Name: Georgia Emerging Technology Summit: Data & AI 2025
Start: 2025-11-20T08:00
Location: Crowne Plaza Atlanta Midtown

Overview

The Emerging Technology Summit is a pioneering event tailored for state, regional, and local public sector leadership to delve into the transformative potential of emerging technologies, including AI. This summit offers a comprehensive exploration of the current state and future trajectory of technologies set to revolutionize public service delivery. Through a blend of innovation, regulations, hands-on technology demos, and compelling case studies, attendees gain invaluable insights into how emerging technologies can enhance the lives of community members.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Shawnzia A. Thomas

Executive Director, Georgia Technology Authority & Chief Information Officer, State of Georgia

Shawnzia A. Thomas has worked in Georgia state government for more than 13 years, with an emphasis on integrating technology to improve constituent services and better serve Georgians. In July 2021, she was appointed Chief Information Officer for the State of Georgia and Executive Director of the Georgia Technology Authority by Governor Brian P. Kemp.
Previously, Ms. Thomas served as Assistant Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services. Previously, she was Executive Director of the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity and Director of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Corporations Division.
A native of Macon, Georgia, Ms. Thomas received her undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University and Master’s in Public Administration from the University of West Georgia. She is a Commissioner on the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity’s Advisory Board and member of the Hospitality Ministry at Chapelhill Church in Atlanta. Ms. Thomas was named to the Atlanta Business League’s list of Top 100 Women of Influence for 2021 and received the 2022 Golden Gov: State Executive of the Year award from StateScoop.

Nikhil J Deshpande

Chief Digital & AI Officer, Office of Digital Services & Solutions, Georgia Technology Authority, State of Georgia

Nikhil is a leader in digital transformation, advocating for user-centric, accessible technology. Overseeing Georgia's AI program, he focuses on responsible applications that enhance workforce capabilities and public service. Recognized as a top innovator, he is a sought-after speaker and recipient of multiple awards, including Atlanta Business Chronicle's "40 Under 40." Nikhil holds master’s degrees in Human-Computer Interaction and Visual Communication.

Noelle Russell

Leading AI Innovator & Practitioner, Founder & Chief AI Officer at AI Leadership Institute

Noelle Russell is a multi-award-winning TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and AI Executive who specializes in transforming businesses through delivering responsible AI Solutions that scale. She is a revenue growth + cost optimization expert, 5x Microsoft AI MVP, and named the #1 Agentic AI Leader in 2025. She has taught over 3.4 million learners in LinkedIn. She has led teams at NPR, Microsoft, IBM, AWS and Amazon Alexa, and is a consistent champion for Data and AI literacy and is the founder of the "I ❤️ AI" Community teaching responsible AI for everyone.
She is the founder of the AI Leadership Institute and empowers business leaders, owners, and their teams to grow and scale with AI. In the last year, she has been named an awardee of the AI and Cyber Leadership Award from DCALive, Trailblazer of the Year by Women in AI, the #1 Thought Leader in Agentic AI and a Top 10 Global Thought Leader in Generative AI by Thinkers360.

Cassia Baker

Research Faculty and Technology Project Manager, Georgia Institute of Technology

Cassia Baker serves as Technology Project Manager – Cybersecurity & Research Faculty and within the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) area of the Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2) at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She uses her more than 10 years of strategy & leadership experience to help small to medium-sized manufacturers improve their cyber hygiene requirements including working to secure the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) through compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). She travels extensively, teaching workshops as a subject matter expert, and consulting with businesses to provide cyber & physical security gap assessments.
Cassia’s background includes work with the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Center of Innovation for Aerospace (GDEcD COIA). At GDEcD, she served as Project Manager for the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) grant initiatives. Her work centered on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), impacting a $7.6B defense sector in Georgia. Her work has included substantial international exposure, dealing with U.S Export laws including Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Before her work at GDEcD, Cassia worked in fine art auctions in Chicago, handling antiques, decorative arts, paintings, and diamonds. She was responsible for securing the largest diamond sold in the firm’s 40-year history.
In 2020, Cassia was appointed to the statewide Georgia Defense Industrial Base Task Force - connecting industry, academia, local, state, and federal governmental entities. Cassia is a nationally recognized invited speaker, educating the public on cybersecurity, cyber policy, and CMMC 2.0. She currently serves on the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Cyber working group and The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) Leadership Council.
Cassia earned a Bachelor of the Arts (B.A.) from Lake Forest College with a focus on International Relations and Art History. She holds additional certifications, including a Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Registered Practitioner and a DDI Facilitator certification.

