Laura Gerhardt

Laura Gerhardt serves as the Director of Technology Modernization and Data at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), where she plays a pivotal role in shaping federal technology policies and initiatives. In her position, she is also recognized as a Supervisory Policy Analyst. Gerhardt has been instrumental in the modernization of the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), emphasizing a security-first approach to cloud services and technology integration across federal agencies.

Professional Background

Gerhardt's work primarily focuses on enhancing cybersecurity measures within federal cloud services. She has been a key figure in the recent updates to FedRAMP guidance, which prioritize "real-world threat assessments" and introduce concepts like red-teaming and ad-hoc security reviews. These measures aim to bolster confidence among federal agencies regarding cloud security protocols while reducing duplicative security assessments through the presumption of adequacy—a concept that streamlines the authorization process for cloud products deemed secure for federal use.124

Key Contributions

• FedRAMP Modernization: Gerhardt has highlighted the importance of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into FedRAMP's security assessment processes, indicating plans for pilot programs to explore AI's utility in improving security outcomes.2
• Technical Advisory Group (TAG): She has also been involved in establishing the TAG, which aims to provide technical expertise and guidance to enhance FedRAMP's operations. This group is designed to streamline processes and adapt to emerging technologies, ensuring that federal agencies can effectively leverage cloud services.34

Educational Background

Laura Gerhardt holds a master's degree from the Goldman School of Public Policy, where she focused on quantitative analysis methods, health policy, and technology policy.5 This academic foundation supports her analytical approach to policy-making within the OMB.

Current Focus

Gerhardt continues to advocate for strategic initiatives that align with modern technological advancements, ensuring that federal agencies are equipped to handle emerging threats and challenges in cybersecurity. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to making cloud services safer and more accessible for government operations.124

In summary, Laura Gerhardt is a significant figure in federal technology modernization efforts, particularly through her leadership at OMB, where she drives initiatives that enhance the security and efficiency of government cloud services.