Nevada Digital Government Summit 2024 Banner

Overview

The Digital Government Summit brings together technology focused public-sector professionals with leading industry partners to connect on innovative approaches, get inspired and discover new technologies. Join us and let’s improve the future of government together!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

The 20th Annual Nevada Digital Government Summit offers a unique platform for government IT leaders and industry experts to collaborate, share best practices, and explore cutting-edge solutions to help drive innovation in the state and improve services for all Nevadans. I hope you will join us!

- Timothy Galluzi, State Chief Information Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of the Governor, State of Nevada


“The 20th Annual Nevada Digital Summit will bring together government and industry technology leaders to share ideas, best practices, and a vision for the future of government technology. It is increasingly clear that our role in delivering infrastructure, security and privacy, digital transformation, resident engagement, and new capabilities like AI will benefit from learning and sharing insights across all public service organizations in Nevada. I look forward to it and hope to see you there!

– Bob Leek, Chief Information Officer, Clark County, Nevada

Speakers

Timothy Galluzi

Timothy Galluzi

State Chief Information Officer, State of Nevada  

Timothy Galluzi was appointed administrator of the Enterprise Information Technology Services Division (EITS) in February 2021 and designated as the State Chief Information Officer in June 2022. Following the agency's transition from EITS to the Office of the Chief Information Officer in the Governor's Office, Timothy was reappointed State Chief Information Officer.
Timothy has been serving the State of Nevada since 2013 in various roles in information technology (IT) and leadership. He began with EITS in 2018 and has served as the project manager for the statewide Microsoft Office 365 implementation as well as the technology investment administrator in EITS Office of the Chief Information Officer. Prior to his tenure at EITS, Timothy held IT professional and programmer/analyst roles at the State Public Works Division and Western Nevada College, respectively. Timothy started his IT career by serving eight years in the United State Marine Corps filling roles as a telecommunications chief and Formal Schools instructor.
Timothy earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration in IT Management from Western Governors University. Timothy is a proud Marine Corps veteran and has worked to give back to his fellow veterans, volunteering to serve on former Governor Sandoval's Student Veterans Advisory Council, the Western Nevada College Veterans Resource Center, and the Disabled American Veterans, Carson City Chapter.

More
Bob Leek

Bob Leek

Chief Information Officer, Clark County, State of Nevada

Bob Leek is Chief Information Officer for Clark County, Nevada. He has over twenty-five years of leadership experience, including almost twenty years in information technology disciplines. 
His servant leadership at Clark County supports public services including health, human services, justice systems, administrative, and public safety programs achieving positive outcomes in diverse communities. He is accountable for internal service teams providing application technology solutions at the County. 
Before joining Clark County, Bob worked in county government for seven years and human and pet health care for the previous thirteen years. His experience includes leadership roles in retail operations, corporate financial reporting and decision support system development, sales, international operations, logistics management, and bringing inclusion and equity to nurture the individual growth of his diverse staff in recruiting, supervision, and retention activities. His previous teams include Multnomah County (Oregon), Kaiser Permanente, Banfield Pet Hospital, and Egghead.com. 
Bob is proudest of his work planning and executing large-scale, transformational change in complex organizations. His personal tag line is: Leveraging technology and change management to improve outcomes in the communities we serve. 
Bob is a native of the Netherlands and received his BA degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Berry College in Rome, Georgia. 

More
John Matelski

John Matelski

Executive Director, Center for Digital Government. 

Prior to joining the Center, Matelski served for 25 years as an Information Technology & Security executive for municipal (City of Orlando, FL) and county government (Gwinnett County, GA), most recently retiring from DeKalb County, GA after 12 years of service.  John’s duties included executive management of all information technology and security resources and systems that support operations and drive innovation throughout the County enterprise. As DeKalb County CIO, he oversaw more than 100 employees serving ~800 million residents.
Matelski graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.B.A. with an emphasis in Computer Information Systems and has been a Certified Government CIO since 2011.  Matelski has a proven track record of leadership in the public and private sectors, utilizing innovation and resourcefulness with a proven ability to build a compelling vision and move an organization toward it. Matelski rebuilt DeKalb County, GA’s technology capabilities from the ground up, helping lead to 8 straight years of recognition as a top 10 winner of the Center for Digital Government annual Digital Counties Survey.  
John has won numerous awards including Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers, State of Georgia CIO ORBIE Award Finalist, and the Computerworld/Smithsonian Laureate Award for Information Technology.  During his tenure with DeKalb County, Matelski was also very active in technology leadership roles with the National Association of Counties (NACo), having served as Chair of the IT Standing Committee, Vice Chair of the Telecommunication & Technology Committee, and Vice Chair of the County Technology Advisory Council.

