Connecticut Digital Government Summit 2025 Banner

Overview

The Digital Government Summit is an event that brings together public sector leaders and technology professionals to explore innovative solutions to solve government problems. Key themes include cybersecurity, digital transformation, AI implementation, data governance, and fostering collaboration across multiple stakeholders. Attendees will benefit from expert discussions, peer networking, and insights into the future of government technology. Join us and let’s improve the future of government together!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Technology enriches our lives every day. We can no longer imagine what it would be like to provide government services without it. Join me and the leaders driving public sector improvements across the state at the 9th annual Connecticut Digital Government Summit. This Summit provides a unique opportunity for government and technology leaders to discuss our common challenges, learn from industry innovation, and collaborate to better serve our State’s residents. This Summit is relevant to all governmental leaders and practitioners who wish to improve the services we provide. I hope you will join me in building the next generation of government this September in Hartford, Connecticut.

– Mark Raymond, Chief Information Officer, State of Connecticut

Speakers

Shawnee Delaney

Shawnee Delaney

Founder and CEO, Vaillance Group

Shawnee Delaney is the founder and CEO of Vaillance Group and a globally recognized expert in human risk management, insider threat, and security investigations. As a decorated former Clandestine Services Officer with nearly a decade at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), she conducted human intelligence (HUMINT) operations worldwide, including four combat zone tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, ultimately serving as both Detachment Chief and Supervisory Branch Chief. After leaving DIA, Shawnee supported the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in protecting U.S. critical infrastructure with the Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) before leading the creation of insider threat programs at Fortune 500 companies such as Uber and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Shawnee has advised nation-states, multinational corporations, and startups alike on preventing, detecting, and managing insider threats and continues to be a highly sought-after keynote speaker and consultant on insider threat, cybersecurity, and risk management. Her insights have been featured by The Financial Times, Fox Business, The Hill, USA Today, The Cipher Brief, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance and numerous international outlets. She holds master’s degrees in Counter-Terrorism & Counter-Proliferation and Cybersecurity and is currently completing a third in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.

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Graciela Arana-Comas

Enterprise AI Value Strategy Senior Manager, Accenture 

[LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/in/graciela-arana-73a7b588

Graciela Arana-Comas has been a technology and AI strategist at Accenture for over 8 years, where she has garnered extensive experience leading AI and Generative AI initiatives across the public sector and higher education institutions. Prior to her foray into the AI space, she specialized on data analytics and data strategy, leveraging the power of data to enhance digital user experiences. Graciela has diverse experience across technology enablement, functional design, data analytics & reporting, client relationship management, and innovation & process improvement. Outside of work, Graciela is an avid reader and enjoys spending time back home in Puerto Rico with her family.

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Will Arnold

Will Arnold

Principal, Health & Human Services + Labor Marketplace Human Capital Leader, Deloitte 

Will Arnold is a Principal in the Government and Public Service (GPS) Human Capital(HC) practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP. Over the last 20 years he has specialized in the people and change aspects of large-scale system and organizational change initiatives in the Health and Human Services space. Will supports his clients in harnessing the power of digital technologies and achieving sustainable results through the delivery of innovative change management strategies, comprehensive training programs and proven implementation support approaches.
Will leads Deloitte’s GPS Change Services Market offering which includes Training, Strategic Communications and Change Strategy & Analytics. Additionally, Will leads Deloitte’s Human Capital work across the HHS and Labor marketplace.

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Doug Casey

Doug Casey

Executive Director, Commission for Educational Technology, Department of Administrative Services, State of Connecticut

As Executive Director for the Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology, Doug designs and manages his state’s educational technology plan to ensure the successful integration of technology in Connecticut's schools, libraries, universities, and towns. The Commission oversees national and statewide programs such as the federal Digital Equity Program, serves as the governing board of Connecticut’s research and education broadband network (CEN), and provides policy guidance on topics including artificial intelligence, technology sustainability, and student data privacy. He also sits on numerous national leadership boards, including the State Educational Technology Directors Association.
Doug’s prior experience includes managing technology and security for CREC, a network of magnet schools that are helping to close the achievement gap between urban and suburban learners. He began his career as a middle school English teacher and brings a diversity of experience to every challenge — from managing online publications for the Smithsonian Institution to systems engineering for the U.S. House of Representatives and national security agencies. He holds a BA from the College of William & Mary, MA from Georgetown University, and MS from George Washington University. Outside of work, Doug enjoys time with family, mission work, and triathlon.

