At Google Cloud, being a strategic partner is part of our DNA. Whether it’s listening closely to our customers, helping to build team skills for innovation or simply being there (since we know the cloud is 24/7), we get excited about working hands-on with customers to deliver new solutions. 

As we look to solve decades-old challenges with new technologies in workforce productivity, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence/machine learning, we know that we are only as good as the people behind the technology. Today, we’re proud to spotlight a few of the inspiring folks behind Google Cloud Public Sector and celebrate their recognition in the industry. 

Melissa Adamson, Head of Government Channels at Google Cloud, has been named to the highly respected Women of the Channel list for 2021. This annual list recognizes the unique strengths, leadership and achievements of female leaders in the IT channel. The women honored this year pushed forward with comprehensive business plans, marketing initiatives and innovative ideas to support their partners and customers.

Melissa was brought on to build the Public Sector channel from scratch. The initial focus was building the channel for the US government team and has since expanded to include education, Canada and Latin America.

Having a career background at both Microsoft and Accenture, Melissa leveraged her extensive professional network to build the organic partnerships needed to accelerate the Public Sector partner ecosystem. This helped her drive two key wins (US Postal Service and PTO) and personally recruit top cloud partners in the industry. Melissa loves card games and is learning a new language.

Todd Schoeder, Director of Global Public Sector Digital Strategy, was recently featured in the “Top 20 Cloud Executives to Watch in 2021” by Wash Exec. Recognized for his work in helping customers navigate through the impact of COVID-19 and developing innovative solutions to meet mission challenges, he says: “New partnerships are required to solve for the problems of the future. Challenges that were previously thought of as insurmountable, too risky or expensive, are actually quite the opposite — as long as you have the right partner that is working in your best interest with you.”

Josh Marcuse, Head of Strategy & Innovation, received his second Wash100 Award for leading a digital transformation team that works to drive the development of public sector solutions, including cyber defense, smart cities, and public health.

Josh has launched services to support collaborative team operations including Workspace for Government and an artificial intelligence-based customer service platform to support remote work needs. His work also includes leading Google Cloud’s partnerships with organizations to improve data sharing in the public health community, contact tracing activities, and supporting research efforts across national laboratories. 

Like Melissa, Josh was brought on to build a new team dedicated to strategy and innovation. This team’s purpose is to bring an intense focus to public sector mission outcomes and the public servants who own them. Josh spent a decade pushing digital modernization and workforce transformation at the U.S. Department of Defense, and co-founded the Federal Innovation Council at the Partnership for Public Service, and now brings that domain expertise to supporting government workers who are driving digital transformation.

Join us in celebrating these folks for their leadership and contributions!

As retailers strive to meet the growing expectations of shoppers, they are turning to Google Cloud to transform their businesses and tackle opportunities in an increasingly challenging industry. From optimizing inventory management to increasing collaboration between employees across locations and roles, to helping build omnichannel experiences for their customers, we are working together with retailers to help make the shopping experience as seamless and personalized as possible.  

A standout Google Cloud customer is Macy’s, one of the world’s largest retailers. Founded in 1858, Macy’s operates approximately 680 Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, and 190 specialty stores including Bloomingdale’s The Outlet, Bluemercury and Macy’s Backstage. And through macys.com, bloomingdales.com, and bluemercury.com, it also serves millions of customers across more than 100 countries. 

By moving its infrastructure to the cloud, and taking advantage of Google Cloud data warehousing and analytics solutions, Macy’s is streamlining retail operational functions across its network.

With the opening of its new approximately 675,000 square-foot distribution center in Columbus, Ohio, Macy’s is leveraging the scalability of Google Cloud to ensure that merchandise is accurately and efficiently received, sorted, ticketed, picked, packed and shipped from the distribution center to the stores—even during peak retail seasons like back to school and the holidays.

“Powered by software developed at Macy’s technology, this new distribution center is a fantastic first step in our cloud journey. Working with Google Cloud allows us to be more nimble, efficient and flexible in how we utilize our warehouses,” 

Naveen Krishna, CTO, Macy’s

Leveraging Google Cloud’s data management and analytics solutions, Macy’s new warehouse management system will initially service 200+ Macy’s Backstage off-price stores at launch. Macy’s will begin rolling out this software solution to additional distribution centers that service its nationwide fleet of Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s department stores, as well as Macys.com and Bloomingdales.com direct-to-customer orders. 

Our continued work with Macy’s reflects their investment in technology to improve digital and mobile experiences, site stability, store technology, fulfillment, and logistics, and integrate its front line and back office to reinvent retail. I look forward to deepening our partnership with Naveen and his team to help them achieve these goals.