Alabama Digital Government Summit 2022 - LIVE! Banner

Overview

Government Technology’s passion is helping spread best practices and spurring innovation in the public sector. The Alabama Digital Government Summit is designed to do just that. The summit has an advisory board that gathers public sector and private sector leaders to create an agenda that is relevant and actionable to the state and local government organizations attending the summit. Participants can take advantage of inspirational keynotes, leadership discussions, networking breaks, and timely topics discussed in the numerous breakout sessions to help advance the goals of their organizations and their own career paths. 

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Marty Redden

Marty Redden

Secretary of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

Marty Redden was appointed as the Acting Secretary of the Alabama Office of Information Technology by Governor Kay Ivey on July 1, 2019.
Redden brings to OIT three decades of experience in the technology field, 20 of which are in management.
Redden began his career in banking and finance technology. In 2007, he began his career in state service. He held high-level management positions in the Alabama Department of Corrections, the Alabama Medicaid Agency and most recently, the State Finance Department. While working in each of these agencies, Redden originated, led and implemented technology advancements and improvements.

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Mary Kelly, PhD

Mary Kelly, PhD

Former Commander, US Navy

Mary Kelly is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and spent over twenty years on active duty in intelligence and logistics. She retired from the Navy as a commander. She has master’s degrees in history and economics, and a PhD in economics. Mary has more than twenty years combined teaching experience at the Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Hawaii Pacific University. She has extensive experience in business coaching, management, economics, government, organizational leadership, communication, organizational growth, teamwork, strategic planning, human resources, customer service, time management, and project development. Mary has written thirteen books on leadership, productivity, business planning, and personal finance to help people and organizations at all levels. Mary Kelly has published more than 500 articles and is a frequent guest on media programs. She was inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame in 2020.

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Bill Rials

Bill Rials

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

William (Bill) Rials, Ph.D., is a professor and associate director (department chair) of the Tulane University School of Professional Advancement IT and Cybersecurity Program, where he focuses on continually delivering and updating the program curriculum based on innovative and emerging technologies. Before transitioning to academia and higher education, he had a diverse gov tech career delivering value to state agencies, local governments, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Mississippi. He has served in CIO, CTO, and CISO roles for local governments and also in various leadership positions within the state of Mississippi’s IT organization as a deputy to the state CIO. Dr. Rials holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Belhaven University, a master’s degree in computer information systems and cybersecurity from Missouri State University, as well as a Ph.D. in higher education administration and public administration from Jackson State University. His dissertation research involved the critical factors that affect the adoption of cloud services within the public sector. He is a noted expert in the IT and cybersecurity space and is frequently quoted by national media outlets. He is also a frequent contributor to national IT government organizations such as NASTD and NASCIO.

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Jeffrey Belenzon

Jeffrey Belenzon

Sr. Director Data Solutions Sales, Public Sector, AT&T

Jeffrey Belenzon “Solving problems and delivering solutions – one end point at a time”
I am part of the Advanced Mobility Network Solutions Team supporting the Gulf states region to increase visibility and solution delivery for Connected devices; with emphasis on strengthening connectivity infrastructure through cutting edge technology. Additionally, I continue to leverage internal and external resources exploring new and advance mobility connectivity solutions.
Jeffrey played an active role supporting Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of Emergency Management deployment of COVID vaccination and testing site solutions, delivering connectivity and communications statewide.
Now entering his 22nd year with AT&T, Jeffrey held many strategic positions in Sales, Operations, Service, and Support. I am participating in several “first time implemented” Mobility solutions. Currently delivering IoT solutions for Government and Public Sector agencies. Jeffrey is an Airforce Veteran having served in support of Airforce One.

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Melissa Bridges

Melissa Bridges

Title Senior Client Success Manager, Tyler Technologies

Melissa Bridges is a Senior Client Success Manager in the Data & Insights Division at Tyler Technologies. She has twenty-five years of local government, non-profit and international development experience. Through her work, many educational opportunities were created centered around open data.)

