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!
The Chicago Regional Digital Government Summit serves as the only platform of its type for IT thought leaders to join together in discussing the important issues we face in the public sector. Collaboration is essential for the development, support, and adoption of best practices in technology, cybersecurity, and overall digital strategy. Hearing from peers and industry partners about what innovation looks like in practice is invaluable to helping us achieve our IT goals and better serve our communities.
- Nick Lucius, Acting Chief Information Officer, City of Chicago
It is my pleasure to invite you to join us at GovTech’s 7th Annual Chicago Regional Digital Government Summit! Please join us as we harness the power of cross-industry collaboration to navigate the dynamic landscape of the digital era. Together, we will explore how to safely incorporate generative artificial intelligence tools into our operations, revolutionize the digital experience for our citizens, and future-proof our applications platforms. This event unites professionals from government and their private sector partners to inspire impactful discussions. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect, learn, and forge valuable relationships that drive innovation in our ever-evolving field. I look forward to meeting you there!
– Tom Lynch, Chief Information Officer, Cook County Government
Monday, May 13 |
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8:00 am Central |
Registration and Morning RefreshmentsGrand Ballroom A and Foyer |
9:00 am Central |
Opening RemarksGrand Ballroom BCNick Lucius, Acting Chief Information Officer, City of Chicago Tom Lynch, Chief Information Officer, Cook County |
9:20 am Central |
Keynote - The Age of Digital Disruption: Moving Forward, FasterGrand Ballroom BCTechnology 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 |
10:20 am Central |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaGrand Ballroom A and Foyer |
10:50 am Central |
Concurrent SessionsCybersecurity Resiliency PlanningStateCybersecurity resiliency planning has become a critical aspect of safeguarding our agencies. Whether it is natural disasters, cyberattacks, societal shifts, or pandemics, the next hurdle is just around the corner. Does your team have a solid understanding of how long services could be down if your agency is disrupted? What actions can agencies large and small be taking to reduce the amount of time constituent services would be impacted? Join this session to better fortify your resiliency and recovery plans to be more prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Moderator: Waseem Khan, Chief Information Officer, City of Rolling Meadows Matthew Osegard, Supervisory Special Agent, Cyber Task Force, FBI Chicago Chuck Ruehling, Chief Information Security Officer, Cook County Brian Yoshino, Cybersecurity Advisor (Chicago), Region 5, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) A Fresh Take on Identity ManagementOgdenWhen dealing with online services, the public demands secure and efficient interactions. To deliver these, government must tackle and prioritize the big world of digital identity management. What are we doing to take the concept of Zero Trust to the next level? Is there a more phishing-resistant way to approach MFA for public logins? Are there situations where we could create and safely execute a single sign-on solution that allows community members to access services from multiple agencies, without violating existing policies or governance? What can we do differently to manage public perception and individual privacy? This session will break down the complex and evolving landscape of identity management, laying the groundwork for streamlined processes and an improved community experience for all. Moderator: Jackie White, National Conference Director, Government Technology Bruce Coffing, Chief Information Security Officer, City of Chicago Jason Donisch, Information, Communications & Technology Director, Will County Blake Hall, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ID.me Kevin Lofy, Senior Solutions Engineer, Okta Engaging Stakeholders to Unlock Modernization & InnovationVan BurenIn today's dynamic landscape, aligning IT endeavors with overarching business strategies is a priority for organizational innovation, and may just be the key to unlocking the funds needed to get your team to the next level. Establishing strong relationships with stakeholders is the key to achieving this alignment. Do you have a holistic understanding of each agency and their existing tech stack? Have your key stakeholders sought to identify the overlap and gaps in the overall enterprise strategy? How does it tell the story about how we’re bringing business value to the community through the services we are providing? Join us to discover strategies for fostering cohesion between IT and business operations, enhancing collaboration, and cultivating innovation. Moderator: Hema Sundaram, Chief Technology Officer, Cook County Eve Jennings, Data Services Lead, City of Chicago Tom Lynch, Chief Information Officer, Cook County Lewis Waldia Powell, Deputy Budget Director - Data Analytics Division, City of Chicago |
11:50 am Central |
LunchGrand Ballroom BC |
12:45 pm Central |
Bits and Bytes - State of the City: A Fireside Chat with City of Chicago Acting CIO Nick LuciusGrand Ballroom BCJoin this session to get to know a bit more about Chicago’s Acting CIO Nick Lucius, and learn about his background and how this is helping to shape the way he is approaching IT’s hottest topics. From seeing the way Chicago is investing in the Department of Technology and Innovation’s staff, all the way to how he and his team are choosing to approach the age of generative AI and data privacy concerns, this is sure to be a thought provoking discussion. Nick Lucius, Acting Chief Information Officer, City of Chicago |
1:15 pm Central |
Short Break |
1:30 pm Central |