More
Saby Waraich

Saby Waraich

Chief Information Officer/Chief Information Security Officer, Clackamas County Community College  

Recognized by Thinkers360 as a Global Thought Leader and Influencer in the Top 10 for Project Management and Business Strategy, and in the Top 50 for Leadership, Saby Waraich is not just a speaker—he's a practitioner in the trenches every single day. Delivering keynotes and workshops that are as inspiring as they are practical, Saby marries actionable insights with a captivating storytelling style. His mission is not just to inspire but to equip you with the strategies needed to excel personally and professionally.
A veteran in driving change and fostering innovation, Saby offers a unique perspective backed by real-world experience. Whether on stage or virtually, his energetic and engaging approach provides the tools you need to stand out as a leader, build trust, and ultimately drive better results. Don't just listen to a speech; gain a professional edge from someone who's living it.

More
Jeramie Brown

Jeramie Brown

Chief Information Technology Officer, Department of Transportation, State of Nevada 

Jeramie Brown is the CIO at Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) with more than ten years of experience as an Information Technology (IT) leader. He excels at working with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives and is an ardent supporter of IT modernization efforts at all levels. Jeramie holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science and a Master of Science in Information Technology with a specialization in Information Assurance from the University of Maryland University College and is a lifetime member of the Phi Kappa Phi, Upsilon Pi Epsilon, and Alpha Sigma Lambda honor societies. Jeramie previously served as the Deputy CIO, IT Operations Manager, and Information Security Officer for NDOT, held a voting position on the State Information Security Committee, which sets Information Security Policy for the State of Nevada, serves as the Chair of the State Information Technology Advisory Board, and helped lead the charge to improve the State of Nevada’s IT Security future. Jeramie has 24 years of Air Force Public Affairs experience and 15 years of experience in various IT roles, including desktop support, network administration, system administration, and information assurance/security. He is also on the Board of Directors for the CyberSafeNV non-profit, which avidly supports ongoing information security awareness education for people of all ages and experience levels.

More
Molly Brown

Molly Brown

Manager, Information Technology, Clark County

With over 20 years of experience leading teams, Molly Brown has a robust background managing large capital projects, developing strategic plans, and implementing systems. As the Manager of Information Technology, she leads a dynamic team in the Applications unit of Clark County IT. Her focus is on driving innovation, delivering cost-effective solutions, and enhancing employee productivity. With a background developing and supporting criminal justice applications, she currently oversees Clark County’s Justice and Public Safety Applications team, along with the County’s enterprise data initiatives of Data Governance and Data Integration. Her team of Operations Administrators, Programmer Analysts, and Business Analysts support a diverse mix of technology, from legacy applications to emerging cloud technologies.

More
Wade Broyles

Wade Broyles

Regional Vice President, Oracle

Wade Broyles, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure | Regional Vice President, is a seasoned cloud enthusiast with a passion for innovation and problem-solving. With over a decade of experience in the industry, he has honed his skills in Cloud Networking & Security, Cloud Modernization, and Cloud Computing. Wade’s insatiable curiosity drives him to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies, ensuring he remains a versatile professional in a rapidly evolving landscape. He has successfully led cross-functional teams, delivering cutting-edge solutions for various organizations. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of user needs, he consistently delivers high-quality products that exceed expectations. Wade’s unwavering commitment to innovation and his ability to navigate complex technological challenges make him an invaluable asset in the ever-evolving world of technology.

