In this episode of Former Fed Friday, host Shelley McGuire welcomes Darren Ash, Executive Advisor at Management Science and Innovation (MSI) and former CIO of the Department of the Interior, to share his journey from decades of public service to his new role in industry. Darren reflects on his 20+ years as a senior federal executive across agencies like the IRS, USDA, and Department of Transportation, offering an inside look at how mission-driven leadership, innovation, and collaboration can transform government operations. He discusses what drew him to MSI, the importance of organizational culture, and how former federal leaders can bridge perspectives between government and industry to drive real impact. From lessons learned at USDA and Interior to insights on partnership, networking, and the power of strong C-suite collaboration, Darren’s story is a masterclass in public service, transition, and purpose-driven leadership. If you’re a current or former Fed—or simply passionate about improving government through innovation—this conversation will leave you inspired and energized. To connect with Darren, visit his LinkedIn profile here.Learn more about Management Science and Innovation by visiting their website here. If you liked listening to this episode, view our Former Fed Perspectives page here. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page. Thank you to our sponsor vTech Solution.