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T. Michael Glenn to Succeed Harvey Perry as CenturyLink Board Chairman; Frederick Smith Quoted
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T. Michael Glenn to Succeed Harvey Perry as CenturyLink Board Chairman; Frederick Smith Quoted
T. Michael Glenn to Succeed Harvey Perry as CenturyLink Board Chairman; Frederick Smith Quoted

CenturyLink announced that current non-executive Board Chairman, Harvey Perry, will retire effective May 2020 under the company's director retirement policy with T. Michael Glenn assuming the position, CenturyLink reported on Saturday.

Perry has been a director at CenturyLink since 1990 and has served as  non-executive chairman of the board of directors since May 2017. Prior to the role, he was the non-executive vice chairman of the board of directors from 2004 to May 2017 in addition to executive vice president and chief administrative officer between 2004 and 2009. 

Perry joined CenturyLink and served as its secretary and general counsel between 1984 and 2004. Outside of CenturyLink, Perry worked as an attorney in private practice for 15 years.

Glenn, Perry’s successor, will bring his experience in planning and executing corporations strategic business activities, marketing, sales and retail to enhance CenturyLink’s leadership and growth. Glenn was appointed as a director for the company in Nov. 2017. 

He has served as a director of Pentair plc since 2007 and previously worked as a director of Level 3 Communications, Inc. Additionally, Glenn has served as a director of the Audit and Human Resources and Compensation Committees, and as a senior advisor at Oak Hill Capital Partners since Nov. 2017. 

Prior to his retirement in 2016, Glenn served in senior leadership roles with FedEx Corporation, including as executive vice president of Market Development and Corporate Communications for the company since 1981.

“Without a doubt the most brilliant marketer I have ever met. His passionate leadership, strategic vision and intellect have transformed the FedEx portfolio and brand and immeasurably improved global commerce,” said Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Corp. chairman, president and chief executive officer at Glenn’s retirement announcement. 

About CenturyLink

CenturyLink, Inc. is a technology leader delivering hybrid networking, cloud connectivity and security solutions to customers around the world. Through its extensive global fiber network, CenturyLink provides secure and reliable services to meet the growing digital demands of businesses and consumers. CenturyLink strives to be the trusted connection to the networked world and is focused on delivering technology that enhances the customer experience.

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Air Force Squadron Procures Ground Transportation Simulator
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Air Force Squadron Procures Ground Transportation Simulator
Air Force Squadron Procures Ground Transportation Simulator

The U.S. Air Force's 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Hill AF Base has bought a simulation machine designed to help military and civilian airmen practice operating multiple vehicles.

USAF said Monday the $140K simulator features three 55-inch screens and over 150 driving scenarios for nearly 30 vehicles that include police cars and military carriers.

The training system is designed to also simulate parameters such as road and weather conditions.

Master Sgt. Stephen Baskiewicz, chief of ground transportation section at Hill AFB, said he estimates the  platform will save the base as much as $100K in preventive maintenance, accident repair and fuel expenses each year.

“It provides the most realistic experience I’ve seen in helping drivers learn how to operate specialized vehicles before operating the real deal,” Baskiewicz added.

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OMB Issues Draft Guidance on Regulation of AI Applications
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OMB Issues Draft Guidance on Regulation of AI Applications
OMB Issues Draft Guidance on Regulation of AI Applications

The Office of Management and Budget has released draft guidance for federal agencies as they develop regulations and policies related to artificial intelligence-based technologies.

A White House document says the draft OMB memo seeks to comply with an executive order on AI signed in February 2019.

The draft guidance sets 10 principles agencies should consider as they draft regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to the development and deployment of AI applications.

The principles are public trust in AI; public participation; scientific integrity and information quality; risk assessment and management; benefits and costs; flexibility; fairness and non-discrimination; disclosure and transparency; safety and security; and interagency coordination.

