Chidester told Industry Insider that he chose Adobe because “my passion has always revolved around government customer experience. Being part of such an incredible and trusted brand like Adobe, who is an industry leader globally in this space, will give me the platform in which to deliver a meaningful impact in this area.”
He said he’s a proponent of making the citizen experience (CX) with digital government as seamless as possible.
“Governments that embrace personalization in their digital services will be better equipped to serve their citizens, foster inclusivity and promote sustainable development,” Chidester said. “Investing in the necessary technologies, data infrastructure and skills to deliver personalized experiences should be a top priority for any forward-thinking government.”
And that philosophy, he said, extends to his and Adobe’s relationships with other companies in the sector.
“Because CX in government really touches everything, you can’t be successful without the help of partners in this area,” he said. “I am looking forward to engaging with some of the brightest minds out there in service to the overall mission, which is to deliver world-class experiences to citizens.”
Off the job, Chidester has numerous projects and interests, including his podcast.
“One of my passions is the podcast that I host, The Government Huddle podcast, which allows me to have conversations with some of the best leaders in this space, learn directly from them, and share these insights with the masses,” he said. “I used to play college and professional soccer and transitioned that into running, where I have run races anywhere from a 5K to a marathon. I tend to be very competitive, and working in the government space, and also physical activity, helps me scratch that itch.”
As he leaves Socure, Chidester posted this message Friday on LinkedIn: “It’s one of my core beliefs that there is nothing significant in life that can be accomplished by an individual … it is always about the team. And the Socure Public Sector Team has accomplished so much during my time there … Extremely grateful for Matthew Thompson, Jordan Burris, Jeff Shultz, and the entire Socure Public Sector Team for allowing me to be part of your squad in this crucial fight.”
Chidester is a graduate of Liberty University in Virginia, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in communications studies and where he was sports editor of the Liberty Champion newspaper and a member of the Men’s NCAA varsity soccer team, the Public Relations Student Society of America, the Quill and Scroll International Journalism Honor Society and the Young Republicans of America, and where he served as vice president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Based in Washington, D.C., Chidester is also a thought leader, serving in various capacities including leadership for numerous boards and organizations: the Forbes Technology Council, the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance of the World Economic Forum, DigiGov Central, the Public Sector Network, the University of South Florida Muma College of Business and the Center for Foreign Affairs and Defense Policy.
