Name: Florida IT Leadership Forum 2024
Start: 2024-11-12T08:00
Location: Florida State University Student Union

Overview

The IT Leadership Forum brings together current and emerging technology leaders with the industry partners that support them. 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

Glendora Fortune

Chief Information Officer, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

In June 2023, Glendora was appointed as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Prior to this role, she served as the CIO for the Florida Legislature. Before her time with the Legislature, she spent nearly a decade at FDOT, where she led initiatives to enhance data infrastructure and management capabilities and further advance the development of enterprise services and service management. She also played a pivotal role in establishing and executing cloud infrastructure and development strategies, significantly accelerating the department’s transition to a cloud environment. Glendora is a collaborative leader, committed to fostering and strengthening relationships. She works diligently to ensure that technology is leveraged to optimally support business needs.

Phil Bertolini

Senior Vice President, Government Technology

Phil Bertolini is a senior vice president for Government Technology, the premiere event and thought leadership content provider for state and local government technology professionals. Previously, he served as deputy county executive and CIO for Oakland County, Michigan. During his 31-year tenure, Phil built a world-class IT organization in the second-largest county in Michigan, just north of Detroit. As Oakland County CIO, he oversaw more than 150 employees serving over 1.2 million residents. In 2005, he was also promoted to deputy county executive, holding dual positions until his retirement. Phil’s efforts earned the county national attention, winning numerous awards for technology innovation and excellence. He was named Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year and Government Technology Magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers. He was also honored by the President Obama White House as a Champion of Change.

Franklin Foster

Segment Marketing Leader, Equinix

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, a telecom veteran with almost two decades with AT&T, serving in a number of capacities from Retail, to Service Management, Sales Ops & Enablement. Most notably, Sales to the Public Sector supporting agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture, Veterans Affairs and Health & Human Services. Left the halls of telecom, and spend a couple of years in cloud at Microsoft, leading a global team of Technical Presales Consultants supporting Azure Infrastructure for Microsoft Partners in the U.S., LATAM, EMEA & India. Now assisting Sales with Market Analysis, Business & IT Research, Field Engagement & Digital Strategy Briefings through Segment Marketing at Equinix. 
Franklin Foster, is a Segment Marketing leader, supporting the Equinix public sector organization. In this capacity he works with customers on digital strategy initiatives. A telecom veteran with almost two decades with AT&T, his experience includes, retail, service management, sales operations and enablement. He also spent several years at Microsoft, where he led a global team of Technical Presales Consultants supporting Azure Infrastructure for Microsoft Partners in the U.S., LATAM, EMEA & India.

Will Armstrong

Information Security Manager, Agency for Healthcare Administration, State of Florida

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
Chief Information Security Officer
HIPAA Privacy Officer
Local Agency Security Officer
Will Armstrong is the Chief Information Security Officer and HIPAA Privacy Officer for Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration, which is responsible in part for administering Florida’s Medicaid program and licensing Florida’s health care facilities. He has over 23 years of public health experience and has served in public communication as well as health provider education prior to his HIPAA and cybersecurity roles. He is a Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer and a Certified HIPAA Professional. Will currently supports Florida’s module modernization of its Medicaid program in addition to his other duties. Will is a lifetime resident of the Florida panhandle and resides in Tallahassee, FL.

Todd Bayley

Chief Information Officer for Pasco County, Board of County Commissioners

Mr. Bayley provides leadership for the continued development of an innovative, robust, and secure information technology environment for the County.
The primary responsibilities of his office encompass a wide variety of strategic technology issues:
Governance and policy
Resource allocation
Information technology protocols
Strategic digital technologies and performance tracking
Pasco County Information Technology supports fifty-seven different lines of business for delivering IT infrastructure and services, information security systems and compliance, administrative systems, and client support services. In addition, the department is responsible for network and telephony needs for the 6th Judicial Court Administration, State Attorney, Public Defender, Guardian Ad Litem, and Misdemeanor Probation, as well as five constitutional offices: (1) Pasco Sheriff’s Office (Telephony only), (2) Pasco Tax Collector, (3) Supervisor of Elections, (4) Property Appraiser, (5) Clerk of the Court and Comptroller.
Mr. Bayley has been in the Information Technology field for 42 years; he holds three master’s degrees from Florida State University (MPA) and Liberty University (MBA, MAML). Bayley is a Certified Public Manager (CPM), a Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO), and a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran.
Mr. Bayley currently serves as the president of FLGISA (Florida Local Government Information Systems Association) for 2024/2025 and on the technical advisory board for Pasco-Hernando State College.

