In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire sits down with Traci Walker, Executive Director of the Digital Services Coalition and founder of Awkward Walker Consulting. Traci brings a fascinating perspective as a former federal contracting officer turned industry bridge-builder, with experience spanning from GSA to the White House and the U.S. Digital Service.
She opens up about lessons learned from the healthcare.gov turnaround and shares insights on navigating the cultural shift from the public to private sector, misconceptions about industry, and how to stay mission-focused even after leaving government service. Traci helps break down barriers between government and industry—and reminds us that small wins and curious minds are key to driving meaningful change.
To connect with Traci, visit her on LinkedIn here.
Learn more about Digital Services Coalition here.
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Great interview! Thanks Shelley and Traci! Mission-focused government services are a big deal in government contracting! We’re here to support the American people, and that means prioritizing their needs over profits. Yes, successful companies need operate in the black, and the most impactful ones also focus on the mission to the public. As a citizen, these are the companies I want the government working with, and I love that I get to work with so many companies that share this vision every day.