Name: GovAI Coalition Summit 2025
Start: 2025-11-05T08:00
Location: San Jose Convention Center

Overview

Optional Letter for Government Attendees - click here

The Summit is being hosted by the GovAI Coalition and the City of San José in the San José Convention Center. This significant location positions this event in the heart of Silicon Valley, the global epicenter of AI and technological innovation. Attendees will discover cutting-edge AI trends, ethical practices, data management, and practical applications in public safety, transit, and local government, while exploring inclusive adoption and innovative policy development.

About the GovAI Coalition

The GovAI Coalition membership includes 2000+ public servants from 700 local, county and state governments representing most Americans across the nation. The coalition is united in their mission to empower governments to leverage AI for the public good.

The GovAI Coalition is committed to:

Using AI for social good
Ensuring ethical, non-discriminatory, and responsible AI governance
Promoting vendor accountability
Improving government services
Fostering cross-agency collaboration and knowledge sharing

Government Technology has reserved a room block for attendees.

For details please select the Venue menu option and click Show More or click here: Group Reservation Link

A message from our Keynote Speaker

The 2024 GovAI Coalition Summit was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when public agencies work together to lead with purpose, share openly, and put community needs first. As the presiding member of the GovAI Coalition, San José is proud to help shape the future of responsible AI in government. We invite you to be part of this growing movement at this year's summit where bold ideas, shared values, and real solutions come together to build a future you won’t want to miss.

- Khaled Tawfik, Chief Information Officer and Director of the San José Information Technology Department, GovAI Coalition Board Chair

Speakers

Namrata Batra Agrawal

Product and Project Manager, City of San Jose 

Namrata Batra Agrawal is a Product and Project Manager with over 15 years of experience delivering innovative technology solutions. She currently leads the San Jose 311 product and the AI Object Detection project for the City of San Jose, specializing in product strategy, user-centered design, and AI-driven solutions that enhance experiences and drive impact.

Beena Ammanath

Global Deloitte AI Institute leader, Deloitte

Beena is the author of “Trustworthy AI” and “Zero Latency Leadership” books. She currently leads the Global Deloitte AI Institute and Deloitte’s AI Incubator shaping the future of applied AI across enterprises.
An award-winning senior executive with extensive global experience in AI and digital transformation, spanning across e-commerce, finance, marketing, telecom, retail, software products, services and industrial domains with companies such as GE, HPE, Thomson Reuters, British Telecom, Bank of America, E*Trade and a number of startups. Her work bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world business impact.
A sought-after advisor and thought leader, Beena serves on the Boards of MIT SMR Editorial Advisory Board, AnitaB.org, WEF Centre for Trustworthy Technology and the Dean’s Advisory Board at Cal Poly College of Engineering. She has also served on the Nomination Evaluation Committee for NMTI at the United States Patent and Trademark Office and has been a Board Member and Advisor to several technology startups. Beena is also the Founder of non-profit, Humans For AI.
Beena thrives on envisioning and architecting how data, artificial intelligence, and technology in general, can make our world a better, easier place to live for all humans. She has been honored numerous times for her contribution to tech and her philanthropic efforts.
Learn more about Beena at beenammanath.com.

Ethan Benatan

Chief Information Officer, TriMet

Ethan serves as the Chief Information Officer at TriMet, the regional transit authority in Portland, Oregon. He got his start in AI in the 1990s, when he earned a Ph.D. in computational biology in which he used machine learning to compare three-dimensional protein structures. He is a Fellow of the Leading Change Institute and a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum. He is passionate about public service and has spent his entire career in the not-for-profit and government sectors, and he is proud to serve on the board of the GovAI Coalition.

Eleonor Austin Bounds

Senior Analyst, Data Privacy & Responsible AI, Information Technology Department, City of Seattle 

Eleonor Bounds is a Senior Privacy and Responsible AI Analyst. She’s worked in tech in varying roles for over a decade and has a background in critical infrastructure, ethics, climate advocacy, and biological sciences. Her experience and expertise in gender & intersectionality has enabled her to think critically about and utilize various frameworks to challenge accepted norms in the workplace. Eleonor has also partnered closely with organizations that provide services to children and abuse victim/survivors and has a special interest in working to create a supportive environment for the Neurodiverse Community both inside and outside of professional settings.

Auston Davis

Chief Information Security Officer, City of San Jose 

Auston Davis has built a distinguished reputation as a recognized cybersecurity industry leader and strategic business partner. He is a highly sought-after industry speaker and has been honored with multiple prestigious accolades, including being named Top 10 Information Security Professionals by the Cyber Defense Group (2023 & 2024), OnCon Icon Top 100 Information Security Professionals (2023), and previously as one of Becker’s “Top 25 CISOs to Know” (2018 & 2019)
Auston currently serves as the City Chief Information Security Officer for the City of San José, the tenth largest city in the United States and the heart of Silicon Valley. In this role, he is responsible for safeguarding critical municipal infrastructure, public systems, and sensitive resident data across more than 20 departments and 7,000+ employees. He chairs the City’s Cybersecurity Risk Committee, launched the inaugural Cybersecurity Advisory Council, and leads citywide initiatives to modernize security governance, risk management, incident response, and resilience strategies
Previously, Auston served as Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer at Versant Health, a MetLife subsidiary, where he successfully rebuilt the company’s security program, achieved HITRUST certification, advanced the organization’s capability maturity model from Level 2 to 4 in under a year, and significantly reduced security risks while strengthening customer trust and accelerating business growth
Earlier, Auston was Associate CIO & Global Head of Security, Infrastructure and Operations at HeartFlow, where he led the company to FedRAMP qualification, transformed global IT operations, drove major cost savings through cloud transformation, and significantly enhanced product security Prior to HeartFlow, he served as Chief Information Security Officer at Stanford Children’s Health, where he was recruited to guide the organization’s recovery from multiple publicly reported breaches and built a best-in-class security program across 60+ locations
A proud 23-year veteran of the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves, Auston retired as a Major and Special Agent-in-Charge with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), where he specialized in counterintelligence and computer crime investigations. He has also held security leadership roles at Symantec, Visa, Merrill Lynch, and Kaiser Permanente.
In addition to his executive roles, Auston has served as an Adjunct Professor of Computer Science at San José State University since 2015, where he teaches graduate courses in cryptology and cybersecurity and has twice been named Adjunct Faculty of the Year
He is an active member of multiple industry groups and advisory boards, including AEHIS, the Bay Area CISO Council, The Peer 150, and InfraGard.

