About

Formed In 2005

About GBEF

Formed in 2005, the GBEF is a prestigious network of experienced, senior professionals who specialize in innovative technology applications to vital government missions.

For almost two decades, the Government Business Executive Forum (GBEF) remains an exclusive, powerful executive membership organization focused on developing substantive, lasting business relationships between government and industry leaders. Led by an experienced management team with notable accomplishments across public and private sectors, the prestigious GBEF program is unmatched in its ability to build important communication channels between those who make a difference in technology as applied to vital government missions.

Our Mission

The GBEF agenda is unique to the sector. It kicks off the year with the government technology sector’s premier annual summit: EDGE in Las Vegas. It integrates quarterly meetings and informal activities throughout the year.

Decision Science

GBEF members receive substantive analyses developed exclusively for the GBEF by the leading research platform in the government sector, Govini. These analyses identify emerging trends in technology, competitive market data, and funding forecasts.

What We Offer

GBEF membership is offered at two levels: Corporate and Government membership. Space is limited and sells out each year.

Who Are Our Members

Membership is concentrated in the US National Capital Region, but the organization’s reach is global and deliberately includes leaders from US state and local jurisdictions and select NATO nations.

  • Corporate Executives 
  • Government Executives  
  • Industry Leaders 

Join Us

More than 30 years of senior executive experience including first Secretary of Technology (Virginia); Staff Director, House Oversight Committee; Chief Operating Officer, major global technology corporation.

Bio

Donald W. Upson

Chairman and Founder, GBEF

U.S. Air Force veteran, one of America’s most accomplished Chief Technology Officers with experience to include government agencies, Cabinet Departments, financial organizations, and senior executive corporate experience.

Bio

Dr. Barry C. West

Program Chair, GBEF EDGE

Former Advisor to the Secretary of Transportation, Laura Hudson also brings to her position 18 years of diverse experience at the Consumer Technology Association, producers of CES.

Bio

Laura Hudson

President, GBEF

Three decades of experience of successful management, meeting and event planning for major government and business programs including the White House, National Conventions, major movie premiers, and Chief Staff to the first lady of Virginia.

Bio

Mary Shea Sutherland

Director, Events, GBEF

Michael Dent is the Chief Information Security Officer for Fairfax County, Virginia. A veteran public servant, Michael joined the county in 2002 after managing the security program for information technology at the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Bio

Michael T. Dent

State and Local Chair, GBEF

Rob is a veteran, Pulitzer-nominated multimedia editor with more than 25 years of industry experience in print, digital, video, podcasting and social media.

Bio

Rob Landers

Brand Strategist for Digital and Social Media