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Bryon Campbell, PhD

Bryon Campbell, PhD

CIO/CISO, Madison County Commission

25+ years in a leadership role within the Information Technology field. Experience in Executive Management, Operations, Development, Cybersecurity (NIST 800-xx, ISO 2700x, FFIEC (Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT)), and Compliance (HIPAA and GDPR) expertise. Record of success in the implementation of enhanced or re-engineered processes or information technology solutions to increase organizational operational efficiencies. Ensure information technology adds the maximum value to the customers that facilitates the success of the organization. Developer of strong trusting relationships with team members and organizational mana

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Alan Cochran

Alan Cochran

Chief Information Security Officer, State of Alabama

I am Al Cochran, Executive Director and Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Alabama Office of Information Technology and I have been I this position for 18 months. Prior to being taking this position I have enjoyed 40+ years in information technology, information security, managed services, and consulting. I’ve enjoyed working for large organizations such as Bank of America (19 years) and Kaiser Permanente and other regional financial institutions, electronic payment companies and two startups. I have also maintained my own security consulting company for 10+ years. I hold CISSP, CISA, CDPSE and ITIL certifications and I am a CISSP Exam Writer.
I have been married to my lovely and talented wife Kathy who is CPA Firm Administrator for 20 years and I have two sons, one gainfully employed as an engineer, and another is in his 3rd year of medical school - both are Eagle Scouts as I am too.

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Keith Cousins

Keith Cousins

Business Agreements Manager, Division of Finance and Procurement, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

Keith Cousins serves as the Business Agreements Manager for OIT since 2019 where he leads contract management, service catalog, vendor management, and statewide IT sourcing (bid specifications, evaluations, and selection). Before OIT, Keith held senior leadership positions in publicly traded and privately held companies including KinderCare (Senior Director of Development), Movie Gallery and Hollywood Entertainment (EVP and Chief Development Officer), AT&T Prime Communications (Senior VP Development), Aronov (Senior Accountant), Newton Oldacre McDonald (Developer), and Triton Management (Chief Operating Officer). He has keyman experience in federal government IT modernizations, business analysis and process improvement, life cycle costing, and program control management with Computer Sciences Corporation (Program Control Manager), MCR (Cost Analyst), and Tecolote Research (Senior Cost Estimator). His development, negotiation, operations, and management experience span every state, province, or market in the US, Canada, and Mexico. He builds trust and motivates others to deliver within budget and ahead of schedule.

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John Demas

John Demas

Director, Information Systems, Department of Labor, State of Alabama

John Demas is the Director of Information Technology at the Alabama Department of Labor where he oversees many complex integrated systems that provides planning, oversight, guidance, and assistance to the citizens and businesses of Alabama. Many of the activities are targeted to providing unemployment assistance and workforce development, but the Alabama Department of Labor also supports Labor Market Information, Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program, Boilers and Pressure Vessels inspections, Elevators Safety, Workers Compensation, and various other services.

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Matt Federoff

Matt Federoff

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Matt Federoff served as the Chief Information Officer for the Vail School District in Vail, Arizona for 22 years. He helped open 18 new schools, and was first in his state to provide comprehensive wifi, 1-1 student laptops, and all digital content for instruction. Before Vail, Matt taught high school science for eight years, where he was named an Apple Distinguished Educator in 1997. Matt was the 2005 Arizona Technology Director of the Year, a 2007 National School Board Association "20 to Watch”, a 2010 Tech & Learning “100 Future Technology Leaders to Watch”, 2013 Center for Digital Education “40 Top Innovators”, and in 2015 received ISTE’s “Making IT Happen” award. Matt served on Intel’s Education Board of Advisors from 2015-16. From 2018-19 Matt assisted the Tucson Police Department in digitizing their police academy curriculum, earning an “Award of Merit” in 2019. Retired in 2021 after 30 years in public education, Matt lives with his wife and children in the wilds of the Empire Mountains south of Vail.

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Elaine J. Fincannon

Elaine J. Fincannon

Deputy Director, ADECA, State of Alabama

Elaine J. Fincannon has served as the deputy director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) since February 2020 and is dedicated to advancing the department’s mission of strengthening and supporting Alabama communities. As deputy director, she works directly with ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell to help oversee the department’s staff of more than 150 and manage an annual budget of $165 million. ADECA awards hundreds of grants each year to city and county governments and nonprofit organizations throughout Alabama. Prior to joining ADECA, Fincannon worked for the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) as part of its senior leadership team. During that time, she also served as BCA’s liaison to Alabama’s trade associations and to the more than 100 chambers of commerce throughout the state. Fincannon currently serves on the Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) and Main Street Alabama boards. She is also an active member in the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA), and the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) Fincannon is an active member of the community, serving as a member of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, the Junior League of Montgomery, the Montgomery Humane Society, Auburn University Montgomery Alumni Association, and other volunteer efforts.

