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!
Emerging technologies provide incredible opportunity for those of us in the public sector to reimagine how we provide services. As we strive to develop better ways to serve citizens and business, it’s incredibly important for us to share information and explore what is possible. The Digital Government Summit, now in it’s second year in Alaska, is a valuable resource for government at all levels and I’m grateful to have this tremendous event in The Last Frontier.
- Bill Smith, Chief Information Officer, State of Alaska
Wednesday, November 13 |
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8:00 am Alaska |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area |
9:00 am Alaska |
Opening RemarksDaniel Urquhart, Secretary of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer, State of Alabama |
9:15 am Alaska |
Keynote – The Age of Digital Disruption: Moving Forward, FasterTechnology advancements continue to disrupt at a swifter pace than ever before. 2023 witnessed the impact of AI in all sectors, and this year the public sector is required to adapt and adopt at a speed unheard of in the past. For the rest of our careers, intelligence will be built into all devices, applications, and processes. This changes how we must think about the use of data and the integration of humans and machines. What are the crucial strategies for adapting to and maximizing the benefits of these advancements? This session will have you ready to move forward at high speed as it paints a vibrant picture showing how synthetic intelligence can amplify current systems and our workforce. Scott Klososky, Technologist, Futurist, Humanist, Author and Consultant |
10:15 am Alaska |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Area |
10:45 am Alaska |
Concurrent SessionsAI: The Art of Possible in GovernmentAs AI steadily advances into the public sector, it has the potential to enhance constituent services, improve efficiency, drive innovation and more. However, as with any emerging technology, its impact on government agencies and their workforces raises more questions than answers. Explore how public-sector organizations are approaching AI, including the benefits, challenges, and strategic considerations, and learn key insights into effectively integrating AI tools to enhance public service delivery. Moderator: Honorable Mike Shaw, State Representative, State of Alabama Bryan Phillips, Chief Information Officer, Hoover City Schools Navigating the Intersection of Data Privacy and Identity ManagementIn today's digital landscape, organizations face increasing challenges in balancing data privacy with effective identity management. Ensuring seamless user access with robust data security while minimizing the risk of data mismanagement has become increasingly complex. What are the best approaches to managing access in a way that minimizes risk, enhances user trust, and meets the demands of both security and compliance? This session will explore the critical intersection of data privacy and identity management, highlighting best practices for implementing secure identity solutions that align with stringent privacy regulations. Moderator: Gary Parker, Chief Data Officer, Alabama Medicaid Agency Bryon Campbell, Chief Information Officer/Chief Information Security Officer, Madison County Commission, Madison County Mark Craymer, Executive Director, Shared Services, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama Finding, Keeping, and Growing Today’s IT WorkforceAs the workforce landscape evolves, attracting and retaining top talent has become a critical challenge for organizations, especially the public sector. The modern workforce values flexibility, purpose-driven work, and opportunities for growth more than ever before. Where can the public sector find new talent to fill critical roles? How do we motivate and upskill our existing teams to meet the needs of an ever-evolving tech environment? This session shares creative tactics and strategies for establishing, retaining, and fostering a diverse, future-ready workforce. Moderator: Sara Fenn, Director of Technology, Jefferson County School Tara Hutchison, Communications Director, Department of Labor, State of Alabama Nikki Kerns, Information Technology Director, City of Dothan Optimizing Partner RelationshipsTo ensure the delivery of successful, consistent services and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars, cooperative, mutually beneficial IT partnerships are crucial for state and local governments. Skill and experience are needed to align the right IT solutions to fit current and future business strategies, functional requirements, technical specifications, and budgets. Hear benchmarking strategies on optimizing partner relationships and outsourcing agreements, focusing on key aspects such as contract negotiation, performance monitoring, compliance, and risk mitigation. Moderator: Keith Cousins, Director, Business Relations and Governance, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama Christine Cook, Chief Procurement Officer, State of Alabama Hollye Massey, Government Development Director, CSpire Brittany Peterson, Senior Buyer, Division of Procurement, State of Alabama |
11:45 am Alaska |
Lunch |
12:45 pm Alaska |
General Session – Fortifying the Digital Fortress: Cybersecurity Strategies, Resources, and FundingIn an era of escalating cyber threats, state and local governments must adopt proactive approaches to stay ahead of attackers. Is your organization prepared to address evolving cyber threats? How can we work together to defend and respond? Learn how to find, access, and leverage grant funding available for cybersecurity risk assessment, training and programs. Explore key strategies and essential resources, such as operational technology, to stay ahead while fostering collaboration against cyber adversaries. Moderator: Jeremy Ward, Director of Communications, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama Office of Information Technology Keith Cousins, Director, Business Relations and Governance, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama Clyde Roark, Cybersecurity Advisor, Region 4 (Gulf Coast), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Tucker Simpson, Cybersecurity Research Engineer, Auburn University |
