Arizona CIO/CTO Forum 2026
Overview
Arizona’s premier gathering for K-12 IT leadership.
The Arizona CIO/CTO Forum is the go-to event for education technology leaders across the state. Tailored for the unique needs of Arizona’s K-12 IT community, this no-cost, high-impact forum delivers a full day of networking, leadership development, and peer-driven problem solving. Designed for CIOs, CTOs, and their teams, the event offers valuable insights on emerging technologies, operational challenges, and strategic planning. This event helps IT leaders strengthen infrastructure, support digital learning, and drive student success!
Speakers
Agenda
Thursday, November 5 |
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8:00 am Mountain no DST |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area |
9:00 am Mountain no DST |
Opening RemarksElaine Murphy, President, Arizona Technology in Education Association |
9:15 am Mountain no DST |
Keynote – Becoming Awesome: Building a Champion MindsetWhat if failure wasn't something to avoid, but your greatest competitive advantage? In this inspiring and high-energy keynote, U.S. boxing champion Cam Awesome shares how embracing setbacks fueled his journey from a bullied kid to one of the nation's top amateur boxers. Through humor, personal stories, and practical insights, Cam demonstrates how individuals and organizations can build resilience, develop unshakable confidence, pursue bold goals, and create cultures where people feel safe to take risks, innovate, and continuously improve. Attendees will leave energized with actionable strategies for turning challenges into opportunities and developing the mindset needed to achieve breakthrough success.
Cam F. Awesome, 12x National Champion Heavyweight Olympic Boxer, Former Captain of Team USA Boxing, Most Winning Boxer in USA Boxing History Sponsored by: Trafera |
10:15 am Mountain no DST |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Area |
10:45 am Mountain no DST |
Concurrent SessionsStructuring AI Integration: Developing Resources and Guidelines for SchoolsThe Technology Integration Educators at Gilbert Public Schools developed an AI Help website that bridges the gap between curriculum and technology to enhance student learning outcomes. This session details the systematic process of designing AI guidelines, prompts, and tutorials. Presenters will share methodologies for creating and sharing curriculum-aligned resources to support continuous improvement in digital literacy.
Shawn Abele, Instructional Technology Coordinator, Gilbert Public Schools Alec McDaniel, Technology Integration Educator, Gilbert Public Schools Alena Skinner, Technology Integration Educator, Gilbert Public Schools Trusted Learning EnvironmentsJoin three district technology leaders as they share their journey to strengthen student data privacy through AzTEA’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Cohort. This session explores how pursuing TLE Mini Seals (from CoSN) transforms privacy from a compliance task into a collaborative culture of trust. Attendees will also engage in a hands-on diagnostic to evaluate their own district’s privacy landscape and leave with actionable next steps to implement locally.
Luke Allpress, Director of Innovative Solutions, Agua Fria Union High School District Jon Castelhano, Chief Technology Officer, Gilbert Public Schools Shaun Creighton, Director of Instructional Technology, Chandler Unified School District You Are Not Alone: Breaking the District Silo RoundtablesIn most K–12 districts, you’re the only person doing your job. This makes problem-solving lonely work. This session pairs you with peers in the same role from across Arizona for structured roundtables. Trade challenges, swap solutions, and leave with a contact list of people who actually understand what you do. Build the bench now so you have someone to call when something breaks tomorrow.
Rae Mask, IT Supervisor, Balsz Elementary School District Phillip Wilson, Software Architect, Dysart Unified School District From Manual to Autonomous: Automating the K-12 NetworkA candid look at how K-12 IT teams can leverage automation and AI to manage growing network complexity without growing headcount. We'll walk through practical automation strategies for day-to-day operations and share real examples from districts already reclaiming time through smarter tooling.
Jerod Adkins, Account Manager, Advanced Network Management Justin Maroney, Solutions Architect, Advanced Network Management Matt Rhebeck, Solutions Architect, Advanced Network Management Beyond Physical Security: Creating a Unified School Safety StrategyOur dedicated CDW School Safety team leverages our expertise, extensive partner network, and outcome-driven approach to support and enhance school safety programs. Gain insights from renowned experts in school safety, physical security, and social-emotional learning, and participate in interactive workshops designed to provide practical solutions and strategies that can be implemented in your schools.
Daniel Cisneros, Senior Solutions Architect for Physical Security, CDW Education Bryan Krause, Senior School Safety Strategist, CDW Education |
11:45 am Mountain no DST |
Lunch |
12:30 pm Mountain no DST |
General Session – The Digital Footloose Solution: Rebalancing Screen Time for Intentional, Meaningful, and Purposeful Learning |
1:15 pm Mountain no DST |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Area |
1:45 pm Mountain no DST |
Concurrent SessionsEmbracing AI at ASU Preparatory Academy SchoolsAs schools increasingly adopt AI tools, leaders are navigating how to implement them effectively while addressing governance, security, and instructional impact. In this session, ASU Prep shares practical, real-world examples of responsible AI use across a K–12 network. Participants will explore how we align AI with teaching and learning, support educators through targeted professional development, and leverage AI to improve operational efficiency beyond the classroom. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies, implementation insights, and lessons learned to guide AI adoption in their own schools and systems.