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Clint Funk

Clint Funk

Sr. Solutions Consultant, Adobe Government Services, Adobe

Davis Hart

Davis Hart

Sr. Systems Analyst, City of Dothan

Davis Hart has 23 years of experience in the industry spanning all facets of the IT world. He spent 6 years as a broadcast engineer, and he a proverbial jack of all trades.

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Kenny Holmes

Kenny Holmes LinkedIn

Chief of Staff & GTM US SLED, Fortinet

Kenny Holmes became the leader of go-to-market strategy for Public Sector at Fortinet in March 2019. He was selected due to extensive industry experience, expertise in a wide range of technologies, and his proven sales execution and analytics background. An advocate and speaker for the Public Sector, he has been in Information Technology for more than twenty years and held more than ten technology certifications and positions spanning from Engineering to Sales Executive. He is an expert in cybersecurity with a background in cryptography. He has worked in the Federal Government, State Governments, Research Institutions, and Universities on some of the largest security projects in the world. Kenny currently resides in the Chicagoland area with his amazing wife and ten-year old daughter. He spends as much time as possible with them including taking them along whenever possible on his business travels.

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Scott Kearney

Scott Kearney

Chief Technology Officer, City of Mobile

As the Chief Technology Officer for the City of Mobile since 2019, Scott Kearney oversees the IT and GIS Departments and provides leadership on technology innovations and IT initiatives. Previously, Scott served as the GIS Director at the City for 15 years.

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Brian Peacock

CIS Director, Baldwin County Commission, Baldwin County Alabama

Brian Peacock has been a part of the Baldwin County Commission team since 2005 and has served as the Communication and Information System Director since December 2013. Prior to joining the Commission, he spent 8 years with IBM providing large system project management and support. During his tenure with Baldwin County Commission, Brian has filled several roles. This has allowed him to be part of many moving pieces within the IT department. The Communication and Information System Department of Baldwin County provides full-service support for full-stack Application Development, Enterprise Resource Planning, Microsoft Enterprise solution, Cisco Enterprise Network, Unify Telephony Network, Genetec unified security, Motorola Public Safety radio system, and many other solutions.

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Jeremy Sanders

Jeremy Sanders

Director of Emerging Technology and Development, C Spire Business

Wendell Berry wrote, "What we owe the future is not a new start, for we can only begin with what has happened. We owe the future the past, the long knowledge that is the potency of time to come." As odd as it is for a technologist to cling to a Luddite like Berry, his words often ring true for me. I hope to live and work in such a way that the future will be different because of the way that I have lived my life. For over 20 years I have labored in the field of tech, growing up with the internet, wireless, security, Perl to Python, SQL to NoSQL, hierarchical networks to spine leaf fabrics, hand crafted artisan configs to automation that seeks to stamp out the snowflake networks of the netcraftsmen of yester-year. This phase of my career is focused on growing a new IOT practice, hiring and mentoring new engineers, and bringing the expertise of a technologist to bear on the operational problems of our own business as well as those of our customers. Only the future will tell if this investment results in "making a man's grave a rich furrow", but that is the goal.

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Michael Sarich

Michael Sarich

VA FOIA Director, Office of Information and Technology

Leader of award winning FOIA programs, sought after speaker by agencies, industry, and academia on FOIA and program management, developer and implementer of policy and procedures to enhance workflows and deliver results in the FOIA and Privacy space. Thrilled that I get to work at the Veterans Health Administration where I can serve my fellow Veterans and the requester community with top in our class service and lead FOIA service delivery innovation government-wide through co-chairing the Chief FOIA Officer Council's Technology Committee.

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Aaron Tripi

Aaron Tripi

Chief Information Officer / IT Director, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Aaron is a native of Houston, TX. He is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. He served as a commissioned officer of communications and cyber warfare in the United States Air Force for six years. He also received one free vacation to Afghanistan via the Air Force. After joining the private sector Aaron has applied his leadership skills, project management experience, and operational knowledge across various business sectors, to include, oil and gas, government contracting, and auto manufacturing. As a contractor for Lockheed Martin, Aaron was responsible for leading the IT operations and support of the Air Force National Capital Region, which included the Pentagon and over 200 designated VIPs, among them the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Prior to joining ALEA, Aaron facilitated the evolution of the Hyundai/Kia Americas’ data center here in Montgomery, AL.

