Name: Illinois Digital Government Summit 2025
Start: 2025-11-13T08:00
Location: Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Center

Overview

The Digital Government Summit is an event that brings together public sector leaders and technology professionals to explore innovative solutions to solve government problems. Key themes include cybersecurity, digital transformation, AI implementation, data governance, and fostering collaboration across multiple stakeholders. Attendees will benefit from expert discussions, peer networking, and insights into the future of government technology. Join us and let’s improve the future of government together!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

The Digital Government Summit is a great chance for all of us, public servants, technologists, and community leaders, to come together and really talk about how we can use technology to make government work better for everyone. I’m excited to see the ideas and partnerships that will come out of this event because at the end of the day, it’s about making services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the people we serve.

- Brandon Ragle, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, State of Illinois

Speakers

Jessica O. Matthews

CEO of Uncharted, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur, Trailblazing Energy Advocate

Founded award-winning power and data infrastructure tech company credited with inventing an energy generating soccer ball and revolutionizing vision AI in energy efficiency
Mission-driven leader who values positive social impact and inspires audience to use innovation and technology to meet everyday needs
Recognized as Fortune’s Most Promising Women Entrepreneurs, 30 Under 30 list for Forbes and Inc., and Scientist of the Year by Harvard University
Powerhouse speaker dedicated to using technology to change the world
Innovation, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility have always been intrinsic to Jessica O. Matthews, even from a young age. At just 19, she invented SOCCKET, an energy-generating soccer ball that reflects her vision for a better world. Matthews was inspired by her experiences in Nigeria, when she noticed the reliance on dangerous diesel generators during power outages. She addressed a community need and created a safer alternative that harnesses power from an everyday activity to provide a source of light.
Her invention of SOCCKET exemplifies Matthews’ unique blend of altruism and a disruptive technological mindset that encourages her audience to embrace innovation and actively contribute to positive change. She channeled these qualities into founding Uncharted, an award-winning sustainable-infrastructure company that empowers small and under-resourced cities. As CEO, she takes her social responsibility seriously, creating solutions that enhance access to energy, water, air, and transit. Notably, Matthews has revolutionized vision AI in energy efficiency, developing technology that employs “smart photos” to visually assess homes. These photos then determine potential savings on energy bills and qualifying rebates. Matthews is committed to preserving the unique identities of the cities she serves, asserting that citizens shouldn’t have to "leave where they are from to get where they are goingExclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Jessica O. Matthews captivates audiences with her engaging presentation style. A relatable, down-to-earth speaker, she refers to herself as a “blend of Beyoncé and Bill Nye the Science Guy.” Her enthusiasm engages audiences, and she often jumps rope on stage to demonstrate her innovations in an interactive way. This personable approach allows her to connect deeply with her audience, fostering an honest dialogue about the challenges and opportunities in innovation. Matthews leaves audiences feeling inspired and motivated to create solutions that disrupt the status quo and encourages them to meet the needs of real people and communities. Her ability to tailor her message to resonate with the unique interests and experiences of each audience ensures that her insights are both relevant and impactful.
Jessica’s success in entrepreneurship led to a White House invitation from President Barack Obama to represent small companies for the signing of the America Invents Act in 2012. In 2016, she raised what was at the time the largest Series A round ever raised by a black female founder in history and was selected to ring the NASDAQ opening ceremony bell, representing all Forbes 30 Under 30 alumni. In 2021, Jessica was officially appointed by Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm to the Electricity Advisory Committee. As a member of the Smart Grid subcommittee, she plays a key role in advising the Department of Energy on the ways we can modernize our nation’s electric delivery system, specifically focusing on accelerating the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the U.S.
A dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States, Jessica has a degree in psychology and economics from Harvard University, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and is listed on over 12 patents and patents pending. Her list of accolades includes Fortune’s Most Promising Women Entrepreneurs, Forbes 30 Under 30, Inc. Magazine 30 Under 30 and Female Founders 100, Harvard University Scientist of the Year, One Young World Entrepreneur of the Year, the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, and Black Women Tech Talk’s Tech Trailblazer Award. She has appeared on the cover of Forbes and Forbes Africa, as well as featured in Marie Claire, Wired, Inc., TechCrunch, The New York Times, and Fast Company, among others.