Michael Kratsios, U.S. chief technology officer and a 2019 Wash100 award winner, said agencies must show that they have satisfied the principles when proposing policies with regard to the private sector’s AI tech deployment, Federal News Network reported.

“The U.S. AI regulatory principles provide official guidance and reduce uncertainty for innovators about how the federal government is approaching the regulation of artificial intelligence technologies,” Kratsios said. “By providing this regulatory clarity, our intent is to remove impediments to private-sector AI innovation and growth. Removing obstacles to the development of AI means delivering the promise of this technology for all Americans, from advancements in health care, transportation, communication — innovations we haven’t even thought of yet.”

Stakeholders will have 60 days to submit public comments on the draft guidance.

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Jovita Carranza Confirmed as SBA Administrator
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Jovita Carranza Confirmed as SBA Administrator
Jovita Carranza
Jovita Carranza

The Senate voted 88-5 Tuesday to confirm Jovita Carranza, treasurer at the Department of the Treasury, as the new head of the Small Business Administration, The Hill reported Tuesday. Carranza was nominated for the role in April 2019 after Linda McMahon left the post. Chris Pilkerton took over as interim SBA administrator.

In her confirmation hearing in December, Carranza said she “will be a tireless advocate in the Cabinet for small businesses” and focus on providing more opportunities for entrepreneurs in underserved communities and women if confirmed.

Carranza has been serving as U.S. treasurer since 2017. She serves as adviser to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and works on opportunity zones program and financial literacy issues. She previously worked at United Parcel Service and served as a deputy administrator at SBA from 2006 to 2009.

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David Patterson to be Nominated DoD Principal Deputy Undersecretary for Personnel, Readiness
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David Patterson to be Nominated DoD Principal Deputy Undersecretary for Personnel, Readiness

David Patterson to be Nominated DoD Principal Deputy Undersecretary for Personnel, Readiness

President Donald Trump intends to nominate J. David Patterson, senior vice president of strategic business opportunities at management consulting firm SMA, to be principal deputy undersecretary for personnel and readiness at the Department of Defense.

Patterson is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who previously served as an executive at Boeing and at the University of Tennesee’s National Defense Business Institute, the White House said Monday.

He also leads joint development agreement partnerships at N12 Technologies’ North American arm and is a managing partner at Castlebridge Keep.

Earlier in his career, he worked at DoD as principal deputy undersecretary for comptroller and special assistant to the deputy defense secretary. He served as an Air Force pilot between 1970 and 1993.

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Two Senators Urge DoD Secretary to Back 355-Ship Goal
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Two Senators Urge DoD Secretary to Back 355-Ship Goal
Two Senators Urge DoD Secretary to Back 355-Ship Goal

Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) have called on Defense Secretary and two-time Wash100 award winner Mark Esper to support the current administration’s plan to increase the size of the Navy fleet to 355 ships.

The lawmakers wrote a letter to Esper expressing concerns about the Department of Defense’s plans to propose significant cuts to shipbuilding programs in its budget request for fiscal year 2021, King’s office said in a news release posted Tuesday.

“As you continue to develop and finalize the Department’s FY 2021 budget request, we urge you to reverse course from cutbacks to shipbuilding plans that may be under deliberation and to support a 355-ship Navy,” the senators wrote.

President Trump signed into law the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. The measure includes $5.1 billion in funds for three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (DDG-51) and a $390 million increase in advanced procurement for an additional vessel in FY 2021.

King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Collins is a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

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Jason Gomez to Lead NUWC Newport’s Chief Technology Office
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Jason Gomez to Lead NUWC Newport’s Chief Technology Office
Jason Gomez
Jason Gomez

Jason Gomez, a chief scientist at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, has been appointed to serve as the division's chief technology officer.

He will work to form partnerships with industry, academia, innovation cells and foreign entities towards the development of new naval technologies, Naval Sea Systems Command said Monday.

The office works to accelerate the propagation of technologies across the Navy and supports the movement of information through defense science offices and centers.