Tim Brown

Academic Program Director for AI, Georgia Institute of Technology

Tim Brown is the Academic Program Director for AI at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he holds joint appointments as research faculty with Georgia Tech Professional Education and Tech AI. Before this role, he served for nearly a decade as Managing Director of the Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute.
With over 35 years of experience in professional education and supply chain optimization, Mr. Brown has held positions in industry operations, consulting, and education. His career includes key roles at IBM, Accenture, Chainalytics, Frito-Lay, and Tropicana. In consulting, he has served as an executive advisor in supply chain engineering, providing strategic guidance to C-level executives at some of the world’s most respected companies.
Mr. Brown's expertise spans multiple industry sectors, including consumer electronics, industrial products, higher education, consumer goods, food and beverage, oil and gas, utilities, telecommunications, forest products, automotive, heavy equipment, footwear and apparel, retail, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
He also chaired the Academic Council for a TAACCCT grant with the U.S. Department of Labor, focusing on developing eight national bodies of knowledge in supply chain management.

Kanti Chalasani

Director, Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, State of Georgia

Kanti Chalasani serves as the Division Director for the Georgia Data Analytics Center (GDAC) at the Office of Planning and Budget (OPB). She played a pivotal role in building GDAC’s modern data cloud from the ground up, overseeing key functions such as data sharing and governance strategy, data management, data engineering and analytics, security, compliance, audit readiness, and ongoing data and AI planning. Under her leadership, GDAC established a robust, enterprise-scale data platform for the State of Georgia.
With over 28 years of experience leading statewide data initiatives, Kanti has worked across multiple Georgia state agencies, including the Office of Student Achievement, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, and the Georgia Department of Education.

Salome Deka

Senior Business Intelligence Lead, Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, State of Georgia

Salome Deka serves as the Senior Business Intelligence Lead for the Georgia Data Analytics Center (GDAC) at the Office of Planning and Budget (OPB). With a decade of state government service, Salome was part of the inaugural team that successfully built GDAC’s modern data cloud—a robust, enterprise-scale data platform—from the ground up for the State of Georgia.
Her primary focus is leveraging this platform to deliver enhanced efficiency and transparency for state agencies. She achieves this by translating complex data into clear, actionable insights and data products, directly driving data-driven decision-making across the enterprise. Her previous government experience includes working with the Georgia Department of Public Health.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management from Miami University and an MBA with a focus in Econometrics and Analytics from the University of West Georgia.

Rajendra Gangavarapu

Chief Data & AI Officer, AI Strategy, GenAI, Governance & Financial Services Leader, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Strategic Advisor

Raj is an AI and Data executive with 15+ years of success driving AI/ML, GenAI, and analytics strategies across financial services and beyond. As SVP & Head of Data Science at Pathward, he has built and led high-performing teams that delivered AI-driven credit, fraud, and personalization models, achieving double-digit revenue growth while reducing losses below 2%.
Recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential AI Leaders in the USA (2024), he combines technical depth with strategic leadership. His focus: embedding AI into core processes, operationalizing Responsible AI frameworks (SR 11-7, EU AI Act, NIST RMF), and aligning innovation with business growth.
He is the author of “Mastering AI Governance” (Springer), published in IEEE, and speaks globally at events like IEEE ICAD, AI4, and CDAO Executive Summits. Raj thrives at the intersection of innovation, governance, and business impact, helping organizations harness AI responsibly to scale growth, mitigate risk, and build trust.

