Name: HHS 2030 Summit 2026
Start: 2026-10-19T08:00
Location: Omni Oklahoma City

Overview

Health and Human Services (HHS) leaders are operating at a pivotal moment—one defined by immediate pressure and long-term opportunity. Across the country, agencies are navigating fiscal constraints, workforce strain, shifting federal priorities, and increasing demand for more accessible, coordinated, and effective services. At the same time, there is growing recognition that advances in technology, evolving service delivery models, and stronger organizational cultures will fundamentally improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

HHS 2030 is a trusted environment where leaders can step back from daily pressures, engage in meaningful peer dialogue, and connect forward-looking ideas to real operational challenges. HHS 2030 is built on the premise that this moment requires more than incremental change. It calls for a sustained, design-oriented effort to define what health and human services will look like by the end of the decade—and how to get there. Technology is a core enabler -- powering data-driven decision-making, modernizing legacy systems, strengthening program integrity, and enabling more seamless, person-centered service delivery.

Developed by Global True North in partnership with Governing and Government Technology, the HHS 2030 Summit is a unique invitation only one-day Summit in Oklahoma City for an opportunity to connect with peers, foster collaboration with our partners and accelerate real-world results.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Justin Brown

former Secretary of Human Services, State of Oklahoma

Justin served as Oklahoma’s Cabinet Secretary of Human Services and Director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services from 2019 to 2023. In July 2023, Brown stepped away from state service with confidence in the transition strategy and with a deep desire to continue human services transformation across America through independent consulting.
While at Oklahoma Human Services, Brown introduced a grassroots strategic planning effort and human services operating system known as the ‘True North.’ Because of this transformational approach, OKDHS was able to remain focused on the agency’s long-term strategies during the pandemic, instead of assuming a defensive posture during this time of dramatic disruption. As a strong relationship builder, Brown built a culture of true collaboration with state and federal agencies, local non-profits, philanthropic foundations, legislators and with the communities that the agency serves, aligning stakeholders in a common vision and with connected definitions of success.
In 2022 & 2023, Secretary Brown served as Chairman of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) Leadership Council and as a member of the Governing Board of Directors, as well as a member of the National Governor’s Association’s (NGA) Core Advisory Board for Children and Families. In addition to his public service, Secretary Brown has built a passion for serving seniors and children through non-profit organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, Children’s Hospital Foundation, YMCA, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, among others.

Chan M. Hellman, PhD

Professor ,Anne & Henry Zarrow School of Social Work, University of Oklahoma and Director, Hope Research Center

Dr. Hellman's work focuses on the science of hope as a measurable, teachable psychological strength that helps individuals, organizations, and communities overcome trauma and adversity.
Dr. Hellman has published more than 80 peer-reviewed studies and has spent over two decades translating hope theory into practice across human services, education, public systems, and nonprofit organizations. His research informs the development of the Hope-Centered & Trauma-Informed® model and training programs now used nationwide to strengthen workforce well-being, organizational effectiveness, and system-level change. In recognition of this work, the University of Oklahoma Hope Research Center received the 2024 “Building Knowledge Through Research” Award from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime.
He is the co-author of the award-winning book Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life and co-founder of Hope Rising Oklahoma, a statewide initiative launched with First Lady Sarah Stitt to help build a hope-centered culture across communities and institutions. Dr. Hellman was one of five invited workshop leaders for Jane Goodall’s Activating Hope Summit and has delivered invited presentations at national venues, including a main-stage session at the American Psychological Association convention.
His work has been featured by major national media outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, TIME, CNN, and the APA Monitor. In 2025, Dr. Hellman was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to research, teaching, and public impact.

Jeremie Kubicek

Co-Founder, Known

As the Co-Founder of Known, Jeremie is passionate about equipping leaders to multiply healthy influence and build cultures of trust and effectiveness in Health and Human Services. 
Jeremie is a dynamic communicator, seasoned entrepreneur, and influential content creator whose work has shaped leaders and organizations across the globe. He is the author of Making Your Leadership Come Alive—a national best-seller and The Peace Index, as well as the co-author of The 100X Leader, 5 Voices, 5 Gears, The Communication Code, and the newly released Voice-Driven Leader.
Jeremie has built and run some of the largest leadership brands including Leadercast,  Catalyst Conferences, John Maxwell Training, GiANT and the 5 Voices.

