Brian Chidester

Host of The Government Huddle Podcast from @GovExec | @TEDx Speaker | @Forbes Tech Council | Advisor G20 Global Smart City Alliance at @WEF | @AVFCOfficial Fan

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

If @Adobe can make 40,000 fans in a stadium feel like the experience was built just for them — imagine what it can do for 330 million Americans trying to access government services.

Happy Opening Day. Here's to experiences that actually connect. 🙌

#OpeningDay #GovTech

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘴 10+ 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦.

And yet… most agencies still treat the citizen experience like a one-and-done transaction.

Yes, onboarding and service delivery have gotten smoother. But personalization almost always stops the moment a form is submitted or a benefit is approved. After that, every citizen gets the same generic experience—no matter their needs, history, or context.

And that sends a clear signal: “We care about your transaction, not your journey.”

The deeper issue? Teams can’t see across systems. Data sits in silos. Content and workflows don’t connect. So agencies can’t offer contextual follow-ups, personalized renewal reminders, or proactive pathways to related programs that citizens actually qualify for.

But this is where the real transformation opportunity lies.

Imagine if personalization continued after the transaction:
✨ Smart, personalized reminders
✨ Tailored follow-ups based on real history
✨ Feedback loops that citizens actually see acted upon
✨ Re-engagement pathways into services they need next

This is how agencies shift from reactive transactions to connected relationships. Digital transformation isn’t complete when a service is delivered. That’s where the relationship—and the value—truly begins.

Read how Public Sector organizations are approaching modernization to strengthen service delivery and accelerate digital transformation: https://t.co/ndv1b3iVxs

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a final rule to improve web and mobile app accessibility for state and local governments, mandating compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA by as early as April 2026.

Despite the urgency posed by this ruling, recent research reveals that most states are struggling to meet these requirements due to limited funding, disparate efforts, and the sheer scale of manual remediation needed.

Join myself, Chris Lim & Rob Haverty from Adobe as we explore the challenges and opportunities presented by these new accessibility guidelines. Discover how Adobe’s automated solutions can empower state and local agencies to efficiently meet compliance deadlines, reduce costs, and deliver seamless digital experiences for all residents.

We’ll break down the true cost of manual accessibility tagging, highlight the transformative impact of automation, and share real-world success stories.

Register Today: https://t.co/XmAVkfoOny

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

🏛️ 🇨🇦 Excited to speak at Public Sector Network's Government Innovation Showcase Ontario in Toronto in September...

...I’ll be joining a stellar lineup of public sector and data/AI leaders to explore the future of hashtag#customerexperience in Canadian public sector, with a special focus on how AI is transforming grants delivery across Canada.

Register Here: https://t.co/nxFjaz8e3d

🔍 What I’ll be talking about:
- Designing citizen-first service experiences in government using AI‑powered tools and real‑time data
- How machine learning and intelligent automation are making grants processing faster, fairer, and more transparent
- Real-world case studies on AI-supported grant systems in Canadian provinces
- Best practices for deploying AI ethically in public service delivery — balancing innovation with trust, equity, and data protection

👥 If you're working in government service delivery, IT, data, or digital experience, I’d love to connect at this event. Let’s dive into practical strategies for creating seamless, inclusive digital services shaped by citizen feedback and smart automation.

📅 Mark your calendar — this is part of the Ontario Government’s premier conference on digital transformation and public sector innovation. Register now to connect and collaborate.

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

🎙️🚨 𝙀𝙋𝙄𝙎𝙊𝘿𝙀 191: For the most recent episode of The Government Huddle Podcast™ I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with the powerhouse team behind Adobe’s 2025 Digital Government Index (DGI)—Amita Prabhu, Amber Lao, and Kaila Cage—for a conversation that every public sector leader should hear.

This wasn’t just a report walkthrough. It was a deep dive into how digital transformation is actually playing out across U.S. state governments—and where it needs to go next.

🔍 We covered it all:
☑️ How the DGI evolved from a passion project into a strategic benchmarking tool for public sector leaders.

☑️ The three pillars of digital maturity: customer experience, site performance, and digital self-service.

☑️ Why citizen expectations are accelerating faster than digital improvements—and what states must do to catch up.

☑️ Standout states like New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania—and what makes them digital leaders.

☑️ The rising importance of Health & Human Services portals in delivering frictionless, personalized digital experiences.

☑️ Accessibility innovations like language support and adaptive widgets that ensure no citizen is left behind.

☑️ And of course—how AI and ML are becoming essential for everything from chatbots to fraud prevention.