Kyle M. Jones

Training & Development Manager, Georgia Technology Authority, Office of Human Resources

Kyle Jones is the Training & Development Manager for the Georgia Technology Authority’s Office of Human Resources. With over 20 years of experience in learning and development and as an APTD-certified practitioner, he brings a deep expertise in modern training strategies and technology-driven solutions. Kyle leads enterprise-wide learning initiatives, reskilling programs, and leadership pipelines that help Georgia’s public workforce close critical skills gaps and stay future-ready in an era of rapid technological change.

Jaya Krishnan

Chief Data Strategist, Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, State of Georgia

Jaya is the Chief Data and Analytics Strategist at the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, where she oversees Georgia’s P-20 Workforce Longitudinal Data System and leads the publication of the annual State Education Report Card. She also serves on the Governor’s Workforce Strategy Group, supporting Governor Kemp’s Top State for Talent initiative, including the development of Georgia’s High-Demand Career List.
She recently completed a fellowship with the Strategic Data Project at Harvard University’s Center for Education Policy Research, where she developed Georgia’s pioneering Credentials of Value Opportunity Index—a framework designed to better align educational outcomes with workforce needs. With more than 30 years of experience spanning education policy, workforce strategy, and enterprise data systems, Jaya has held leadership roles at various organizations including PNC Financials, GE Healthcare, Wipro, and Pexco LLC.
She holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Computer Applications from Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute, Mumbai, India.

Jason McSwain

Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Operations and Chief Information Officer, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, State of Georgia

Jason McSwain serves as the Director of DBHDD’s Office of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. In this role, he oversees the technological infrastructure and works to implement a strategic vision for information technology and computer systems, which are supportive of DBHDD’s organizational objectives, mission, and vision.
Jason joined the Office of Information Technology in 2000, under the former Department of Human Resources, and transitioned to DBHDD during its inception. He has over 25 years of experience in information technology, specifically software development, enterprise technology architecture, and project management. Jason earned his bachelor’s in information systems and communications from Georgia College and State University.

Clark Rainer

Chief Information Office, Office of the Attorney General, State of Georgia

Recently, Clark has been a change agent driving digital transformation of City, County, and State Government Agencies serving in the roles of IT Director and CIO. He has developed cyber security programs for the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office and Georgia Office of Attorney General, implementing proven methodologies and frameworks in maturing cyber security posture.
Having served as GMIS International Director www.gmis.org for ten years as the longest serving board member in GMIS history, Clark has worked closely with International partners in the formation of LOLA (Linked Organization of Local Authorities – www.lola-ict.org ), and Clark served on the Board of Georgia GMIS (president in 2010) for fifteen years.
Clark is the past President of “HTTP” (Henry Telecommunications and Technology Partnership), and was awarded the GMIS International Outstanding Professional Award (previously MISAPA) in 2001, and the Hershal Strickland Award in 2024.
Outside of work, Clark is Married to Jennifer Rainer, enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, fishing, horseback riding, and menagerie of animals on his “hobby farm” in rural Butts County, GA.
For more information visit Clark’s Linked In page at: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/clark-rainer/15/a96/38

Oneisha Freeman Rojales

Digital Connectivity Manager, Georgia Technology Authority

Oneisha Freeman Rojales is the Digital Connectivity Manager at the Georgia Technology Authority, serving on the state broadband team. She develops programs and builds partnerships with community anchors, local governments, and private-sector stakeholders, aligning broadband investments to workforce readiness and Georgia’s economic growth. Working at the intersection of technology and social impact—starting in fintech and later leading nonprofit program development—she has helped community members build their technology skills, gain access to devices, and connect to the internet. A Georgia native, she holds an MBA in Digital Business & Technology from the University of Georgia, is a U.S. Army Reserve veteran and a 2025 Women in AI fellow. She connects people, resources, and ideas and believes technology shaped by community voices creates lasting economic opportunity.

