AWS Public Sector Blog

Announcing customer and guest speakers for Max Peterson’s Leadership Session at re:Invent 2022

At re:Invent 2022, dive deep on the transformative power of the cloud. Discover how Amazon Web Services (AWS) empowers organizations across the public sector in the AWS Public Sector Leadership Session, on Tuesday November 29, from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Dr. Peggy Whitson, astronaut and director of human space flight at Axiom Space, and Matthew C. Fraser, chief technology officer (CTO) of New York City, will join Max Peterson, vice president of worldwide public sector at AWS, onstage. Learn how these pioneers are paving new paths with AWS and discover how you can push boundaries and drive your mission forward for constituents. Read more about these guest speakers and register for re:Invent 2022 today.

Dr. Peggy Whitson, Director of Human Space Flight, Astronaut, Axiom SpaceDr. Peggy Whitson

Dr. Whitson, former chief astronaut at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), completed her first mission to space in 2002—with an extended stay aboard the International Space Station. She completed her second mission in 2007, as the first female commander of the International Space Station, on Expedition 16. On her second mission, Dr. Whitson became the female astronaut with the most cumulative spacewalk time in NASA history. She also served as the first female chief of the NASA Astronaut Office at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston from 2009 to 2012. With over 665 days in space overall, Dr. Wilson holds the US record for most cumulative time in space.

Dr. Whitson has been honored with various NASA medals in Leadership, Outstanding Leadership, and Exceptional Service, as well as Glamour’s Woman of the Year (2017), TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World (2018), and Women in Aviation Lifetime Achievement Award (2017).

Retired from NASA, Dr. Whitson started working with Axiom Space as director of human space flight. With more than 35 years of experience, Dr. Whitson is slated as the backup commanded of the first-ever private missions to the International Space Station. Dr. Whitson is interested in facilitating breakthroughs with space that benefit mankind. Join the session to hear more about Dr. Whitson’s experience and unique perspectives, as well as her insight on the ways cloud computing is enabling our connection to space.

Matthew C. Fraser, CTO, New York City

As CTO of New York City, Matthew C. Fraser is committed to democratizing technology and driving forward projects that expand broadband and make city services easier to use for all. He runs the Joint Security Operations Center (JSOC)—a new cybersecurity hub that allows city, state, and federal entities to coordinate efforts against cyberthreats.

Previously, with the New York Police Department (NYPD), Fraser oversaw the launch of several community-based projects for crime reduction and precision policing initiatives. This included the NYPD On-Line Reporting Service, where New Yorkers could report low-level crimes through a convenient digital portal. Fraser spearheaded the efforts to leverage technology to address crime by expanding programs city-wide. These efforts led to faster response times and provided better context for responding officers to aid in the swift apprehension of perpetrators.

Fraser is a native New Yorker with over 17 years of experience across government and the private sector. He’s worked with the NYPD, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, the Mayor’s Office, the NYC Department of Buildings, and as a director of consulting services at Gartner. Fraser is interested in directing policy and coordinating technology-related projects that reshape how residents in New York interact with and leverage critical government services. Join the leadership session to hear Fraser’s experience with digital transformation at the city level and key takeaways for how to leverage and make the most of the cloud to meet constituents where they are.

The next chapter for the public sector

Public sector organizations must adapt to keep pace with the needs of their communities, and innovate to meet their missions. Learn from Max Peterson, Dr. Peggy Whitson, and Matthew C. Fraser as they talk through possibilities for the future of the public sector. Hear how the power of the AWS Cloud enables organizations to move with speed and agility while making sure mission-critical workloads stay secure. Discover exciting advancements, and reimagine what’s possible for different opportunities ahead. Register for AWS re:Invent 2022 today.


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