Page 51 - FCW, August 2021

Feature Story
xx
2021 FEDERAL1OO
Transformation in unprecedented times
Every year brings unique challenges to the federal IT community, but 2020 was in a class by itself.
As COVID-19 upended both public health and the economy, agencies across government had to spin up pandemic relief services in a matter
of days. Case-tracking efforts demanded data sharing and truly big data analytics, while supply chain challenges complicated acquisition. And the government itself had to pivot to telework, virtual collaboration and digital citizen services on an unprecedented scale.
All those rapid adaptations are reflected in this year’s Federal 100 winners. Also recognized are outstanding individuals whose work — on everything from artificial intelligence and process automation to cybersecurity, workforce development and wholesale systems modernization — would have been award-worthy in any year.
In terms of background, expertise and mission focus, they’re a remarkably diverse bunch. Yet they are all innovators who almost always lead by example. They focus on outcomes, not formal job descriptions. Many are talented technologists, but all of them are first-rate leaders.
Every one of the 100 is proof that exceptional effort in federal IT can empower the government to deliver dramatically better results. Read
the winners’ profiles, and we think you’ll agree: Their accomplishments in 2020 redefined what’s possible in government, especially in times of crisis. Congratulations to each and every winner.
— The editors
M
ay
1
5
,
0
FC
W
.C
O
A
ug
u
s
t 2
M 4499 M
2
0
21 13
FC
W
.C
O