Kelly Miller Smith

Principal, Deloitte Consulting

Kelly brings extensive leadership helping organizations make risk-informed security decisions, driving AI product development, develop AI security operations, and implement AI for citizen access. Kelly has led multiple civil, state and local, higher education, and defense projects. He has led projects in multiple domains such as internal revenue tax administration, missile defense, government finance, privacy, and AI governance. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), Certified Public Sector Continuity Professional (CPSCP) and Project Management Professional (PMP). Mr. Smith is a graduate of the Fletcher School at Tufts University in cooperation with Harvard, where he studied International Security and International Business after he received a BS in Chemistry from Morehouse College.

Ananias Williams

Chief Information Officer, Department of Revenue, State of Georgia

Ananias Williams III serves as the Chief Information Officer for the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR). He is experienced in the strategic guidance of innovative, robust, and secure information technology solutions across global environments. He provides leadership for information technology governance, delivery of IT services, information security and compliance to support enterprise business functions for DOR.
Prior to joining DOR, he served as the Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Georgia Department of Human Services, where he provided leadership on cloud modernization, data analytics, business development and IT alignment. He previously served in IT leadership roles in the private sector leading cloud transformation initiatives.
Mr. Williams’ technology experience spans various business areas in both the public and private sectors. In those areas, he provided consulting and directed IT solutions for health and human services, risk management, finance, and the energy sector. He is also an active participant in several organizations that promote the advancement of technology through community engagement.
Williams is a volunteer for civic organizations and a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served in the Fleet Marine Force. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and holds a Master of Information Technology.