Gomez joined Division Newport's torpedo systems department in 1992 to lead various technology programs supported by the Office of Naval Research.

He also helped the Navy design and analyze a next-generation Swampworks torpedo that he went on oversee as a technical program manager.

The engineer and doctorate holder also led programs under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

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Transportation Dept Seeks Input for Planned PWD Tech Contest
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Transportation Dept Seeks Input for Planned PWD Tech Contest
Transportation Dept Seeks Input for Planned PWD Tech Contest

The Department of Transportation seeks feedback on its planned search for technologies that would help disabled citizens access traditional and automated vehicles, Nextgov reported Monday.

The Inclusive Design Challenge would aim to foster vehicle designs that allow persons with disabilities to better access transportation.

DOT will consider the presented technologies' benefits to people who are physically, mentally and sensorily disabled.

The department will award $100K each to a maximum of 15 selected entries under the competition's semi-finals. Winning designers will use these funds to develop prototypes and only up to four will go on to compete for a $2M grand prize as finalists.

Interested parties may submit feedback on the planned contest through Jan. 31.

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Accenture Acquires Maihiro to Improve SAP-Based Customer Experience; Bhaskar Ghosh, Bernd Hesse Quoted
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Accenture Acquires Maihiro to Improve SAP-Based Customer Experience; Bhaskar Ghosh, Bernd Hesse Quoted
Accenture Acquires Maihiro to Improve SAP-Based Customer Experience; Bhaskar Ghosh, Bernd Hesse Quoted

Accenture announced on Tuesday that Maihiro, a leading provider of SAP-based customer experience (CX) and customer relationship management (CRM), has been acquired for an undisclosed amount to improve the company’s customer relations worldwide. 

“With this acquisition, we will amplify our experience and knowledge to help clients drive growth by developing and deploying superior experience management. This will enable clients to better understand their customers, evolve business processes to align with customer needs and enjoy higher customer retention and purchase frequency,” said Bhaskar Ghosh, group chief executive at Accenture Technology Services.

Accenture will create new solutions for clients that drive innovation and transformation in marketing, sales and customer service. Accenture will strengthen SAP capabilities to help organizations improve CX. 

“Our collective, comprehensive capabilities will help clients design and operate CX and CRM solutions that enable maximum benefits from the SAP Customer Experience portfolio, including integration with SAP S/4HANA and SAP intelligent technologies to enable seamless, end-to-end processes and drive innovation,” concluded Bernd Hesse, CEO, Consulting & Human Resources, Maihiro.

Headquartered in Munich, Maihiro has approximately 160 skilled professionals in offices across Germany and Austria. Accenture will assume the employees and offices once the acquisition is completed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in early 2020.

About Accenture

Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions — underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network — Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With 505,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives.

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CISA Issues Cybersecurity Guidance Amid US-Iran Tensions
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CISA Issues Cybersecurity Guidance Amid US-Iran Tensions
CISA Issues Cybersecurity Guidance Amid US-Iran Tensions

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency released a guidance for organizations to defend their information technology infrastructure against potential attacks from Iranian adversaries.

According to the Department of Homeland Security component, organizations must develop a well-established emergency preparedness plan, monitor internal security capabilities, assess threat reporting procedures, exercise incident response strategies and ensure offline backups for critical data.

CISA also called on organizations to evaluate steps taken for cyber preparedness, including risk analysis, staff training, network monitoring, vulnerability scanning, patching and account protection.

“Recent Iran-U.S. tensions have the potential for retaliatory aggression against the U.S. and its global interests,” CISA said. “Iran has exercised increasingly sophisticated capabilities to suppress social and political perspectives deemed dangerous to its regime and to target regional and international adversaries.”

The agency noted that Iran and its proxies “have a history” of disruptive cyber operations, espionage, intellectual property theft, disinformation campaigns, anti-U.S. attacks, unmanned aircraft system threats and improvised explosive device-based attacks.

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