Alaska Digital Government Summit 2026 Banner

Overview

The Alaska Digital Government Summit is where innovation meets impact!

Bringing together the brightest minds in state and local government, this summit empowers public-sector leaders to explore cutting-edge technologies, modernize operations, and solve pressing challenges. From cybersecurity and AI to data governance and digital service delivery, sessions are designed to spark insight, foster collaboration, and accelerate real-world results. Whether you're shaping strategy or implementing solutions, the Summit delivers valuable peer connections and actionable guidance to help move your mission forward.

 

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Over the past few years, the Alaska Digital Government Summit has provided a rare opportunity to bring together industry partners and public sector technology professionals in a single event focused on improving services and security for Alaskans. I look forward to seeing this valuable opportunity continue to grow and I’m extremely grateful to all participants and their commitment to the common mission of serving Alaskans.

– Bill Smith, Chief Information Officer, State of Alaska

Speakers

Frankie Russo

Frankie Russo

8X Inc. 500 Founder, 2X best-selling author, Top Growth Keynote Speaker

Frankie Russo is a visionary in authenticity, imagination and growth. An entrepreneur with a proven track record for using innovative methods to unlock rapid growth. Russo has led multiple companies to remarkable growth landing on the Inc. 500/5000 list 8 years in a row, including 60X growth in three years of his tech company 360ia, leading to an acquisition by a Fortune 500 company. 
Organizations that Russo has collaborated with who have embraced his “Love Your Weird” movement were able to adapt, innovate and grow through massive uncertainty and change. In his latest work Russo shares the critical unlocks for driving unprecedented and continuous growth by leading with authenticity, imagination and generosity.
He is the author of two best-selling books and a sought-after speaker known for transforming organizational cultures and inspiring individual and corporate growth. His keynote experiences are tailored, experiential, and full of actionable insights for fostering a culture of authenticity, imagination and collaboration to unlock breakthrough results and extraordinary transformation and growth. Frankie’s highest calling is his family, and he happily lives with his wife and six children in Louisiana.
More

Agenda

Thursday, October 8

8:00 am Alaska

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

9:00 am Alaska

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Commissioner Paula Vrana, Department of Administration, State of Alaska

9:15 am Alaska

Keynote – Unlock Collective Genius and Fuel Breakthroughs in the Age of AI

In this energizing keynote, Frankie Russo reveals how public sector leaders can unlock collective genius by uniting teams around a shared purpose that fuels meaningful impact in the age of AI. He shows how partnering with AI as a true copilot, not a replacement, helps leaders amplify imagination, accelerate breakthroughs, and bring bold new solutions to life. By examining what’s been holding organizations back, Russo guides audiences to unleash an infinity loop of innovation. Walk away with practical strategies to elevate human potential, harness AI for the greater good, and drive transformational change for the communities they serve.

Frankie Russo, Inc. 500 Founder | Top Growth Keynote Speaker | Best-Selling Author

Sponsored by: Alaska Communications

10:15 am Alaska

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

10:45 am Alaska

AI and Cybersecurity: Ally and Adversary

Artificial intelligence is strengthening cyber defenses while giving threat actors faster, more scalable ways to exploit systems, manipulate information, and disrupt essential services. The expanding Internet of Things adds even more devices, connections, and data to protect. How can public-sector IT leaders embrace AI while preparing for weaponization and the risks created by connected infrastructure? Attendees will learn how to assess emerging threats, identify vulnerable areas, and strengthen security strategies.

11:30 am Alaska

Data Foundations: Governance and Sharing at Scale

High quality, well-governed data is the backbone of most public sector initiatives. The value of analytics and AI depends on the quality and security of underlying data. But how can agencies improve data quality, enforce governance, and achieve true interoperability? This expert panel will examine approaches to strengthening data foundations, from governance frameworks to scalable sharing models, looking into open data projects and public data portals.

12:15 pm Alaska

Lunch

1:15 pm Alaska

Bits and Bytes

In these lightening talks, we’ll hear about two engaging examples of successful use cases and how you can put them to work in your organization.