More
Shurnice Coleman

Shurnice Coleman

IT Manager, Application Services, Clark County

Shurnice Coleman, a native of Las Vegas, NV, and the youngest of five siblings, has over 35 years of experience in Information Technology. For the past 26 years, she has been an invaluable employee of Clark County Government and was recently promoted to Manager of IT Application Services.
Shurnice’s career began in data entry, desktop and server support, where she developed expertise in troubleshooting, maintenance, and system administration. Over the years, she has expanded her focus to include Application Services and Business Analyst roles, delivering innovative solutions to meet organizational needs. Shurnice has played a pivotal role in integrating IT infrastructure and Applications to improve operational efficiency.
Currently, Shurnice leads a team supporting seven departments on the Accela Civic Platform, specializing in Land Development and Business License technology. Her team has developed high-performance, in-house software tools such as the Bulk Inspection Scheduling system, Permit Fee Calculator, Quick Pay Process, Document Search, and Inspection History application, streamlining processes and enhancing user experiences.
Shurnice firmly believes in the power of teamwork, embracing the philosophy that "Together Everyone Achieves More" and credits her success to the dedication of her exceptional team.

More
Bob Dehnhardt

Bob Dehnhardt

State Chief Information Security Officer, Office of CIO, Office of the Governor, State of Nevada 

Bob Dehnhardt has over 35 years of professional experience in information technology, working in the private sector, and in federal and state government. He began in desktop support, and subsequently added server, network, and telephony support to his toolset. Since 2002, his focus has been in information security. Prior to serving as State Chief Information Security Officer in May 2017, he was an information security officer for the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services for four years, and both a manager and director of information security in the private sector for ten years. Bob oversees the Office of Information Security, chairs the State Information Security Committee, and is a member of the Nevada Resilient Advisory Committee and Cyber Security Task Force.

More
Darla J. Dodge

Darla J. Dodge

Senior Deputy Chief Information Officer and Chief Operations Officer, State of Nevada, Governor's Office, Office of the Chief Information Officer

Darla Dodge has dedicated nearly 27 years to public service in the State of Nevada, consistently excelling in various managerial and leadership roles across business operations, finance, and strategic planning. In February 2022, she assumed a pivotal position within the State of Nevada’s Enterprise Information Technology Services Division. Her leadership proved instrumental in guiding the agency through its 2023 transition to the Governor's Office of the CIO, where she now serves as Senior Deputy CIO/COO. In this role, Darla provides comprehensive oversight and exceptional leadership, managing the agency’s daily operations, financial activities, and strategic initiatives. Her extensive experience and strong business acumen make her a critical asset in aligning the agency with its broader objectives, while also fostering the development of emerging leaders to advance the agency’s mission and success.
A distinguished alumna of Western Governors University, Darla holds a Master of Business Administration. Her educational achievements, coupled with her substantial professional experience, underscore her commitment to continuous growth and her expertise in managing the complexities of technology, operations, and strategic governance.

More
Jason Frame

Jason Frame

Chief Information Officer, Southern Nevada Health District

Jason Frame oversees and directs all aspects of the Information Technology program at the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD). Jason has more than 14 years of management experience in the fields of information technology, process improvement and innovation. He has been with SNHD for over 12 years, with the last 7+ serving in this current role. Jason is passionate about innovation, automation and disruptive technologies. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the SNHD team developed and released applications to automate and improve contact tracing efforts, Covid testing registration and lab accessioning, and finally Covid vaccination registration and management systems. These processes collectively saved over 200,000 man-hours of data entry through intelligent automation. Under Jason’s guidance, the team was awarded a Government Technology Innovation Award in the Citizen’s category. He was recognized as the Top Tech Exec for Government by Vegas Inc. Magazine in 2020 and 2016 and the 2020 Government Technology Innovation Award for Leadership.
Jason received his B.S. in Computer Science followed by a M.B.A. with an emphasis on Information Technology and Entrepreneurial Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

More
Rishma Khimji

Rishma Khimji

Chief Information Technology Officer, Clark County Department of Aviation

Rishma M. Khimji joined the Clark County Department of Aviation in 2022 as the department’s first Chief Information Technology Officer. She brings more than two decades worth of information technology experience, including more than a decade in the public sector. In this role, she will oversee the development, implementation and maintenance of all information technology for Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and its four sister general aviation airports.
Most recently having served as the Chief Information Officer for the San Francisco Police Department, Khimji also brings to CCDOA her experience with the Albuquerque Police Department as well as the City of Reno. Throughout her career, she has implemented many high-profile projects to enhance municipal services, resources and accountability. Among the most notable, were the migration of an onsite, data center to a private data center at Switch. This ensured operational stability and upgraded an overtaxed physical server infrastructure to a virtual environment that offers compute, storage, networking and virtualization of resources in a single device.
Khimji is a two-time graduate of the University of New Mexico, having earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Economics, as well as a master’s degree in Economics. She is a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Project Management Professional (PMP).
Khimji was born in Calgary, Alberta, and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she still has family. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and traveling.