Hansa Bernal

Senior National Conference Director, Government Technology

Eric Brown

Chief Information Officer, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, State of Florida

Eric was named the Chief Information Officer in October 2020. Prior to joining the department, he managed a private IT consulting firm and served as the Chief of Service Operations at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles where he led complex technical project implementations and operations. Eric earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Applied Social Science degrees from Florida A&M University. Eric also holds several professional certifications which include the Certified Information Security Manager, Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer, Project Management Professional, Certified Public Manager, and a Florida Certified Contract Manager.

George Freeman

Sr. Solutions Consultant, Fraud & Identity, LexisNexis® Risk Solutions 

George Freeman is a seasoned cyber security and identity expert across the public and commercial sectors. He works closely as a subject matter expert and consultant to help agencies improve their cyber security posture and understand evolving identity threat landscapes resulting from increasing use of stolen identities, fake identities, and malicious BOTs. George works closely with agencies and organizations to scope real-time solutions for rapid cyber security and modernization shifts and create digital trust with constituents. Use cases include solving state agency public benefits web portal fraud, integrating with leading Identity and Access Management (IAM) vendors, and work-from-home remote access fraud.

Dean Gialamas

General Manager, Internal Services Department, Executive Offices, Los Angeles County

Dean Gialamas is an executive manager for the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department (ISD). In that role, he currently oversees ISD’s Enterprise Performance and Accountability efforts on matters relating to business development, accountability systems and innovation via continuous improvement. ISD is LA County's essential support services provider with more than 5,100 employees and contractors operating with a budget of over $1B supporting the county’s 38 departments.
With experience in both the private and public technology sectors, he has over thirty-three years of progressively responsible experience in government leadership with nineteen of those years in high-level executive management. He is an accomplished author, presenter, instructor, and innovator.  In his spare time, he manages his own corporation that specializes in leadership development and high-performance executive coaching as well as enjoys the outdoors mountain biking. 

Brian Langley

Senior Executive Advisory, Critical Infrastructure Program, Cyber Florida

Bryan J. Langley was appointed as the Senior Advisor at Cyber Florida to lead and coordinate public and private efforts developing Florida’s critical infrastructure risk assessment, to include writing a report to the Governor, Legislator, and the Cybersecurity Advisory Council with recommendations to protect FL’s critical infrastructure from major cybersecurity incidents and events.
Previously, Bryan served as the senior vice president of defense development at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, where he implemented the strategic plan for long-term state investment in the defense marketspace, with the goal of tripling federal defense investments by December 2024.
Bryan served as executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Advisory (HSA) for US DHS, where he oversaw the State Fire Marshalls Office, Emergency Management, State Building Commissioner and chaired Indiana’s School Safety and Cybersecurity Boards.
He served as global security manager at Columbus-based Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) and as a senior consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton Consulting. He also worked in the White House as the U.S. assistant chief of protocol under the George W. Bush administration.

Dr. Kimberly A. Moore

Chief Innovator/Principal, Envision Moore Consulting Group 

Dr. Kimberly Moore is a visionary workforce innovator and Chief Innovator at Envision Moore Consulting Group, guiding organizations through pivotal transitions in workforce development and education. With over two decades of experience, she has held impactful leadership roles as CEO of a regional workforce and economic development organization, achieving measurable outcomes for businesses and communities, and as Vice President for Workforce Innovation in academia, where she championed pioneering work-based learning and workforce strategies. A recognized national presenter on workforce innovation, she is known for creating actionable solutions for scalable workforce initiatives and fostering effective cross-sector partnerships. Dr. Moore’s extensive national board service includes roles with Omicron Delta Kappa, The Myers-Briggs Company, MakerUSA and Rutgers University’s Hidden Innovation Advisory Board, showcasing her commitment to advancing leadership and innovation on a national scale.   

Chief Technology Officer, Office of Information Technology, FL Gaming Control Commission 

Ginny is the first Chief Technology Officer for the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) and has been directly involved with setting up the commission’s cloud-based infrastructure. Before joining the commission, she was the Chief of Infrastructure and Operations at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), responsible for all FDACS infrastructure and data center operations. She has also held positions in IT at several other state agencies. Ginny graduated from Florida State University, earning her Bachelor's and Master of Information Technology degrees.

