Beyond Expectations: Flemming Award Innovators Shaping Government’s Future is a podcast series featuring conversations exclusively with Arthur S. Flemming Award recipients. Their work is advancing innovation, equity, leadership, and measurable mission impact across the federal government. Produced in partnership with The George Washington University’s Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration, and sponsored by REI Systems, the series highlights federal leaders who are strengthening public trust, advancing evidence-based decision making, and shaping the future of public service.

In Episode 3 of the series, host Wagish Bhartiya, Chief Growth Officer at REI Systems, is joined by Lieutenant Commander Melissa Devera, a leader within the Indian Health Service Sanitation Facilities Construction Program and an Arthur S. Flemming Award recipient. Their conversation explores Melissa’s leadership in advancing mission-driven infrastructure, her work supporting more than $3.5 billion in water and wastewater projects through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the role of cross-agency collaboration in expanding access to safe drinking water and sanitation for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. She reflects on the importance of purpose-driven leadership, investing in future talent, and how practical technologies are helping teams deliver measurable impact in underserved areas.

Listen to the full conversation to explore how mission-driven leadership and strategic partnerships are strengthening infrastructure and improving community outcomes.