💡 Whether you're in a state agency, federal office, or a tech partner supporting public sector transformation, this episode is packed with actionable insights and forward-looking predictions.

Looking ahead, the Adobe team forecasts: More widespread adoption of generative AI in government workflows. Enhanced SEO strategies to make digital government services easier to find. Stronger inter-agency collaboration to create more unified citizen experiences.

📢 Bonus: If you're interested in a personalized DGI readout for your state, the Adobe team is offering tailored sessions to explore your digital strengths and growth opportunities.

This is where the future of digital government is heading—don’t get left behind.

#DigitalGovernment #GovTech #PublicSectorInnovation #GovernmentHuddle #Adobe #AIinGovernment #CustomerExperience #GovernmentTransformation

🎧 Listen Here: https://t.co/bWldsLmPNS

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

🏈 ❤️ Earlier this week I got a chance to take my 11-year-old to the Washington Commanders Training Camp — and it was exactly the reset I didn’t know I needed.

Appreciate the ability to be part of a company like Adobe—where flexibility isn’t just a perk, it’s part of the culture. The support for taking time off, prioritizing family, and protecting space to recharge helps me at work and at home.

In the push to keep up with everything — deadlines, meetings, strategies, goals — it’s easy to convince ourselves that we’ll “make time later.” But family doesn’t wait. Kids grow up fast. And sometimes the most important leadership role we’ll ever have is the one we play at home...

...and this experience was a powerful example of that!

This moment was a great reminder to prioritize what really matters and be just as intentional about preventing burnout as we are about pushing forward.

Grateful for the memories we got to make together just him and I... and GO COMMANDERS!

#AdobeLife #OneAdobe #WorkLifeBalance #Fatherhood #Leadership #BurnoutPrevention #WashingtonCommanders #FamilyFirst

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

👏🏻💯 Transformational experience at Adobe’s #PublicSector Enablement Off-Site… Grateful for the chance to connect in-person with teammates from across the country and across the business — people who bring so much talent, heart, and purpose to the work we do.

Our shared goal is clear: to better support our hashtag#government customers and empower them to drive their missions forward. Every conversation was a reminder of why this matters. Let’s keep raising the bar together.

Special shoutout to Carahsoft for sponsoring a fun night out at Swingers Golf Club!

🇺🇸✨ #AdobeForGovernment #PublicSector #MissionDriven #TeamAdobe

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

🚨🚀 We’re in a pivotal moment for public sector marketing — where technology, trust, and transparency must work in lockstep... and the role of the B2G marketer isn’t just evolving—it’s being rewritten: AI. Market volatility. Career transitions.

I'm thrilled to share that I will be one of the speakers at 𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟱' at Carahsoft HQ, where we’re talking real change—and real strategy. From résumé revamps to visibility strategies—and a lineup of top GovCon voices—you’ll leave equipped, empowered, and connected.

👥 Visionary speakers
✅ Actionable Insights
🌟 1:1 career coaching
💬 Real talk, no fluff

👉 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 and take your first step toward a career with impact: https://t.co/doQSBvahSO

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

🎙️✨ EPISODE 188: Recently I Had the privilege of sitting down for an episode of The Government Huddle Podcast™ with Mathew John, award-winning Creative Director at the National Park Service, to explore the transformative power of storytelling in the public sector. From growing up as a second-generation American in small-town Ohio to producing emotionally charged films for America's most treasured public lands, Mathew shares how his lived experiences and emotional intuition fuel his creative process.

We also dive into the very real impact creativity and storytelling can have including how he created a $10K film that helped raise $16B for national parks (yes, you read that right 💰🌲)... Mathew’s journey is one you need to hear.

We talk about:

🎥 The difference between making videos and telling meaningful stories
🎶 How music and life experiences shape his creative process
🌍 Why storytelling drives tangible outcomes in government
🌳 The emotional, human connections behind our public lands

One of my favorite conversations on creativity, vulnerability, and public service.

#GovernmentHuddle #PublicSectorInnovation #Storytelling #NationalParks #GovTech #CivicEngagement

🎧 Listen Here:
Apple Podcasts: https://t.co/bWldsLnnDq
Spotify: https://t.co/pJugyptK98
Amazon Music: https://t.co/TyLi5QyeEV

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

🌊☀️Grateful for Adobe’s July 4th Summer holiday week — a thoughtful pause that reminds me success isn’t just about how hard we work, but how intentionally we rest. Time with our extended family this week at the beach wasn’t just good for the soul, it was a powerful reset.