Hector Dominguez

Smart City PDX Program Lead, City of Portland

Hector Dominguez is the Privacy and AI Coordinator at the City of Portland, Oregon and part of the Smart City PDX program. Hector has led initiatives on open data, privacy, surveillance technologies, and automated decision systems, including AI, in the City. His work includes implementing open data strategies, technology impact assessments, helping agencies to implement privacy and information protection practices, policy development, and designing surveillance technologies strategies and procedures.
He has organized Portland’s open data day and the digital rights days celebration, as well as multiple public engagement campaigns to inform policies and programs.

Maddy Dwyer

Policy Analyst, Equity in Civic Technology, Center for Democracy & Technology

Maddy Dwyer serves as a Policy Analyst on CDT’s Equity in Civic Technology team, where she focuses on the responsible, equitable use of data and technology by public agencies and civic institutions to improve outcomes for individuals and the public good, while ensuring it does not come at the expense of privacy and civil rights. Maddy holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Stanford University, with a concentration in Race in American History and Politics. She also holds a Master of Arts in Media and Strategic Communication from The School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University.

Eudora Fleishman

IT Infrastructure and Security Manager, City of Fairfield

Eudora Fleischman serves as the Infrastructure Security Manager and CISO for the City of Fairfield, as the first female and African American to hold this position. With over thirty years of experience in technology, she specializes in infrastructure architecture, cybersecurity, Governance, and disaster recovery solutions. Her leadership in implementing secure digital technologies and the City’s Technology Risk Management Program has addressed business challenges while safeguarding the city's technical portfolio. Eudora is actively involved in the GOVAI Coalition, which aims to foster a just future through collaborative governance and ethical technology use for the community.

Erica Garaffo

Large Load Energy Customer Development Lead, City of San Jose

Erica Garaffo is a public sector innovator focused on building resilient, sustainable cities through technology and data-driven infrastructure planning. At the City of San José, she leads strategies integrating energy and utility systems with economic development, advancing civic partnerships that unlock innovation and investment. With a background in Industrial Engineering and a Master’s in Public Policy from Cal Poly SLO, Erica brings a systems-thinking approach to complex urban challenges—bridging technical analysis with policy design. A San José native, she is passionate about co-creating solutions that leave her community stronger and more connected for future generations.

Thomas Krendl Gilbert

CEO, Hortus AI

Thomas is the CEO of Hortus AI, which is building the Consumer Reports for AI tools. He previously designed and earned a PhD in Machine Ethics and Epistemology from UC Berkeley.

Himanshu Goil

Chief Executive Officer, Ignatiuz/ TechforGov

Himanshu Goil is a visionary entrepreneur and technologist who founded Ignatiuz and has spearheaded the launch of several successful ventures, including ScoutFoto, MyLink, WebTalkx, and Accelance Partners. With over 20 years of experience in technology solutions and SaaS development, Himanshu has led groundbreaking projects ranging from innovative app creation to large-scale IT transformations.
A pioneer in artificial intelligence, Himanshu has developed advanced Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems and intelligent agents, driving innovation and operational efficiency. Early in his career, he secured funding for his startups, showcasing his ability to transform bold ideas into impactful realities. His expertise in AI and automation continues to enable transformative solutions for global clients.
Himanshu is passionate about fostering collaboration within diverse teams, focusing on process optimization and delivering value through cutting-edge digital products and user experiences.

Jane Gong

Director of Emerging Technologies, City & County of San Francisco 

Jane Gong is the inaugural Director of Emerging Technologies for the City and County of San Francisco, where she leads citywide efforts to adopt AI and emerging technologies responsibly and equitably. Since establishing the Emerging Technologies team in November 2024, she has positioned San Francisco as a national leader in public sector AI—partnering with OpenAI to pilot ChatGPT Enterprise and spearheading the citywide launch of Microsoft Copilot Chat to 30,000 staff. Her work centers on balancing innovation with public accountability: piloting AI-powered tools to cut 311 call times, designing AI translation workflows to better serve San Francisco’s multilingual communities, and building San Francisco’s first AI inventory under the City’s AI Transparency Ordinance. A former tech founder and first-generation immigrant who once relied on City services herself, Jane is committed to ensuring that AI and emerging tech create opportunities for every San Franciscan, not just a select few. 

Richard Hackmann

Head of Government, Prophecy Gov

Katherine D. Harris

Professor of Literature & Digital Humanities, San Jose State University

Katherine D. Harris, Professor of Literature & Digital Humanities at San Jose State University, teaches and publishes about literature and technology ranging from the mechanization of the printing press in the 19th-century British Empire to ethical considerations about artificial intelligence. As a faculty member and scholar since 2005 at one of the largest California State University campuses, she has witnessed the ebb and flow of Silicon Valley’s innovations and failures, especially its educational impact on the SJSU community. As the Director of Public Programming for the College of Humanities & the Arts, she leads several community engagement programs that uplift the relationship between SJSU’s downtown San Jose campus on behalf of the arts and humanities. She previously worked with state legislators to lead the statewide effort to introduce low-cost textbooks in the Univ of California, California Community Colleges, and California State University systems. Most recently, she established with colleagues the Digital Humanities @ CSU Consortium across all 23 Cal State campuses to connect 8000 faculty in discussions about technology and the Humanities. (Bluesky: @triproftri)

Logan Kiernan

Sr. Enterprise Sales Engineer, Samsara

Blaine Kuehnert

Researcher, Carnegie Mellon University 

Blaine Kuehnert is a researcher and PhD student at Carnegie Mellon University, where he researches processes for responsible governance and design of AI systems. 

