Summit Dinner

Registration and Breakfast

Welcome and Introductions

Teri Takai, Chief Programs Officer, Center for Digital Government

Em Landon, Vice Chief, Texas Cyber Command (TXCC)

AI Impact on the Future of Cyber Defense

Since the announcements from the major AI providers on the impact of their capabilities on cybersecurity, the topic has dominated the CISO conversations. This panel will have a grounded discussion on the impact of Project Glasswing on the future of cyber defense. We will explore the recent Mythos announcements and how CISOs are planning to take advantage of the offer of funding. What are other major AI providers planning? What are the next steps for CISOs to address the challenges? Are their technology partners ready?

Break

What CISOs Are Really Worried About: Boldly Leading Through the Next Era of Cyber Risk

As CISOs look to the next era of cyber risk, do they have the right executive awareness and understanding? What additional funding will be required? How will they justify funding and staffing? Security leaders will discuss the realities that they face today and those that are emerging – ransomware, AI-enabled attacks, workforce shortages, operational resilience, legacy technology risk, identity threats and growing expectations from executive leadership. Where is AI helping government teams today, what risks are emerging and how can agencies responsibly adopt AI while maintaining trust, governance and human oversight.

Break

Next Gen Identity Management in the AI Era

As state and local governments are piloting the implementation of AI agents, the question of governance is top of mind. This panel will explore how the focus on the next generation of identity management is central to future cybersecurity strategies. The issues of fraud prevention and ensuring citizen digital trust remain at the forefront. But the prospect of agentic AI has expanded the need for identity management that is not only focused on people but also on agents. Discussion topics will include synthetic identities, account takeover, limitations on agent access.

Lunch

Operational Resilience – Preparing for the Day Things Go Wrong

As much as CISOs prepare, there is always the potential for a cyber incident. Whether it is internal or external, it will test the best plans and strategies. This panel will share lessons learned from major incidents and disruptions. Focus areas will include how to ensure executive involvement to seeing crisis leadership, business continuity, disaster recovery, communications, tabletop exercises and recovery planning that actually works under pressure.

Break

From Cybersecurity Program to Strategic Business Capability

The role of the CISO is growing across state and local governments. The have always been a part of the governance and planning but their impact is growing. What is the CISO role in AI governance? Are they becoming the stewards of digital trust? Successful cybersecurity leaders connect cyber investments to organizational priorities, operational outcomes, public trust and executive decision-making. This discussion will focus on the relationship between cybersecurity and the business priorities from the executive office to the legislature to the business agencies and departments.

Break

From Cybersecurity Program to Strategic Business Capability

Join fellow cybersecurity leaders for facilitated peer discussions focused on today's most pressing challenges. These roundtables "continue the conversation" but shift the focus to candid dialogue, the exchange of practical experiences, and identifying actionable strategies that you can take back to your organizations!

Breakout Topic #1: The Role of the CISO in AI Governance: Policies, Ethics, AI Agents, Accountability & Responsible Automation

Breakout Topic #2: Building the Next Generation of Cyber Leaders: Leadership, Skills & Executive Strategies That Work

Breakout Topic #3: Post Quantum Encryption Planning: Proactive Steps to Get Ahead of It

Closing Remarks and Next Steps: In the Driver’s Seat – Navigating

The Road Ahead? What did we miss?

Facilitator: Teri Takai, Chief Programs Officer, Center for Digital Government

Summit Adjourns

Conference times, agenda and speakers are subject to change.