Michelle Taylor

Chief Information Officer, Leon County Government

Michelle Taylor is the Chief Information Officer since January of 2020 for the local government of Leon County, Florida, where she previously served as the Director of IT Operations. Prior to her career with Leon County, Michelle held technology positions with The Florida State University’s College of Law, Department of Biological Sciences, and College of Education. Michelle received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science from The Florida State University and is a Certified Government Chief Information Officer through FSU’s Florida Institute of Government. Michelle has three decades of experience in successful IT hiring.

Zach Thorn

National Conference Director, Government Technology

As National Conference Director for Government Technology magazine, Zachary produces, manages and emcees government IT conferences throughout the country.

Will Watts, Jr., P.E.

Assistant Secretary of Engineering and Operations

Will Watts has broad public agency and consulting firm experience in delivery and leadership positions. He has a progressive career path in both production and operations from design through program management. He has spent good part of his career, last as the Director of Operations, in northwest Florida. Will relocated to Tallahassee when he was appointed as the Chief Engineer before being appointed as the Assistant Secretary of Engineering and Operations for the Agency. This background includes hands on delivery, field execution in communities, completing complex projects under accelerated schedules, and statewide strategic program leadership. His whole career has been serving FDOT and working for the residents of Florida with a priority for a target of zero for safety, expanding workforce development, advancing technology, ensuring a robust supply chain, and implementing resiliency strategies for our local communities.