Watching sunsets, chasing waves, and unplugging from the grind gave me space to reconnect with what matters most: purpose. Purpose in being present. Purpose in leading with clarity. Purpose in showing up for the people you love and the work that inspires you.

I’m heading back recharged, refocused, and more energized to tackle what’s ahead… knowing full well that what Coach Taylor said is true: clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.

Work hard. Rest well. Lead with purpose. ONE ADOBE! 🔴

#AdobeLife #SummerShutdown #PurposeDriven #FamilyFirst #RechargeAndReset

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

🏛️ 🛠️ This past weekend, we took a trip to IKEA for a new desk as my oldest gets ready to start middle school (more homework incoming 📚). And as we navigated the world of flat-packed furniture and Allen wrenches, it reminded me of something surprising: studies show most people would rather assemble IKEA furniture than deal with government customer service... That says a lot about the work we still have to do.

Customer Experience isn’t just a private sector thing. It’s about dignity, respect, and designing services that work for people. The best brands — Apple, Disney, Coca-Cola, Marriott — get this.

Government services should too.

Better hashtag#digitalexperiences aren’t a nice-to-have. They’re a strategy for efficiency, trust, and impact.

Read my latest article discussing just that ➡️ https://t.co/vggw0jRnU3

✅ The technology is here.
✅ The expertise is available.

Now it’s about the will to deliver services as seamless and human-centered as the brands we love.

Let’s build a public sector that works better for everyone. ⚙️✨

#GovCX #DigitalGovernment #HumanCenteredDesign #PublicSectorInnovation #CustomerExperience

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

🎤‼️ This morning I got the opportunity to open at the Carahsoft and GovExec Government Customer Experience & Engagement Summit — and what a fitting way to mark my one-year anniversary at Adobe!

Working alongside teams that help brands like Apple, Disney, Marriott, Walmart, the Premier League, and even McLaren F1 (shoutout to my 11-year-old for getting me into the sport 🏎️) has taught me something important:

👉 And here’s the truth I shared today having spent the last 12 months at the most innovative experience company on the planet — CX isn’t just a private sector thing.

It’s not about selling products. It’s about respect, empathy, and delivering services that work for people when they need them most.

Improving government CX isn’t window dressing. It’s a strategy.

A strategy for greater trust, smarter operations, reduced costs, and faster mission success.

Proud to be part of a team and a community focused on raising the bar for public service experiences.

Let’s get to work. 🚀

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

🎙️🚨 𝙀𝙋𝙄𝙎𝙊𝘿𝙀 184: In this episode of The Government Huddle Podcast™ I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Sandy Carter, COO of Unstoppable Domains and author of the new book "𝘼𝙄 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙎𝙏, 𝙃𝙐𝙈𝘼𝙉 𝘼𝙇𝙒𝘼𝙔𝙎."

Together, we explored topics like AI trust gaps around the world, the critical role of human oversight in AI implementations, how small businesses and governments alike can embrace emerging tech, and why AI’s real value lies in transforming — not replacing — human jobs.

Sandy also discusses her personal mission to make AI accessible for everyone, from big tech to small-town entrepreneurs.

If you’re curious about where AI and humanity intersect, how to navigate AI skepticism, or what it takes to thrive in an increasingly agentic, automated world, this episode is a must-listen.🤝✨

🎧 Listen Here:
Apple Podcasts: https://t.co/bWldsLmPNS
Spotify: https://t.co/pJugyptcjA
Amazon Music: https://t.co/TyLi5QxGPn

📚 And grab Sandy’s new book while you’re at it — it’s a must-read for anyone navigating AI’s next chapter.

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

🇨🇦✨ Canadians expect their government services to be as seamless and intuitive as the private sector — but right now, there’s a 21% gap in satisfaction.

From grant applications to essential health and education services, residents deserve digital experiences that are easy, accessible, and built around their needs. The challenge? Outdated systems, paper-heavy workflows, and fragmented processes that slow everything down.

That’s where Adobe steps in. 💻

With solutions like Adobe Experience Manager, Adobe Sign, Acrobat, and Adobe Analytics, we’re helping modernize Canada’s grants and contributions programs — streamlining operations, securing data, and creating citizen-first digital experiences.

✅ Personalized services
✅ Automated workflows
✅ Real-time insights
✅ Government-grade security
✅ Accessibility for all Canadians

It’s time to rethink public service delivery. Let’s build a digital government experience Canadians can be proud of. 🇨🇦✨

Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/jXJSRjFOE4

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

🚀 Ready to lead your organization into the future of digital transformation? Join me at the Digital Innovation Insight Summit on June 16–17, 2025, at the Fairmont Dallas.

