ABOUT

Meagan’s passion is working with the latest and greatest technology companies to develop and implement long-term strategic plans and operations. She has worn many hats in the Government market – from software design, quality assurance, operations, and program management, to developing go-to-market strategies, crafting marketing campaigns, and performing business development. She has even started and operated several successful companies in the government space, serving as both COO and CSOs. Meagan has an intimate knowledge of the government buying process. She has worked closely with senior leadership across Department of Defense and the civilian space, providing hands-on support for the execution of billion-dollar IT programs. If she’s not in the office, you may find her out on the backpacking trail, without a shower, eating beef jerky….don’t worry though, she showers for work.

Bob Scher is currently the Head of International Affairs for BP America. Prior to BP, Bob was appointed as the first Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Office of Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities. There, Bob was responsible for advising the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy on: national security and defense strategy; the forces and contingency plans necessary to implement defense strategy; nuclear deterrence and missile defense policy; and security cooperation plans and policies. Bob previously served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Plans within the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Forces. In this role, he oversaw the development of guidance for military campaign and contingency plans, the processes for reviewing and assessing these plans, and the development and implementation of U.S. global defense posture. Bob has a Bachelor of Arts from Swarthmore College, conferred with High Honors, and a Masters of International Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, where he was awarded a DuPont International Affairs Fellowship.

Andrew McMahon is a former Obama Administration appointee focused on technology policy and building sustainable innovation in government. He worked to change how the federal government invests in people, technology and companies so that it can better serve the public and businesses. During his time in government he helped to build 18F, the Presidential Innovation Fellows Program, and the GSA’s Technology Transformation Service. Andrew lives in San Francisco with his wife and son. He is an avid skier and was formerly an enthusiastic middle school teacher.

Megan Vorland is a passionate advocate for startups and small businesses. Prior to Dcode42, Megan served as an Obama Administration political appointee with the US Small Business Administration. In her role as Senior Advisor to the Administrator of the SBA, she advised and provided project management support on internal operations as well as recommendations and guidance on policy issues affecting small businesses across the country. In her free time, Megan enjoys team sports, glassblowing, and cheering for her Cubs.  

Phaedra Chrousos is the Chief Innovation Officer of Libra Group. Prior to joining Libra, Phaedra served as a political appointee for the Obama Administration, where she was responsible for scaling some of the administration’s digital initiatives, including the US digital services team, a $60M portfolio of technology products and programs, and the Presidential Innovation Fellowship program. Phaedra also co-founded the Technology Transformation Service, which serves as a foundation for the government’s ongoing digital transformation. Before entering public service, Phaedra co-founded and led two technology companies. Phaedra was twice named one of the Federal Government’s ’50 Women in Technology’ by FedScoop. Phaedra also has several years of consulting experience with The Boston Consulting Group and The World Bank Group. Phaedra received a BA from Georgetown University, an MSC from The London School of Economics and Political Science, and an MBA from Columbia Business School.