Ryan Kurtzman

Technology Partnerships Officer, City of Long Beach

Ryan Kurtzman is the Technology Partnerships Officer for City of Long Beach Technology and Innovation Department. He leads the City's technology adoption programs, data privacy and AI governance efforts, and strategic initiatives for the Department to support the exploration and delivery of new solutions to support more responsive and equitable services. Prior to that, he served as the Smart Cities Program Manager and a Management Assistant for five years. His experience in Long Beach includes developing community programs and policies that leverage new and emerging technology to improve connectivity, mobility, digital equity, and economic outcomes for all residents.

Michael Lat

Chief Operations Officer & Deputy Director, Department of Technology, City and County of San Francisco

Michael Lat is the Chief Operations Officer and Deputy Director for the City and County of San Francisco’s Department of Technology. In this role, he oversees critical operations that support citywide technology services, including Cloud, the Enterprise Support and Help Desk, the Network Operations Center (NOC), and Unified Communications. 
With more than a decade of experience serving across multiple city departments - including Public Works, Recreation & Parks, and San Francisco International Airport - Michael brings a deep understanding of how technology can strengthen public service delivery. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership style and his commitment to improving efficiency, customer service, and cross-departmental partnerships.
Michael also serves on the board of the San Francisco Municipal Executives Association, contributing to executive-level policy and organizational development.

Orlando Leon

Chief Information Officer, East Bay Municipal Utility District

Orlando Leon serves as the CIO at East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and oversees business technology supporting critical infrastructure and public health in the world of water and wastewater management. Prior to EBMUD, Orlando served as the VP and CIO at Fresno State and has also served in various leadership positions at Stanford University and at the University of California, San Francisco. Orlando also worked as a software engineer at Oracle and Hewlett Packard. He was born and raised in San Francisco, California and attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he received various degrees in engineering, computer science, and business.

Jennifer Maguire

City Manager, City of San José

Matt Mahan

Mayor, City of San Jose

Melanie McDonough

Chief Innovation and AI Officer, City of Lebanon, NH

Melanie McDonough is the Chief Innovation and AI Officer for the City of Lebanon, New Hampshire. She leads the city’s work to responsibly adopt artificial intelligence with a focus on transparency, accessibility, and building AI literacy. She has guided the city’s AI initiative, including development of its policy, procurement, and implementation processes, and in-house training programs. Her work emphasizes practical, problem-first approaches and clear frameworks for moving projects from prototype to pilot to production. Melanie also serves on the New Hampshire AI Task Force, an initiative of the New Hampshire Tech Alliance, where she represents the government sector and contributes to statewide conversations on responsible AI adoption, workforce readiness, and innovation.

Omar Moncayo

Data Privacy Analyst, City of Long Beach

Omar is a technologist, collaborator, and community builder with expertise in innovative technologies and governance. As the Data Privacy Analyst for the City of Long Beach, he champions the public’s digital rights and advances Data Privacy initiatives to empower the community and ensure responsible data stewardship. Omar’s interest in the intersections of data privacy, emerging technology, and data governance has contributed to the growth of the City’s Generative AI adoption strategy. Omar earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California in Communication Management, specializing in Strategic Organizational and Social Change Communication.

Andrew Ngui

Chief Digital Officer, City of Kansas City, MO

As Chief Digital Officer for the City of Kansas City, Missouri, Andrew Ngui translates complex technology into viable, human-centered organizational systems. An MIT-trained innovation leader, his work ensures new technology is not just technically possible but organizationally successful. He delivers durable value by aligning new systems with operational realities and governance requirements. He led the creation of the city’s first AI policies to guide responsible deployment, a key initiative that reflects his focus on enabling experts and clearing the path for their success. When not architecting the future of city services, he turns his focus from digital pathways to city streets, exploring the vibrant food and culture that thrive off the beaten path.

Saher Noor

Senior Manager, Technology Services, Department of Innovation and Technology, City of Detroit

Saher is seasoned technology leader with more than two decades of experience leading teams and delivering mission critical technology solutions in Automotive, Healthcare and Public Sector environments. She spearheaded the global roll out of SAP-based Warranty Management solution Systems across multiple countries at General Motors driving standardization and operational efficiency worldwide. She also implemented the Affordable care Act implementation at BCBSM. Currently serving as a Technology Manager for City of Detroit directing technology strategy, vendor and contract management and enterprise solution delivery. She is leading the AI policy creation, adoption and governance, ensuring that Detroit embraces innovation responsibly to serve its residents and civic institutions.

Chris Pahl

Chief Privacy Officer, County of Santa Clara

Chris Pahl is the Chief Privacy Officer for the County of Santa Clara, with more than 20 years of experience leading global privacy, cybersecurity, and compliance programs. He has guided organizations in financial services and utilities through complex data challenges, from incident response to generative AI adoption. A Doctor of Strategic Leadership and Fellow of Information Privacy with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), Chris combines deep technical expertise with a proven track record of building resilient, accountable privacy programs.

Ben Palacio

Sr. Information Technology Analyst , ESSG-Enterprise Solutions Team, Information Technology Department, Placer County, California

A Senior IT Analyst on the Enterprise Solutions Team at Placer County’s Information Technology Department in Auburn, California. A CSAC-credentialed IT Executive and 2025 AI50 award winner, he brings a rare depth of experience across local, state, and federal government. His career spans roles at Placer and Nevada Counties, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and collaborative projects with state agencies, giving him a panoramic view of public sector technology. He specializes in artificial intelligence for government, chatbot ecosystems, and integration strategies that bridge legacy systems with modern platforms. His work in virtual agents, microservices, and PaaS architectures continues to streamline operations and improve accessibility across jurisdictions.

