Human-first government technology modernization consulting for state and local leaders

Guiding people through technology change—so systems are adopted, leaders are supported, and public trust is strengthened.

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What is technology modernization?

Technology modernization is more than replacing outdated tech. It’s a high-stakes transformation that guides leaders, teams, and communities through change—how decisions are made, how work evolves, and how new systems are adopted.

Successful modernization aligns the technical plan with the human reality: leadership, governance, and the daily experience of the people who use and rely on these public systems.

What is technology modernization?

Technology modernization is more than replacing outdated tech. It’s a high-stakes transformation that guides leaders, teams, and communities through change—how decisions are made, how work evolves, and how new systems are adopted.

Successful modernization aligns the technical plan with the human reality: leadership, governance, and the daily experience of the people who use and rely on these public systems.

A diverse group of three team members, one at the head of the table and two seated on the sides, converse in a conference room—gesturing and sharing ideas.

Supporting people and process to minimize technical debt

Modernization can be technically sound and still struggle when people and process are not supported alongside technology.

Leaders hear “everything’s fine” until a crisis hits. Systems technically work but nobody adopts. Teams face burnout and change fatigue, and equity and access impacts surface after go-live—when change is hardest to correct and trust is most visible.

Athena provides the strategic bridge between mission, people, and technology.

Working as a thought partner inside modernization efforts, Athena strengthens leadership capacity, establishes clear governance, and supports adoption—so transformation builds trust instead of disruption.

Who this is for

State and local leaders responsible for guiding complex modernization efforts, including:

  • CIOs and IT directors
  • Executive leadership and agency directors
  • Functional and program leaders
  • Change and transformation leads
  • Public-sector vendors and implementation partners

When Athena is needed

Athena is often engaged at key inflection points, including:

  • Foundation setting and project team formation
  • First-time modernization leadership and executive sponsorship
  • Rising internal resistance or operational strain
  • Compliance and regulatory milestones
  • Public or media scrutiny
  • Go-live transition and ownership handoff

When Athena is needed

A strategic conversation is the entry point. Athena begins by understanding the mission, the people, and the modernization context—then identifying the leadership, governance, and adoption support that will reduce risk and strengthen long-term outcomes.

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