Opening the digital door to government
Digitization of government is intended to make it easier for the public to access services online, complete common tasks, and return to their daily lives.
Each new digital product or service creates opportunities to build key partnerships, review how government works and look for other efficiencies in how benefits, services, and information are delivered.
In this webinar, which is supported by Maximus and part of Global Government Forum’s GovernmentDX event programme, US federal government officials and experts came together to discuss the digital services that have helped cut the ‘time tax’ users face when dealing with government, and how the barriers that can hinder transformation can be overcome.
Together we discussed:
- Best practice in digitising government services, from customer-focused design to the right technology.
- How to make sure services are being digitised in the most efficient and productive way.
- How to ensure government digital systems are responsive and flexible to unforeseen demands.
Panel
Christine Bellamy, Chief Executive Officer, Government Digital Service, United Kingdom
Christine is the CEO of the Government Digital Service (GDS). She was appointed in June 2024 on an interim basis. Prior to this she held the position of Director of GOV.UK. The CEO is responsible for the strategic direction, and operational excellence of GDS. They ensure the delivery of world-class digital services that transform the way citizens interact with the government.
Before joining the Civil Service in 2022, Christine held a number of roles leading digital transformation and delivery at the BBC. Prior to this, she was a Managing Director at Johnston Media (2009-2012).
Vigdís Jóhansdóttir, Chief Marketing Officer for Digital Iceland, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Iceland
Vigdís is the Chief Marketing Officer of Digital Iceland where she leads internal and external communication, branding, culture, education and strategy.
Vigdís began her career in media where her focus was on branding and communication for both television and radio, as well as producing and hosting tv shows. A decade in media life led her into advertising where she was a senior adviser and Chief Operation Officer at one of Iceland‘s top advertising agencies. In 2016 Vigdís was the campaign mangager for Halla tómasdóttir, presidential candidate, who grew from inital following of 1% to becoming the runner-up with nearly 30% of the vote.
Vigdís has been with Digital Iceland since spring of 2020 taking part in building the strategy and being instrumental in growing the impact of Digital Iceland with special focus on the change management needed for the project to succeed.
Vigdís has over 25 years of experience in communication, marketing, and branding. Experienced strategist and in change management, project management, human resource management, service management and company culture.
Vigdís holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with specialization in management from the University of Reykjavík, jointly finishing her master’s in international Relations from the University of Iceland. Vigdís is married with two children plus two stepchildren from the age of 16-31.
Jessie Posilkin, Acting Executive Director, Technology Modernization Fund, U.S. General Services Administration
Jessie Posilkin is the Acting Executive Director of the Technology Modernization Fund, working to help implement IT solutions across the government that improve agency processes and systems. She has previously worked on the Acquisitions Team at 18F, working to improve the way that the government buys technology by developing the use of the Agile BPA. She has also worked in a variety of non-profits as an organizer and technologist, supporting her colleagues to become stronger users of technology and finding ways for online systems to help social workers, lawyers, and food pantry managers help their clients. Jessie has tried many project management systems, and is a firm believer the best system is the one you will use. Jessie graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies.
Raymond Holder, Vice President, Digital Growth, Maximus
Raymond Holder, an accomplished executive strategist, and visionary technology leader, currently serves as the Vice President of Digital Solutions at Maximus. With a global perspective and a keen focus on growth and innovation, Raymond has made significant contributions to clients spanning over 90 countries and four continents by harnessing the power of technology to drive transformative change within organizations and improve lives.
Before joining Maximus, Raymond served as Principal for U.S. Federal Healthcare at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he played a pivotal role in advancing healthcare solutions. Prior to that, he held the position of Vice President of Business Development at Perspecta, demonstrating his exceptional leadership and strategic prowess in the tech industry.
Raymond’s career extends beyond borders, as he spent a decade in Europe collaborating with healthcare leaders and foreign nationals across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. His efforts in this arena earned him three Military Healthcare Innovation awards, highlighting his profound impact on the healthcare sector.
He is a Fellow of the American Council for Technology – Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC), reflecting his dedication to advancing technology and innovation. Raymond’s educational background includes as studies in Architectural Engineering at the University of Notre Dame and Computer Science at the University of Buffalo.
Webinar chair: Siobhan Benita, Moderator, Global Government Forum
Siobhan was a senior civil servant in the UK with more than 15 years’ Whitehall experience. She worked in many of major delivery departments, including Transport, Environment, Health and Local Government. She also had senior roles at the heart of government in the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury, including supporting the then Cabinet Secretary, Lord O’Donnell, to lead work on civil service reform and strategy. Siobhan left to run as an independent candidate in the Mayor of London election. She subsequently joined her alma mater, Warwick University, as Chief Strategy Officer of Warwick in London and Co-Director of the Warwick Policy Lab.