View Speakers

Agenda

Thursday, November 20
8:00 am Eastern	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Georgia Prefunction Foyer
9:00 am Eastern	Welcome Remarks Georgia Ballroom Shawnzia Thomas, Chief Information Officer, State of Georgia
9:05 am Eastern	Opening Remarks: Georgia’s AI Horizon - Progress, Possibilities, and Participation Georgia Ballroom Kick off the Emerging Tech Summit with Nikhil Deshpande, Georgia’s Chief Digital and AI Officer, as he shares how the state is turning responsible AI principles into real results. This session offers a clear look at Georgia’s enterprise AI program; what’s been achieved, what’s ahead, and how agencies, academia, and industry can take part. Get concise updates on how Georgia is advancing AI governance, upskilling its workforce, and accelerating innovation through the Horizons Innovation Lab, where agencies test and validate solutions alongside pre-qualified partners. Nikhil will also outline near- and mid-term priorities that connect strategy to action from safe experimentation environments to pathways for scaling successful pilots. Attendees will leave with a grounded understanding of Georgia’s AI momentum and practical ways to engage—through challenge intake, co-development sprints, or evaluation sandboxes to help shape the next chapter of responsible public-sector innovation. Nikhil Deshpande, Chief Digital and AI Officer, State of Georgia
9:45 am Eastern	Keynote – The Future of AI Georgia Ballroom How can your organization harness the power of artificial intelligence without sacrificing ethics, trust, or long-term value? Together we will explore how industries are evolving with generative and applied AI while spotlighting real-world case studies that move beyond the hype. She offers a clear, actionable framework to scale AI responsibly, mitigating bias, protecting privacy, and fostering innovation that complements human ingenuity. Discover how to translate excitement into execution and ensure your AI investments drive meaningful, sustainable growth. Noelle Russell, Leading AI Innovator & Practitioner, Founder & Chief AI Officer at AI Leadership Institute
10:45 am Eastern	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Georgia Prefunction Foyer
11:15 am Eastern	Concurrent Workshops Putting Principles into Practice with AI Ethics Atlanta A Is your agency equipped to make ethical choices about AI adoption? This workshop explores frameworks for fairness, accountability, transparency, and inclusivity in government applications. Participants will work through practical examples of where ethics matter most, from bias in data to decision-making in high-stakes services and leave with strategies to guide responsible AI use across programs. Facilitator: Helen Kang, National Conference Director, Government Technology Presenter: Dr. Rose Proctor, Director Truist Center for Ethical Leadership, University of North Georgia Presenter: Josiah Raiche, Chief Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer, State of Vermont From Ideas to Action Atlanta B What's the first step in moving AI from buzzword to real impact? Join in the brainstorming on how to prioritize and develop roadmaps tailored to their agency's specific needs. You'll identify opportunities where AI can deliver quick wins, while also laying the foundation for long-term adoption. Is your organization ready to take its first confident steps toward AI transformation? Facilitator: Steve Towns, Vice President of Content Strategy, e.Republic Presenter: Clarence Anthony Jr., Group Manager, Services & IT, Department of Administrative Services, State of Georgia Presenter: Kelly Miller Smith, Principal, Deloitte Consulting AI in Action: Building Momentum for Sustainable Adoption Peachtree Is your agency struggling to move from pilot to production? Many teams start strong but stall when scaling AI solutions. This session explores practical steps to move beyond proof-of-concept, including governance frameworks, workforce engagement, vendor partnerships, and funding models that drive long-term success. Learn how to translate vision into action and ensure your AI projects deliver measurable value to your agency and your citizens. Presenter: Brent O’Guin, AI Technology Strategist & Architect, GA Institute of Technology Knowing Where Your Data Stands Buckhead Do you know if your agency's data is ready for AI? High-quality, well-governed data is the foundation of practical tools. Here we will guide participants through assessing data maturity, strengthening stewardship practices, and identifying gaps that hinder the effective use of AI. Participants will leave with actionable steps to ensure their data environments are prepared for secure, ethical, and impactful AI integration. Facilitator: Tammy Scott, Office Director (PMO), Georgia Technology Authority Presenter: Amy Bhika, Chief Data Officer, State of Colorado Presenter: Kanti Chalasani, Director, Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, State of Georgia Presenter: Srinivasan Kannabiran, Deputy Director, Department of Human Services, State of Georgia
12:15 pm Eastern	Lunch Georgia Ballroom
1:15 pm Eastern	Impact Non-Profit Spotlight Georgia Ballroom Moderator: Nikhil Deshpande, Chief Digital and AI Officer, State of Georgia Mayor Michael Caldwell, City of Woodstock