VP of Engineering, Polimorphic

Kyle Arjun Patel is the VP of Engineering at Polimorphic, where he leads the development of AI-powered solutions that help local governments streamline operations and better serve their communities. With experience at Google, NASA, and as a founder, Kyle brings deep technical expertise and a proven record of innovation in mission-critical environments. He holds advanced degrees from Harvard, MIT, and UC Berkeley, and is passionate about applying cutting-edge technology to improve public service delivery and build lasting digital infrastructure for government.

Vivek Raman

Graduate Student, Department of Computer Science, San José State University

Vivek Raman is a software engineer and AI innovator building immersive and intelligent software experiences blending creativity, research, and real-world impact. He is pursuing his MS in Computer Science at San José State University.
Anmol Rathore, Technology Equity Manager, Department of Innovation & Technology, City of South Bend
Anmol Rathore serves as the Technology Equity Manager for the City of South Bend, IN, where she leads AI change management and GenAI training across departments. She also oversees the city’s digital equity strategy, advancing inclusive access to emerging technologies.
Anmol holds a Master in Public Policy (MPP) from Harvard Kennedy School, with a focus on tech policy, leadership, and decision sciences.
Her thesis, developed in collaboration with BCG, explored responsible GenAI adoption for U.S. state and local governments.
She has previously worked closely with India’s Ministry of Finance on financial inclusion and federal budgeting. She is also trained as an adaptive leadership coach; and brings a systems-thinking lens to civic innovation. Her work centers on ethical technology, responsible AI, and empowering communities through digital transformation.

Anmol Rathore

Technology Equity Manager, Department of Innovation & Technology, City of South Bend

Anmol Rathore serves as the Technology Equity Manager for the City of South Bend, IN, where she leads AI change management and GenAI training across departments. She also oversees the city’s digital equity strategy, advancing inclusive access to emerging technologies.
Anmol holds a Master in Public Policy (MPP) from Harvard Kennedy School, with a focus on tech policy, leadership, and decision sciences.
Her thesis, developed in collaboration with BCG, explored responsible GenAI adoption for U.S. state and local governments.
She has previously worked closely with India’s Ministry of Finance on financial inclusion and federal budgeting. She is also trained as an adaptive leadership coach; and brings a systems-thinking lens to civic innovation. Her work centers on ethical technology, responsible AI, and empowering communities through digital transformation.

Dr. Christopher Rodriguez

Assistant City Administrator, Washington, DC

Dr. Christopher Rodriguez is the Assistant City Administrator for the District of Columbia. He is responsible for the cross-agency collaboration and results delivery for the Government Operations Cluster, which includes agencies like the DC Human Resources (DCHR), Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP), and Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO). He works with District Government leaders at multiple levels to drive decision-making and enhance operational impact. 
Prior to his current role in the Office of the City Administrator, Dr. Rodriguez was the Director of the District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) from 2017-2023. In that role, he served as the Homeland Security Advisor and State Coordinating Officer for the District of Columbia, and the State Administrative Agent for homeland security federal grants funding for the District and National Capital Region. During that time, Dr. Rodriguez led the COVID-19 incident response for the District, which was recognized as among the strongest in the nation. He oversaw supply procurement, hiring and training response teams, and identifying physical space needed to carry out necessary activities such as testing, vaccine disbursement, and other essential community and business-related tasks. He also led emergency response operations for the District during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. 
Dr. Rodriguez’s career in public service began when he joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. As a senior analyst in the Counterterrorism Center, he monitored terrorist groups in the Middle East and South Asia to identify and counter threats to the US and its allies by closely collaborating across federal, state, and local levels. From 2009-2011, he was deployed to the U.S. Embassy in Brussels as a key U.S. interlocutor during the Euro crisis. He has also served as Director of New Jersey’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. 
Dr. Rodriguez received a BA from Williams College and an MA and PhD in political science from the University of Notre Dame. 

Emily Royall

Assistant Director, Partners for Public Good

Emily Binet Royall is Assistant Director at Partners for Public Good (PPG), where she oversees the Procurement Excellence Network (PEN), a free virtual community designed to empower public sector leaders seeking to transform their jurisdiction’s procurement practices. Emily’s career has focused on advancing public interest technology through strategic procurement and governance. Her professional experience spans academic, non-profit, and government organizations, including City Form Labs in Singapore, the Massachusetts Office of Information Technology (MassIT), and the City of San Antonio, where she served as Emerging Technology Division Head and Smart Cities Administrator. In San Antonio, she established the city’s first smart cities program, Smarter Together, laying the groundwork for more equitable and community-driven approaches to innovation.
Beyond her work in local government, Emily has shaped the global conversation on responsible and people-centered technology. She has served on the boards of UrbanAI and the GovAI Coalition, a network of more than 850 public agencies advancing responsible AI in the public sector and has advised UN-Habitat’s “People-Centered Smart Cities Flagship Program,” authoring six playbooks for local governments worldwide. Recognized as one of GovTech’s 2025 Top 25 “Doers, Dreamers & Drivers,” Emily continues to champion the use of technology as a bridge for democratic participation and public good. She holds a Master’s in City Design & Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Kate Stoll

Project Director, AAAS Center for Scientific Evidence in Public Issues

Kate E. Stoll is Project Director for the Center for Scientific Evidence in Public Issues at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The EPI Center builds trusted relationships between experts and decision makers at all levels of government to make it easier for policymakers to access and incorporate scientific evidence into their decision-making processes.
Kate served as Senior Policy Advisor at the MIT Washington Office from 2014 to 2022. Prior to MIT, she served as a Congressional Fellow with the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce. From 2011 to 2013 Kate was an AAAS S&T Policy Fellow at the National Science Foundation.
Kate served as Chair of the AAAS Committee on Science and Engineering in Public Policy in 2022 and as a member of the Board of Higher Education and Workforce at the National Academies from 2019-2025.
She received a B.A. in Biochemistry from Reed College in Portland, Oregon in 2004, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle in 2010.

