Potomac Officers Club is honored to announce Jane Rathbun, chief information officer of the Department of the Navy, as a distinguished keynote speaker for the highly anticipated 2025 Digital Transformation Summit. Scheduled for April 24 at the Hilton-McLean in McLean, Virginia, the event brings together prominent government and industry leaders to examine how technology drives innovation and operational evolution in the public sector.
Rathbun—a recipient of the 2025 Wash100 Award—joins an esteemed lineup of speakers that includes Leslie Beavers, principal deputy CIO for the Department of Defense, and Juliane Gallina, deputy director of digital innovation at the CIA. Tickets are going fast, so secure yours today to hear insights from these amazing leaders.
Rathbun’s Leadership in Navy IT Modernization
Jane Rathbun’s contributions to the Navy’s digital transformation efforts are groundbreaking, setting new benchmarks in IT modernization and security within the defense sector. Since her appointment as DON CIO in 2021, she has led the Navy’s $12 billion IT portfolio, aligning technological advancements with mission-critical objectives. Central to her efforts is the execution of the department’s Information Superiority Vision, which prioritizes innovative approaches to cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure and operational IT systems.
Advancing Cybersecurity & Zero Trust Architectures
One of Rathbun’s most significant achievements has been the acceleration of zero trust implementation across Navy systems. Under her leadership, the Navy has made remarkable headway with the Flank Speed platform, an Office 365-based solution that ensures secure and efficient communication. Impressively, the Navy completed 91 zero trust activities three years ahead of schedule, reinforcing its commitment to protecting sensitive defense data against emerging threats. This proactive approach not only fortifies security but also positions the Navy as a model of cybersecurity excellence within the federal government.
Rathbun has also prioritized enhancing collaborative environments to combat cybersecurity challenges. Her leadership in adopting forward-looking defenses, such as quantum-resistant encryption measures, reflects the Navy’s readiness to address tomorrow’s risks today.
Cloud Environments & Support for Small Businesses
Another key focus of Rathbun’s recent endeavors has been expanding the Navy’s use of cloud technology. Rathbun’s team is currently exploring cloud environments as government furnished equipment, or GFE, a strategy designed to streamline operations while reducing costs. Notably, this initiative alleviates the compliance and financial burdens of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification for small businesses, enabling broader participation in defense contracting. These efforts help foster a collaborative ecosystem between the Navy and private enterprises, facilitating innovation and efficiency.
Broader IT Modernization Efforts
Beyond cybersecurity and cloud advancements, Rathbun has concentrated on modernizing the Navy’s IT infrastructure to enhance both tactical and operational capabilities. This includes streamlining enterprise systems, adopting advanced analytics and integrating tools to support seamless remote work environments. Her ability to align emerging technologies with defense priorities demonstrates a forward-thinking commitment to operational excellence.
Insights to Expect at the Summit
At the 2025 Digital Transformation Summit, Rathbun will offer invaluable insight into the Navy’s evolving IT strategies and the broader implications of digital transformation within national security. Her closing keynote address (2:15–2:50 p.m.) is expected to cover critical initiatives, including:
- The rapid adoption of zero trust principles and associated improvements in cybersecurity.
- Emerging approaches to data analytics, enterprise cloud adoption and collaboration technologies.
- The integration of forward-looking advancements like quantum-resistant cybersecurity measures.
Attendees will gain actionable strategies and key lessons from Rathbun’s vast experience in modernizing IT operations for one of the most complex organizations in the world.
Driving Industry Collaboration
The event will bring together innovators and decision-makers to collaborate on cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, advancing digital solutions within defense operations and achieving resilience in edge computing. With Rathbun’s leadership, the discussion will emphasize how public and private sectors can work together to overcome the critical challenges of digital transformation in the 21st century.
Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Digital Transformation Summit provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from leaders like Jane Rathbun and explore the innovations shaping federal operations. Don’t miss the chance to learn how Rathbun’s visionary approaches to cybersecurity, zero trust implementation and cloud adoption are driving the Navy’s digital transformation and redefining government technology practices. Join this pivotal conversation and gain insight into how technological advancements are shaping the future of national security and operational excellence.