1:30 pm Eastern	General Session – Balancing Innovation and Impact: The Social Side of AI Georgia Ballroom Artificial intelligence is transforming how we live, work, and interact, but its impact goes far beyond technology. From reshaping the workforce to influencing trust, equity, and access, AI is raising urgent social questions. This session examines the real-world effects of AI adoption, including ethical considerations, bias in algorithms, data privacy, and the digital divide. Learn how public leaders, vendors, and communities can collaborate to maximize benefits while minimizing unintended harm. Leave with practical strategies for building AI initiatives that serve people first, ensuring innovation drives inclusion, fairness, and long-term public trust. Rajendra Gangavarapu, Chief Data & AI Officer, AI Strategy, GenAI, Governance & Financial Services Leader, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Strategic Advisor Dr. Rose Procter, Director Truist Center for Ethical Leadership, University of North Georgia
2:00 pm Eastern	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Georgia Prefunction Foyer
2:30 pm Eastern	Concurrent Sessions Protecting Data in the Age of AI: Cybersecurity and the Rise of AI Threat Actors Atlanta A In the age of AI, protecting your agency’s data and environments is more critical than ever. Artificial intelligence is no longer just a defensive tool; it’s also in the hands of adversaries. From AI-driven anomaly detection and automated response to AI-generated phishing and deepfake attacks, the cyber landscape is shifting rapidly. How can agencies harness AI to strengthen defenses while also anticipating and mitigating the risks posed by AI-enabled threat actors? This session examines the alignment of cybersecurity strategies with the evolving threat of malicious AI use, providing practical steps to safeguard data, build resilience, and foster trust in digital government. Moderator: Helen Kang, National Conference Director, Government Technology Cassia Baker, Research Faculty and Technology Project Manager, Georgia Institute of Technology Steve Hodges, Chief Information Security Officer, Georgia Technology Authority John McLain, Project Lead, Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, Augusta University Reskilling for the Future Atlanta B Is your workforce ready to thrive alongside AI? Age diversity, varying skill levels, and shifting roles create both challenges and opportunities. Learn how AI can support, rather than replace, public servants by enabling new efficiencies and enhancing citizen services. Through practical examples, participants will see how agencies can upskill and reskill staff, integrate human judgment with AI tools, and build a future-ready workforce. Moderator: Oneisha Freeman Rojales, Digital Connectivity Manager, Georgia Technology Authority Clarence Anthony Jr., Group Manager, Services & IT, Department of Administrative Services, State of Georgia Tim Brown, Academic Program Director for AI, Georgia Institute of Technology Kyle Jones, Training & Development Manager, Georgia Technology Authority, Office of Human Resources Rao Manekar, Senior Manager, Digital Innovation Services, GDC-OIT Building the Foundation for Emerging Tech with Data Peachtree Emerging technologies are only as effective as the data fueling them. For public sector leaders, harnessing this potential means going beyond access; it requires trust, effective governance, and strategic alignment. This session explores how to strengthen data quality, accessibility, and integrity to power innovation responsibly. Gain insights on preparing your data strategy for next-generation tools, navigating digital readiness, and applying ethical practices. Moderator: Jasmyne Epps, Unit director GovHub, Georgia Technology Authority Salome Deka, Senior Business Intelligence Lead, Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, State of Georgia Jaya Krishnan, Chief Data Strategist, Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, State of Georgia Libin Makkalikkal, Senior Technology Consultant, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, State of Georgia Executive Briefing for Industry Partners (Industry sponsors only) Buckhead Hosted By: Shawnzia Thomas, Chief Information Officer, State of Georgia Nikhil Deshpande, Chief Digital and AI Officer, State of Georgia
3:30 pm Eastern	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Georgia Prefunction Foyer
4:00 pm Eastern	Concluding Insights: Charting Georgia's Tech Future Georgia Ballroom As we close the 2025 Emerging Tech Summit, leaders from the Georgia Technology Authority and partner agencies will reflect on the day's key discussions and shared learnings. This session underscores Georgia's commitment to driving innovation, strengthening resilience, and responsibly adopting emerging technologies to enhance public services. More than a conclusion, it's a call to action, reminding us that today's dialogue is the foundation for tomorrow's collaboration, innovation, and progress across the state. Moderator: Nikhil Deshpande, Chief Digital and AI Officer, State of Georgia Jason McSwain, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Operations and Chief Information Officer, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, State of Georgia Clark Rainer, Chief Information Office, Office of the Attorney General, State of Georgia Ananias Williams, Chief Information Officer, Department of Revenue, State of Georgia
4:30 pm Eastern	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area Georgia Prefunction Foyer Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
5:00 pm Eastern	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Midtown