John Cecala

Lead State of Illinois Public Sector Advocate, Google 

John Cecala is a Government & Higher Education Advocate at Google Public Sector, where he spearheads collaborations with public entities to drive innovation and transform service delivery. Leveraging the secure and powerful Google Cloud Platform, John specializes in applying cutting-edge Cloud and Generative AI technologies to help organizations exceed evolving stakeholder expectations.
He is focused on architecting outcome-driven strategies and building trusted partnerships that align technology adoption with critical organizational objectives. His expertise includes mission-first AI implementation, data governance, and large-scale digital transformation.
A recognized leader in the field, John was honored with the 2021 StateScoop Industry Leadership of the Year award for rapidly deploying AI solutions that supported the State of Illinois during unprecedented demand for public services. He is committed to empowering governments and educational institutions to use technology to become more efficient, responsive, and secure. 

Carl Conner

Associate Director, University of Illinois

Carl Conner, CISSP, is the Associate Director of IT Security and Compliance at the Office of Medicaid Innovation, a specialty unit within the University of Illinois. With nearly 40 years of IT experience that started with COBOL programming in the 1980s, Carl has a long history of leadership in delivering secure cloud solutions and managing vendors. For the sports fans out there, Carl thinks of himself as a “glue guy”: the person who ensures a team's success by focusing on collaboration, maintaining a positive presence, and handling the crucial tasks that don't make the stats sheet.

Joe Forte

SVP, Sales, Public Sector, Nice 

Joe Forte brings with him over 25 years of experience in the U.S. Public Sector market. He has held leadership positions with AT&T, Cisco, WWT and VMware covering Federal, State and Local government as well as Education. Joe also has extensive experience leading business strategy relating to Cloud and AI platform transitioning. Joe is also an executive Board member of Operation Song, working to help veterans and their families cope with PTSD and related issues.  

Jenifer Johnson

Chief of Staff, IL Department of Innovation and Technology

Jenifer L. Johnson has over 25 years of experience in state and local government in Illinois, with the last 20 years in senior management roles.  Jenifer joined the DoIT team in June 2019 and is currently the Chief of Staff.  She previously served as DoIT Chief Administrative Officer, as General Counsel at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and as Corporation Counsel for the City of Springfield. She received her J.D. from Northern Illinois University College of Law and her B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Nadeem Malik

Vice President, Data Science, Kyndryl

Andy Martin

Group CIO, IL Department of Innovation and Technology

Andy is the Group CIO for the Department of Innovation and Technology supporting the Illinois EPA, Illinois DNR, Illinois Dept. of Agriculture, Illinois Arts Council and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.  As a seasoned technology executive, Andy’s expertise lies in seamlessly blending technology with organizational strategy to deliver measurable outcomes.  

Harsha Musunuru

Managing Director, Deloitte 

Harsha Musunuru is a Managing Director in Deloitte’s Government and Public Sector (GPS) practice, with over 19 years of professional experience. He serves as the AI & Data leader for Deloitte’s State, Local, and Higher Education practice in the southeast region, as well as for the State of Arkansas. Harsha has led the design and development of enterprise data platforms, mission analytics, and AI projects for both state government and commercial clients. His work empowers organizations to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and enhance service delivery through connected and interoperable governance. Harsha is passionate about empowering Government agencies to unlock the full potential of data and AI for meaningful, and transformative outcomes.

Lewis Waldia Powell

Deputy Budget Director - Data Analytics Division, City of Chicago 

Lewis Powell has been at Chicago’s City Hall for over a decade. As the leader of the Data Analytics Division, he and his team in the Office of Budget and Management are using data to transform City operations and build an organizational culture of data driven policies.

Reid Rose

Vice President, IBM Technology, Public Sector

Mike Scott

Chief Information Accessibility Officer, IL Department of Innovation and Technology

Mike Scott is the State of Illinois’ Chief Information Accessibility Officer (CIAO). Mike has been promoting accessibility for Illinoisans with disabilities for more than twenty years. Mike started as a Rehabilitation Engineer, designing custom workplace accommodations, and, as the importance of information technology in the workplace grew, shifted his focus to information accessibility. Mike led some of Illinois’ key IT accessibility initiatives, including the development of the Illinois Web Accessibility Standards and the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA), and continues to work to help the State further improve the accessibility of its information for people with disabilities.

