Jake Zebell

Jake Zebell is a technology leader with more than 20 years of experience in federal modernization, enterprise architecture, applied AI, and secure system delivery. He works with federal, state, and local clients to design, build, and deliver AI-enabled platforms, cloud systems, and mission software. Zebell brings deep experience across architecture, Agile delivery, security, investment planning, and production software development. He also brings a federal leadership background, including GS-15 service at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and experience guiding large teams through complex modernization efforts.

At Abt, Zebell leads the design and delivery of AI-enabled platforms that help clients analyze complex information, improve software quality, and coordinate multi-agent workflows. His work supports federal and municipal programs and strengthens Abt’s ability to deliver secure, practical AI tools for clients.

Before joining Abt, Zebell served as USDA Conservation Chief, where he led 500+ federal and contracted staff across five Agile Release Trains and a Solution Train. He scaled the NRCS Conservation SAFe effort from two to five Agile Release Trains and managed reporting to senior federal stakeholders. Earlier, he led the Conservation Client Gateway, NRCS’s first customer-facing eSignature platform and first AWS GovCloud deployment. That work earned him the USDA Abraham Lincoln Honor Award. Zebell is also a U.S. Navy veteran and holds senior credentials in project management, Agile delivery, and federal acquisition.

Expertise

• AI-enabled platform architecture
• Federal system modernization
• Cloud-based mission software delivery
• Agile and SAFe delivery leadership
• Federal security and acquisition management

Certifications

• SAFe 6.0 Practice Consultant
• PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)
• FAC P/PM (IT) Level III; FAC-COR Level III