) systems, with over 6 years of experience developing METOC systems for NAVOCEANO and CNMOC. His deep understanding of METOC systems and their applications has allowed him to successfully deliver advanced solutions to clients.
Daniel Lane
Director, KGS and Major, 146th Weather Flight Commander, U.S. Air Force
Dan Lane has over is a 20 year Air Force Weather Officer and has over 15 years working in the information technology field. He is currently a Director within Koniag Government Services, where he provides IT Program Management for multiple clients. He has vast experience working with DOD agencies where he has provided organization leadership as well as operational Weather support to the warfighter at all levels of organizational planning. Dan also has a hands on technical background where he has designed, developed and implemented enterprise systems as well as redesigned monolithic applications into micro service design patterns. Dan’s combined expertise in meteorology and IT has been instrumental in supporting DOD customers as a uniformed service member and as a consultant.
Zach Curtis
Solutions Architect, KGS
Zachariah Curtis is a seasoned Solutions Architect and technology leader with a robust background in government contracting, particularly in the realm of DevSecOps and user experience design. With clearances including Public Trust and Top Secret, Zach has demonstrated his ability to design and architect secure, reliable, and innovative web applications that meet stringent government standards. His tenure at Koniag Government Services has seen him lead the development of a DevSecOps platform, leveraging Generative AI to enhance internal processes and improve product quality. As a panel speaker on federal usage of Generative AI at AWS HQ2 for Federal Small Business Partners, Zach has established himself as a thought leader in the intersection of government needs and cutting-edge technology. His commitment to continuous learning and application of new technologies is evident in his certifications, including AWS Generative AI Essentials and being a Certified SAFe 5 Practitioner. Zach’s objective to play a lead role in dynamic, interactive, and data-driven web application development is supported by his extensive experience and a forward-thinking approach to software management and team leadership.
Chris Strager
Director of the National Weather Service Central Region, Retired
Christopher S. Strager retired from the National Weather Service in August, 2020. Prior to his retirement, he served as the Director of the Central Region of the National Weather Service (NWS) in Kansas City, MO. He also served in the US Air Force for 30 years, including 12 years as the Commander of the 146th Weather Flight. Mr. Strager received his Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from the Pennsylvania State University in May 1983 and his Master’s degree in Meteorology from Texas A&M University in 1989.
Brian Smitches
Solutions Architect, AWS
Brian Smitches is a Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS) of 3.5 years. Brian supports Federal Partners as a technical advisor when architecting cloud solutions and maturing their offerings and operations. Brian has an interest in Infrastructure as Code, automation, and full stack development.
Brian has an MS in IT and Management from University of Texas at Austin and a BBA in Management Information Systems.