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Jamie Gamble

Jamie Gamble

Customer Success Manager, CT Administrative Services-BITS, State of Connecticut

Jamie Gamble is a dynamic, charismatic communicator with over a decade of experience as an IT leader in the public sector.  Throughout his career, Jamie has partnered with numerous agency leadership teams, providing strategic IT guidance to help them achieve their missions. 
In his hometown of South Windsor, Jamie dedicated to community service, having contributed as a member of the Board of Education, a Town Councilor, and a Cub Scout Pack Leader.  His passion for helping others reach their goals and fostering an environment of growth is evident in all his endeavors.

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Dan Giacomi

Dan Giacomi

Director of Program Oversight and Grants Administration, Department of Social Services, State of Connecticut

Dan brings over 17 years of leadership experience across Connecticut state government, specializing in social services administration and policy development. Since 2017, he has served as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Director for the Connecticut Department of Social Services, directing the state's largest anti-hunger initiative that provides critical food assistance to over 490,000 Connecticut residents annually. In April 2023, Dan's role expanded significantly when he was selected to lead DSS' Program Oversight & Grants Administration Division. In this capacity, he now oversees a comprehensive portfolio including Medicaid Eligibility, Cash Assistance, Energy Assistance, and Block Grants in addition to his work in SNAP policy. Dan has been a leader in the agency's digital transformation, spearheading the implementation of innovative client-focused technologies including a texting platform, the MyDSS Progressive Web App, and an automated chatbot system. Through these modernization efforts he seeks to ensure the residents of CT have streamlined access to services and significantly improved the experience when seeking assistance.

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Al Martin

Al Martin LinkedIn

Vice President, IBM

Al brings 25 years of deep technical experience in IT development, support, services, and technical sales.

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Gene Meltser

Gene Meltser

Chief Information Security Officer, State of Connecticut

Gene Meltser is the Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Connecticut. Gene has spent his entire 25 year career in security industry, as a consultant, researcher, penetration tester, and technical leader. Prior to joining the State of CT, Gene was the VP of Assurance at Trail of Bits, a cybersecurity research, engineering and consulting firm based in New York. Prior to Trail of Bits, Gene was a VP of Security Services at New York City based NCC Group, a global security assurance and advisory firm, where he was responsible for leading all aspects of offensive security consulting.
Prior to NCC Gene has held leadership and technical roles Neohapsis, Cisco and @stake, a pure play security consultancy based out of Boston, MA. Gene resides with his family in Avon, CT.

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Mike Provencher

Mike Provencher

CT Director of Technologies, Tyler Technologies 

With over 22 years of experience in service delivery and digital innovation, Mike is the Director of Technology at Tyler Technologies, where he leads their Hartford-based development team. He has played a key role in delivering essential services for the State of Connecticut and is passionate about creating inclusive technology that improves access to vital government services. Mike holds a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Southern New Hampshire University.

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Jeff Reichard

Jeff Reichard LinkedIn

Vice President Solution Strategy - Office of the CTO, Veeam Software 

Jeff Reichard is Vice President Solution Strategy in the Office of the CTO at Veeam. Jeff drives strategic product and go-to-market engagement with alliance partners and enterprise customers, with a particular focus on risk and compliance. He has 25 years of experience in data protection/availability, business continuity, and regulatory compliance solutions. His previous roles have ranged from designing SAN and data backup solutions to systems engineering and engineering leadership serving public sector and enterprise customers. Prior to Veeam, Jeff most recently led Commvault’s federal civilian SE team. At Veeam, Jeff works with partners, customers and industry analysts to evangelize Veeam's vision for modern data protection at key events worldwide.

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Jonathan Shaw

Jonathan Shaw

National Director of State Strategy, Fortinet

Jonathan serves as the National Director of State Strategy at Fortinet. Prior to joining Fortinet, Jonathan served the State of North Carolina in various appointed leadership positions for two separate Governor’s administrations.
Most recently, Jonathan served as the Chief Operating Officer of the NC Department of Information Technology. As COO, Jonathan ran all aspects of operations within the department and its nearly $1.2billion budget as well as the state’s $1.5 billion Statewide IT Procurement Office. He managed the Legal Division, Chief Procurement Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Legislative Affairs, Human Resources, Communications and Facilities.
Jonathan began his service to the department when he was appointed to be the General Counsel. In that role, he managed the Department ‘s legal department, with a focus on complex IT contract negotiations and legislative affairs. He also wrote the legal structure for the State’s Office of Broadband and Digital Opportunity which is set to distribute over $2billion in state and federal funds.
Prior to joining DIT, Jonathan spent over a decade with the NC Department of Justice where he was a Special Deputy Attorney General representing various state agencies including DIT where he served as legal counsel to the Statewide IT Procurement Office negotiating IT contracts for all state agencies.
Jonathan is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill and the North Carolina Central School of Law. He is a self-proclaimed rabid fan of Carolina Basketball and a lifelong Tar Heel.

