Dallas/Fort Worth Regional 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

Welcome to the Dallas-Ft. Worth Regional Digital Government Summit. This summit is about harnessing that pioneering spirit of public servants to explore how technology can enhance operational efficiency, improve citizen services, and fortify our digital infrastructure for a resilient future. From securing our critical infrastructure to efficiently delivering citizen services, our goal is to collaborate with identifying strategies that strengthen our communities. While we represent dozens of municipalities, we share a common mission: serving our communities. Together, we can innovate more expeditiously and build a more resilient community for all.

– Enrique Martinez Jr., Chief Technology Officer, City of Arlington

Speakers

Saby Waraich

Saby Waraich

Chief Information Officer/Chief Information Security Officer, Clackamas County Community College  

Recognized by Thinkers360 as a Global Thought Leader and Influencer in the Top 10 for Project Management and Business Strategy, and in the Top 50 for Leadership, Saby Waraich is not just a speaker—he's a practitioner in the trenches every single day. Delivering keynotes and workshops that are as inspiring as they are practical, Saby marries actionable insights with a captivating storytelling style. His mission is not just to inspire but to equip you with the strategies needed to excel personally and professionally.
A veteran in driving change and fostering innovation, Saby offers a unique perspective backed by real-world experience. Whether on stage or virtually, his energetic and engaging approach provides the tools you need to stand out as a leader, build trust, and ultimately drive better results. Don't just listen to a speech; gain a professional edge from someone who's living it.

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Agenda

Tuesday, October 21

8:00 am Central

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

9:00 am Central

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Enrique Martinez, Chief Information Officer, City of Arlington

9:20 am Central

Keynote – Have You Ever Jumped from an Airplane? (The Journey of Delivering a Complex Project in the Public Sector)

Large-scale public-sector technology projects are complex, often requiring IT leaders to address technical debt and legacy issues before envisioning future advancements. Launching new projects involves evaluating everything from the RFP process to relationship management, and regulatory compliance. Join Saby Waraich as he shares actionable insights from his journey of transforming a struggling digital transformation project into a success. Discover the strategies he employed to overcome these challenges and understand the true essence of 'jumping out of an airplane' in the context of leading successful digital transformations.

Saby Waraich, Chief Information Officer/Chief Information Security Officer, Clackamas County College

10:20 am Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

10:50 am Central

Concurrent Sessions

Public Sector AI Adoption: Leading Innovation and ROI

Government agencies are leveraging AI to streamline operations, enhance constituent services, and achieve measurable ROI through cost savings. This session will explore real world use cases that balance innovation with security and public trust. The expert panel will discuss AI’s fiscal impact and how to implement low-risk tools and overcome skepticism through targeted upskilling.

Strategic Approaches to Modernization

Modernizing IT infrastructure in the public sector demands strategic decision-making. What are the best collaborative measures? How do you prioritize application rationalization? From cloud vs. on-prem solutions to cost management and compliance, agencies must align technology investments with organizational goals. This session covers modernization use cases and governance frameworks for accountable, efficient service delivery.

Tech-Driven Transit Innovations

Moving people from one place to another is essential when hosting major events like football and the World Cup. What technologies make transportation efficient while enhancing experience? This session focuses on what it takes to transport large numbers of people in a fast-paced city the right way!

11:50 am Central

Lunch

12:50 pm Central

General Session – Bits and Bytes

1:20 pm Central

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:30 pm Central

Concurrent Sessions

Incident Response: Communication and Collaboration

When a cyber incident disrupts government operations, the aftermath demands coordinated recovery, risk mitigation, and clear internal and external communication plans. This session delves into cross agency collaboration and best practices for collective response planning, risk management frameworks and integrated communication strategies.

Developing Tomorrow’s IT Leaders

Leadership in public sector IT requires more than technical expertise; it demands vision, mentorship, and the ability to inspire teams. What does it take to become an effective leader? This session will explore the realities of IT leadership, from career progression and education to motivating teams and fostering innovation. Our experts will share insights on upskilling, succession planning, and mentoring aspiring leaders.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Enrique Martinez, Chief Information Officer, City of Arlington

Tanishia Dorsey, Chief Information Officer (Interim), City of Dallas

2:30 pm Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

2:50 pm Central

General Session – The Government Experience Revolution – Reimagining Personalized Government Delivery

Constituents today expect the same level of seamless, personalized service from government that they receive in the private sector. The Government Experience Revolution is transforming how agencies deliver services, moving from one-size-fits-all approaches to data-driven, user-centric experiences. This session will explore how governments are leveraging AI, digital identity, and advanced analytics to anticipate citizen needs, streamline interactions, and build trust through personalization.

John Metelski, Executive Director, Center for Digital Government

3:30 pm Central

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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

4:00 pm Central

End of Conference

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

Crowne Plaza Dallas-Market Center

7050 N. Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75247
(877) 227-6963

Get Directions To
Crowne Plaza Dallas-Market Center

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Derrick Age
Chief Information Security Officer
City of Dallas

Bryce Carter
Chief Information Security Officer
City of Arlington

Tanishia Dorsey
Chief Information Officer
City of Dallas

Michelle Favors
Business Manager
City of Dallas

Frank Feagans
Chief Information Officer
University of Texas at Dallas

Kevin Gunn
Chief Technology Officer
City of Fort Worth

Melissa Kraft
Chief Information Officer
City of Frisco

Enrique Martinez
Chief Technology Officer
City of Arlington

Cheryl Nifong
Chief Information Security Officer
University of Texas at Arlington

Kevin Oden
Director of Integrated Public Safety Solutions
City of Dallas

Keshnel Penny
Chief Information Officer
Grand Prairie

Sallie Trotter
Deputy Chief Technology Officer
City of Fort Worth

Roger Wright
Chief Information Officer
City of Plano

Industry Representatives

Marques Holmes
National Director, SLED
Equinix

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: October 21, 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:

Kathy Simpson
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1394
E-mail: ksimpson@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

Crowne Plaza Dallas-Market Center

7050 N. Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75247
(877) 227-6963