More
John McDonough

John McDonough LinkedIn

Senior Cloud Architect / Cloud DevOps Engineer, Fortinet

John McDonough is a Senior Cloud Architect / Cloud DevOps Engineer at Fortinet for the past 4 years, delivering innovative Cloud deployment and automation solutions to global customers.  Prior to Fortinet John was a Principal Developer Advocate for Cisco Systems’ DevNet, capping the 18 years he was at Cisco. During his 38-year software development career John has contributed to Open-Source projects – Ansible, OpenStack, and others. John is a distinguished speaker and has spoken about AI, Cyber Security, Open-Source contribution, and Cloud Automation at many events, including SXSW, DevOps Days, API Days, HashiConf, MS Build, ONUG, and Github Universe.
John splits his time between the country in Sussex New Jersey and the South Jersey Shore, traveling back and forth with his wife and the ghost of his cat Gigi. He likes to ride bikes, fly kites, sit on the beach, and participate in trivia and karaoke at the local pub.

More
Dr. Anne Milkovich

Dr. Anne Milkovich

Chief Information Officer, Nevada System of Higher Education 

Dr. Anne Milkovich is the Chief Information Officer for the Nevada System of Higher Education. Anne has over 15 years of experience in higher education including CIO and related roles at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Montana State University. Prior to that, Anne spent 20 years in private sector IT fields and business consulting.
Her education includes an MBA and a doctorate in Higher Education Administration, with research in the practice of academic program prioritization. Her IT experience is primarily in the business management aspects of IT: leadership and management; financial planning and investment management; contracts and acquisitions; portfolio, program, and project management.

More
Kivanc Oner

Kivanc Oner

Vice President for Digital Transformation and Chief Information Officer, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

As UNLV’s first vice president for digital transformation and chief information officer, Kivanc Oner is redefining IT to support the university’s forward-thinking vision. Partnering with researchers, educators, and government leaders, he aims to build shared infrastructure and intuitive digital experiences that create a competitive advantage for students and the community. Leading technical innovation in higher education for 20 years, he knows how to take strategic risks to deliver customer-centric digital services that advance learning, teaching, and research at one of the nation’s most diverse R1 institutions. Kivanc led the creation of a student-centric engagement system, bringing many student services together for a seamless experience; the Digital President Whitfield, an artificial intelligence and online avatar that assists students; and classroom-to-career pathways for students. Kivanc holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Bogazici University in Turkey and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

More
Jessica Parker

Jessica Parker

Digital Equity Director, Nevada Governor's Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT)

Jessica Parker is the Digital Equity Director at the Nevada Governor's Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT).  She brings a wealth of experience in information technology from her work over the past 25+ years at Fortune 500 companies, state government, and the nonprofit sector. Jessica is dedicated to implementing Nevada's Digital Equity Plan and leverages evidence-based strategies, inclusive technology access, and collaborative partnerships to achieve this goal. Her ongoing doctoral research reflects her commitment to the field and her academic work has been published in peer-reviewed books. Over the next twelve months, Jessica will be completing her dissertation that focuses on organizational practices for integrating Generative Artificial Intelligence into cybersecurity. 

More
Al Pitts

Al Pitts

Deputy Chief Information Officer, Digital Services, Clark County 

Al Pitts has more than 30 years of IT and leadership experience in both the private and public sectors, managing and delivering enterprise systems, solutions, and platforms. Al considers himself a servant-oriented leader with a focus on improving his community and an eye on assisting in developing the technology leaders of tomorrow. 
Al’s current role is Deputy CIO for Digital Services at Clark County, where he is responsible for providing product direction and strategic guidance for digital transformation through platforms, portals, spatial capabilities, and providing enhanced productivity and modern business workflows and processes.