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Jen Tooker

Jen Tooker

First Selectwoman, Town of Westport

Prioritizing practical solutions over politics and bringing people together to solve tough problems are the hallmarks of First Selectwoman Jen Tooker’s leadership. In government, and as a successful business executive with almost 25 years of management experience in the international property/casualty reinsurance industry, Jen has employed these skills to get challenging things done.
For the last decade, as First Selectwoman and Second Selectwoman prior to that, Jen has been instrumental in Westport’s rise as one of the most desirable and well-run municipalities in the nation. She has been responsible for significant upgrades to the Town’s infrastructure and amenities, building an ever more vibrant business community, increasing access and quality of town services for residents, advancing Westport’s public safety, and ensuring that Westport continues to be the best place to live, work, play, and learn in the region – a place where everyone is welcome and feels like they belong.
Over the years, Jen served on Westport’s Board of Finance, Conservation Commission, and Board of Education. As Second Selectwoman, Jen worked on a number of important initiatives to promote the positive development of our children such as Westport Together, an alliance between the Town and Westport Public Schools that revitalized and rebranded its longstanding partnership to engage more of our community partners, strengthen programming and enhance coordination among other non-profit community agencies.
In 2018 Jen launched Westport Means Business - a series of events that bring local business owners and entrepreneurs together to establish connections, exchange ideas and promote Westport as the best place to start and grow a successful business. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Business Development Council, which provides entrepreneurial training, financial education and professional development to current and aspiring female small business owners across Connecticut.
Most recently, Jen worked with Westport residents to launch StartUp Westport - a unique, public-private partnership ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors and innovators designed to engage, foster and grow Westport’s innovation ecosystem.
A dedicated community volunteer, Jen has donated her time to a number of local organizations including the Westport-Weston Family YMCA Board of Trustees, the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club, the Sunrise Rotary 21st Century Foundation Board, the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund Committee, and as a coach for the Westport Soccer Association.
Jen earned her degree in Economics and International Studies from the University of Notre Dame. She and her husband Mo have three children, Jack, Riley, and Nicole.

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Agenda

Thursday, September 4

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Ballroom C

9:00 am Eastern

Opening Remarks

Ballroom B

Mark Raymond, Chief Information Officer, State of Connecticut

9:20 am Eastern

Keynote - The Art of Espionage: Spycraft in the Digital Era

Ballroom B

Espionage isn't just a plot in thrillers; it's a real and present danger. Doubtful you could be enticed into the world of spying? Think again. Our speaker, a former Case Officer (spy), will unveil her methods for identifying and recruiting individuals across various industries—revealing tactics from casual conversations at airport lounges to sophisticated surveillance operations. This insightful presentation dives deep into the clandestine world of espionage and its implications for your organization. Learn about the espionage toolkit, which blends traditional human intelligence methods with cutting-edge cyber security tactics. This talk will illuminate how today's adversaries, including hackers, nation-states, and organized crime rings, employ espionage techniques reminiscent of those used by spies. Equip yourself with the knowledge to detect and defend against espionage, whether you're facing a human operative, or a cyber threat.

Shawnee Delaney, CEO, Vaillance Group and Former Spy

10:20 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Ballroom C

10:50 am Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Balancing Innovation and Responsibility in AI Adoption

Meeting Room 22/23

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing government operations, offering new efficiencies and capabilities. How can agencies adopt AI while maintaining security, compliance, and public trust? This session will explore practical AI use cases and strategies for overcoming skepticism through preparedness and upskilling. Industry leaders will share insights on responsible implementation, helping attendees navigate the evolving landscape of AI adoption.

