The Daily Scoop Podcast – April 1, 2026
Host: Billy Mitchell

Episode Overview

This episode of The Daily Scoop Podcast explores pivotal leadership and structural changes at two major federal agencies: the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Host Billy Mitchell details HHS's reversal of a high-profile Biden-era tech leadership reorganization, alongside the appointment of a new CIO at the FCC. The analysis spotlights how these changes reflect broader shifts in federal IT priorities, policy implementation, and cybersecurity posture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. HHS Reverses Biden-Era Tech Leadership Reorganization

[00:30]

• Reorganization Reversal:
  • HHS announced that its Chief AI Officer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Chief Data Officer are returning to the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO).
  • This undoes a 2024 Biden administration reorganization, which had shifted these posts to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP ONC).
• Operational Impact:
  • The reversal aims to reinforce OCIO’s statutory responsibility over enterprise IT, cybersecurity, and data operations.
  • It frees the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) to focus on health IT policy, standards, and certification.
• Title and Program Realignment:
  • The dual ASTP ONC title is ended; it reverts back to “ONC.”
  • The 405D Program—coordinating health sector cybersecurity—is housed within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.
• Leadership Rationale:
  • HHS CIO and Acting Chief AI Officer Clark Minor emphasizes that repositioning these roles under the OCIO:

    "Allows the department to move faster on shared platforms to protect its systems more effectively and support ONC and the operating divisions with the technology capabilities they need to innovate for patients." — Clark Minor [01:53]

• Historical Context:
  • The 2024 Biden-era shift had aimed to clarify responsibilities and consolidate tech leadership, including the reinstitution of the CTO role after its absence.
  • This move reflects a trend towards re-centralization and operational focus.

2. FCC Appoints New Chief Information Officer

[02:50]

• New CIO Named:
  • Farhan Khan, formerly FDA’s Chief Digital Officer, has been named FCC CIO.
  • Succeeds Allen Hill, who retired in October 2025; Deputy CIO Don Tweedy had been serving as Acting CIO.
• Professional Background:
  • Oversaw FDA’s digital transformation, managed a $200 million budget, and led more than 400 staff.
  • Previous federal roles included DOJ, DOT, FDIC, and the US Army in various IT/infrastructure leadership positions.
  • Holds a master’s in Information Systems from George Washington University.
• Role Expectations:
  • As FCC CIO, Khan is tasked with:
    • Overseeing the agency’s technical priorities
    • Leading modernization efforts
    • Securing agency data
  • The appointment is seen as a move to strengthen the FCC’s modernization push and cybersecurity posture.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On HHS’s Objective:

  "[The move] allows the department to move faster on shared platforms to protect its systems more effectively and support ONC and the operating divisions with the technology capabilities they need to innovate for patients."
  — Clark Minor, HHS CIO and Acting Chief AI Officer [01:53]

• FCC CIO Announcement:

  "Farhan Khan, who left the FDA for a private sector role in August 2025, takes over as the FCC's chief information officer following the retirement of Allen Hill last October."
  — Billy Mitchell [02:58]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01 – 00:30: Introduction and episode preview
• 00:30 – 02:50: HHS organizational restructuring and leadership changes
• 02:50 – 03:45: FCC CIO appointment and background
• 03:45: Transition to outro

Summary Takeaways

• HHS’s leadership shake-up marks a significant shift in tech governance, emphasizing operational authority and cybersecurity readiness.
• FCC’s appointment of Farhan Khan highlights the agency’s commitment to experienced digital leadership and modernization.
• The reported changes signal evolving priorities for federal technology management, workforce consolidation, and policy execution.

For more news at the intersection of the federal government and technology, visit FedScoop.com.