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Agenda

Tuesday, November 12
8:00 am Eastern	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Pre- Function Area/ Ballroom D
9:00 am Eastern	Opening Remarks Ballroom E Michelle Taylor, Chief Information Officer, Leon County Government
9:15 am Eastern	General Session - Bridging Technology and Business: A Conversation with Florida's Transportation Leaders Ballroom E Join us for an insightful fireside chat with the CIO and Secretary of the Department of Transportation in Florida, as they discuss how technology and business strategies align to drive innovation and efficiency in transportation. They will explore the importance of collaboration between IT and business teams to meet the state's infrastructure goals. Gain valuable perspectives on how technology is shaping the future of transportation and public service. Moderator: Hansa Bernal, Senior National Conference Director, Government Technology Glendora Fortune, Chief Information Officer, Florida Department of Transportation Will Watts, Jr., P.E., Assistant Secretary of Engineering and Operations
9:45 am Eastern	General Session - Navigating the Future While Honoring the Past: A Fireside Chat on Digital Transformation for IT Leaders Ballroom E In a time when digital innovation is non-negotiable, IT leaders are confronted with the dual task of modernizing outdated infrastructure and evolving longstanding mindsets. How can leaders effectively challenge and change deep-seated attitudes that may hinder critical IT advancements? What strategies can be employed to integrate cutting-edge solutions while maintaining the operational integrity of legacy systems throughout the transition? This fireside chat will provide crucial insights into the art of balancing forward-thinking digital initiatives with the practical demands of existing infrastructures, all aimed at enhancing public service delivery. Join us for a session that promises to equip you with the knowledge to manage this delicate equilibrium effectively. Moderator: Phil Bertolini, Senior Vice President, Government Technology Franklin Foster, Segment Marketing Leader, Equinix
10:15 am Eastern	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Ballroom D
10:45 am Eastern	Concurrent Sessions Leadership in the Era of Emerging Technologies Room 2213 True leadership in the fast-paced realm of IT leadership extends beyond mere awareness – it requires the ability to guide your teams adeptly through transformative periods. Are you equipped with the necessary skill sets to lead effectively amidst emerging technological challenges? This session offers unique perspectives on how to lead in this rapidly evolving technological landscape, balance risk with strategic decision making, and drive transformative change within your organization ensuring its readiness for tomorrow. Moderator: Bryan Langley, Senior Executive Advisory, Critical Infrastructure Program, Cyber Florida Will Armstrong, Information Security Manager, Agency for Healthcare Administration, State of Florida Sean Maxwell, Customer Engineer, Infrastructure, Google Bridging the Divide: Synergizing Business and IT Ballroom A The synergy between Business and IT is more crucial in today’s digital landscape than ever. How do we ensure that technology initiatives are not just in sync but fully supportive of broader business objectives and priorities? What actionable steps can we take to enhance collaboration between business and IT stakeholders? In this session, we’ll delve into effective strategies for fostering strong partnership between the business and IT. Uncover the keys to cultivating collaboration, breaking down silos and fostering open communication channels to ensure a harmonious synergy between vision and execution. Moderator: Hansa Bernal, Senior National Conference Director, Government Technology Todd Bayley, Chief Information Officer, Pasco County, Board of County Commissioners Eric Brown, Chief Information Officer, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, State of Florida From Team Member to Leader: Mastering the IT Leadership Transition Ballroom C Transitioning from a technical role to a leadership position brings new challenges and opportunities. This session offers insights into developing the necessary leadership skills that go beyond technical knowledge. How do you leverage your tech background to create a unique leadership style? What are the most effective ways to communicate with non-technical stakeholders? How are others able to inspire and manage teams not only tactically, but for innovation and growth? In this session we will cover the essential skills and mindset changes required for tech professionals to thrive in leadership roles, ensuring they can effectively guide strategic decision-making transformation. Moderator: Phil Bertolini, Senior Vice President, Government Technology Ginny Morris, Chief Technology Officer, Office of Information Technology, FL Gaming Control Commission Michelle Taylor, Chief Information Officer, Leon County Government
11:45 am Eastern	Lunch Ballroom E
12:45 pm Eastern	Keynote – Courageous Conversations: How to Equip Yourself for Difficult Interactions Ballroom E In today's rapidly evolving world, the ability to communicate effectively—especially in challenging situations—is the hallmark of exceptional leadership. As organizations navigate unprecedented change leaders must rise to the occasion, transforming potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and innovation. This dynamic keynote will revolutionize your approach to difficult conversations, equipping you with powerful strategies. Whether you're dealing with resistant team members, managing conflicting priorities, or bridging generational divides, this session will provide you with the tools to communicate courageously and effectively. Leave empowered to tackle your most daunting communication challenges, inspire your team through turbulent times, and drive positive change in your organization. Dean Gialamas, Chief Leadership Officer and Keynote Speaker
1:45 pm Eastern	Short Break Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.
2:00 pm Eastern	Concurrent Sessions Communication: Art of Storytelling Ballroom A One of the most important parts of being a leader is the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at every level, including your team, your boss, elected officials, and even the media. As you get better at storytelling, you gain stronger relationships with every type of stakeholder. In IT specifically, stories can be an excellent way to connect with stakeholders and customers to help them see the benefit of the solutions you’re providing. How do you transform your thoughts and ideas into stories that grab your audience’s attention? Does this work with the population you serve, or the team you manage? This session will share tips on how to become a master storyteller and make your communication more impactful in all aspects of leadership, and life. Moderator: Bryan Langley, Senior Executive Advisory, Critical Infrastructure Program, Cyber Florida George Freeman, Sr. Solutions Consultant, Fraud & Identity, LexisNexis® Risk Solutions Future-Ready IT Teams: Strategic Talent Development for State Government Leaders Ballroom C Explore strategies for building future-ready IT teams in this workshop. We’ll dive into critical workforce trends, essential durable skills, and innovative approaches to bridge generational gaps, strengthen talent pipelines, and enhance team resilience. Participants will leave with practical tools to foster continuous learning, address talent retention challenges, and prepare their organizations for sustainable success in an evolving digital landscape. Dr. Kimberly A. Moore, Chief Innovator/Principal, Envision Moore Consulting Group
3:00 pm Eastern	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Ballroom D
3:20 pm Eastern	The Leadership Challenge: A Public Sector Trivia Showdown Ballroom E Curious to see how your knowledge stacks up? Can you effectively collaborate under pressure? Dive into this lively, team-based trivia game where leaders join forces to answer questions on governance, policy, emerging tech, and the pressing issues shaping government today. This isn’t just about winning - it’s about networking, sharing expertise and maybe…just maybe - you might learn something new. Whether you’re looking to meet new people or strengthen existing partnerships, this session offers a unique chance to learn and engage with peers from across the public sector. Are you ready to challenge yourself and lead your team to victory? Zach Thorn, Senior National Conference Director, Government Technology
4:00 pm Eastern	Awards Ballroom E
4:15 pm Eastern	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area Ballroom D Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
4:45 pm Eastern	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Florida State University Student Union

75 N. Woodward Ave
Tallahassee, FL 32306
(850) 644-6860

Get Directions To
Florida State University Student Union

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

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

Eric Brown
Chief Information Officer
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
State of Florida

Paul Chafin
Chief Technology Officer
Department of Health
State of Florida

Tim Davis
Chief Information Officer
City of Tallahassee

Bob Endress
Chief Information Officer
Senate
State of Florida

Richard Evans
Chief Information Officer
Department of Management Services
State of Florida

