Coffee & Conversation with Jimmy L. Hall, Jr.

On Thursday, December 19, 2024, INSA hosted a virtual Coffee and Conversation with Jimmy L. Hall, Jr., CIO and Director, Technology and Innovation Office, INR, U.S. Department of State, and Bishop Garrison, Vice President for Policy, INSA

Mr. Hall kicked off the discussion by outlining his current role as CIO and his strategic priorities for 2025. He emphasized INR’s commitment to modernization, strengthening information security, and expanding the IT network, all aimed at enhancing the ability of our nation’s embassies to effectively execute their missions abroad.

Mr. Hall highlighted the steps INR is taking to incorporate artificial intelligence into their modernization efforts, as well as the role OSINT plays in its intelligence deliverables to our nation’s embassies. He discussed integration of the zero-trust architecture into the bureau's strategic priorities; by outlining the steps they are taking to strengthen authentication abilities, improve monitoring tools, and enhance their detection and response capabilities. 

While there are challenges to modernizing the Dept. of State’s IT networks, Mr. Hall sees them as opportunities to advance artificial intelligence capabilities, increase cybersecurity across the force, and incorporate other emerging technologies into its modernization efforts.

Mr. Hall also touched on his efforts to increase collaboration with the private sector. INR meets routinely with industry partners and is focused on increasing its exposure through participation in events, such as INSA’s Coffee & Conversation, and engagement in recruiting events with the Department of State.

Mr. Hall closed by saying he would highly encourage anyone to apply to the Department of State as there is room for everyone, whether as an aspiring foreign service officer or IT professional.