1:25 pm Alaska |
Short BreakPlease proceed to the concurrent sessions |
1:30 pm Alaska |
Concurrent SessionsSaaS Customization: Successes and FailuresIn today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms offer flexibility and scalability that are transforming industries and governments. However, the journey to effectively customizing SaaS solutions comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. This session will delve into the real-world successes and pitfalls of SaaS customization, exploring key factors for optimal outcomes, including the importance of aligning customizations with business goals, managing technical debt, and balancing the need for flexibility with system stability. Moderator: Scott Kearney, Chief Technology Officer, Information Technology, City of Mobile Aimee Cubbage: Managing Director, Coastal Manley Haynie, Database Systems Manager, Computer Services Bureau, Department of Transportation, State of Alabama Mike Vanhook, IT Business Solutions Manager, Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), State of Alabama Future-Proofing IT: Strategies for Resilience and ContinuityIn today’s unpredictable world, the continued operation of government services in a disaster is paramount, and safeguarding critical digital infrastructure and data has never been more important. Public sector organizations must collaborate to build resilience against diverse disruptions such as natural disasters and cyber threats. What lessons have we learned from past incidents that could be applied to future preparedness? This session provides an in-depth exploration of continuity of operation plans and highlights best practices in IT continuity and recovery. Jay Moseley, Director, Alabama Fusion Center, Homeland Security Advisor, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Scottie Orr, Regional Director, Cybersecurity - Public Sector, Fortinet Frank Yarnell, Director of Information Security, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama. Leadership Communications: Navigating Across DifferencesEffective leadership communication is crucial for building cohesive teams and driving organizational success. In today's diverse workforce, IT leaders must navigate varying communication styles and expectations while fostering accountability among team members. This session will explore the nuances of leadership communication to bridge communication gaps and enhance collaboration across diverse, multi-faceted teams. Terence Burke, Chief Information Officer, Department of Transportation, State of Alabama Taylor Nichols, General Counsel, Department of Finance, State of Alabama Aaron Tripi, Chief Information Officer, Law Enforcement Agency, State of Alabama Exclusive Briefing for Industry PartnersHosted by: State of Alabama Daniel Urquhart, Secretary of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer, State of Alabama Willie Fields, Deputy Secretary, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama |
2:30 pm Alaska |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Area |
3:00 pm Alaska |
General Session – The State of AI in GovTech: Exploring the FuturePresented 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. |
4:00 pm Alaska |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors. Bill Rials, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government |
4:30 pm Alaska |
End of Conference*Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
820 W 7th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 279-8000
Colin Amundson
Chief Workforce and Finance Officer
Department of Administration
State of Alaska
Nils Andreassen
Executive Director
Alaska Municipal League
Mark Breunig
Cybersecurity State Coordinator
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Brian Brubaker
Department Technology Officer
Department of Revenue
State of Alaska
Amy Eakin
Director of Technology
Technology Department
Northwest Arctic Borough School District
John Fargo
Chief Technology Officer
Courts, Information System
Alaska Court System
Ted Johnston
Department Technology Officer
Department of Public Safety
State of Alaska
Ryan Kendall
Department Technology Officer
Department of Environmental Conservation
State of Alaska
Paul Krous
Department Technology Officer
Department of Education and Early Development
State of Alaska
Jerry Kung
Department Technology Officer
Department of Fish and Game
State of Alaska
Chris Letterman
Chief Information Officer
Information Services Department
Bartlett Regional Hospital
Keith Lewis
Department Technology Officer
Department of Family and Community Services
State of Alaska
Jennifer McCaul
Department Technology Officer
Office of Information Technology - Law
State of Alaska
Mark Merchant
Chief Information Security Officer
Office of Information Technology
Municipality of Anchorage
Justin Michaud
Senior Program Manager
Information Technology
Mat-Su School District
Chris Murray
IT Director
Municipality of Juneau Administration
Ty Nesheim
Network Analyst
Municipality of Anchorage
Patty Robinson
Department Technology Officer
Department of Natural Resources
State of Alaska
Thor Ryan
Chief Risk Officer
State of Alaska Revenue
Myría Shakespeare
Department Technology Officer
Department of Health
State of Alaska
Benjamin Shier
Chief Information Technology Officer
University of Alaska System
Niel Smith
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Department of Administration
State of Alaska
Bill Smith
Chief Information Officer
State of Alaska
Steve Stewart
Information Technology Director
City of Wasilla
Jean Sullivan
Department Technology Officer
Department of Administration
State of Alaska
Kelly Swearingin
Department Technology Officer
Department of Administration
State of Alaska
Chris White
Chief Technology Officer, Operations
Department of Administration
State of Alaska
Vince Yelmene
Department Technology Officer
Department of Transportation and Facilities
State of Alaska
2025 Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:
Heather Earney
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1339
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com