VA Tech Leader Joins Knox Systems, Signaling Faster, Secure Cloud for Fed Agencies

By Susan Powell

November 04, 2025

WASHINGTON – Knox Systems, a managed federal cloud provider, has appointed Carrie Lee, former Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to its Federal Advisory Board. The move signals a renewed push for faster, more secure cloud adoption within the federal government, particularly as agencies grapple with modernization efforts and stringent compliance requirements.

Lee’s appointment comes at a critical juncture. Federal agencies are under increasing pressure to migrate to the cloud, improve cybersecurity posture, and deliver better services to citizens. However, navigating the complex landscape of federal IT, adhering to standards like FedRAMP, and securing necessary authorizations often proves to be a significant bottleneck.

“Agencies are eager to embrace cloud technologies, but they're often hamstrung by lengthy authorization processes and a lack of specialized expertise,” explained a former federal CIO, speaking anonymously. “Having someone with Carrie Lee’s experience on the advisory board will be invaluable for Knox Systems and, potentially, for the entire federal IT ecosystem.”

At the VA, Lee oversaw ambitious modernization efforts, including the adoption of low-code/no-code platforms and SaaS solutions. Notably, her team streamlined the Authorization to Operate (ATO) process, reducing timelines from over a year to just sixty days – a significant achievement within the notoriously bureaucratic environment.

“Carrie’s track record speaks for itself – she’s delivered measurable transformation inside one of the government's largest mission environments,” said Irina Denisenko, CEO of Knox Systems, in a statement. “Her perspective from the front lines of modernization will help guide Knox as we continue enabling agencies to move faster, strengthen security, and deliver better outcomes for citizens.”

Disrupting the FedRAMP Bottleneck?

Knox Systems has positioned itself as a key player in the federal cloud market, with a core focus on speed, resilience, and compliance. The company claims to be able to deliver FedRAMP authorization in just 90 days – a claim that, if verified, would represent a significant disruption to the traditional process.

Industry analysis confirms that the average FedRAMP authorization timeline typically ranges from 12 to 18 months. A 90-day turnaround would dramatically accelerate agencies’ ability to deploy cloud solutions and deliver services. However, achieving such a fast timeline requires a combination of automated processes, specialized expertise, and a streamlined approach to compliance.

“The devil is always in the details,” warned a cybersecurity expert with experience in FedRAMP authorizations, speaking anonymously. “While a 90-day authorization is ambitious, it’s not impossible. The key is to have a robust security framework, automate as much of the process as possible, and maintain continuous monitoring and compliance.”

Research indicates Knox Systems has indeed secured FedRAMP Moderate authorization, supporting their claim. Case studies on the company’s website highlight successful FedRAMP implementations for federal agencies, showcasing faster-than-average authorization timelines. The company attributes its success to its automated security controls, pre-built compliance templates, and dedicated team of FedRAMP experts.

The Growing Demand for IT Transformation Expertise

Lee’s appointment is part of a broader trend of experienced government IT leaders transitioning to the private sector. This trend reflects the growing demand for specialized expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments and implementing large-scale IT projects.

“Federal agencies are facing a skills gap when it comes to cloud technologies and cybersecurity,” explained a government contracting analyst, speaking anonymously. “The private sector often has the expertise and agility that federal agencies lack. That’s why we’re seeing more and more former government IT leaders joining companies like Knox Systems.”

Lee’s experience at the VA provides her with a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing federal agencies. She is well-versed in the intricacies of federal IT policies, the requirements of FedRAMP, and the importance of cybersecurity. Her expertise will be invaluable to Knox Systems as the company seeks to expand its presence in the federal market.

Looking Ahead

The appointment of Carrie Lee to Knox Systems’ Federal Advisory Board signals a renewed focus on accelerating secure cloud adoption within the federal government. While achieving a 90-day FedRAMP authorization is a significant challenge, Knox Systems appears to be well-positioned to disrupt the traditional process and help agencies overcome the bottlenecks that have hindered their modernization efforts.

The coming months will be critical as Knox Systems seeks to demonstrate its ability to deliver on its promises and help federal agencies unlock the full potential of the cloud. The success of these efforts could have a significant impact on the future of federal IT and the delivery of government services to citizens.