Arti Tangri

Equity Data Lead, City of San Jose

As the Data Governance Lead for the City of San José, Arti oversees citywide efforts to advance data-informed service delivery with a strong focus on equity outcomes. She co-authored and launched the City’s Data Strategy and Data Governance Policy and is now implementing working groups to ensure its successful adoption. Arti also co-leads the Data Governance Committee for the GovAI Coalition, helping to establish standards that embed AI considerations into municipal data practices.
Previously, Arti served as a Data Architect for the City, where she built the Open Data and Data Analytics program. During the pandemic, she was a core member of the San José 311 team, delivering AI tools for language translation and virtual agents while incorporating equity analysis to guide community outreach.
Arti began her career in the private sector as a software engineer at Microsoft and Expedia before transitioning to public service, where she finds her work increasingly impactful and meaningful.

Khaled Tawfik

Chief Information Officer, City of San José, California

Khaled directs a diverse civic technology portfolio and the San José 311 Contact Center for the nation’s twelfth largest municipality. The City organization consists of 7,000 employees and carries over $5 billion total budget, serving 1 million residents and 80,000 businesses in the heart of Silicon Valley. The City’s quest is to be as innovative as the community we serve. San José is recognized for its leading role in innovation, artificial intelligence, digital privacy, driving equity through data, and digital empowerment.
Over two decades, Khaled has held senior leadership roles in the government and private sectors, including Los Angeles County and City of Irvine, earning his teams’ national awards for operational excellence through technology and innovative solutions.

Steve Towns

Vice President of Content Strategy, e.Republic

Steve Towns is vice president of content strategy for e.Republic, parent company of Government Technology and the Center for Digital Government. He is the former editor of Government Technology and has spent more than 25 years covering technology in the state and local government market.
Steve joined e.Republic in 1996. During his tenure, e.Republic’s print and electronic media have received many awards for editorial excellence, including “Magazine of the Year” from ASBPE for Emergency Management in 2013, “Best New Web Site” from ASBPE for emergencymgmt.com in 2009, ”Best Overall Publication” at the Maggie awards for Government Technology in 2008 and “Magazine of the Year” from ASBPE for Public CIO in 2007.

Jaime Wascalus

Director & Chief Information Officer, Office of Technology and Communications, City of St. Paul

Jaime Wascalus began her career in web and application development and moved into leadership roles after discovering the joy of working with and guiding smart, creative, and diverse teams. After spending over a decade in technology leadership at the University of Minnesota, she joined the City of Saint Paul’s Office of Technology and Communications as Director and CIO in 2022, where she leads talented public servants who support a city that works for all. Jaime serves on multiple boards focused on building an inclusive tech workforce, including Smart North, Full Stack Saint Paul, and the University of St. Thomas Department of Software Engineering & Data Science Strategic Advisory Board. She is also a founding board member of the GovAI Coalition, working with talented public servants across the US exploring and implementing safe, responsible, and impactful applications of AI.