Concurrent SessionsAI and the Public Sector: How Do We Unlock the Potential?StateIn today’s rapidly evolving landscape, leveraging AI technology presents an unparalleled opportunity to foster meaningful dialogue, enhance transparency, and promote inclusive decision-making processes within government agencies. Yet with any change, there is also an inherent level of risk involved. What type of use cases have been working for the Chicago region’s IT leaders? Have your fellow thought leaders in this space crafted a policy that helps guide stakeholders toward a policy that allows AI technology to improve workflows while still protecting critical data? Are there limiting factors associated with governance and hesitation from our elected officials? Join this session for thoughtful dialogue on how to begin to embrace AI as a tool for innovation and transformation in the public sector, and what it can mean for you and your organization’s future. Moderator: Omar Sandoval, Chief Information Officer, Government Technology Jason Cummings, Lead Advocate, Local Government and Education, Google Public Sector Patrick Keaton, Industry Technology Leader, State and Local Government, IBM Gene Leynes, Data Scientist, City of Chicago Michael Pegues, Chief Information Officer, City of Aurora Approaching Data Analytics with an AI StrategyOgdenPublic sector IT leaders are tasked with storing and protecting massive volumes of data. Are we unlocking the full potential of the data we’re tasked with storing? Generative AI has changed the way we can look at data analysis to inform our communities in ways we’ve never been able to before. At the same time, do we understand how to do this when our data may contain bias? If you have not made the step toward a more modern cloud-based database, is this the time to make the move so you can add in a solid data strategy? Join this session for thought-provoking dialogue on how you can continue to evolve your approach to big data. Moderator: James R. Farrell Jr., Chief Information Officer, Village of Bolingbrook and GMIS-Illinois President Deborah L. Anderson, Chief Programmer Analyst, City of Chicago Robert Duggan, Chief of Staff, Department of Technology and Innovation, City of Chicago Jayson Dunn, Executive Government Advisor, Amazon Web Services Marques A. Holmes, National Director - SLED, Equinix Responsible Data Strategies in the Era of AIVan BurenUnlocking the full potential of data while ensuring privacy and integrity presents daunting challenges for government organizations. Coupled with AI technology, it becomes even more complex to leverage data effectively for informed and equitable decision-making. Responsible data practices can foster trust, equity, and resilience in government operations and services, and this session explores strategies for defending sensitive data while harnessing the power of AI for equitable outcomes and enhanced security. Moderator: Rod Warren, Executive Director, Department of Technology and Innovation, City of Chicago Rosaella Branson, Chief Data Officer, Cook County Jonathan Levy, Open Data Program Manager, City of Chicago Mimi Whitehouse, Senior Manager, Responsible AI, Governance and Advisory, Accenture Exclusive Briefing for Industry PartnersMonroeHosted by: Nick Lucius, Acting Chief Information Officer, City of Chicago Tom Lynch, Chief Information Officer, Cook County |
2:30 pm Central |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaGrand Ballroom A and Foyer |
2:50 pm Central |
General Session - Embracing Emerging Technology SAFELYGrand Ballroom BCAs government organizations strive to realize the value of Generative AI as a fast-emerging technology, we must also grapple with how best to protect data assets. Having guardrails and an effective governance process in place is more vital than ever, and is essential to ensuring public trust. How should we approach the ethical and regulatory considerations that now must be considered? What are key principles and best practices for navigating the complex landscape of data and AI governance? How would implementing any of these emerging technologies impact the security of the data you are tasked with securing? This session offers insights from some of our region's top thought leaders to help promote transparency, accountability, and ethical use of data and AI technologies to foster trust in their deployment within government organizations. Moderator: Omar Sandoval, Chief Information Officer, Government Technology Bruce Coffing, Chief Information Security Officer, City of Chicago Nick Lucius, Acting Chief Information Officer, City of Chicago Tom Lynch, Chief Information Officer, Cook County Chuck Ruehling, Chief Information Security Officer, Cook County |
4:00 pm Central |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaGrand Ballroom A and FoyerNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors. |
4:30 pm Central |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
151 West Adams Street
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 660-8200
Chris Blanding
Chief Information Officer
Lake County
Adam Clement
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Bureau of Technology
Cook County
Bruce Coffing
Chief Information Security Officer
Bureau of Information Technology
City of Chicago
Jason Donisch
Chief Information Officer
Information, Communications & Technology Director
Will County
Roger Fahnestock
Chief Information Officer
Kane County
James Farrell
Chief Information Officer
City of Bolingbrook
Joel Inwood
Deputy Director of Communications
Bureau of Technology
Cook County
Raymond Kay
Homeland Security Branch Chief
Cook County
Waseem Khan
Chief Information Officer
City of Rolling Meadows
Matthew Kinsey
IT Director
Technology Services
Kendall County
Charles Lasky
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Kane County
Glen Liljeberg
Director of Information Technology
Village of Westmont
Nick Lucius
Acting Chief Information Officer
Office of the Mayor
City of Chicago
Tom Lynch
Chief Information Officer
Cook County
Anthony McPhearson
Chief Information Officer
DuPage County
Jacqueline Nguyen
Director
Department of Information Technology
City of Naperville
Amar Patel
Chief of Strategic Operations and Information Technology
Sherriff's Office
Cook County
Michael Pegues
Chief Information Officer
Information Technology Division
City of Aurora
Bryan Pravel
Technology Information Officer
Cook County Health
Charles Ruehling
Chief Information Security Officer
Cook County
Peter Schaak
Director of Information Technology
Village of Schaumburg
Chris Sternal
Chief Information Officer
City of Joliet
Luke Stowe
City Manager
City of Evanston
Tom Sullivan
Chief Information Officer
McHenry County
Hema Sundaram
Chief Technology Officer
Bureau of Technology
Cook County
Derrick Thomas
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Bureau of Technology
Cook County
Marc Thorson
Director of Regional Technology Services
Northern Illinois University
Rod Warren
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Bureau of Information Technology
City of Chicago
John Zhang
Director
Electrical & Innovation Technology
City of Chicago
Jason Cummings
Cloud Advocate
Google LLC
Marques Holmes
National Director, SLED
Equinix
Able Palacios
Public Sector Sales
ID.me
Eric Westberg
Technology Sales Leader
IBM
Jeremy Yates
Solution Architect Manager
Amazon Web Services
2025 Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:
Heather Earney
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1339
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com