Moderator: Tom Armstrong, Director of IT Strategy and Enterprise Architecture, Department of Administrative Services – BITS, State of Connecticut

Graciela Arana-Comas, Enterprise AI Value Strategy Senior Manager, Accenture

Ralph Valenzisi, Assistant Superintendent of Digital Learning and Innovation, Norwalk Public Schools, City of Norwalk

Cyber Smart: Strengthening Government through Cybersecurity Literacy

Meeting Room 24

Our digital lives are shaped by the balance between convenience and vulnerability. How can public sector leaders and constituents manage data and identity risks to bolster cybersecurity? In this session we’ll explore the intersection of cybersecurity and civic responsibility, examining vulnerabilities that stem from gaps in awareness. Join us to unpack what’s acceptable, what’s at stake, and most importantly, what you can do right now to protect yourself and your organization.

Jonathan Shaw, National Director of State Strategy, Fortinet

Ryan Kocsondy, Executive Director, Connecticut Education Network, University of Connecticut

Gene Melster, Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Administrative Services – BITS, State of Connecticut

Access for All with Inclusive Technology

Meeting Room 25

Public sector agencies have a powerful opportunity to create more inclusive digital experiences, supported by evolving accessibility standards and an expanding set of resources. But how can IT leaders ensure their efforts truly benefit everyone in their communities? This session will explore emerging tools, share real-world challenges governments face, and offer practical, people-centered strategies to advance digital accessibility. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to meet compliance goals and to create services that work better for all.

Moderator: Jeff Corriveau, Deputy Director for Digital Experience, Department of Administrative Services – BITS, State of Connecticut

Doug Casey, Executive Director, Commission for Educational Technology, Department of Administrative Services, State of Connecticut

Mike Provencher, CT Director of Technologies, Tyler Technologies

11:50 pm Eastern

Lunch

Ballroom B

12:50 pm Eastern

Bits and Bytes

Ballroom B

In these use case focused Ted-style lightning talks, we’ll explore public sector success stories.

1:20 pm Eastern

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:30 pm Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Building Trust in the Digital Age

Meeting Room 22/23

Trust is the foundation of effective government services. How do we personalize services without compromising privacy? This session explores how digital identity and data can help agencies deliver secure and personal services while safeguarding privacy. We’ll debunk myths about who engages digitally, highlight real-world examples, and share practical strategies to strengthen public confidence in digital government. Attendees will gain insights into how transparency, usability, and responsible technology can drive trust and adoption at scale.

Alfredo Herrera, Geographic Information Officer, Office of Policy and Management, State of Connecticut

Michelle Riordan-Nold, Executive Director, Data Collaborative, State of Connecticut

Storytelling & Change: Leading Teams Through Innovation

Meeting Room 24

Change moves at the speed of trust. As technologies like AI reshape public services, government faces a critical challenge: how do we foster confidence and clarity amid uncertainty? This session explores the power of storytelling and change management to demystify transformation, build shared purpose, and motivate lasting behavior change. Attendees will hear practical strategies for engaging teams and ensuring innovation works for the people it’s meant to serve.

Moderator: Max Gigle, Deputy Director of Digital Product, Department of Administrative Services-BITS, State of Connecticut

Rachel Leventhal-Weiner, Director of Research and Evaluation, Office of Policy and Management, State of Connecticut

Jen Tooker, First Selectwoman, Town of Westport

Will Arnold, Principal, Health & Human Services + Labor Marketplace Human Capital Leader, Deloitte

Al Martin, VP, IBM Technology

Human-Centered IT Strategy

Meeting Room 25

Collaboration between IT and business leaders, early and often, is the key to building solutions that truly solve the right problems. But how do public sector teams select the right technologies while balancing urgency, complexity, and long-term value? This session dives into the intersection of business processes and IT strategy to explore service design, performance management, and lifecycle planning. You’ll learn how to anticipate challenges, conduct targeted needs assessments, and accelerate innovation.

Moderator: Jamie Gamble, Customer Success Manager, CT Administrative Services-BITS, State of Connecticut

Dan Giacomi, Director of Program Oversight and Grants Administration, Department of Social Services, State of Connecticut

Jeff Reichard, Vice President Solution Strategy - Office of the CTO, Veeam Software

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Meeting Room 21

Hosted by: Mark Raymond, Chief Information Officer, State of Connecticut

2:30 pm Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Ballroom C

2:50 pm Eastern

General Session - AI 2025 - From Administrative Assistance to Agentic AI

Ballroom B

As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, organizations are moving beyond AI as a simple administrative assistant to leveraging more autonomous, decision-making "agentic AI." This session will explore the transition from task-based automation to AI systems capable of reasoning, adapting, and executing complex workflows with minimal human intervention. Attendees will gain insights into how governments can harness these advancements while ensuring transparency, control, and alignment with human goals. Whether you're an executive, technologist, or policymaker, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the AI landscape of 2025 and beyond.

