How repeatable solutions in cloud and data are driving federal IT modernization
The Leidos Editorial Team recently sat down with Blake Nelson, the company’s vice president for our cloud and data center practice area. As a seasoned IT executive with a penchant for adventure, he seamlessly blends digital transformation with an adrenaline-fueled lifestyle. Whether it's driving transformation for major government clients or wrangling his three kids into their next outdoor escapade, Nelson believes in balance, innovation, and a sense of humor.
With federal agencies at a critical juncture in their cloud and data modernization efforts, we discussed how repeatable, scalable solutions are designed to be replicated to help agencies avoid costly customer implementations.
What are some of the key pain points federal agencies are currently facing when it comes to cloud adoption, and how do you plan to address these challenges in your new role?
One of the most pressing issues is navigating the complexity of multi-cloud environments while maintaining control over their data. In my new role, we will focus on developing tailored, repeatable cloud solutions that simplify these transitions, provide better governance tools, and enhance cost predictability. By leveraging automation and Trusted Mission AI, we aim to help agencies accelerate cloud adoption while keeping security and compliance at the forefront.
Collaborating with customers, Leidos program managers and strategic partners to craft innovative cloud strategies is an incredible opportunity – and I believe together we can shape the digital future, creating differentiated value at scale.
Blake Nelson
VP, Cloud and Data Centers, Leidos
As the federal landscape continues to evolve, how do you envision multi-cloud strategies shaping the future of government IT infrastructure?
Multi-cloud strategies are quickly becoming the norm for federal agencies as they seek to avoid vendor lock-in, optimize for specific workloads, and ensure resilience. I see a future where multi-cloud environments could provide federal agencies with the agility they need to innovate while supporting data sovereignty and security. Our role aims to build the frameworks that allow agencies to operate seamlessly across cloud environments, enhance interoperability, and provide real-time insights for mission-critical decision-making.
What specific steps will Leidos take to ensure that its cloud solutions are aligned with the unique mission requirements of federal clients, especially in terms of security, resilience, and cost-efficiency?
Meeting federal mission requirements starts with a deep understanding of each agency's unique needs. We seek to embed mission-centric principles into every cloud solution we design. This means developing Zero Trust architectures, building in resilience to cyber threats, and optimizing cost through efficient cloud management. We plan to work closely with our partners to co-create solutions that align with government standards and focus on continuously innovating around areas like AI and machine learning to drive greater efficiency and resilience.
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With cloud computing continuing to transform government operations, how do you see Leidos evolving over the next five years to stay ahead of technology trends and deliver more value to our federal customers?
In the next five years, we plan to be laser-focused on integrating emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and edge computing into our cloud offerings. The ability to analyze data faster and deploy solutions closer to where the data is generated will be critical for mission success. We'll also invest in upskilling our workforce and enhancing our partnerships with key cloud providers to ensure we’re providing repeatable offerings with advanced and secure solutions. By staying ahead of technology trends, we aim to empower federal agencies to operate more efficiently and securely in an increasingly complex digital world.
How will your leadership influence Leidos partnerships and collaborations within the federal space to enhance the delivery of multi-cloud and hybrid solutions, particularly in addressing mission-critical demands?
I think taking a more collaborative and strategic approach with our partners will be key. Working closely with major cloud providers and leveraging their latest innovations while building our own unique value-added services to address specific federal needs should be a major focus. Our goal is to provide a multi-cloud ecosystem that offers flexibility, security, and interoperability across platforms, supporting federal clients in scaling their operations and responding to mission demands in real-time. By fostering a culture of collaboration, both internally and with external partners, we can deliver mission solutions that meet the critical needs of federal agencies.