Teri Takai

Chief Programs Officer, Center for Digital Government

Teri Takai is the Chief Programs Officer for the Center for Digital Government, a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. Teri worked for Ford Motor Company for 30 years in global application development and information technology strategic planning. From Ford, she moved to EDS in support of General Motors. A long-time interest in public service led her to the government sector, first as CIO of the State of Michigan, then as CIO of the State of California and, subsequently, the CIO of the U.S. Department of Defense, the first woman appointed to this role. She then served as the CIO for Meridian Health Plan.
Teri is a member of several industry advisory boards. She has won numerous awards including Governing magazine’s Public Official of the Year, CIO Magazine’s CIO Hall of Fame, Government Technology magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers, the Women in Defense Excellence in Leadership Award and the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service.

Luke Williams

Director of Strategic Operations at Global True North and President, Tandem Research, a Global True North subsidiary

Luke’s work experience includes years of service in legal aid, homelessness services, and four years in health and human services advisory work. At Global True North and Tandem Research, he oversees internal research functions and initiatives around emerging technologies, product development, and cultural transformation in HHS. As President of Tandem Research, he has led Tandem's effort to develop a national 'Delivery Model Catalog' that gathers data on unique and innovative HHS delivery models from across counties and states in the US. Luke has also been involved with HHS 2030 since its inception, working with Justin Brown, Governing, and GovTech to organize and launch this watershed event.

Monday, October 19
6:00 pm Central	Reception & Welcome Dinner

Tuesday, October 20
7:30 am Central	Registration and Breakfast
8:30 am Central	Welcome and Introductions Justin Brown, former Secretary of Human Services, State of Oklahoma Teri Takai, Chief Programs Officer, Center of Digital Government
8:45 am Central	Keynote: Culture and Leadership Sustainable transformation begins with leaders who build cultures of trust, clarity, and shared purpose. Jeremie Kubicek will explore the leadership techniques and cultural conditions that help people and organizations thrive. He will offer practical approaches for strengthening communication, influence, and collaboration among teams. Participants will leave with a clearer vision for cultivating cultures that support meaningful change. Jeremie Kubicek, Co-Founder, Known
9:15 am Central	HHS as an Ecosystem: Aligning Public Private & Civic Partners Capacity in health and human services extends beyond the agency itself. It depends on an ecosystem of providers, community organizations, public institutions, civic leaders and private partners that bring different assets and incentives to the work. Participants will map the institutions involved in that ecosystem, examine what motivates them, and identify practical ways to equip community partners and align diverse interests around shared outcomes. Moderator: Justin Brown, former Secretary of Human Services, State of Oklahoma Tracy Evans, former Executive Director, APHSA Dan Makelky, Human Services Director, Arapahoe County, Colorado Stephanie Pacinella, Senior Director Strategy & Special Initiatives, Social Current Lew Roubal, former Chief Deputy Director, Department of HHS, State of Michigan
10:00 am Central	Break
10:15 am Central	Culture by Design: Building the Conditions for Transformation Culture is not a backdrop to transformation; it is an operating condition. Participants will revisit HHS 2030’s core cultural elements, compare what states are trying to cultivate, and surface practical approaches for making those values visible in everyday work. Moderator: Justin Brown, former Secretary of Human Services, State of Oklahoma Mike Leach, former Director, Department of Social Services, State of South Carolina
11:00 am Central	Delivery Model Transformation: Designing Around People & Place Using personas, painted pictures of future service experiences, and detailed state examples, this session will explore how physical delivery-model innovations can move HHS systems closer to more human-centered, accessible and coordinated service. Luke Williams, Director of Strategic Operations at Global True North and President, Tandem Research, a Global True North subsidiary
11:45 am Central	Lunch
12:45 pm Central	Keynote: The Science of Hope Hope is a measurable resource that can shape individual, organizational, and community outcomes. Dr. Chan Hellman will explain the science behind hope and its relationship to resilience and well-being. He will explore how HHS leaders can apply this research to the people, workforces, and communities they serve. Participants will consider how building hope can strengthen systems and advance human flourishing. Chan M. Hellman, PhD, Professor, Anne & Henry Zarrow School of Social Work, University of Oklahoma & Director of the Hope Research Center
1:15 pm Central	Unlocking Systemic Capacity: From Emerging Technology to Live HHS Use Cases This working session will connect emerging technologies to concrete HHS implementation questions. The Center for Civic Futures will draw from its use-case library and live problem statement to examine how agencies can move from a promising application to a practical strategy. The conversation will also surface legal and regulatory barriers that can shape implementation and identify questions requiring further field-level coordination. Moderator: Justin Brown, former Secretary of Human Services, State of Oklahoma Eleanor Davis, Director, Public Benefit Innovation Fund, Center for Civic Futures Bob Nevins, Vice Chair, HSITAG
2:00 pm Central	Break
2:15 pm Central	From Outputs to Outcomes: Building and Evidence Roadmap for HHS Rigorous outcomes measurement begins before an evaluation is launched. This session will outline the practical foundations states can build now: clearer outcome targets, usable data, implementation discipline, and partnerships designed for learning. The discussion will help participants sketch a roadmap from near-term readiness actions to stronger evidence about what improves human outcomes and flourishing. Moderator: Teri Takai, Chief Programs Officer, Center of Digital Government Jeff Vomund, Director, Division of Applied Research & Evaluation, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Gary Wilson, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Human Services, State of Tennessee
3:00 pm Central	From Outcomes to Execution: Building the Infrastructure for Delivery Transformation succeeds when desired outcomes are translated into disciplined execution. This session will examine implementation roadmaps, procurement and other barriers, and the operational practices required to carry a strategy from concept into delivery. Participants will also consider the emerging and foundational technology infrastructure that effective operations increasingly require.
3:45 pm Central	Break
4:00 pm Central	Breakout Groups
4:00 pm Central	Option 1: Building Leaders for the Long Haul Using an agency-leader persona, participants will explore what leaders need when they enter a role, how those needs evolve, the recurring challenges they face, and the durable learning and support structures that can help leaders succeed over time. Michael Wilkening, former Secretary Health & Human Services, State of California Gary Wilson, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Human Services, State of Tennessee
4:00 pm Central	Option 2: Aligning HHS Transformation with Policymakers Participants will work from a policymaker persona to examine how HHS leaders can build durable relationships, connect agency priorities to legislative concerns, and create the conditions for sustained alignment. Alexis Kuznick, Director of Policy & Government Relations, APHSA Matthew Lyons, Director, Council of State Governments, East Region Kristi Putnam, former Secretary of Human Services, State of Arkansas
4:45 pm Central	Closing Reflections & Next Steps A synthesis of the day’s emerging insights, open questions, and opportunities for continued collaboration as HHS 2030 and its partners refine the Summit program and carry the work forward.
5:00 pm Central	Summit Adjourns Conference times, agenda and speakers are subject to change.