This premier event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries to explore the latest advancements in digital transformation.

Key themes include:

✅ Accelerating Agile Transformation: Learn how agile frameworks and cross-functional collaboration drive rapid innovation.
✅ Leading a Culture of Innovation: Discover strategies to foster continuous learning and idea generation across your organization.
✅ Designing Future-Ready Digital Ecosystems: Gain insights into integrating AI into user experience design and building collaborative innovation ecosystems.

Register Here ➡️ https://t.co/LJZsiKdFtz

Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and connect with peers driving digital innovation.

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

📢🚨 The modern battlefield is digital—and content is a strategic weapon. Join us June 11 for From Creation to Command: The Power of Digital Content in Defense, a one-day in-person event hosted by Adobe and GovExec.

We’re bringing together defense leaders, tech experts, and mission operators to explore how generative AI, automation, and centralized content management are reshaping readiness and operational effectiveness.

Secure your spot now ➡️ https://t.co/IPBwnnyFfi

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

🏁🏎️ At Adobe, we believe deeply in the power of experiences — not just the ones we help create for customers, but the personal ones that shape who we are. This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the F1 Miami Grand Prix — and even better, I got to share the experience with my 11-year-old!

Watching the excitement in his eyes as he attended his first F1 race and see McLaren Racing win was unforgettable. It was more than just a race — it was a memory we’ll both carry with us for a lifetime.

Experiences like this inspire creativity, connection, and perspective — and they remind us why we do what we do every day. Special thanks to the team at Nexthink for hosting us down there for what was definitely a once in a lifetime experience.

Grateful for the moments that matter, both on and off the track. 🏆

#MiamiGP #F1 #AdobeLife #ExperienceMatters #FatherSonMoments #Formula1 #AdobeExperience #WorkLifeBalance

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

📢🚨 Excited to speaking at the Government Technology State of Michigan IT Leadership Forum... looking forward to kick-starting the critical conversation around building dynamic cybersecurity teams that can "see around corners" to anticipate and engage that #cyber challenges that are facing today's agencies.

This session is going to explore:

🔹 Using Adobe’s AI-Powered Analytics to predict threats and identify cybersecurity skills gaps before they impact operations.

🔹 Streamlining Talent Acquisition with Adobe Experience Cloud to attract niche cyber talent through personalized, omnichannel recruiting campaigns.

🔹 Enhancing Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing using Adobe Acrobat and Creative Cloud to build agile, cross-functional teams—both internally and with Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

🔹 Ensuring Secure Content Management at scale with Adobe’s FedRAMP-authorized Document Cloud and Experience Manager platforms.
🔹 Accelerating Cyber Response Readiness by automating key IT and HR processes, allowing teams to focus on strategic cyber initiatives.

As agencies work to fortify their cybersecurity posture, I will look to offer insight into how creative approaches—and the right technology—can empower leaders to build resilient, future-ready teams.

You won't want to miss this conversation! 👏

Register Here ➡️ https://t.co/QU0fCqYHzx

#Cybersecurity #PublicSector #AI #Innovation #Adobe #ITLeadership #GovernmentIT #CyberResilience #DigitalTransformation

[Brian Chidester @ChidesterAB]

🏛🚀 Bye-bye, paper. Hello, digital. Governments are ditching the file cabinets and embracing a paperless future—and it's redefining how they serve you.

Thanks to Billy Mitchell and FedScoop for letting me provide Adobe's vision for a digital by default, paperless government. From reducing costs and processing times by up to 80%, to creating 24/7 digital access to services, the shift to #paperlessgovernment isn’t just about technology—it’s about putting citizens first. 🙌

Agencies are investing in:

✅ Cloud infrastructure
✅ Data interoperability
✅ Citizen-centric design
✅ Digital signature

According to Pew Research Center, 1 in 4 U.S. adults have abandoned or delayed accessing government services due to complicated, slow, or paper-heavy processes. Couple that with the over $38 BILLION spent annually on paper-based processes, the opportunity is massive—and the momentum is real.

Countries like Estonia and Singapore are leading the way. Now, the U.S. and Canada are catching up, transforming legacy systems and enabling faster, smarter, and more personalized services.

📉 Less paper.
📈 More efficiency.
💡 Better experiences.

Read Here ➡️ https://t.co/GSMKSCyCEV

The road to a digital-first government starts with one bold step: going paperless. #DigitalGovernment #GovTech #Paperless #PublicSectorInnovation #CitizenExperience #GovernmentTransformation #FutureOfGovernment #DigitalByDefault