590 West Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30308

Get Directions To
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Midtown

Planning Committee

Representatives

Cassia Baker
Research Faculty and Technology Project Manager - Cybersecurity
Georgia Institute of Technology

Margie Crawford
Director of Software
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
State of Georgia

Salome Deka
Business Intelligence Lead / Data Engineer
Data Analytics Center, Governor's Office of Planning & Budget
State of Georgia

Nikhil Deshpande
Chief AI and Digital Officer
Georgia Technology Authority
State of Georgia

Shirlan Johnson
Chief Information Security Officer
Office of Information Technology, Department of Human Services
State of Georgia

Rao Manekar
Web Services Manager
Office of Information Technology, Department of Corrections
State of Georgia

Jason McSwain
Director, Office of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
State of Georgia

Tyson Morris
Chief Information Officer
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

Brent O'Guin
AI Technology Strategist and Architect
Information Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology

Rose Procter
Director, TRUIST Center for Ethical Leadership
Mike Cottrell College of Business
University of North Georgia

Arun Rai
Regents’ Professor and Howard S. Starks Distinguished Chair; Director, Center for Digital Innovation
Department of Computer Information Systems
Georgia State University

Deborah Rollins
Communications Director
Georgia Technology Authority
State of Georgia

Jason Sankey
Chief Information Officer
City of Atlanta

Tetchjan Simpson
IT Group Category Manager
Department of Administrative Services
State of Georgia

Mohan Sundareswaran
Assistant Deputy Commissioner For Architecture , Infrastructure and Data
Department of Human Services
State of Georgia

Takiyah J Thomas
Digital Equity Administrator
Information Technology
Clayton County Board of Commissioner

Les Thomassen
Communications Analyst, Service Management Organization
Georgia Technology Authority
State of Georgia

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: November 20, 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

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Georgia Emerging Technology Summit: Data & AI 2025

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Shawnzia A. Thomas

Executive Director, Georgia Technology Authority & Chief Information Officer, State of Georgia

Nikhil J Deshpande

Chief Digital & AI Officer, Office of Digital Services & Solutions, Georgia Technology Authority, State of Georgia

Noelle Russell

Leading AI Innovator & Practitioner, Founder & Chief AI Officer at AI Leadership Institute

Cassia Baker

Research Faculty and Technology Project Manager, Georgia Institute of Technology

Tim Brown

Academic Program Director for AI, Georgia Institute of Technology

Kanti Chalasani

Director, Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, State of Georgia

Salome Deka

Senior Business Intelligence Lead, Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, State of Georgia

Rajendra Gangavarapu

Chief Data & AI Officer, AI Strategy, GenAI, Governance & Financial Services Leader, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Strategic Advisor

Kyle M. Jones

Training & Development Manager, Georgia Technology Authority, Office of Human Resources

Jaya Krishnan

Chief Data Strategist, Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, State of Georgia

Jason McSwain

Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Operations and Chief Information Officer, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, State of Georgia

Clark Rainer

Chief Information Office, Office of the Attorney General, State of Georgia

Oneisha Freeman Rojales

Digital Connectivity Manager, Georgia Technology Authority

Kelly Miller Smith

Principal, Deloitte Consulting

Ananias Williams

Chief Information Officer, Department of Revenue, State of Georgia

Agenda

Thursday, November 20

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Georgia Prefunction Foyer

9:00 am Eastern

Welcome Remarks

Georgia Ballroom

9:05 am Eastern

Opening Remarks: Georgia’s AI Horizon - Progress, Possibilities, and Participation

Georgia Ballroom

9:45 am Eastern

Keynote – The Future of AI

Georgia Ballroom

10:45 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Georgia Prefunction Foyer

11:15 am Eastern

Concurrent Workshops

Putting Principles into Practice with AI Ethics

Atlanta A

From Ideas to Action

Atlanta B

AI in Action: Building Momentum for Sustainable Adoption

Peachtree

Knowing Where Your Data Stands

Buckhead

12:15 pm Eastern

Lunch

Georgia Ballroom

1:15 pm Eastern

Impact Non-Profit Spotlight

Georgia Ballroom

1:30 pm Eastern

General Session – Balancing Innovation and Impact: The Social Side of AI

Georgia Ballroom

2:00 pm Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Georgia Prefunction Foyer

2:30 pm Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Protecting Data in the Age of AI: Cybersecurity and the Rise of AI Threat Actors

Atlanta A

Reskilling for the Future

Atlanta B

Building the Foundation for Emerging Tech with Data