Digital Twins Forum
November 1st, 2023 12:00pm-2:00pm EST Virtual, ON24
As the public and private sectors tap into digital twin technology, invaluable benefits across a broad scope of markets and industries are being uncovered. A digital twin — or a virtual replica of a physical asset, process, scenario or element — can be used to improve and inform decision-making, predict potential vulnerabilities and help organizations better understand their businesses.
Today, digital twins are opening up innovative opportunities in areas like the growing metaverse, smart cities, customer experience, weapons system maintenance, supply chains, climate change, manufacturing, healthcare and so much more.
Hear government and industry technology leaders discuss the future of digital twins during the ExecutiveBiz Digital Twins Forum. Jennifer Swanson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Data, Engineering & Software (DASA (DES)) for the U.S. Department of the Army, serves as the keynote speaker for this innovative and insightful digitally driven event.
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Kristin Cochran -
VP, Digital Solutions, Siemens Government Technologies
Kristin Cochran is the Vice President, Digital Solutions for Siemens Government Technologies (SGT), Inc., the separate but affiliated U.S. government arm of technology powerhouse Siemens. With project teams across the U.S. and internationally, SGT is a cleared provider of Siemens products, technologies, and software to solve some of the most complex government challenges in energy, automation, and digitalization. In her current role, Ms. Cochran is responsible for professional services, strategy, campaigns, and presales for Siemens’ Digital Industries’ solutions in the federal space. She leads project teams providing product lifecycle management software solutions and tools as part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio for the military service branches; and is overseeing the migration to the Cloud for software-as-a-service solutions in a rapidly evolving digital transformation environment. Previously, she was a Program Manager for software services within Siemens Industries Software. Before joining Siemens, Ms. Cochran spent 20 years implementing shipbuilding software for the Navy and for commercial shipbuilders all over the world, in a wide range of roles across multiple digital platforms. In November 2021, Ms. Cochran was recognized by the Northern Virginia Technology Council as one of three NextGen Leaders helping to drive tech innovation and economic growth in the national capital region. Ms. Cochran has a B.S.E. in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan, an M.S. in Ocean Engineering from Virginia Tech, and an M.S. in Engineering Management from The George Washington University.
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Dr. Scott James -
Lead for Simulation and Visualization Research Center, Noblis
Dr. Scott James is a computational mathematician specializing in the development, analysis, and visualization of large-scale systems. He received his Doctor of Applied Mathematics from the University of Maryland at College Park. His areas of expertise include high fidelity simulation and modeling, concurrent computing, and real-time data visualization. He has worked in diverse domains including battlefield theater communications, genomic analysis, and benefits modeling for future technologies in the National Air Space. He is currently the lead for the Simulation and Visualization Research Center at Noblis.
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Travis Mueller -
Product Lead Transformation, PM XM30, U.S. Department of the Army
Travis Mueller serves as the Product Lead for Transformation within the Army’s XM-30 Program Office. In his current role, he leads the team responsible for developing and sustaining the infrastructure required to digitally develop the XM-30 Combat Vehicle. Prior to this role, Mr. Mueller held positions of progressive leadership in the Army’s acquisition logistics community, supporting the development of platforms ranging from the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protectant (MRAP) vehicles to the Stryker combat platform. Mr. Mueller retired from the U.S. Army Reserve in 2021 after almost 22 years service with deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Mueller holds a Masters of Business Administration from Northwood University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.