Paul Forrester
Chief Information Officer
Department of Commerce
State of Florida

Glendora Fortune
Chief Information Officer
Department of Transportation
State of Florida

Jimmie Harrell
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Department of Revenue
State of Florida

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

Sriram Kommu
Chief Information Officer
Agency for Persons with Disability
State of Florida

Joseph Martin
Chief Information Officer
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
State of Florida

Kerri McEwen
Acting Chief Information Officer
House of Representatives

Alan Neubauer
Deputy Director, IT
Office of the State Courts Administrator
State of Florida

Dan Sambenedetto
Director
Department of Information Technology
Okaloosa County

Terrence Samuel
Chief Information Officer
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
State of Florida

Roosevelt Sawyer
Chief Information Officer, Florida Supreme Court
Office of the State Courts Administrator
State of Florida

Leo Schoonover
Chief Technology Officer
Florida Digital Services
State of Florida

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

Doug Smith
Chief Information Officer
Office of the Attorney General
State of Florida

Cole Sousa
Chief Information Officer
Department of Children and Families
State of Florida

Warren Sponholtz
State Chief Information Officer
Florida Digital Services
FL Digital Service

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

Michelle Taylor
Chief Information Officer
Office of Information Technology
Leon County Government

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

Scott Ward
Chief Information Officer
Agency for Healthcare Administration
State of Florida

Susan Whitmire
Chief Information Officer
Florida Gaming Control Commission
State of Florida

Industry Representatives

John Breed
Government Cloud Sales
Google Cloud

Mike Yeschek
Senior Director, Government
LexisNexis Risk Solutions

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Contact Information

2025 Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:

Heather Earney
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1339
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

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Florida IT Leadership Forum 2024

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Glendora Fortune

Chief Information Officer, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

Phil Bertolini

Senior Vice President, Government Technology

Franklin Foster

Segment Marketing Leader, Equinix

Will Armstrong

Information Security Manager, Agency for Healthcare Administration, State of Florida

Todd Bayley

Chief Information Officer for Pasco County, Board of County Commissioners

Hansa Bernal

Senior National Conference Director, Government Technology

Eric Brown

Chief Information Officer, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, State of Florida

George Freeman

Sr. Solutions Consultant, Fraud & Identity, LexisNexis® Risk Solutions

Dean Gialamas

General Manager, Internal Services Department, Executive Offices, Los Angeles County

Brian Langley

Senior Executive Advisory, Critical Infrastructure Program, Cyber Florida

Dr. Kimberly A. Moore

Chief Innovator/Principal, Envision Moore Consulting Group

Ginny Morris

Chief Technology Officer, Office of Information Technology, FL Gaming Control Commission

Michelle Taylor

Chief Information Officer, Leon County Government

Zach Thorn

National Conference Director, Government Technology

Will Watts, Jr., P.E.

Assistant Secretary of Engineering and Operations

Agenda

Tuesday, November 12

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Pre- Function Area/ Ballroom D

9:00 am Eastern

Opening Remarks

Ballroom E

9:15 am Eastern

General Session - Bridging Technology and Business: A Conversation with Florida's Transportation Leaders

Ballroom E

9:45 am Eastern

General Session - Navigating the Future While Honoring the Past: A Fireside Chat on Digital Transformation for IT Leaders

Ballroom E

10:15 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Ballroom D

10:45 am Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Leadership in the Era of Emerging Technologies

Room 2213

Bridging the Divide: Synergizing Business and IT

Ballroom A

From Team Member to Leader: Mastering the IT Leadership Transition

Ballroom C

11:45 am Eastern

Lunch

Ballroom E

12:45 pm Eastern

Keynote – Courageous Conversations: How to Equip Yourself for Difficult Interactions

Ballroom E

1:45 pm Eastern

Short Break

2:00 pm Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Communication: Art of Storytelling

Ballroom A

Future-Ready IT Teams: Strategic Talent Development for State Government Leaders

Ballroom C

3:00 pm Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Ballroom D

3:20 pm Eastern

The Leadership Challenge: A Public Sector Trivia Showdown

Ballroom E

4:00 pm Eastern

Sr. Solutions Consultant, Fraud & Identity, LexisNexis® Risk Solutions 

Chief Innovator/Principal, Envision Moore Consulting Group 

Chief Technology Officer, Office of Information Technology, FL Gaming Control Commission 