Central Florida Digital Government Summit 2026
Overview
The Central Florida 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.
On behalf of the City of Orlando, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 Central Florida Digital Government Summit. As we stand at the intersection of innovation and public service, our shared mission is clear: to harness technology in ways that make government more responsive, resilient, and ready for the future. Whether it's through more intelligent infrastructure, data-driven decision-making, or secure and seamless digital services, the interactions we will have will shape the communities of tomorrow. Let’s learn from one another, share our successes and setbacks, and leave here not only inspired, but empowered to lead change.
- Roberto Lopez, Chief Information Officer, City of Orlando
Speakers
Dr. Stephanie Carnell
Digital Service Designer and Delivery Manager, City of Orlando
Stephanie Carnell, Ph.D., is the Digital Service Designer and Delivery Manager at the City of Orlando, where she conducts user experience research with residents to improve city services and processes. She began looking for government technology roles after studying Human-Centered Computing at the University of Florida, as her graduate research highlighted how rewarding helping people through technology was. When she's not reviewing survey responses, she spends her spare time learning languages and working through her stack of unread books.
Maurice Draggon
Chief Information Officer, Orange County Public Schools
Maurice Draggon is the Chief Information Officer for Orange County Public Schools. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, along with a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology & Educational Media from the University of Central Florida. He is also a former School Teacher of the year, as well as a 2013 Apple Distinguished Educator.
Maurice is a lifelong educator who has experience as a Classroom Teacher, Resource Teacher, District Administrator, Director, and Senior Director. Using the knowledge gained within each role, he was able to collaborate in the development, implementation, and management of the 1:1 Digital Device program for Orange County Public Schools.
Kyle Ford
Cyber Security Specialist
Kendall Gow, PHR, SHRM-CP
Director of Human Resources for the City of Altamonte Springs
Kendall Gow is the Director of Human Resources for the City of Altamonte Springs, where she is helping redefine the role of HR in the age of artificial intelligence. With over a decade of experience in municipal human resources, she leads initiatives that connect employee engagement, performance, and digital transformation to build a more adaptive, future-ready workforce.
She developed and launched “Herman Resources,” the City’s AI-powered HR chatbot, and continues to drive the practical integration of AI into HR operations. Her work focuses on turning emerging technology into real-world impact by equipping employees at all levels to shift from task-based work to higher-value thinking, decision-making, and creativity.
Kendall is actively involved in innovation efforts across the organization, including work connected to the Altamonte Global Innovation Lab (AGīL), where she helps explore and apply new technologies within the public sector. She is also a founding member of the AI Innovators Alliance, collaborating with leaders across industries to shape the future of work.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Minnesota State University Mankato and maintains SHRM-CP and PHR certifications, along with specialized AI certifications from SHRM and LeadershipAI. Her expertise spans people strategy, workforce planning, digital transformation, and analytics.
Agenda
Thursday, April 23 |
|
8:00 am Eastern |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit AreaAscension Ballroom Foyer |
9:00 am Eastern |
Welcome and Opening RemarksAscension Ballroom |
9:15 am Eastern |
Keynote – The Power of TALK in an AI WorldAscension BallroomIn a world where ChatGPT enables everyone to write like a Harvard graduate, the true power to stand out now lies in verbal communication. Unfortunately, many studies show that the fear of public speaking ranks higher than the fear of death, and those who struggle to talk in front of others will quickly find themselves and their organizations falling behind. Join Anthony Huey for a lively, thought-provoking keynote exploring the power of verbal communication. Anthony helps his audiences understand the importance of perception and how first impressions are primarily formed when we speak, whether in person, virtually, or on the phone. Anthony Huey, CSP, President, Reputation Management, LLC Sponsored By: Cribl |
10:15 am Eastern |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaAscension Ballroom FoyerRefuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsors: Red Hat LLC |
10:45 am Eastern |
From Hype to Help: Responsible AI and Automation in Real Government WorkAscension BallroomGenerative AI grabs attention, but governments need practical automation that delivers real results. Agencies must modernize services, manage growing workloads, and address concerns about bias, data exposure, and workforce impact. This session shares practical examples of extending current platforms with automation and building guardrails that satisfy legal and HR teams. Attendees will learn how to launch pilots that deliver value, choose use cases that support staff, and build AI roadmaps that executives and employees can confidently support. Moderator: Peter E. Miller, Chief Security Officer, Orange County, Florida Maurice Draggon, Chief Information Officer, Orange County Public Schools Kendall Gow, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director of Human Resources, City of Altamonte Springs Kyle Ford, Cyber Security Specialist |
11:30 am Eastern |
