As an expert in navigating complex institutional shifts, Robert Ballou understands that the future of the workforce depends on successful change management and resilient leadership. Currently serving as a Program Manager at the Harris County Flood Control District, Robert operates at the intersection of public service, infrastructure, and community impact.
With over 25 years of experience in strategic sourcing and leadership, he has built a career on bridging the gap between legacy systems and forward-thinking solutions. Robert brings a unique perspective to today’s panel, drawing on his background in economic inclusion and his current work in one of the nation's most dynamic public districts to explore how organizations can adapt their cultures to empower and retain the next generation of talent.
Beyond the office, Robert is a lifelong student of discipline and leadership; in 2025, he was inducted into the US Martial Arts Hall of Fame in recognition of over 30 years dedicated to training and motivating others to reach their full potential.

Robyn Doughtie serves as the Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer for Fort Bend County. Unanimously appointed by Commissioners Court on June 11, 2019, she leads a diverse IT organization that provides services in the areas of Application Development and System Support, Project Management, IT Infrastructure, Information Security, Desktop Support and Server Operations.
Robyn’s career spans over 25 years with experience in local government, oil field services and software consulting. She began her career in 1999 as a Programmer/Analyst at Harris County Central Technology Center. Robyn joined Fort Bend County in 2009 advancing to the role of Software Developer/Technical Lead.  In 2016 Robyn was promoted to Applications and Systems Programming Manager responsible for all software applications utilized in the County. 
Robyn is the 2023 Houston CIO of the Year ORBIE Award Winner – Enterprise. She is passionate about empowering youth and encouraging STEM careers and currently serves as a Houston CIO Advisory Board Member.
Robyn is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in Management Information Systems and a minor in Human Resource Management.  She also holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and Technology Management from Oklahoma State University.

Keith Jarvis is a malware and threat intelligence analyst with the Sophos Counter Threat Unit (CTU). His focus is on analyzing technical evidence and building automated systems to track and understand the financially motivated cybercriminal threat landscape.

Sindhu Menon is a highly accomplished technology leader. She is recognized in multiple forums for her contributions to the field of technology in the public sector. Her career has spanned more than 29 years in technology, out of which near 20 years have been spent in public sector across the globe including Harris County, City of Houston, Dallas, Raleigh and College Station, and Government of Ontario.  She is known for building partnerships, optimizing teams, and delivering results. Sindhu holds Masters in Computer Science and Business Administration, Public Leadership Credentials and is a Certified Government CIO. Sindhu was recognized in 2024 with HMG's 2023 Global Leadership Award.

Antonio Murray is the Information Technology Director at Harris County Housing & Community Development (HCD), bringing more than two decades of experience spanning IT leadership, audits, investigative support, and data analytics.
Prior to joining HCD, Murray served as Deputy Assistant Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General, where he led the OIG IT independence initiative, built the OIG data analytics lab, and revitalized the service desk. He began his federal career in 2010 at the U.S. Department of Transportation OIG, progressing from IT Specialist Supervisor to Chief Information Officer.
Murray attended Howard University on a full athletic scholarship and studied toward a B.S. in Human Development and Family Science. He earned a B.S. in Information Systems Management from Strayer University and holds an A.A.S. in Computer & Information Science from ECPI College of Technology. His technical certifications include MCSE, MCTS, MCITP, and Certified Virtualization Expert.

Harsha Narayan is the Assistant Director at Harris County Universal Services overseeing ERP and Enterprise Business applications (EBA) Transformation. Leading all aspects of enterprise applications including Application Rationalization, Cloud infrastructure, data governance, and digital transformation initiatives serving millions of constituents across diverse organizational departments.
With nearly two decades of experience specializing in State, Local, and Education (SLED) sector, Harsha brings a blend of public sector mastery and cross-industry innovation delivering private sector agility and best practices to government, while expertly navigating regulatory compliance, procurement, ERP modernization, cloud adoption, strategic innovation, and service delivery requirements.

Kalpana is the Deputy Chief Information Officer for EAS /PMO at the City of Houston. Enterprise Application Services (EAS) plays a vital role in supporting the City’s operations through technology. EAS includes key areas such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Data Analytics, and the management of cloud-based and third-party applications. These services help departments across the city run efficiently by providing the tools and systems they rely on every day.
Project Management Office (PMO) supports departments in turning their business needs into technology solutions. By overseeing the planning and delivery of key technology projects, the PMO helps ensure that City services continue to evolve and meet the needs of the community.
Kalpana has been working for City of Houston for the last 5 years managing the ERP Applications for the City. She has over 21 years of experience as an ERP executive driving digital transformation, leading cross-functional teams, and implementing IT solutions across the consulting, healthcare, Utilities, Energy and Oil & Gas Industries. Kalpana has a master’s degree in computer science from University of Tulsa with specialization in Information security.

Bert Quarfordt is a seasoned Information Technology leader with 35 years of experience in IT and IT services. He currently serves as the Deputy Chief Information Officer (DCIO) and Deputy Director, Infrastructure for the City of Houston. In this role, Bert oversees the Enterprise Infrastructure Services (EIS) Division within the Houston Information Technology Services (HITS) Department.
The EIS Division delivers mission-critical infrastructure services 24/7/365 to support the City’s diverse departments. Under Bert’s leadership, the division is focused on building next-generation IT infrastructure to enhance capacity, agility, and resilience across the City’s technology ecosystem. EIS encompasses five core service areas: Data Center Services, Network Services, Telecommunications, End User Services, and Enterprise Video Services.
Before joining the City of Houston in 2019, Bert held leadership roles in the private sector at industry-leading organizations, including but not limited to Compaq, HP, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), where he specialized in enterprise IT solutions and infrastructure management.
Bert is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Minor in Mathematics.

Girish Ramachandran (GR) is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Universal Service at Harris County, TX. Responsible for leading and managing the Information Technology divisions of Enterprise Application, Enterprise IT Infrastructure, Cyber Security Program and ERP services. With over 25 years of IT Executive experience in both public and private sector he has led multiple strategic initiatives, overseen digital transformation, optimized technology operations, process improvements, advanced cloud adoption, built effective teams and delivered change successfully for organizations across Industries including Telecom, Banking, Hospitality, Aerospace, Defense, State & Local Government.
Former CTO for the City of Dallas, Texas and Strategy & Delivery lead at global organizations like Accenture, Wipro, DXC helping public/private sector clients to significantly improve operational efficiency and implement technology modernization programs. A Member of the Smart Cities Connect Advisory Committee (SCC), a contributor to the Dallas Innovation Alliance (DIA) and a governing body member of the Dallas Chief Data Officer (CDO) community.