Wednesday, November 5
8:00 am Pacific	Registration and Continental Breakfast in Exhibit Area West Lobby
9:00 am Pacific	Opening Remarks Hall 3 Matt Mahan, Mayor, City of San Jose
9:12 am Pacific	Coalition General Session Hall 3
9:18 am Pacific	Leading with AI: California Elected Officials Leading the Future of Government Hear from GovAI Coalition leaders on the latest AI trends, challenges and insightful use cases.
9:50 am Pacific	Industry Partner Panel Hall 3 Join industry leaders for a panel exploring real-world public sector use cases of AI in action. We’ll highlight innovative applications that are making a tangible difference in government operations and service delivery. This showcase brings practical examples of AI driving efficiency, improving decision-making, and addressing critical challenges. Moderator: Albert Gehami, Privacy & AI Officer, City of San Jose The New RAG: Why AI Tool-Based Chat is the Future for Government Kyle Patel, VP of Engineering, Polimorphic
10:30 am Pacific	Thought Leadership Industry Keynote Hall 3
11:00 am Pacific	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area West Lobby
11:30 am Pacific	Concurrent Sessions Sustainable AI: How Local Governments Can Mitigate AI's Environmental Impact Meeting Room 230A AI-driven services are boosting government efficiency but increasing energy and carbon footprints. How can the public sector innovate while minimizing harmful environmental impacts? We'll explore concrete actions that local governments can take, including sustainable operations, metrics for tracking impact, and best practices for policies that align AI deployment with sustainability goals. Moderator: Leila Doty, Privacy & AI Analyst, City of San Jose Kate Stoll, Project Director, AAAS Center for Scientific Evidence in Public Issues Erica Garaffo, Large Load Energy Customer Development Lead, City of San Jose Felicity Barringer Taubman, Writer in Residence, Stanford University A Good Pilot Knows When to Quit Meeting Room 230B Successful pilots set the stage for transformative IT deployments. How can you test new technology rapidly and safely while protecting your operations? In this session we'll explore streamlined pilot frameworks and partnering effectively with solution providers. Our panel will define clear go/no-go criteria for production. Walk away with actionable best practices to turn your next pilot into a deployment win. Moderator: Steve Towns, VP of Content, Center for Digital Government Albert Gehami, AI and Privacy Officer, City of San Jose Melanie McDonough, Chief Innovation and AI Officer, City of Lebanon, NH PJ Rodriguez, Chief Operating Officer, IT Department, City of Bellevue People-First Innovation: Making AI Meaningful Meeting Room 230C As government leaders race to showcase AI’s potential, it’s all too easy to let technology lead the story. This panel brings together IT leaders, front-line service providers, and technology developers to explore how to start by defining challenges before choosing tools. Our panel of experts will share practical tips for building stakeholder buy-in, crafting clear use cases with service teams, and balancing expectations. You’ll hear how to engage Fin-Ops in the conversation to lead with collaboration strategies for keeping business needs front and center. Moderator: Sabra Schneider, Chief Information Officer, Bellevue Washington Micah Gaudet, Deputy City Manager, Public Safety, City of Maricopa Chris Pahl, Chief Privacy Officer, County of Santa Clara Logan Kiernan, Sr. Enterprise Sales Engineer, Samsara
12:20 pm Pacific	Lunch Hall 3
1:30 pm Pacific	Concurrent Sessions Future-Proofing Job Roles for the AI Era (Pt. 1) Meeting Room 230A AI is reshaping job roles in technology, including software engineering. What can we expect from the next generation of graduates? We'll delve into how academic programs are integrating AI competencies, how hiring criteria are evolving, and the proactive strategies students and early career professionals use to differentiate themselves. Moderator: Yingjie Liu, Director of Digital Learning Strategies, San Jose State University Katherine D. Harris, Professor of Literature & Digital Humanities, San Jose State University Michael Lat, Chief Operations Officer & Deputy Director, Department of Technology, City and County of San Francisco Vivek Raman, Graduate Student, Department of Computer Science, San José State University How Can AI Vendors Build Trust with Public Agencies? Meeting Room 230B Vendors want to share information about their AI systems to build trust, and local governments need information for their decision making. But sharing information about AI systems, such as performance metrics or ethical guardrails, can be challenging and stand in the way of successful collaborations. In this interactive session, we will discuss the needs of both vendors and local governments. Session attendees will be invited to share their own experiences, gain insights about what governments need to know when they purchase AI systems and learn about the challenges vendors face to provide information successfully. Your input will directly inform guidance for ethical AI collaboration between vendors and governments as part of a research partnership between the GovAI Coalition and Carnegie Mellon University. Blaine Kuehnert, Researcher, Carnegie Mellon University Nari Johnson, Researcher, Carnegie Mellon University Beyond the Pilot: Scaling AI Integration for Maximum Impact Meeting Room 230C AI pilot projects are just the beginning; scaling them across your agency is where the real impact lies. What procurement, governance, and collaboration hurdles stand between your initial trial and full-scale AI integration? Our panel of experts will share cross-functional governance models, and change-management tactics to drive seamless, scalable AI deployments. Moderator: Steve Towns, VP of Content, Center for Digital Government Andrew Ngui, Chief Digital Officer, City of Kansas City, MO Nichole Sterling, Mayor Pro Tem, Board of Trustees, Town of Nederland Dr. Christopher Rodriguez, Assistant City Administrator, Washington, DC Himanshu Goil, Chief Executive Officer, Ignatiuz/ TechforGov
2:20 pm Pacific	Short Break
2:30 pm Pacific	Concurrent Sessions Expanding AI Training for Public Sector Success (Pt 2) Meeting Room 230A Investing in new training is the fastest route to a resilient, future-ready public sector IT workforce. How can you expand training investments to close skills gaps and drive digital transformation? Panelists will examine how to assess needs, budget effectively for training programs, and choose the right mix of in-person, virtual and microlearning formats. Moderator: Rich Oppenheim, Deputy Executive Director, Regional Government Services Alice Marshall, Senior Training Specialist, City of North Las Vegas Ben Palacio, Sr. Information Technology Analyst , ESSG-Enterprise Solutions Team, Information Technology Department, Placer County, California Orlando Leon, Chief Information Officer, East Bay Municipal Utility District Richard Hackmann, Head of Government, Prophecy Gov AI Impact Assessments: Your First Line of AI Readiness (and Defense) Meeting Room 230B It has never been more critical to systematically evaluate AI’s potential risks, benefits, and downstream effects. In this session, we will explore the leading approaches to AI Impact Assessments. Participants will learn how to use these frameworks to identify benefits, anticipate harm, align with ethical principles, and help ensure more responsible deployment of AI. The session will include a comparison of scope, structure, and implementation challenges within broader governance strategies. This talk will offer actionable knowledge to support ethical and regulatory readiness. Cari Miller, Co-Founder, AI Procurement Lab AI Incident Tabletop: Planning Your Response Meeting Room 230C AI-powered chatbots can amplify issues overnight, from factual errors to offensive outputs. In this interactive tabletop exercise about an AI chatbot gone wrong, you'll learn to dissect a simulated AI incident, coordinate an effective recovery plan, and communicate across stakeholders. Teams will draft response playbooks and decision trees tailored to organizational needs. Moderator: Auston Davis, Chief Information Security Officer, City of San Jose
3:20 pm Pacific	Networking Break in Exhibit Area West Lobby
4:00 pm Pacific	Concurrent Sessions Building a Secure Foundation: Pre-Launch Best Practices for Enterprise LLMs Meeting Room 230A As government agencies prepare to roll out enterprise AI assistants like Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini, getting your systems ready ahead of time is key. In this session, IT and security leads will show the rules and settings they used to control who can see and use data and, ensure the AI pulls in up-to-date information. Our speakers will share how they maintain logs of AI interactions for compliance and security along with the “wish-we’d-done-this-sooner” steps, like dry-run testing in a safe sandbox. We’ll discuss which teams need to be involved at each stage. You’ll learn a straightforward checklist to feel confident and prepared when you flip the switch on your own enterprise LLM. Moderator: Steve Towns, VP of Content, Center for Digital Government Chris Wiseman, Information Security Analyst, Sacramento County Office of Compliance Maddy Dwyer, Policy Analyst, Equity in Civic Technology, Center for Democracy & Technology Report from the Community Engagement Committee: Resources and Case Studies Meeting Room 230B The GovAI Coalition’s Community Engagement Committee has driven impactful stakeholder involvement through its matchmaking program and other successful initiatives. How can you adopt these proven techniques and resources? We'll discuss how to implement the Coalition’s resources, share results from the matchmaking program and how to get involved, and highlight successful case studies that may inform your next technology engagement effort. Moderator: Meg Young, Project Director of AIMLab, Data & Society Omar Moncayo, Data Privacy Analyst, City of Long Beach Chelsea Palacio, Marketing Director, City of San Jose Hector Dominguez, Smart City PDX Program Lead, City of Portland
4:50 pm Pacific	Networking Reception in Expo Area West Lobby
5:35 pm Pacific	End of Day

