Jennifer Franks Strengthens Cybersecurity and Trust Across Government

Modev Staff Writers | October 16, 2025

When government agencies consider the challenges of AI in government, one theme emerges again and again: without strong cybersecurity, innovation cannot scale. Jennifer Franks, Director of the Center for Enhanced Cybersecurity within the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), is leading the charge to ensure federal systems are not only modern but also secure, resilient, and trustworthy.

At GAO, Franks directs a team within the Information Technology and Cybersecurity group that reviews some of the most pressing and emerging cybersecurity issues across the federal landscape. Her multi-disciplinary teams actively assess how well agencies protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data and computing infrastructure. By examining both program management compliance and technical controls, her work ensures that agencies follow federal guidance and leading practices in cybersecurity and IT management.

Her oversight extends beyond security alone. She leads reviews in areas such as IT operations, financial management, privacy, data protection, and even cybersecurity issues tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. This broad portfolio reflects how interconnected public sector AI, digital transformation, and cybersecurity have become in shaping the government of the future.

As agencies move toward implementing AI policy frameworks and deploying advanced technologies, the work Ms. Franks leads at GAO helps safeguard mission-critical systems against vulnerabilities. Her leadership is not only technical but also cultural: she is a certified facilitator of new hire training and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) courses, underscoring the need for inclusive leadership alongside secure systems.

Franks holds a master’s degree in information security policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Hampton University, which is an academic foundation that reflects her lifelong commitment to advancing both security and opportunity.

At GovAI Summit, Jennifer Franks will join other leaders shaping how government approaches cybersecurity in the age of AI. Her insights are especially critical as agencies look to strengthen trust and transparency in digital systems while adopting artificial intelligence for the public sector responsibly.

For more perspectives on these challenges, explore our related blog posts:

Jennifer Franks brings both technical expertise and human-centered leadership to the conversation on government AI. Her work reminds us that resilient systems and inclusive practices are essential for building a future where AI strengthens—not compromises—public trust.

See the GovAI Summit agenda here and join Jennifer R. Franks and other leaders shaping the future of government AI and cybersecurity policy.