Florida IT Leadership Forum 2025 Banner

Overview

The Florida IT Leadership Forum is a premier event designed for current and emerging public sector IT leaders to explore technological advancements that drive government innovation. The forum emphasizes leadership development, offering participants valuable opportunities to enhance their professional skills, engage in peer networking, and collaborate on strategies to improve public services through technology. This invitation-only event provides a space for leaders to collaborate while addressing the most important policy, management and leadership issues surrounding the future of digital government. Contact us if you’d like to join the conversation!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Robert “Shark” Garland

Robert “Shark” Garland

Speaker, Author, Elite Fighter Pilot, Inventor

Robert “Shark” Garland is a combat veteran and elite fighter pilot of the U.S. Air Force. As an F-15 Eagle instructor at the prestigious Air Force Weapons School (the Air Force’s “Top Gun”), he trained the best of the best, later becoming one of the first test pilots for the cutting-edge F-22 Raptor. He concluded his distinguished career as the CEO of the Weapons School, retiring with the rank of full Colonel. Shark is not only a master aviator but also a multi-degreed inventor who holds a U.S. patent for an innovative cockpit design. These days, he calls Texas Hill Country home, where he and his family operate a ranch and passionately cheer on their beloved Texas A&M Aggies. A 2023 Vistage Top Performing Speaker, bestselling author, and sought-after keynote presenter, Shark now brings his cockpit-tested lessons to the business world as an instructor with the VMax Group—equipping teams to lead boldly, build trust, and improve decision-making.

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Agenda

Tuesday, December 2

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

9:00 am Eastern

Opening Remarks

9:15 am Eastern

Keynote - Debrief to Win: Building Teams that Succeed in Disruption

In times of turbulence and disruption, even the best teams can struggle to stay focused, aligned, and accountable. Overcoming these challenges requires a shift in mindset and the right leadership tools to create resilient, high-performing teams. Learn from a former U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School ("Top Gun") instructor how elite military teams succeed by centering on a shared mission, driving purpose, and embracing accountability as a path to growth, not blame. Walk away with actionable strategies and inspiring insights to help your teams thrive under pressure and achieve lasting success.

Robert “Shark” Garland, Speaker, Author, Elite Fighter Pilot, Inventor, Vmax Group

10:15 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

10:45 am Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Leadership in Action for Emerging Technologies

Future-ready government requires more than adopting the latest technology. It also means preparing people and processes to thrive in a changing landscape. This session will explore how to empower leaders, train teams, and put the right policies and procedures in place to ensure new technologies are implemented responsibly and effectively. Attendees will walk away with strategies to build resilient, future-focused organizations that can adapt and innovate with confidence.

Managing Risk to Unlock Innovation in Government IT

Balancing risk with innovation is one of the toughest challenges facing public sector IT leaders today. This session explores how Proofs of Concept (POCs) and pilot programs can safely test emerging technologies while assessing and managing potential risks. Attendees will walk away with strategies to foster innovation responsibly, ensuring new solutions are both transformative and resilient for their agencies.

Next in Line: Cultivating Emerging Leaders

Great IT leadership doesn’t happen by chance; it is intentionally cultivated. This session explores how to identify emerging leaders and create opportunities for their growth through career development, strategic team dynamics and mentorship. Learn how to build confidence in future leaders, leverage their strengths, and create a culture that fosters leadership at all levels.

11:45 pm Eastern

Lunch

12:45 pm Eastern

General Session: The Future of Public Sector CIOs

The role of the CIO is rapidly evolving from a technology manager to a strategic leader who drives organizational success. Today’s public sector CIOs must collaborate closely with business leaders to align technology investments with agency missions, while also navigating budgeting processes and Legislative Budget Requests (LBRs). This session will highlight how CIOs can strengthen partnerships, influence decision-making, and position IT as a catalyst for innovation and value in government.

1:30 pm Eastern

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:40 pm Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

The True Cost of AI in Government

Implementing AI in government comes with hidden costs that extend beyond technology, including training, governance, and change management. While tools like low-code platforms and AI-powered assistants can speed up analyst work and streamline routine tasks, other areas may not see the same time savings due to complexity and oversight needs. This session will help IT leaders understand where AI truly delivers value and where expectations must be managed for sustainable success.

Expanding the IT Talent Pool

To meet the needs of an evolving workforce, government must draw from diverse talent sources to build strong teams. This session will highlight strategies for attracting skilled professionals, while leveraging apprenticeships and internships to grow the next generation of IT talent. Learn how to create an inclusive recruiting approach that makes your organization a top choice for tech professionals.

2:40 pm Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

3:00 pm Eastern

General Session – The Leadership Challenge: A Public Sector Trivia Showdown

Join us for a fun and engaging session where we’ll put your knowledge to the test with an interactive trivia game! Our panel of experts will be on stage, not just to weigh in on the answers, but to share their insights, experiences, and wisdom along the way. This session will be a perfect mix of learning and laughter - highlighting key themes from the event while keeping things lighthearted and engaging. Don’t miss this chance to reflect, gain new perspectives, and wrap up the day on a high note!

3:45 pm Eastern

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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

4:15 pm Eastern

End of Conference

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

Florida State Conference Center

555 W Pensacola Street
Tallahassee, FL 32306
(850) 644-3801

Get Directions To
Florida State Conference Center

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Pura Ahler
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Department of Health
State of Florida

Jeremy Daniell
Chief Information Officer
FL Department of Elder Affairs

Tim Davis
Chief Information Officer
City of Tallahassee

Paul Forrester
Chief Information Officer
Department of Commerce
State of Florida

Joey Hornsby
Chief Information Officer
Department of Law Enforcement
State of Florida

Andre Smith
Deputy Commissioner of Innovation
Department of Education
State of Florida

Marty Stevens
Chief Information Officer
Department of Environmental Protection
State of Florida

Mike Taylor
Chief Information Officer
Florida League of Cities, Inc.

Mike Turner
Chief Information Officer
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
State of Florida

Industry Representatives

Josh Baker
Regional Account Manager - Public Sector
Fortinet

John Breed
Government Cloud Sales
Google

Brian Sloan
Sr Client Executive
Verizon

Steve Troxel
ASG Field Chief Technology Officer
SHI Public Sector

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: December 2, 2025

This is an invitation-only event, open to Public Sector only. For more information or to request an invitation, please contact Lauren Schoenberger.

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

To RSVP and for general assistance 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

Venue

Florida State Conference Center

555 W Pensacola Street
Tallahassee, FL 32306
(850) 644-3801