Steve Troxel

ASG Field Chief Technology Officer, SHI International Corp.  

Steve Troxel is a Field CTO at SHI International Corp, advising public sector and commercial organizations across the U.S. With over 25 years of experience in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and enterprise strategy, he has held executive roles including interim CTO for the Arizona Department of Education and VP of Technology for a national payment card processor. His work bridges public policy, operational execution, and long-term technology planning.

Daniel Wyskochil

Assistant Director, Information Technology, Village of Schamburg 

Daniel Wyskochil serves as the Assistant Director of Information Technology for the Village of Schaumburg, Illinois, a community of more than 75,000 residents and one of the largest municipalities in the state. He oversees multiple IT divisions and leads strategic initiatives that strengthen municipal operations and enhance resident services. With more than 15 years of technology leadership experience, he has delivered projects spanning enterprise system integrations, cloud migrations, advanced security deployments, and AI policy development. Daniel holds an MBA and is a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) in good standing. He is passionate about building high-performing teams through mentorship, collaboration, and innovation, and is committed to fostering a culture that balances cutting-edge technology with public accountability.

View Speakers

Agenda

Thursday, November 13
8:00 am Central	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area
9:00 am Central	Welcome and Event Opening Ceremonies
9:10 am Central	Opening Remarks Brandon Ragle, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois
9:15 am Central	Keynote – Find Your Fight: Innovating When the Odds Are Against You In moments when challenges feel insurmountable, and the odds are stacked against us, how do we find the will to fight—and win? In this powerful and energizing talk, Jessica O. Matthews shares how the most groundbreaking innovations often emerge from struggle, uncertainty, and adversity. Drawing from her own journey as a pioneering entrepreneur and inventor, Jessica explores how resilience, creativity, and relentless problem-solving can transform even the toughest setbacks into opportunities for impact and growth. This session will help you reframe challenges as opportunities for breakthrough innovation, develop resilience during moments of struggle, and uncover determination to keep fighting for transformative solutions. Jessica O. Matthews, CEO of Uncharted, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur, Trailblazing Energy Advocate
10:15 am Central	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area
10:45 am Central	Concurrent Sessions Aligning Data, Security & AI to Drive Mission-First Outcomes Modern organizations don’t succeed by chasing the latest technologies; they succeed by solving the right problems. This session focuses on how to strategically integrate application data, security, and AI to support your organization’s broader mission. Rather than adopting AI or securing data in silos, we’ll explore how to align these elements to improve decision-making, reduce risk, and create real value. Through practical examples and outcome-driven frameworks, you'll learn how to apply technology not for its own sake, but to meaningfully advance your organization’s goals. Moderator: Bill Downing, Chief of Enterprise Architecture, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Flo Castro-Wright, Chief Data Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology Patrick Nolan, Deputy Secretary, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Reid Rose, Vice President, IBM Technology, Public Sector Breach Mode: Security Crisis Management When a cyberattack hits, every second counts. This session dives into the high-stakes world of security crisis management—what to do before, during, and after a breach. Learn how to build an actionable incident response plan, communicate under pressure, and lead with confidence when systems go down. With real-world scenarios and expert strategies, you’ll walk away prepared to turn chaos into control. Moderator: Jason Bowen, Statewide Chief Information Security Officer, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Chris Arbisi, Cyber Resilience Manager, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Ryan Lewis, Deputy CISO - Security Operations and Technology, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Steve Troxel, ASG Field Chief Technology Officer, SHI International Corp Future-Ready: Building the Skills to Thrive in Cloud-Driven IT In today’s rapidly evolving IT landscape, standing still means falling behind. Cloud technologies are reshaping everything - from infrastructure to innovation velocity - and thriving in this new world demands a mindset of constant learning. This session explores the critical skills IT professionals need to stay ahead, from cloud architecture and automation to security, cost optimization, and cross-functional collaboration. Learn how to foster a culture of continuous education, build adaptable teams, and align learning with organizational strategy. Moderator: Rachel Pevey, Group Chief Information Officer - Child and Family Services and Advocacy, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Cindy