Barry Condrey, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

3:30 pm Eastern

Networking Reception

Ballroom C

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

4:00 pm Eastern

End of Conference

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

Connecticut Convention Center

100 Columbus Blvd
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 249-6000

Get Directions To
Connecticut Convention Center

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Leigh Applebee
Director of Communications
Department of Administrative Services
State of Connecticut

Tom Armstrong
Director for Enterprise Infrastructure
Department of Administrative Services
State of Connecticut

Chris Bernard
Chief Information Security Officer
Jackson Laboratory

Valter Borges
Deputy Director of Digital Technology and Operational Excellence
Department of Administrative Services
State of Connecticut

Doug Casey
Executive Director
Commission for Education Technology
State of Connecticut

Jeff Corriveau
Deputy Director, Digital Government and Operational Excellence
Department of Administrative Services
State of Connecticut

Irene Garcia
Deputy Director of Agency Success
Department of Administrative Services
State of Connecticut

Scott Gaul
Chief Data Officer
Office of Policy and Management
State of Connecticut

Max Gigle
Deputy Director of Digital Product
Department of Administrative Services
State of Connecticut

Michelle Gilman
Commissioner
Department of Administrative Services
State of Connecticut

Justin Hickey
Deputy Chief Information Security Officer
Bureau of Information Technology Solutions
CT Department of Administrative Services

Ryan Kocsondy
Executive Director of Connecticut Education Network
IT Department
State of Connecticut

David Labbadia
Director of Digital Government
Department of Administrative Services
State of Connecticut

Dawn Lavalle
Director
Division of Library Development
State of Connecticut

Gene Meltser
Chief Information Security Officer
Department of Administrative Services
State of Connecticut

Jared Morin
Information Technology Director
IT Depertment
Town of West Hartford

Chris Paulin
Military Information Technology
Department of the Military
State of Connecticut

Mike Pensiero
Chief Information Officer
IT Department
City of Stamford

Naveen Prathikantam
Director of Information Technology
Department of Criminal Justice
State of Connecticut

Mark Raymond
Chief Information Officer
Department of Administrative Services
State of Connecticut

Scott Roberts
Assistant Town Manager, Chief Information Officer, Emergency Management
Town of South Windsor

Scott Smith
Chief Information Officer
IT Department
City of Bristol & Bristol Public Schools

Ralph Valenzisi
Assistant Superintendent for Digital Learning & Innovation
Norwalk Public Schools
City of Norwalk

John Walshaw
Director of Infrastructure Services
Department of Administrative Services
State of Connecticut

Eileen Zhang
Director of Information Technology
IT Department
Town of Westport

Industry Representatives

Kevin Antisdale
Senior Account Manager
Amazon Web Services

Rob Davis
Account Technology Leader
IBM

Scott Deluca
Senior Account Executive
Salesforce

Scott Dwelle
Named Account Manager
Fortinet

Evan Holahan
Client Executive
Verizon

Justin MacArthur
Strategic Account Manager
Salesforce

Mani Murahari
Principal
Deloitte

Paul Noren
General Manager
Tyler Technologies

Carol Toomey
Managing Director
Accenture

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: September 4, 2025

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:

Amanda Wallace
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1315
E-mail:awallace@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

Connecticut Convention Center

100 Columbus Blvd
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 249-6000

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Room Block

Hartford Marriott Downtown
200 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT 06103

Room Rate: $259/night, single or double.
Rate Cut-Off Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
To make a reservation in the room block please contact LaChanna Franklin at (860) 754-4704 and reference the “Connecticut Digital Government Summit”.

Rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, once the room block is full, you will need to make other arrangements for your accommodations with the hotel directly at 860-249-8000 or at another nearby hotel.

Map and Directions

https://www.ctconventions.com/directions/

Event Parking

Parking Rates:

$5 first hour
$2 each additional hour
$23 Daily Maximum 

Marriott Hartford Downtown Overnight guests:
$30 Valet (taxes & fees NOT included)
$23 Self-Park overnight

Parking fees subject to change without notice.

Read more: http://ctconventions.com/visitors/parking/