Join us for our upcoming Emerging Technology Community of Interest (ET COI) member meeting. This is a virtual event.
Description
Governing the Intelligent Infrastructure Era: Scaling AI-driven IoT for resilient, secure public infrastructure
Smart infrastructure—powered by IoT, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics—is transforming how public sector organizations design, operate, and maintain mission-critical systems and community services. This live webinar, hosted by the American Council for Technology-Industry Advisory Council Emerging Technology Community of Interest (ET COI) and its IoT Smart Infrastructure Working Group, brings together leaders from NASA, the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to discuss how connected infrastructure supports smarter decision-making, resilient operations, and better citizen outcomes. Panelists will explore real-world uses of AI-enabled IoT in workplaces, service delivery, and critical infrastructure—covering governance, security, and integration challenges agencies face when expanding beyond pilot projects. In line with the ET COI mission, this conversation highlights how federal, state, and local governments, industry, and academia work together to develop emerging technologies into key IT and business strategies that address real government challenges.
Objectives
• Showcase how AI-enabled IoT is transforming smart infrastructure across federal missions, citizen services, and connected communities—moving from experimentation to operational impact.
• Highlight real-world lessons from NASA, SSA, industry, and academia on scaling intelligent infrastructure securely, reliably, and in alignment with mission and community needs.
• Explore the role of data, analytics, and integration in turning connected infrastructure into actionable intelligence that improves resilience, efficiency, and public trust.
• Foster cross-sector collaboration among government, industry, and academia to mature emerging technologies into core IT and business strategies for smarter cities and communities.
Audience Expectations
Federal Leaders (CXOs, Program Executives)
• Learn how peer agencies are scaling AI-enabled IoT beyond pilots
• Explore governance, security, and data integration strategies
• Align smart infrastructure investments with mission outcomes
State, Local, and Municipal Leaders
• See how smart infrastructure improves community resilience and services
• Understand how AI and analytics turn sensor data into action
• Learn from federal approaches adaptable to cities and counties
Industry and Academia
• Gain insight into real public sector needs and constraints
• Understand where integration—not tools—is the challenge
• Identify collaboration opportunities with government innovators
Thought Leaders
Our expert panel, featuring distinguished professionals from the public and private sectors, will share their insights and real-world experiences on how cutting-edge technology is transforming our nation's transportation systems, enhancing public service delivery, optimizing business operations, and fostering innovative research and education opportunities.
- Cara Rose, Director, Workplace and Collaboration Services, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Brian Peltier, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Social Security Administration
- Avi Bregman, Senior Scientist, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
- Pete Tseronis, Founder and CEO, Dots and Bridges
Speaker Bios
Cara Rose
Cara is the Director, Workplace and Collaboration Services, in the Office of the Chief Information Officer at NASA. She and her team are responsible for delivering consistent, innovative, and evolving solutions that drive mission success and exceptional customer experiences. Cara’s team is transforming NASA’s mission with innovative and user-friendly services.
Previously, Cara worked for nearly 21 years at the Social Security Administration. She was the Deputy Associate Commissioner of the Office of Analytics and Improvement, where she worked to turn data into information to support SSA in its decision making. Prior experience in SSA’s CIO organization includes leadership roles in the Enterprise Architecture group to advance SSA’s modernization efforts, and as the Director of Digital Services in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer, responsible for leveraging the power of technology and data to provide innovative solutions and impact culture change to support organizational priorities. Other experience at SSA includes budget, vendor, and IT project management.
On a personal note, she is a native of the Baltimore, MD, area where she resides with her husband, two children (ages 8 and 10), and two dogs.
Brian Peltier
Brian Peltier is a highly accomplished leader serving as the Head of Technology Strategy and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO) at the Social Security Administration (SSA). In this role, Brian oversees both the Enterprise Architecture and Innovation Staff (EAIS) and the Analytics and Improvements Staff. His primary focus is to ensure the alignment of business processes, data, architecture, and technology, creating modular and forward-thinking solutions.
Brian plays a crucial role in enhancing the experience of SSA customers and employees. He is responsible for overseeing, approving, governing, and reporting on all Artificial Intelligence (AI) use cases and solutions within the agency. His strategic leadership and expertise in AI enable him to drive innovation and leverage technology to improve operations and service delivery.
Brian began his career at SSA as a developer, focusing on access methods to the organization’s major master files. Over the course of his professional journey, he has held various roles, including developer, analyst, project manager, solution architect, and Chief Architect (CA). With over 20 years of experience, Brian has consistently demonstrated his commitment to SSA’s mission and has been an integral member of the team.
As a visionary leader, Brian prioritizes improving the experience of both SSA customers and employees. He leverages his expertise in enterprise architecture and innovation to drive strategic initiatives that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and customer satisfaction. Brian’s ability to align technology investments with organizational goals, along with his focus on creating modular and forward-thinking solutions, makes him a valuable asset to SSA. He has successfully built coalitions and worked across operational and IT components to ensure the alignment of business needs with data, architecture, and technology, as well as their impact on the investment process.
Brian holds a B.A. from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, further complementing his extensive professional experience. With his combination of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and commitment to excellence, Brian Peltier is well-equipped to lead SSA’s IT strategy and drive innovation within the organization.
Avi Bregman, PhD
Dr. Avi Bregman is a senior scientist focused on materials for extreme environments. His recent research spans various fields, including composites (ceramic and polymer), nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, electromagnetic interference shielding, high-temperature systems, finite element modeling in COMSOL, and additive manufacturing.
Pete Tseronis
Pete Tseronis is the Founder of Dots and Bridges®, a strategic advisory and thought-leadership platform dedicated to connecting people, ideas, and institutions across government, industry, and academia to advance mission-driven innovation and public-good outcomes.
Through Dots and Bridges®, Pete designs and leads trusted convening spaces—such as the Bits, Bites, and Insights® newsletter and storytelling-focused YouTube channel—that highlight the people and programs shaping the future of technology, infrastructure, and society. His work humanizes complex challenges, translates emerging technologies, and promotes honest, cross-sector dialogue that boosts collaboration, trust, and action.
Pete brings more than 30 years of leadership at the intersection of technology, policy, and operations, including 25 years in the U.S. federal government. Beginning at the Pentagon, he rose to the Senior Executive Service, serving under four presidential administrations, three Cabinet-level departments, and the Executive Office of the President. He was appointed Chief Technology Officer at both the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Education, where he led enterprise-scale modernization initiatives in highly regulated, mission-critical environments spanning critical infrastructure sectors, advanced analytics, cyber-physical systems, and citizen services.
Today, Pete is a trusted advisor, strategist, and ecosystem builder, working with federal and state agencies, national laboratories, technology providers, investors, and academic institutions to turn innovation into scalable, secure, and sustainable results. He serves on several Strategic Advisory Boards, where organizations use his experience to navigate digital transformation, reduce infrastructure and supply chain risks, and responsibly adopt advanced capabilities - especially in Smart and Secure Cities/Communities.
A defining hallmark of Pete’s work is his commitment to modernizing, transforming, and innovating digital, physical, and social infrastructure. His approach emphasizes risk management, operational trust, and long-term resilience, enabling the delivery of public, private, and hybrid services more efficiently, securely, and equitably. Industry leaders frequently cite his ability to simplify complexity, align diverse stakeholders, and bridge policy, technology, and mission execution as a key differentiator.
United States