More
Bob Soulliere

Bob Soulliere

Assistant Vice President for Digital Services and Solutions, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)

Bob Soulliere proudly serves as Assistant Vice President for Digital Services and Solutions at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he helps lead a truly exceptional IT team. Bob oversees the vital customer-facing services that keep UNLV running smoothly, including the Help Desk, Life Cycle Management, Field Services, Training, RebelCard Services, Classroom Technology, eLearning Technology, and Computer Labs.
Beginning his career in Youth Ministry, Bob's path took an unexpected turn into Information Technology, where he explored web development, accessibility, and instructional technology before finding his true calling: helping brilliant minds simplify complex problems. With 20 years in higher education across for-profit, non-profit, and state institutions, Bob has carved out his niche at the intersection of academics, administration, and technology.
When he’s not supporting the CIO drive digital transformation, Bob brings humor and energy to his role, often leading the IT team in their “shenanigans and unauthorized adventures.” A servant leader at heart, Bob’s nontraditional path to IT leadership is a testament to his adaptability and his mission to make technology work better for everyone.

More
Steve Towns

Steve Towns

Director of Content Strategy, Center for Digital Government

Steve Towns is director of content strategy for the Center for Digital Government. He is the former editor of Government Technology and has spent more than 25 years covering technology in the state and local government market.
Steve joined e.Republic in 1996. During his tenure, e.Republic’s print and electronic media have received many awards for editorial excellence, including “Magazine of the Year” from ASBPE for Emergency Management in 2013, “Best New Web Site” from ASBPE for emergencymgmt.com in 2009, ”Best Overall Publication” at the Maggie awards for Government Technology in 2008 and “Magazine of the Year” from ASBPE for Public CIO in 2007.

More
Swetha Vemula

Swetha Vemula

Deputy Chief Information Officer, Clark County

Swetha began her IT career in the private sector before transitioning to Clark County as a programmer. Over the course of a decade at the County, she took on increasing responsibilities, evolving from technical roles to management positions within Applications, Enterprise Resource Planning, and Infrastructure. During this time, she played a key role in modernizing the County’s application and infrastructure technology stacks.
Currently serving as the leader of Technical Services at Clark County, Swetha oversees the Infrastructure, Network, Desktop, Service Desk, and Operations teams, ensuring seamless support for all County services to the community.
Swetha holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science and has earned several certifications, including Advanced Project Management from Stanford University and Machine Learning from MIT.
A strong advocate for continuous learning, she leads by example, constantly seeking ways to enhance processes and build high-performing teams.

More
Ronald L. Williams II

Ronald L. Williams II

Information Security Manager, City of North Las Vegas 

Ronald L. Williams II was born in Fort Carson, Colorado in 1982 to the parents of Mary and Ronald Williams. Immediately following his graduation from high school, Ron joined the United States Army, Active-Duty component, completing Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Ronald was trained as a Network Switching Systems Operator / Maintainer (Army MOS code 31F).
From 2004 to 2008, Ronald attended State University of New York in Oswego, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Science, with a minor in Athletic Coaching. During his time as a student, Ronald also continued to serve his country in the New York Army National Guard and was a two-time appointed Captain of the SUNY Oswego Wrestling Team. After his matriculation, Ronald began working as an Application Developer for the Bank of New York Mellon in Syracuse, New York. In 2011, Ronald then graduated from Syracuse University with a Master of Science degree in Information Management with a concentration in Project Management.
Mr. Williams, or what many know him as Ron, returned back to Active-Duty where he earned a commission as a Second Lieutenant from the United States Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Fort Benning, Georgia in January 2013. Immediately following his graduation from OCS, he then attended the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) at Fort Lee, Virginia. Once he met the branch qualifications, Ron was assigned as a Quartermaster Officer, and served as the Executive Officer of Alpha Company, 70th Brigade Support Battalion, 210th Field Artillery Brigade in Camp Casey, Dongducheon, South Korea. He then relocated stateside to Fort Lee, Virginia where he served as the Battalion Security, Logistics and Communication Officer in Charge (OIC) for the 266th Quartermaster Battalion, 23rd Quartermaster Brigade. In addition, Ron served as the Executive Officer for Tango Company, 266th Quartermaster Battalion, 23rd Quartermaster Brigade. Upon completion of those assignments, Ronald then attended and completed the United States Army Logistics Captain’s Career Course at Fort Lee, Virginia.
In 2017, Captain (CPT) Williams, transferred from Logistics to a Functional Area where he became an Information Systems Engineer. He served at Fort Gordon and at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii until 2022 where he completed his Army Service.
Immediately following Ron’s service, he was hired at the City of North Las Vegas as the Application Development and Support Manager. Within the first year, Ron also took on the role of Information Security Manager where he now serves primarily.
Ron is a Certified Information Security Systems Professional. He has earned SANS certifications GIAC Critical Controls and GIAC Strategic Planning, Policy, & Leadership. Ron is married, and has two children.

