ACT-IAC Networks and Telecommunications COI June 2026 Meeting

Join the Networks and Telecommunications Community of Interest for an in-person (with a hybrid option) panel discussion on Designing a Modernized NextGen EIS. Register to receive full event details. 

Session Description:

This panel brings together former government and industry experts to examine how emerging technologies are shaping future technology requirements for the next iteration of EIS. Panelists will discuss advances in technologies including AI, immersive communication, integrated sensing and communications, ubiquitous connectivity, hyper‑reliable low‑latency communication, massive communication, and next-generation networks, including 5G/6G, private networks, and network convergence, and their implications for agencies and the NextGen EIS. Experts will also address how agencies can modernize networks and services and discuss EIS can better support procurement, management, and modernization needs.

Moderator:

• Sam Hughes, President, Hughes BD Consulting

Panelists:

• Allen Hill, Principal, Allen Hill Consulting; Former Chief Information Officer, Federal Communications Commission
• Christopher L. Smith, President, Meshed Networx LLC; Former Chief Information Officer, Department of Agriculture
• Christine Palmer, Chief Technology Officer, Federal Civilian Sector, Peraton; Former Chief Enterprise Architect & AI Expert, Department of Homeland Security
• Narendra Mangra, Principal, GlobeNet

Speaker Bios

Allen Hill is a former federal Senior Executive with nearly four decades of leadership in technology, acquisition, and operations across civilian agencies, the Department of Defense, and industry. As CIO of the Federal Communications Commission and a senior executive at GSA and the Department of Education, he managed a $32 billion annual technology portfolio, led the $50 billion Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) contract, and delivered enterprise modernization across cloud, AI, and cybersecurity. Earlier, as a P&L leader at CACI International, he doubled revenue and moved margins from -4% to +16%. Allen now advises companies on positioning offerings against agency mission needs, navigating complex contract vehicles, and translating technology investments into measurable outcomes. He is a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran based in the Washington, D.C. area.

Christopher L. Smith is the President of Meshed Networx LLC, where he provides strategic business and technology advisory services to companies serving defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. A dynamic technology executive, former Chief Information Officer, and retired Air Force Major with over 30 years of hands-on experience delivering large-scale IT modernization, cybersecurity, and mission-critical solutions across the Department of Defense and the Federal government.

As Department-level CIO at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he directed a $2.7 billion IT portfolio, spearheaded the first Cabinet-level enterprise cloud migration, turned around a troubled multi-billion-dollar SAP ERP program, and saved taxpayers more than $100 million. He later served as Vice President Shared Services (COO) at AT&T Public Sector & FirstNet, leading operations for a $5 billion organization that provided 5G, cloud, cybersecurity, and unified communications capabilities to DoD, the Intelligence Community, and all Cabinet agencies. Chris also led multiple missions around the globe as Joint Tactical Communications Officer (J6) over his career in the Air Force and Air National Guard supporting U.S. operations abroad.

Smith is a recipient of the Federal CIO of the Year award, Computerworld Top 100, and the Fed 100. He holds a Master of Science in Information Systems Technology from George Washington University, a Master of Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of South Florida.

Christine Palmer is a technology executive and engineer who has spent over a decade building, securing, and transforming the systems that protect the nation - from national cyber operations and homeland security missions to rebuilding the networks that provide time itself. As Chief Technology Officer for Peraton's Federal Civilian Sector, she now drives technical direction of a $20B+ pipeline, converting emerging technologies across areas like AI, data fabrics, post-quantum cryptography, and more into real operations that impact American citizens.

Previously, as Chief Enterprise Architect at the Department of Homeland Security, she oversaw an $11B enterprise architecture portfolio and led the effort to create a Common Operating Environment across DHS, linking technical layers across the agency. At the U.S. Naval Observatory, she executed a full secure network rebuild to protect the nation's authoritative time source. Her earlier work at NSA and across the DoD includes co-creating the first Zero Trust pilot, co-founding an operational risk evaluation group, and building predictive AI platforms for mission operations.

A CompTIA-certified data science expert and Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Christine is a frequent national speaker on AI, cybersecurity, and next-generation technology.

Narendra Mangra is the Principal of GlobeNet LLC with over 25 years of experience as an advisor, consultant, and educator. His extensive background spans strategy development, wireless engineering, network deployments, technology roadmap creation, standards development, and program management across industry, academia, and government. He has led technical operations on several multiple billion-dollar initiatives, deploying several large commercial cellular and early LEO satellite networks. 

Currently, Narendra is the co-chair for the IEEE Future Networks International Network Generations Roadmap (INGR), IEEE SA P1950.1 smart cities standard development, and 6G enhanced applications and services. Narendra is also an Adjunct Professor at George Mason University College of Engineering and Computing. His public sector background includes leading the FirstNet network planning activities, GSA EIS TOA initiative for the USDA, and the VA EIS network modernization. Narendra is based in Washington, DC.

Sam Hughes is the President of Hughes BD Consulting, where he helps small and mid-sized government contractors strengthen their federal growth engines by aligning market focus, pipeline health, capture/proposal strategy, and leadership governance. His practice supports clients with identifying right-fit opportunities, shaping competitive positioning, building realistic pursuit strategies, and improving the systems and behaviors required for sustainable growth in the federal market. 

As a growth, strategy, and operations executive with more than 25 years of experience, Sam has led enterprise-level pursuits and operational initiatives across Civilian, Department of Defense (War), and Intelligence Community markets; contributing to more than $5B in awarded contracts. Previously, Sam served as Head of Business Operations with AT&T Public Sector, where he directed growth and transformation initiatives across a $1B federal business segment. 

Sam is an active member of the APMP - National Capital Area Chapter, and a participant in the APMP Mentor-Protégé Program, where he continues to invest in developing the next generation of capture and proposal professionals. Sam holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from South Carolina State University.