Lovell, Employee Development Manager, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Arun Reddy, Head of Delivery and Chief Technology Officer, Zion Cloud Solutions LLC Lori Sorenson, Chief Technology Officer, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Culture First: Building High-Performing Teams Through Innovation, Collaboration Behind every successful technology initiative is a culture that supports it. This session explores how state IT leaders can foster a workplace environment where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and excellence is the standard. Learn practical strategies to attract, retain, and grow top talent—while breaking down silos and building trust across teams. If you’re aiming to future-proof your workforce and deliver lasting impact, this is where it starts. Moderator: Dr. Robert Kerr, Executive Director of Innovation and Opportunity, University of Illinois Springfield Jason Barth, Head of Human Resources and Talent Management, IL Department of Innovation and Technology John Cecala, Lead State of Illinois Public Sector Advocate, Google Carl Conner, Associate Director, University of Illinois Jason Thoron, Talent Management Director, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Daniel Wyskochil, Assistant Director, Information Technology, Village of Schamburg
11:45 am Central	Lunch
12:45 pm Central	General Session – What You Need to Know About the Department of Justice’s Web Accessibility Laws The Department of Justice established a technical standard under the ADA’s Title 2.1 Level AA for state and local government to create greater accessibility for ADA compliance. There are varying deadlines for compliance depending on the size of the jurisdiction. Learn more about this important initiative and how you can help prepare to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public services offered through websites and mobile applications. Mike Scott, Chief Information Accessibility Officer, IL Department of Innovation and Technology
1:10 pm Central	Short Break Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.
1:25 pm Central	Concurrent Sessions Agentic AI in Action: Real-World Use Cases Driving Impact Agentic AI is no longer just a futuristic concept -- it’s here, and it’s transforming how we work. This session explores real-life applications of agentic AI, where autonomous systems go beyond simple automation to plan, adapt, and act on behalf of users. From IT operations and customer service to cybersecurity and business optimization, discover how organizations are leveraging agentic AI to boost efficiency, reduce decision fatigue, and unlock new value. Join us for practical insights, success stories, and key considerations for adopting agentic AI in your own enterprise. Moderator: Chris Britten, MBA, CISSP, Assistant Secretary and Deputy, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Troy Horton, Group CIO, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Nadeem Malik, Vice President, Data Science, Kyndryl Harsha Musunuru, Managing Director, Deloitte Data to Design: Transform UX with Journey Mapping Great tech means nothing without a great user experience. This fast-paced session shows how journey mapping turns scattered user data into clear, actionable insights. Learn to identify friction points, align teams, and design experiences that truly connect. With real-world examples and practical tools, you'll leave ready to map smarter—and build better. Moderator: Lewis Waldia Powell, Deputy Budget Director, City of Chicago Joe Forte, SVP, Sales, Public Sector, Nice Cheryl Kulavic-Knope, Safety Group CIO, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Brad Smith, Deputy Chief of Enterprise Application Services, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Making the Case: Storytelling Strategies to Secure IT Funding In the competition for limited public sector funding, even critical IT projects can be overlooked without a compelling narrative. This session explores how government IT leaders can craft clear, impactful stories that connect their projects to mission outcomes, public value, and policy goals. Learn how to align technical initiatives with broader priorities, speak the language of decision-makers, and stand out among competing proposals. Practical strategies and real-world examples will help you champion your projects—and get them funded. Moderator: Jenifer Johnson, Chief of Staff, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Andy Martin, Group CIO, IL Department of Innovation and Technology David McKee, Chief Information Officer, Illinois Department of Natural Resource Executive Briefing for Industry Partners
2:25 pm Central	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area
2:45 pm Central	General Session – The Illinois Innovation Showcase See real solutions in motion. This session features a live showcase of technology already transforming government across the state of Illinois. You’ll get a firsthand look at how agencies are using tech to solve problems, improve operations, and better serve the constituents of Illinois. It’s proof that innovation is happening right here, right now.
3:45 pm Central	Best of Illinois 2025 Awards Ceremony
4:00 pm Central	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
4:30 pm Central	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Center