Thursday, November 6
8:00 am Pacific	Registration and Morning Refreshments West Lobby
9:00 am Pacific	Opening Remarks – Coalition Hall 3 Jennifer Maguire, City Manager, City of San José
9:15 am Pacific	Inspirational Keynote Hall 3 Thinking Big with AI in State and Local Government AI is heralded as the next big thing, which means thinking about AI’s application at scale should also be ambitious and significant. State and local leaders have an opportunity to reimagine and transform how systems are designed and used, to the benefit of citizens, as well as government operations. There are big ideas across education, urban planning, resource and grid management, and infrastructure development for a technology-fueled future. At the same time, there is a need to support the current workforce through a transitional period, as well as work with education systems to prepare tomorrow's workforce. Beena Ammanath, Global Deloitte AI Institute Leader, Deloitte
10:15 am Pacific	Thought Leadership Industry Keynote Hall 3 Corry Flatt, CEO and Co-Founder, GovAI Inc.
10:45 am Pacific	Networking Break in Exhibit Area West Lobby
11:20 am Pacific	Concurrent Sessions Equity By Design: Accelerating AI GovTech Through Partnerships Meeting Room 230A Partnerships between private sector AI and the public sector are redefining how GovTech solutions are built for local governments. How can co-developing with public sector agencies accelerate product innovation and ensure solutions tackle real-world challenges? Learn the impact of AI on development of data management and governance strategies. Co-presenter: Behzad Zamanian, Chief Information Officer, Washoe County Progress Lab: Real-World Lessons from Failure Meeting Room 230B Not every new project or pilot leads to full implementation and that's a good thing! How can we reframe failure as a strategic win? This session explores how public sector IT teams have used pilot findings to identify costly missteps before they escalate, sparing resources and guiding smart decisions. Speakers will share strategies for critically evaluating pilot outcomes, turning lessons learned into actionable next steps. Moderator: Ethan Benatan, Chief Information Officer, Oregon TriMet Ryan Kurtzman, Technology Partnerships Officer, City of Long Beach Eudora Fleischman, IT Infrastructure and Security Manager, City of Fairfield Anmol Rathore, Technology Equity Manager, Department of Innovation & Technology, City of South Bend Cultivating Women's Leadership and Innovation Meeting Room 230C This all-female panel of public sector and tech pioneers is redefining how government embraces innovation and inclusion. How can we dismantle gender barriers to inspire the next generation of women leaders? In this session we'll look at strategies for inclusive leadership, reshaping technology's image for girls and young women while accelerating diversity driven initiatives across agencies. Moderator: Kriti Garg, Product and Project Manager, City of San Jose Jaime Wascalus, Director & Chief Information Officer, Office of Technology and Communications, City of St. Paul Saher Noor, Technology Services Leader, Department of Innovation and Technology, City of Detroit Eleonor Austin Bounds, Senior Analyst, Data Privacy & Responsible AI, Information Technology Department, City of Seattle Jane Gong, Director of Emerging Technologies, City & County of San Francisco
12:20 pm Pacific	Lunch Hall 3
1:30 pm Pacific	Concurrent Sessions The AI FactSheet: Everything You Need to Know Meeting Room 230A The AI FactSheet is one of the Coalition's key AI governance resources that promotes more transparency around AI systems. But how do you read an AI FactSheet, and how can you use it during the procurement process? This session will show attendees how to read an AI FactSheet, highlighting which factors are particularly important for evaluation. Attendees will also learn how to compare multiple AI FactSheets to each other for the same use case. Moderator: Ethan Benatan, Chief Information Officer, TriMet, State of Oregon Yar Mityuk, Oregon TriMet Thomas Krendl Gilbert, CEO, Hortus AI Reactive to Proactive: The AI-Powered Evolution of 311 Services Meeting Room 230B As cities look for innovative ways to improve service delivery and proactively address issues, the City of San José is piloting the integration of AI object detection into the San Jose 311 workflow. This initiative enables automated detection of issues on city streets, such as illegal dumping, graffiti, and other safety concerns, and routes them through the existing San José 311 system for action. Panelists will share how this innovation is being implemented, the challenges of aligning AI insights with real-world service capacity, and the importance of building transparency and trust in AI-generated data. Attendees will learn how government agencies can responsibly adopt AI to move from reactive service delivery to a proactive, efficient, and effective model. The session will highlight how participants can leverage the AI solutions developed by the City of San José to enhance their own operations and community impact. Khaled Tawfik, Chief Information Officer, City of San Jose Arti Tangri, Data Governance Lead, City of San Jose Namrata Batra Agrawal, Product and Project Manager, City of San Jose Elsa: Anthropic Generative AI Across the FDA The FDA recently launched Elsa, its first agency-wide generative AI tool leveraging Claude, opening the door to new ways of working across the agency. How did FDA accelerate safe, secure adoption while driving real value for staff and stakeholders? In this session we'll explore Elsa’s rapid deployment, lessons learned from agency-wide enablement, and examples of use cases including clinical document review, policy analysis, and training design. Walk away with practical insights on scaling cutting-edge AI tools to enhance decision-making and productivity in a mission-driven environment. Moderator: Benush Venugopal, AI & Data Engineering Principal, Deloitte Consulting Venu Bopanna, Innovation Leader, Federal Drug Administration Michael Lai, AI for State & Local Government Leader, Anthropic
2:20 pm Pacific	Short Break
2:30 pm Pacific	Concurrent Sessions Collaborative AI Procurement Meeting Room 230A Public sector IT teams often face a maze of AI offerings without a clear path to the right solution. This session shows how cooperative procurement lets agencies pool resources and expertise to negotiate contracts. You'll learn practical strategies for ensuring compliance and aligning industry partners that match your mission. Walk away with a step-by-step roadmap for delivering scalable, cost-effective, and responsible AI deployments. Moderator: Emily Royall, Assistant Director, Partners for Public Good Albie Udom, Deputy Director of Finance and Chief Procurement Officer, City of San Jose Ryan Maher, Senior Purchasing Analyst, City of San Jose Chris Seidt, Chief Information Officer, Metro Technology Services, City of Louisville Nari Johnson, Researcher, Carnegie Mellon University Engage to Innovate: Crafting Your Community Engagement Plan Meeting Room 230B How can you craft and execute an engagement plan to ensure meaningful stakeholder participation and buy-in? Our expert facilitators will guide you through a step-by-step framework for creating a community engagement plan for AI initiatives at your agency. Attendees will leave the session with a draft engagement strategy for an upcoming AI initiative at their organization. Moderator: Meg Young, Project Director of AIMLab, Data & Society Elizabeth Buehler, Director of Innovation and Project Management, Salt Lake City Unlocking Data Collaboration with Coalition Leadership Meeting Room 230C Data sharing doesn't have to be a bureaucratic hurdle. How can we dispel myths, assess risks, and drive seamless data exchange within and across agencies? In this session you'll learn to leverage Coalition’s data-sharing agreement template, navigate legal constraints with confidence, and jumpstart your agency's data collaboration strategy. Moderator: Anthony Fisher, Data and AI - Executive Director’s Office, Colorado Department of Revenue Arti Tangri, Data Governance Lead, City of San Jose Sarah Carrier, Policy & Responsible AI Program Manager, Seattle Information Technology
3:20 pm Pacific	Networking Break West Lobby
3:50 pm Pacific	Closing General Session Hall 3
4:50 pm Pacific	Networking Reception in Expo Hall West Lobby
5:20 pm Pacific	End of Day