1:45 pm Alaska

Short Break

2:00 pm Alaska

From Portal to Partnership: The Future of Public Engagement

Effective public engagement requires understanding constituents’ needs and reaching those who may need help. How can agencies use technology to engage communities and serve the public more effectively? Panelists will share practical examples of digital engagement, effective outreach, and strategies for making public services more accessible, responsive, and human-centered.

2:30 pm Alaska

AI Right Now: From Possibility to Practice

AI has moved from experimentation into government operations, creating immediate opportunities to improve productivity, decision-making, and service delivery. Which tools can agencies use today? How do you plan in this new token driven environment? Panelists will share practical use cases highlighting how agencies are applying these tools, along with perspectives on current capabilities and the evolving needs of technology teams. Attendees will gain a clearer view of immediate opportunities and a view into what's coming next.

2:30 pm Alaska

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted By: Bill Smith, Chief Information Officer, State of Alaska

3:00 pm Alaska

Upskilling and the Future of Work

Public sector teams are undergoing a profound shift as emerging technology reshapes roles, skills, and service expectations. How can agencies upskill their workforce, guide employees through change, and build strong succession pipelines amid these rapid changes? This session examines practical strategies for developing AI-ready talent, strengthening organizational resilience, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, while maintaining mission continuity.

3:30 pm Alaska

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

4:00 pm Alaska

From Dial-Up to Digital Twins: 25 Years of the CDG and the Road to 2050

In 2001, "digital government" meant moving paper forms to static PDF downloads. Today, it means real-time, AI-driven resident services, "whole-of-state" cybersecurity, and cloud-native infrastructure that never sleeps. As the Center for Digital Government (CDG) celebrates its 25th anniversary, we invite you to a high-energy retrospective and a forward-looking strategy session that tracks the evolution of the public sector’s digital DNA. We will walk through the "waves" of transformation we’ve navigated together and will provide a roadmap for the next quarter-century of innovation.

4:45 pm Alaska

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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

5:15 pm Alaska

End of Conference

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

Marriott Anchorage Downtown

820 W 7th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 279-8000

Get Directions To
Marriott Anchorage Downtown

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Colin Amundson
Chief Workforce and Finance Officer
Department of Administration/OIT
State of Alaska

Craig Bergquist
Department Technology Officer
Department of Corrections
State of Alaska

Mark Breunig
Cybersecurity State Coordinator
US Department of Homeland Security
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Brian Brubaker
Department Technology Officer
Department of Revenue
State of Alaska

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

Karen Lechner
Department Technology Officer
Department of Labor and Workforce Development
State of Alaska

Keith Lewis
Department Technology Officer
Department of Family and Community Services
State of Alaska

Eva Loera
Department Technology Officer
Department of Commerce and Economic Development
State of Alaska

Sioux-z Marshall
Chief Information Officer
Office of Information Technology
Municipality of Anchorage

Jennifer McCaul
Department Technology Officer
Dept of Law
State of Alaska

Dan Monarch
Chief Information Security Officer
Department of Administration/OIT
State of Alaska

Blake Moore
IT Director
Digital Services
Fairbanks North Star Borough

Chris Murray
IT Director
AlaskaCare Health Policy
Municipality of Juneau Administration

Leonard Robertson
Chief information officer
Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority
State of Alaska owned corporation

Patty Robinson
Department Technology Officer
Department of Natural Resources
State of Alaska

Thor Ryan
Chief Risk Officer
Department of Information Security
State of Alaska Revenue

Myría Shakespeare
Department Technology Officer
Department of Health
State of Alaska

Benjamin Shier
Chief Information Technology Officer
Department of Administration
University of Alaska System

Niel Smith
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Department of Administration/OIT
State of Alaska

Steve Stewart
Information Technology Director
City of Wasilla

Kelly Swearingin
Department Technology Officer
Department of Administration
State of Alaska

Chris White
Chief Technology Officer, Operations
Department of Administration/OIT
State of Alaska

Shay Wilson
Chief Information Officer
Legislature
Alaska Legislature

Vince Yelmene
Department Technology Officer
Department of Transportation and Facilities
State of Alaska

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: October 8, 2026

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:

Timiko Watkins
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1314
E-mail: twatkins@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

Venue

Marriott Anchorage Downtown

820 W 7th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 279-8000