More
Devon Winthrop

Devon Winthrop

Principal Architect II, AT&T

Devon Winthrop has been with AT&T for 24 years and is currently a Principal Architect 2 with the Government, Education and Medical organization in AT&T’s Global Public Sector. Devon support spans all of AT&T services & technologies globally.
As a Principal Architect 2, he is involved with innovation strategy and technical architecture for AT&T. Devon collaborates with Enterprise Architecture and IT leadership teams to drive strategic roadmaps that align with your technology and business objectives. He works within the innovation spaces at AT&T to forward emerging and evolving technologies. He recommends technology standards, principles and best practices, while integrating market trends and industry insights to drive forward-looking solutions.
Devon began his career as an Outside Plant Engineer, designing T-1 networks and developing AT&T’s original fiber switched Ethernet WAN services. He has over 20 years experience as an industry consultant; developing complex solutions involving traditional and emerging services in the areas of networking, voice transformation, security, mobility, IoT and Smart Cities, and network integration.
Devon also volunteers in his community as a board member on with the Live Performing Arts Academy supporting the music arts in his home city of Folsom California.

More
View Speakers

Agenda

Tuesday, December 10

8:00 am Pacific

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Milan Ballroom 1-5

9:00 am Pacific

Opening Remarks

Milan Ballroom 6-8

Timothy Galluzi, State Chief Information Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of the Governor, State of Nevada

Bob Leek, Chief Information Officer, Clark County

9:15 am Pacific

Keynote – Leading Beyond Our Limits

Milan Ballroom 6-8

We’re pressed to the edge of our comfort zone daily. Faced with evolving challenges, unforeseen obstacles, and constant change, it can be tempting to stick to the familiar and avoid risk. Yet, there’s opportunity on the other side of discomfort, and standing out as a leader who’s willing to embrace uncharted territories is a remarkable way to inspire innovation and drive transformation. Join Saby Waraich as he draws on his real-life experience as a trailblazing guide in leadership. Learn to step into the uncomfortable to expand your impact, conquer complex challenges, and build a legacy of resilient leadership.

Saby Waraich, Chief Information Officer/Chief Information Security Officer, Clackamas Community College

10:15 am Pacific

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Milan Ballroom 1-5

10:45 am Pacific

Concurrent Sessions

Cyber Resilience: Strategies for Continuity in the Face of Attacks (Table-Top Exercise)

Messina 1

In an era marked by escalating cyber threats, ensuring the continuity of government services during a cyber-attack is critical. This session focuses on building resilience against cyber disruptions, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding critical digital infrastructure and data. Participants will engage in a table-top exercise that explores lessons learned from past cyber incidents and how to apply them to enhance future preparedness. We will delve into continuity of operations plans and share best practices in IT continuity and recovery, equipping public sector organizations with the strategies needed to effectively respond to and recover from cyber threats.

Moderator: Bob Dehnhardt, State Chief Information Security Officer, Office of CIO, Office of the Governor, State of Nevada

Wade Broyles, Regional Vice President, Oracle

Rishma Khimji, Chief Information Technology Officer, Clark County Department of Aviation

Vito Rocco, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Information Technology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Ronald L. Williams II, Information Security Manager, City of North Las Vegas

Storytelling to Communicate Business Value

Messina 2

Effectively communicating the business value of IT initiatives is crucial for securing support from leadership, stakeholders, and the public. Join us to learn strategies for engaging diverse audiences, addressing media scrutiny, and selling your vision throughout the organization. We will discuss how to align efforts with broader business outcomes and demonstrate how your work drives meaningful improvements, including leveraging analytics to craft compelling narratives showcasing the value of your initiatives. This session provides practical advice for roles at all levels, from tactical approaches to strategic storytelling.