Zero Trust in the Real-World with Securing Networks, Identities, and Shadow ITAscension BallroomAs cloud and AI adoption grows, traditional security perimeters no longer protect government systems. Agencies must manage shadow IT, unknown AI tools, and data flowing into unapproved services while modernizing infrastructure with limited staff and budgets. Together, we will explore practical Zero Trust strategies, including identity protection, device and endpoint management, and resilient network design. Attendees will gain actionable approaches to controlling risk, strengthening identity security, and ensuring critical services remain operational during outages or cyber incidents. Moderator: Angela Lowe, M.S., CISSP, Assistant Manager, Information Technology Division, Orange County Comptroller Thomas Beaver, IT Services Dept. Head, Orange County Library System Kevin E. Burns, CIO, City of Melbourne Justin Clark, IT Security Officer, City of Orlando James Loughlin, Information Security Officer, Polk County, Bocc |
12:15 pm Eastern |
LunchAscension Ballroom |
1:15 pm Eastern |
Data Dashboards and Smart Communities to Turning Local Information into Regional InsightAscension BallroomLocal governments collect enormous amounts of data but turning it into actionable insight remains difficult. How can agencies treat data as a shared regional asset to guide infrastructure, economic development, and smart community planning? Here we will illustrate how dashboards support decision-making and long-term planning. We will learn practical approaches to selecting high-value use cases, aligning data across jurisdictions, and building partnerships that create visible, community-level impact. |
2:00 pm Eastern |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaAscension Ballroom FoyerRefuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsors: Red Hat LLC |
2:30 pm Eastern |
Rebranding IT Change Management Workforce with Upskilling and Knowledge TransferAscension BallroomGovernment IT teams are increasingly expected to lead digital transformation while managing retirements, workforce shifts, and skills gaps. How can agencies reposition IT as a strategic partner through effective change management, workforce development, and knowledge capture? Participants will learn practical strategies for developing internal talent, improving digital literacy across departments, and ensuring vendors provide adoption and training support so technology investments succeed long after deployment. Moderator: Rosana Fonseca, Chief Operations and Digital Officer, Orange County Property Appraiser Hossam Reziqa, Chief Information Officer, City of Daytona Beach Charles Smarr, IT Solutions Manager, City of Daytona Beach |
2:30 pm Eastern |
Exclusive Briefing for Industry PartnersWindward Salon A |
3:30 pm Eastern |
Designing the Digital Front Door: Modern Services for Every ResidentAscension BallroomResidents expect government services to work like their favorite apps, simple, mobile-friendly, and available anytime, yet many agencies still rely on disconnected portals and legacy systems that confuse users. Closing out the day, this session discusses how governments can create a true digital front door that connects permits, payments, service requests, and information into a single, modern experience. Gain practical strategies for mapping digital journeys, modernizing legacy systems, designing mobile-first services, and partnering with vendors to deliver flexible, future-ready solutions residents can actually use. Moderator: Carissa Koslow, Associate National Conference Director, Government Technology Santiago Avila Jr., Mayor, City of Deltona Dr. Stephanie Carnell, Digital Service Designer and Delivery Manager, City of Orlando Braeden Loepke, Developer, City of Palm Coast |
4:15 pm Eastern |
Closing RemarksAscension Ballroom |
4:20 pm Eastern |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors. Ascension Ballroom Foyer |
4:50 pm Eastern |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
Marriott Orlando Downtown
400 West Livingston Street
Orlando, FL 32801
407-868-8686
Marriott Orlando Downtown
Advisory Board
Government Representatives
Mike Alba
Director, Teaching & Learning
Department of Teaching and Learning
Seminole County Public Schools
Santiago Avila
Mayor
Mayor and City Commission
City of Deltona
Ben Bartlett
Director
County of Volusia, Florida
Thomas Beaver
IT Dept Head
Orange County Library System
Joneshia Bethea
Deputy Chief Information Officer
City of Orlando
Kevin Burns
Chief Information Officer/Director of Information Technology
City of Melbourne
Raymond Chase
CISO
City of Orlando
Carmen Crespo
Director
Finance
Orange County
Felix Escobar
IT Manager
Information Technology
Orange County Sheriff's Office
Stanley Fidge
Information Security Officer
Port of St. Lucie
Kendall Gow
Deputy Director of Human Resources
Human Resources
City of Altamonte Springs
Adnan Hameed
Deputy Chief Information Security Officer
Information Technology
University of Central Florida
Valiant Highlander
Support Analyst
Tech Support
Bishop Moore
Julio Irizarry
Director of IT
Information Technology
Bishop Moore
Jason Kuhlman
Deputy CIO
City of Orlando
Roberto Lopez
Chief Information Officer
City of Orlando
Haifa Maamar
Director of Information Technology
Full Sail University
Rafael Mena
Chief Information Officer
Orange County
Tracy Mercer
Special Projects Director
Planning
Town of Dundee
Don Merritt
Director, Learning Resources
Office of Instructional Resources
University of Central Florida
Peter Miller
Chief Information Security Officer
Division of Information Systems & Services
Orange County
Kathleen Northey
Chief Information Officer
Tax Collector
Volusia County
Forest Pennington
Deputy IT Director
Information Technology
City of St. Cloud
Parsram Rajaram
City Director
City of Winter Park
Daniel Reis
CIO
County of Orange
Hossam Reziqa
Chief Information Officer
City of Daytona Beach
Brian Ross
Assistant Director
City Of Kissimmee
Rafig Rulz
Aide
District 4 Commissioner
Orange County
John Sember
Director, Strategic Planning and Analysis
City of Altamonte Springs
Alissa Torres
Chief Innovation & Emerging Technology Officer
Office of Orange County Mayor
Orange County
Veronica Valentin
Executive Assistant to the CIO
Information Systems and Services
Orange County
Registration Information / Contact Us
Event Date: April 23, 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:
Lauren Schoenberger
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1408
E-mail: lschoenberger@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