3000 South Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 529-7777

Get Directions To
Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Center

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Jason Barth
Chief Operating Officer
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois

Jason Bowen
Chief Information Security Officer
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois

Christopher Britten MBA, CISSP
Assistant Secretary; Deputy State CIO, Solution Delivery and Engagement
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois

Jenifer Johnson
Chief of Staff
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois

Brandon Ragle
Secretary & Chief Information Officer
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois

Lori Sorenson
Chief Technology Officer
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois

Industry Representatives

John Cecala
Advocate
Public Sector, Government & Higher Education
Google Cloud

Khelan Patel
Principal
Deloitte

Pavan Potharazu
Director
Healthcare and Government
Kyndryl

Arun Reddy
Head of Delivery & CTO
Zion Cloud Solutions LLC

MP Salinas
Account Executive
NICE

Abrar Shaikh
Deputy Client Account Lead
Accenture

Steve Troxel
ASG Field Chief Technology Officer
SHI Public Sector

Eric Westberg
Leader
Technology
IBM

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: November 13, 2025

Open to Public Sector only.

Registration - Free

If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.

This event is open to all individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

Contact Information

Need help registering, or have general event questions? Contact:

Lindsay Anthis
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1495
E-mail: lanthis@erepublic.com

Already a sponsor, but need a hand? Reach out to:

Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
A Division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 296-2617
E-mail: mgaton@erepublic.com

Want to sponsor and stand out? Reach out to explore opportunities!

Heather Earney
Government Technology
A Division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 365-2308
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

View Full Site

Illinois Digital Government Summit 2025

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Jessica O. Matthews

CEO of Uncharted, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur, Trailblazing Energy Advocate

John Cecala

Lead State of Illinois Public Sector Advocate, Google

Carl Conner

Associate Director, University of Illinois

Joe Forte

SVP, Sales, Public Sector, Nice

Jenifer Johnson

Chief of Staff, IL Department of Innovation and Technology

Nadeem Malik

Vice President, Data Science, Kyndryl

Andy Martin

Group CIO, IL Department of Innovation and Technology

Harsha Musunuru

Managing Director, Deloitte

Lewis Waldia Powell

Deputy Budget Director - Data Analytics Division, City of Chicago

Reid Rose

Vice President, IBM Technology, Public Sector

Mike Scott

Chief Information Accessibility Officer, IL Department of Innovation and Technology

Steve Troxel

ASG Field Chief Technology Officer, SHI International Corp.

Daniel Wyskochil

Assistant Director, Information Technology, Village of Schamburg

Agenda

Thursday, November 13

8:00 am Central

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

9:00 am Central

Welcome and Event Opening Ceremonies

9:10 am Central

Opening Remarks

9:15 am Central

Keynote – Find Your Fight: Innovating When the Odds Are Against You

10:15 am Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

10:45 am Central

Concurrent Sessions

Aligning Data, Security & AI to Drive Mission-First Outcomes

Breach Mode: Security Crisis Management

Future-Ready: Building the Skills to Thrive in Cloud-Driven IT

Culture First: Building High-Performing Teams Through Innovation, Collaboration

11:45 am Central

Lunch

12:45 pm Central

General Session – What You Need to Know About the Department of Justice’s Web Accessibility Laws

1:10 pm Central

Short Break

1:25 pm Central

Concurrent Sessions

Agentic AI in Action: Real-World Use Cases Driving Impact

Data to Design: Transform UX with Journey Mapping

Making the Case: Storytelling Strategies to Secure IT Funding

Executive Briefing for Industry Partners

2:25 pm Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

2:45 pm Central

General Session – The Illinois Innovation Showcase

3:45 pm Central

Best of Illinois 2025 Awards Ceremony

4:00 pm Central

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

4:30 pm Central

End of Conference

Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Center

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Industry Representatives

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: November 13, 2025

Contact Information

Venue

Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Center

Lead State of Illinois Public Sector Advocate, Google 

SVP, Sales, Public Sector, Nice 

Managing Director, Deloitte 

Deputy Budget Director - Data Analytics Division, City of Chicago 

ASG Field Chief Technology Officer, SHI International Corp.  

Daniel Wyskochil

Assistant Director, Information Technology, Village of Schamburg 