Moderator: Steve Towns, Deputy Chief Content Officer, Government Technology

Jason Frame, Chief Information Officer, Southern Nevada Health District

Timothy Galluzi, State Chief Information Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of the Governor, State of Nevada

Kivanc Oner, Vice President for Digital Transformation and Chief Information Officer, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Driving Change: Preparing Your Teams and Technology

Messina 3

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, governments face the immense challenge of keeping pace with emerging technologies while effectively managing change. By addressing common challenges such as resistance to change, communication breakdowns, and managing stakeholder expectations it is possible to align organizational readiness with technical changes! This session highlights strategies to prepare teams and stakeholders for transition while fostering a culture of innovation and examines best practices for minimizing disruption to ensure both people and systems are fully prepared for transformation.

Moderator: Darla J. Dodge, Senior Deputy Chief Information Officer and Chief Operations Officer, State of Nevada, Governor's Office, Office of the Chief Information Officer

Jeramie Brown, Chief Information Technology Officer, Department of Transportation, State of Nevada

Swetha Vemula, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Clark County

Devon Winthrop, Principal Architect II, AT&T

11:45 am Pacific

Lunch

Milan Ballroom 6-8

12:45 pm Pacific

Bits and Bytes – Bridging the Divide: Advancing Digital Equity and Accessibility

Milan Ballroom 6-8

Digital equity is a critical priority as technology increasingly shapes every aspect of public life. What are the key barriers to digital access and how can we effectively address them to ensure equitable opportunities for all Nevadans? Explore the strategies and initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide and learn about successful partnerships and programs that have made significant impacts across the Silver State.

Bob Leek, Chief Information Officer, Clark County

Jessica Parker, Digital Equity Director, Nevada Governor's Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT)

1:05 pm Pacific

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:20 pm Pacific

Concurrent Sessions

The Art of the Possible: AI in Action

Messina 1

Adopting AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency is quickly becoming the norm. Streamlining processes, optimizing resource allocation, and delivering better services to the community are no longer a “nice to have”, but a “must have”. This session looks at use cases, strategies, and key considerations for leading AI initiatives that drive innovation, improve decision-making, and ultimately transform public service delivery for the better.

Moderator: John Matelski, Executive Director, The Centers for Digital Government and Public Sector AI

Mark Jencks, Director-Partner Business Development & Strategy, Ciena

John McDonough, Senior Cloud Architect / Cloud DevOps Engineer, Fortinet

Al Pitts, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Digital Services, Clark County

Future-Proofing Your Workforce: Skills for Tomorrow's Technology

Messina 2

As technology rapidly advances, governments must retrain and upskill their workforce to meet future demands. Identifying skill gaps and implementing targeted training programs is essential to prepare teams for emerging technologies. In this session, we explore how to foster a culture of continuous learning, utilize non-traditional education methods, and leverage partnerships with educational institutions. We will also discuss funding opportunities and best practices for creating sustainable upskilling initiatives that empower employees and enhance organizational capability. Join us to discover how to build a resilient IT workforce equipped to tackle tomorrow’s challenges!

Moderator: Shurnice Coleman, IT Manager, Application Services, Clark County

Molly Brown, Manager, Information Technology, Clark County

Jeramie Brown, Chief Information Technology Officer, Department of Transportation, State of Nevada

Bob Soulliere, Assistant Vice President for Digital Services and Solutions, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)

Bridging the Resource Gap with Portfolio Management

Messina 3

Technology leaders face a universal problem: unlimited demand for IT solutions and finite capacity of IT resources. Portfolio Management is a discipline that bridges that gap. The methodology quickly assesses customers' proposed solutions in a one-page business case, then prioritizes those solutions through a streamlined governance process. The result is a portfolio of projects that balances cost, benefit, risk, and strategic alignment. In this session, you will learn how to customize and apply this methodology at your organization in a transparent way that satisfies stakeholders.