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Agenda

Wednesday, October 19

8:00 am Central

Registration and Morning Refreshments

Concourse

9:00 am Central

Opening Remarks

Alabama Ballroom BCDE

Marty Redden, Secretary of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

9:10 am Central

Keynote – Master Your World!

Alabama Ballroom BCDE

Leadership is a lot simpler when circumstances are easy. But we are not living in easy times. Global and local issues challenge us daily. Maintaining focus – and our teams’ focus – is a constant struggle. Regardless of our titles or positions, we need to find ways to inspire those around us to be supportive, communicative, and productive. To be at the top of your game requires accurately and actively assessing both strengths and blind spots. This timely keynote address, by renowned leadership coach and author Mary Kelly, provides actionable takeaways for mastering your world during extraordinary times.

Mary Kelly, PhD, Former Commander, US Navy

10:10 am Central

Bits & Bytes – How Drone Technology is Making a Difference in Alabama

Alabama Ballroom BCDE

The ability to document and reclaim abandoned mine lands has always been a struggle, and the pressure is on as they pose serious health and safety hazards. How can government harness emerging technologies to better manage their assets? Do drones provide the visibility they need? This session will explore drone technologies and how they can change the way to do business for the better.

John Demas, Director, Information Systems, Department of Labor, State of Alabama

10:30 am Central

Networking Break

Concourse

11:00 am Central

Concurrent Sessions

Balancing Cybersecurity Threats and Data

Montgomery Meeting Room 7

The cyber landscape is constantly shifting, and strategies and safeguards that were considered secure just a few years ago don’t cut it anymore. Users of digital services and data are at risk as attacks continue to proliferate. It begs the questions: What do you do when your systems are breached? What protections need to be put in place to ensure your data is safe? This session takes a practical look into strategies on the ever-evolving cyber front.

Moderator: Bill Rials, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Melissa Bridges, Senior Client Success Manager, Tyler Technologies

Alan Cochran, Chief Information Security Officer, State of Alabama

Automation is Changing the Game

Montgomery Meeting Room 5

Experts have forecasted that 75% of governments will have multiple enterprise-wide automation initiatives underway by 2024. This reality cannot be ignored as technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) impact the work governments do every day for the people they serve. This session delves into the processes and strategies to use emerging technologies that empower humans to better utilize their skills to focus on higher-value activities.

Moderator: Matt Federoff, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Ken Kohnke, Programmer Analyst, Systems Administrator, State of Alabama

Jeremy Sanders, Director of Emerging Technology and Development, C Spire

Michael Sarich, VA FOIA Director, Office of Information and Technology

The Constituent Experience of Tomorrow

Riverview Meeting Room 5

People are accustomed to a certain level of ease and convenience when it comes to buying and receiving goods and services – typically through a click of a button on their smartphones. In this fast-changing world, with soaring pressures to be customer-centric, how can government keep up? This session deep dives the need to manage evolving expectations that will affect the future of government services, and what it takes to deliver these services to ensure the community thrives into the future.

Moderator: Liese Miller, National Conference Director, Government Technology

Jeffrey Belenzon, Senior IOT Solutions Consultant, Public Sector, AT&T

Brian Peacock, CIS Director, Baldwin County Commission, Baldwin County Alabama

12:00 pm Central

Lunch

Alabama Ballroom BCDE

1:00 pm Central

Concurrent Sessions

Who is Walking Through Your Digital Door?

Montgomery Meeting Room 7

Government technology leaders across the country struggle to ensure the right people are using the right technologies at the right time. Identity management provides a necessary security layer that will give technology leaders a fighting chance to keep their systems and data safe. With the demand for digital services growing, this has become a top priority for CIOs. This session will lay the foundation for this topic, looking at what has worked and what still needs to be done to manage identities to better protect government technologies.

Moderator: Matt Federoff, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Davis Hart, Sr. Systems Analyst, City of Dothan, State of Alabama

Kenny Holmes, Chief of Staff and GTM US SLED, Fortinet

Digital Equity – The Great Imperative of Our Time

Montgomery Meeting Room 5

It’s not always a level playing field in our nation. The digital access gap – though improving – is still distressing. Right now, there may be no higher priority. Being offline today means missing out, not just on education but on government services, personal connections, healthcare, job opportunities and so much more. This session focuses on digital inclusion and broadband connectivity: where we stand today, where we need to be and how to ramp up our progress.

