Kyle Tuberson’s job is making AI work in environments where trust isn’t optional. As CTO at ICF, he turned the company’s AI efforts into a single enterprise platform, built for federal use, cleared to CMMC Level 2, and designed to go from contract to deployment in 48 hours.
Tuberson was a finalist for the Chief Officer Awards’ Public CTO of the Year. The event took place live June 2.
Here, he discusses scaling AI in complex government environments, his priorities for advancing secure and responsible adoption, and the leadership mindset driving his approach to innovation.
What key achievements did you have in 2025/2026?
Over the past year, I’ve focused on helping ICF move from AI experimentation to AI at scale—especially in environments where trust and security are nonnegotiable. I led the evolution of ICF Fathom®, our tailored suite of AI solutions and services, from a collection of internal AI efforts into a unified, enterprise platform designed specifically for federal use. Rather than treating AI as disconnected pilots, we brought technologists, domain experts, cybersecurity leaders, and business stakeholders together around a shared operating model.
The impact has been impressive. Teams have activated Fathom on client engagements in as little as 48 hours, helping agencies reduce processing times, cut error rates, and realize productivity gains more quickly. It has also accelerated how our teams use AI to enhance project delivery for clients, unlock internal efficiencies within the organization, and bring new ideas to life faster.
We also strengthened ICF’s cybersecurity foundation and achieved CMMC Level 2 certification, reinforcing that innovation and trust must go hand in hand.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Going forward, our priority is helping federal agencies operationalize AI in ways that are practical, secure, and built for mission delivery. The challenge is rarely a lack of interest in AI, but rather procurement processes, governance structures, workforce readiness, and fragmented data environments that can slow progress and erode trust. Closing that gap requires more than technology. It requires strategy, governance, workforce readiness, and a deep understanding of how services are delivered today, so they can modernize for what’s next.
That’s where ICF is focused: combining deep industry expertise with advanced technology and analytics to help clients put responsible AI into production faster and with greater confidence. We’re focused on scaling AI in ways that are practical, secure, and deeply integrated into how agencies already work.
Done well, that means agencies can modernize operations, improve service delivery, and make informed, data-driven decisions faster, without compromising security or compliance.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Stay curious and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Some of the most defining moments in my career came from saying yes to things I wasn’t sure I was ready for. Those experiences forced me to grow in ways I wouldn’t have otherwise.
Also, working in technology isn’t just about “the technology”; it’s about people. You can have the best solution in the world, but if it doesn’t resonate with the people using it, it won’t stick. Spend time understanding the human side of the problem—how teams work, what matters to them, and what will make their lives easier.
What is something about you that most people do not know?
I’m an exercise junkie and rarely miss a day without at least 45 minutes of movement. I enjoy all types of exercise, from Olympic lifting and calisthenics to running or simply walking. Exercise gives me a mental break from a busy schedule and helps unlock creative thinking.