Moderator: Steve Towns, Deputy Chief Content Officer, Government Technology

Dr. Anne Milkovich, Chief Information Officer, Nevada System of Higher Education

David Axtell, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Office of the Governor, State of Nevada

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Messina 4

Timothy Galluzi, State Chief Information Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of the Governor, State of Nevada

Bob Leek, Chief Information Officer, Clark County

2:20 pm Pacific

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Milan Ballroom 1-5

2:40 pm Pacific

General Session – The State of AI in GovTech: Exploring the Future

Milan Ballroom 6-8

Presented by the Center for Public Sector AI, this keynote presentation delves into the present status of Artificial Intelligence in the GovTech sector, offering a detailed examination of AI's applications within state and local governments. We will explore AI's potential future paths in GovTech, highlighting emerging trends and discussing how technology and policy leaders can prepare for AI's impact on service delivery. We will address starting points for AI implementation, stressing the importance of collaboration, ethical considerations, and equitable technology access. This forward-looking talk will equip attendees with a thorough understanding of AI's trajectory in GovTech, providing practical insights to effectively leverage AI for public sector innovation and advancement.

John Matelski, Executive Director, The Centers for Digital Government and Public Sector AI

3:45 pm Pacific

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

Milan Ballroom 1-5

Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.

4:15 pm Pacific

End of Conference

Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

M Resort & Spa Casino

12300 Las Vegas Blvd
Henderson, NV 89044
(702) 797-1000

Get Directions To
M Resort & Spa Casino

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

David Axtell
Deputy Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer
Enterprise Architecture Group, Office of the CIO, Office of the Governor
State of Nevada

Jason Benshoof
Chief Data Officer
Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of the Governor
State of Nevada

Jeramie Brown
Information Technology Chief
Department of Transportation
State of Nevada

Chris Craig
Deputy Director
Information Technology
City of Las Vegas

Bob Dehnhardt
Deputy Chief Information Officer, State Chief Information Security Officer
Office of Information Security, Office of the CIO, Office of the Governor
State of Nevada

Marilyn Delmont
CIO
Technology Support & Services
Clark County School District

Darla Dodge
Deputy Chief Information Officer, Chief Operations Officer
Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of the Governor
State of Nevada

Jason Frame
Chief Information Officer
Southern Nevada Health District

Tim Galluzi
State Chief Information Officer
Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of the Governor
State of Nevada

Lee Grant
IT Manager
Information Technology
City of Henderson

Kevin Kanowitz
IT Manager, Administrative Infrastructure
Las Vegas Valley Water District
Southern Nevada Water Authority

Rishma Khimji
Chief Information Technology Officer
Harry Reid Airport
Clark County

Bob Leek
Chief Information Officer
Clark County

Dr. Anne Milkovich
Chief Information Officer
Nevada System of Higher Education

Dennis Moriarity
Director
Information Technology
City of North Las Vegas

Dustin Nelson
Supervisor
Information Technology
City of Henderson

Kivanc Oner
Vice President, Digital Transformation and Chief Information Officer
Information Technology
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Peace Ruggia
Chief Technology Officer
Douglas County

Maria A. Sexton
Chief Information Officer
University Medical Center of Southern Nevada

Brandon Torres
IT Manager
Department of Veterans Services
State of Nevada

Behzad Zamanian
Chief Information Officer
Technology Services
Washoe County

Industry Representatives

Wade Broyles
Vice President State & Local Technology Cloud
Oracle

Chris Congo
AVP Global Public Sector
AT&T

Mark Jencks
Director, Partner Business Development & Strategy
Ciena

Keith Robertson
Major Account Manager, SLED
Fortinet

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: December 10, 2024

Open to Public Sector only.

Registration - Free

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

Contact Information

For registration and general assistance contact:

Brittany Roberts
Government Technology
Phone:  (916) 932-1388
E-mail:  broberts@erepublic.com

For assistance or questions concerning Sponsor Logos or Logistics please contact:

Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@govtech.com

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:

Heather Earney
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1339
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

Venue

M Resort & Spa Casino

12300 Las Vegas Blvd
Henderson, NV 89044
(702) 797-1000

Show More

Parking

M Resort is located on South Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway, 12 miles south of the famous Las Vegas Strip.
M Resort Spa Casino Las Vegas: Live A Life Of Luxury - Henderson, NV 

 

Accommodations  

Government Technology has a courtesy block at the M Resort that offers 10% off the prevailing rate. Please reference the group code “QNDG24” for the “Nevada Digital Government Summit” by calling the room reservations department at 877-673-7678. Please mention the group code QNDG24 to receive the discount.

Rooms are on a first come, first served basis. Please note, once the room block is full, you will need to make other arrangements for your accommodation with the hotel directly or a nearby hotel.