Moderator: Jeremy Ward, Communications Director, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

Bryon Campbell PhD, Chief Information Officer/Chief Information Security Officer, Madison County Commission, State of Alabama

Elaine J. Fincannon, Deputy Director, ADECA, State of Alabama

Telling the Right User Stories to Build the Business Model for Technology

Riverview Meeting Room 5

Building technologies for technology’s sake has never provided the value your agency/department businesses need. In fact, they need technology now more than ever as they begin delivering more services to the people. Leaders must build the culture of ‘value added translation’ in order to manage the ever-changing expectations of the business. How will you use the knowledge you glean from the agencies/departments? This session will extrapolate the needed communications, relationships, and expected outcomes leaders need to provide the much-needed business value for technology.

Moderator: Bill Rials, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

John Demas, Director, Information Systems, Department of Labor, State of Alabama

Clint Funk, Sr. Solutions Consultant, Adobe Government Services, Adobe

Aaron Tripi, Chief Information Officer, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Executive Briefing

Riverview Meeting Room 3

(Industry sponsors only) Hosted by: Marty Redden, Secretary of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

2:00 pm Central

Networking Break

Concourse

2:20 pm Central

General Session – Got Customer Service?

Alabama Ballroom BCDE

Doing the right things at the right time for the right people are core beliefs for public servants. The world has become a “now” society that demands that problems get solved and services get delivered in the blink of an eye. Strong visionary leadership and a skilled team is what makes quality customer service more important now than ever. This session will break down this important topic using intuitive and thoughtful quotes from people around the world that will be a foundation for a discussion with our live panel of public sector leaders.

Moderator: Liese Miller, National Conference Director, Government Technology

Keith Cousins, Business Agreements Manager, Division of Finance and Procurement, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

Scott Kearney, Chief Technology Officer, City of Mobile, State of Alabama

3:35 pm Central

Networking Reception

Concourse

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

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

Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center

201 Tallapoosa Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 481-5000

Get Directions To
Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Rita Allen
IT Director
Department of Revenue
State of Alabama

Terence Burke
IT Director
Department of Transportation
State of Alabama

Bryon Campbell
Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer
Madison County Commission
Madison County

Alan Cochran
Chief Information Security Officer
Office of Information Technology
State of Alabama

John Demas
IT Director
Department of Labor
State of Alabama

Mark Dokas
IT Director
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
State of Alabama

Beverly Floyd
IT Director
Rehabilitation Services
State of Alabama

Scott Kearney
Chief Technology Officer
Information Technology
City of Mobile

Valisha Kirkland
IT Manager II
Department of Finance
State of Alabama

Fred Lilly
IT Director
Administrative Office of Courts
State of Alabama

Scott Martin
Chief Information Officer
Department of Mental Health
State of Alabama

Jack Mason
IT Director
Information Technology
City of Dothan

John P. McGowan Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Chief Information Officer
Office of Information Technology
University of Alabama

James O'Connor
Chief Information Officer
Office of Information Technology
Auburn University

Regina Patterson
IT Director
Department of Public Health
State of Alabama

Brian Peacock
Director of Communications & Information Systems
Baldwin County Commission

David Pope
Director, Information Systems
Department of Education
State of Alabama

Marty Redden
Secretary of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
Office of Information Technology
State of Alabama

Amy Smith
IT Manager
Forestry Commission
State of Alabama

Mason Tanaka
Chief Information Officer
Medicaid Agency
State of Alabama

Aaron Tripi
IT Manager III
Law Enforcement Agency
State of Alabama

Daniel Urquhart
Deputy Secretary
Office of Information Technology
State of Alabama

Industry Representatives

Tolu Adeoye
Digital Media Practice, State and Local Government
Adobe

Denise Guy
Client Solutions Executive
AT&T

James Orcutt
Government Business Development
IPRO

Jeremy Sanders
Director of Emerging Technologies
C Spire

Ashley Tucker
Account Executive
Fortinet

Marla Vickers
General Manager, Alabama Interactive
Tyler Technologies | NIC

Registration Information / Contact Us

Contact Information

2023 Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:

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

Venue

Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center

201 Tallapoosa Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 481-5000