Omni Oklahoma City

100 W. Oklahoma City Boulevard
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
4054386434

Get Directions To
Omni Oklahoma City

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: October 19 and 20, 2026

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

Sponsorship is open to Industry members of the HHS 2030 Program only. To learn more about becoming an Industry member, 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:

Jennifer Caldwell
Governing
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1345
E-mail: jcaldwell@erepublic.com

Already a sponsor, but need a hand? Reach out to:

Mireya Gaton
Governing
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 296-2617
E-mail: mgaton@erepublic.com

Sponsorship is open to Industry members of the HHS 2030 Program only. To learn more about becoming an Industry member, please contact:

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

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HHS 2030 Summit 2026

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Justin Brown

former Secretary of Human Services, State of Oklahoma

Chan M. Hellman, PhD

Professor ,Anne & Henry Zarrow School of Social Work, University of Oklahoma and Director, Hope Research Center

Jeremie Kubicek

Co-Founder, Known

Teri Takai

Chief Programs Officer, Center for Digital Government

Luke Williams

Director of Strategic Operations at Global True North and President, Tandem Research, a Global True North subsidiary

Agenda

Monday, October 19

6:00 pm Central

Reception & Welcome Dinner

Tuesday, October 20

7:30 am Central

Registration and Breakfast

8:30 am Central

Welcome and Introductions

8:45 am Central

Keynote: Culture and Leadership

9:15 am Central

HHS as an Ecosystem: Aligning Public Private & Civic Partners

10:00 am Central

Break

10:15 am Central

Culture by Design: Building the Conditions for Transformation

11:00 am Central

Delivery Model Transformation: Designing Around People & Place

11:45 am Central

Lunch

12:45 pm Central

Keynote: The Science of Hope

1:15 pm Central

Unlocking Systemic Capacity: From Emerging Technology to Live HHS Use Cases

2:00 pm Central

Break

2:15 pm Central

From Outputs to Outcomes: Building and Evidence Roadmap for HHS

3:00 pm Central

From Outcomes to Execution: Building the Infrastructure for Delivery

3:45 pm Central

Break

4:00 pm Central

Breakout Groups

4:00 pm Central

Option 1: Building Leaders for the Long Haul

4:00 pm Central

Option 2: Aligning HHS Transformation with Policymakers

4:45 pm Central

Closing Reflections & Next Steps

5:00 pm Central

Summit Adjourns

Omni Oklahoma City

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: October 19 and 20, 2026

Contact Information

Venue

Omni Oklahoma City