Friday, November 7
9:00 am Pacific	Public Sector Town Hall – full program coming soon
5:00 pm Pacific	End of Day Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

San Jose Convention Center

150 W San Carlos Street
San Jose, CA 95113
(800) 726-5673

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Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: November 5-6, 2025 (Summit) | November 7 (Government Town Hall)

Open to Public Sector.

Summit Registration Fee per person: $200.00

Government Town Hall Registration Fee per person: $50

Registration by credit card only; no billing.

Optional Letter for Government Attendees - click here.

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:

Brad Loebs
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1409
E-mail: bloebs@erepublic.com

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Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
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Phone: (916) 296-2617
E-mail: mgaton@erepublic.com

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Heather Earney
Government Technology
A Division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 365-2308
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

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GovAI Coalition Summit 2025

Overview

Optional Letter for Government Attendees - click here

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Namrata Batra Agrawal

Product and Project Manager, City of San Jose

Beena Ammanath

Global Deloitte AI Institute leader, Deloitte

Ethan Benatan

Chief Information Officer, TriMet

Eleonor Austin Bounds

Senior Analyst, Data Privacy & Responsible AI, Information Technology Department, City of Seattle

Auston Davis

Chief Information Security Officer, City of San Jose

Hector Dominguez

Smart City PDX Program Lead, City of Portland

Maddy Dwyer

Policy Analyst, Equity in Civic Technology, Center for Democracy & Technology

Eudora Fleishman

IT Infrastructure and Security Manager, City of Fairfield

Erica Garaffo

Large Load Energy Customer Development Lead, City of San Jose

Thomas Krendl Gilbert

CEO, Hortus AI

Himanshu Goil

Chief Executive Officer, Ignatiuz/ TechforGov

Jane Gong

Director of Emerging Technologies, City & County of San Francisco

Richard Hackmann

Head of Government, Prophecy Gov

Katherine D. Harris

Professor of Literature & Digital Humanities, San Jose State University

Logan Kiernan

Sr. Enterprise Sales Engineer, Samsara

Blaine Kuehnert

Researcher, Carnegie Mellon University

Ryan Kurtzman

Technology Partnerships Officer, City of Long Beach

Michael Lat

Chief Operations Officer & Deputy Director, Department of Technology, City and County of San Francisco

Orlando Leon

Chief Information Officer, East Bay Municipal Utility District

Jennifer Maguire

City Manager, City of San José

Matt Mahan

Mayor, City of San Jose

Melanie McDonough

Chief Innovation and AI Officer, City of Lebanon, NH

Omar Moncayo

Data Privacy Analyst, City of Long Beach

Andrew Ngui

Chief Digital Officer, City of Kansas City, MO

Saher Noor

Senior Manager, Technology Services, Department of Innovation and Technology, City of Detroit

Chris Pahl

Chief Privacy Officer, County of Santa Clara

Ben Palacio

Sr. Information Technology Analyst , ESSG-Enterprise Solutions Team, Information Technology Department, Placer County, California

Kyle Patel

VP of Engineering, Polimorphic

Vivek Raman

Graduate Student, Department of Computer Science, San José State University

Anmol Rathore

Technology Equity Manager, Department of Innovation & Technology, City of South Bend

Dr. Christopher Rodriguez

Assistant City Administrator, Washington, DC

Emily Royall

Assistant Director, Partners for Public Good

Kate Stoll

Project Director, AAAS Center for Scientific Evidence in Public Issues

Arti Tangri

Equity Data Lead, City of San Jose

Khaled Tawfik

Chief Information Officer, City of San José, California

Steve Towns

Vice President of Content Strategy, e.Republic

Jaime Wascalus

Director & Chief Information Officer, Office of Technology and Communications, City of St. Paul

Agenda

Product and Project Manager, City of San Jose 

Senior Analyst, Data Privacy & Responsible AI, Information Technology Department, City of Seattle 

Chief Information Security Officer, City of San Jose 

Director of Emerging Technologies, City & County of San Francisco 

Researcher, Carnegie Mellon University 