Corinne Boxberger, Curriculum Support Services SME, ASU Preparatory Academy Athena Matherly, Executive Director of Product, SME, ASU Preparatory Academy Julie Morgenthal, Chief Technology Officer, SME, ASU Preparatory Academy Erin Toomey, Curriculum Support Services SME, ASU Preparatory Academy Amber Wilkes, Curriculum Support Services, SME, ASU Preparatory Academy Future-Ready Play: Scaling Esports from Middle School to Primary GradesAs esports skyrockets, learn how we scaled a thriving program from middle school to K–5 on PC and Nintendo Switch. We’ll explore Arizona Educational Technology Standards and cross-curricular connections through gaming. Join us for a roadmap on logistics, digital citizenship, and inclusive competition. We’ll demonstrate how esports create a high-interest pathway to future-ready skills for all learners.
Daron Gonzales, IT Customer Support Manager, Tempe Elementary Schools Kelly McClory, Digital Innovator, Tempe Elementary Schools Jessica Monroe, TOSA, The Immersive 9 at Arredondo Afternoon Concurrent SessionTBD Doing more with less….with the support of the communityIn this session, we will discuss how districts are consolidating resources to save money, while providing secure access for all. You will hear from Tech leaders and learn how they are automating and streamlining processes, removing any barriers to access for everyone, and using comprehensive analytics like screen time to make informed decisions about learning resources.
Moderator: Lee Williams, Director of Instructional Technology, Classlink Ruben Montoya, Director of Technology, Litchfield Elementary School District AI in Education: Beyond the Hype—A Teacher-Centered Framework for Smart ImplementationCut through the noise. AI isn't magic or a threat—it's a tool requiring literacy and skill. Join Insight’s CIO Carm Taglienti and former math teacher Joe McAllister as they demystify the AI evolution and reveal why teacher expertise, not technology, drives success. Learn when to deploy agents, how to build them thoughtfully, and why putting educators in control creates safer, smarter solutions. Walk away with a practical framework for evaluating AI tools, understanding their real capabilities, and positioning your district to lead—not follow—in responsible AI adoption.
Joe McAllister, Senior Business Development Manager, Education, Insight Public Sector Carm Taglienti, Chief Information Officer, Insight Public Sector |
2:45 pm Mountain no DST |
Short Break |
3:00 pm Mountain no DST |
Concurrent SessionsVail EdTech Champions: Scaling Campus Support Through the Arizona EdTech StandardsThe Vail EdTech Champions program transforms classroom teachers into site-based leaders, creating a decentralized support system on every campus. By leveraging all seven Arizona EdTech Standards, Vail empowers this cohort to provide peer-to-peer mentorship and instructional leadership. In this presentation, we will share our “Evidence in Action” blueprint for recruiting, training, and sustaining a leadership pipeline that bridges the gap between district technology and effective classroom practice, ensuring every educator has a dedicated expert on-site to support tech integration.
Rita Boyd, Assistant Director of Educational Technology, Vail School District Elaine Murphy, Site Technology Coordinator, Vail School District District Data GovernanceLet’s discuss how our Data Stewards collaborate to manage Data Sources for accuracy and efficiency. This is an opportunity to learn each other’s best practices, and how they evolve…with an emphasis on the word ‘evolve,’ in this ever-changing data landscape.
Lauren Goldfish, Coordinator of Technical Systems, Scottsdale Unified School District Discover How AV and Esports Transform Learning ExperiencesAs esports and Career Technical Education programs become cornerstones of student engagement and recruitment, institutions are turning to advanced audiovisual systems to support these engaging and interactive spaces. Discover how audiovisual technology transforms esports facilities and CTE rooms into immersive environments that connect students, foster community, and increase participation. Dive into practical insights and examples to create thoughtfully designed, AV-enabled spaces tailored to your institution’s unique needs. We’ll also discuss how AV over IP, AV system control, annotation tools, and multi-display setups facilitate collaborative learning, support flexible instruction models, and inspire continual innovation while supporting meaningful student outcomes.
Gabe Giangualano, Esports Solution Manager, Extron |
4:00 pm Mountain no DST |
AdjournConference times, agenda and speakers are subject to change.
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Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
340 North 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-262-2500
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Advisory Board
Education Representatives
Jeff Billings
Director of Information Technology
Paradise Valley Unified School District
Brian Boone
Chief Information Officer
Deer Valley Unified School District
Mark Breen
Chief Technology Officer
Vail School District
Jon Castelhano
Executive Director of Technology
Gilbert Public Schools
Shaun Creighton
Director of Instructional Technology
Chandler Unified School District
Samantha Doyle
Assistant Director
Information Technology
Paradise Valley Unified School District
Dean Farar
Chief Information Officer
Yuma Union High School District #70 and Yuma Elementary School District #1
Pete Flocken
Director of Information Technology
Kyrene School District
Diana Hawari
Chief Information Officer
Dysart Unified School District
Julie Morgenthal
Chief Information Officer
ASU Preparatory Academy
Arizona State University
Elaine Murphy
Site Technology Coordinator
Vail School District
Jennifer Porter
President
AzTEA
Amy Remfrey
Executive Director, Technology and Logistics
Information Technology
Phoenix Union High School District
David Sanders
Chief Technology Officer
Mesa Public Schools
Mike Treguboff
Director of Network Operations
Peoria Unified School District
Nan Williams
Director of Technology Services
Balsz School District
Heather Ziegler
Assistant Director of Learning, Technology, & Innovation
Flagstaff Unified School District
Industry Representatives
Jerod Adkins
Account Manager
ANM
Ryan Christensen
K12 West Manager
CDWG
Tulli Manross
Market Leader
Insight Public Sector
Norman Ruiz
Education Technology Manager
Extron
Lee Williams
Director of Instructional Technology
ClassLink
Registration Information / Contact Us
Event Date: November 5, 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
Center for Digital Government
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
Center for Digital Government
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
Center for Digital Government
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 365-2308
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com