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Jennifer Swanson -
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Data, Engineering & Software for ASA(ALT), U.S. Department of the Army
Ms. Jennifer Swanson is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Data, Engineering & Software (DASA (DES)), Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)). In this position, Ms. Swanson leads implementation of modern software practices including agile software development and DevSecOps, data centricity, and digital engineering across ASA(ALT). Since standing up DASA DES, she established a Unified Data Reference Architecture (UDRA) which will enable digital transformation by giving Program Managers and industry partners guidance on how to produce, share and consume data. She also co-led a Capability Portfolio Review securing senior leader endorsement to drive agile development and DevSecOps throughout the Army. And under her leadership, the Request for Proposal process is changing to require industry to deliver using modern software practices. Prior to joining ASA(ALT), Ms. Swanson served as the Director of the U.S. Army CommunicationsElectronics Command (CECOM) Software Engineering Center (SEC) headquartered in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. As Director, she oversaw a global mission, running an organization of approximately 3,000 military, civilian and industry employees, with an annual budget in excess of $700 million. She provided state of the art software engineering products and services throughout the Army. CAREER CHRONOLOGY: • May 2022 - Present: Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Data, Engineering & Software DASA(DES) • Apr 2017 - May 2022: Director of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) Software Engineering Center (SEC) • Jun 2009 - Apr 2017: Chief, Technical Management Division of PEO C3T’s former Project Manager, Tactical Radio Communications Systems (PM TRCS) COLLEGE: • MS, Software Engineering, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ • BS, Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL CERTIFICATIONS: • Level III certified in Systems Engineering • Level III certified in Program Management AWARDS AND HONORS: • 2022 Presidential Rank Award, Department of the Army – Meritorious Executive (SES) • 2010 David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award
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Dr. Steven Turek -
Technical Director, Digital Transformation Office (DTO), U.S. Department of the Air Force
Steven Turek is the Technical Director of the Department of the Air Force’s Digital Transformation Office (DTO). His office is focused on organizing, training, and equipping the Air and Space force through the implementation and adoption of advanced digital tools, methods, and processes. As Technical Director of the DTO and Digital Engineering Enterprise Office (Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary Science, Technology & Engineering), he led the establishment of Digital Engineering and Digital Transformation visions through strategic guidance, policy, keynote addresses, and senior leader interchanges. Dr. Turek started his Air Force career in 2010 at the Air Force Research Laboratory where he was a team lead, researcher, and program manager within the Manufacturing Technology Division, and served as the initial Government Chief Technology Advisor for the Advanced Robotics in Manufacturing (ARM) Institute.
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John Ustica -
President & CEO, Siemens Government Technologies
John Ustica is the President and CEO of Siemens Government Technologies (SGT), Inc., the separate but affiliated U.S. government arm of technology powerhouse Siemens. With project teams throughout the U.S. and overseas, SGT is a cleared provider of Siemens products, technologies, and software to solve some of the most complex government challenges in energy, automation, and digitalization. In his role as President and CEO, Mr. Ustica leads a dynamic project-focused organization working on transformative initiatives that are unlocking new levels of energy efficiency and resiliency across military bases and depots, providing customers with more than $1 billion in energy savings over time. SGT technologists are at the forefront of digital transformation in government, by helping federal agencies deploy product lifecycle management software tools and digital twins connecting the real and virtual worlds to optimize operations, predict outcomes more accurately, and reduce overall costs. Mr. Ustica joined SGT in 2018 as Chief Financial Officer and has more than 20 years’ experience in effectively serving Siemens’ customers around the world. He has led diverse teams spanning functions from finance to plant operations and strategy, developing a unique depth of blended technical and operational knowledge of the Siemens advanced technology portfolio. Prior to SGT, he was the General Manager for Generator Products at the Siemens Energy Facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he also led strategic product initiatives for the global generator manufacturing network. Recognized for his contributions to local communities and industry, Mr. Ustica was named to the “Top 40 Business Leaders Under 40” by the Charlotte Business Journal in 2018, and in 2021, he received WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Award as Public Company CFO of the Year for his innovation, expertise and thought leadership within the government contracting space. In January 2023, Mr. Ustica was honored with a Wash100 Award from the media and events company Executive Mosaic, given annually to those executives who distinguish themselves for their thought leadership, vision, commitment, innovation, and contributions to the broader government contracting community He serves on the board of directors for Tri-Tool Inc., the Northern Virginia Technology Council, and the Professional Services Council. Mr. Ustica holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Rollins College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in finance from the University of Central Florida.
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12:00pm - 12:05pm EST
Welcome & Opening Remarks
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12:05pm - 12:45pm EST
Keynote Speaker: Jennifer Swanson
Keynote Introducer: John Ustica -
12:45pm - 1:45pm EST
Panel: Kristin Cochran (Moderator), Dr. Scott James, Travis Mueller and Steven Turek
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1:45pm - 2:00pm EST
Closing Comments
