Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Jake Reynolds, Interim Chief Information Officer, State of Idaho

Debbie Critchfield, Superintendent of Public Instruction, State of Idaho

Keynote – The Power of TALK in an AI World

In a world where ChatGPT enables everyone to write like a Harvard graduate, the true power to stand out now lies in verbal communication. Unfortunately, many studies show that the fear of public speaking ranks higher than the fear of death, and those who struggle to talk in front of others will quickly find themselves and their organizations falling behind. Join Anthony Huey in this lively and thought-provoking keynote as he explores the power of verbal communication. Anthony helps his audiences understand the importance of perception and how first impressions are primarily formed when we speak, whether in person, virtually, or on the phone.

Anthony Huey, CSP, President, Reputation Management, LLC

Bits and Bytes – Inside BoiseState.AI: Building an Enterprise AI Platform

What if you didn't have to start your AI journey from scratch? Join Boise State University for an introduction to BoiseState.AI, an enterprise platform that provides secure access to generative AI tools, resources, and capabilities. Discover how Boise State is creating opportunities for collaboration with state and local governments through shared expertise, proven technology, and practical applications of AI. Attendees will learn how BoiseState.AI can serve as a catalyst for innovation, helping organizations explore new use cases, accelerate adoption, and build a stronger AI ecosystem across Idaho.

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

From Dollars to Outcomes: Rethinking IT Funding and Procurement

In an era of tight budgets and rising expectations, government leaders must rethink how they fund, prioritize and procure technology to deliver real results. This session explores how agencies are aligning IT investments with mission outcomes, leveraging diverse funding streams, and modernizing procurement approaches to move faster while staying compliant. Learn practical strategies for building sustainable funding models, streamlining purchasing and partnering effectively with vendors to reduce risk and maximize impact, ensuring every dollar spent on technology drives meaningful value for constituents.

Moderator: Tyler Jackson, Enterprise Architect, Office of Information Technology Services, State of Idaho

Chris Carlisle, Chief Technology Officer, State of Idaho

Jen Dvorak, Chief Information Officer, Idaho Judicial Branch

Customer-Centered Design in Action

Designing effective digital services starts by putting the customer at the center of every decision. This session explores how to move beyond system-first thinking to design through the user lens, identifying real pain points, translating feedback into actionable solutions and embedding change management to drive adoption. Understand how to align IT, business and stakeholders around a shared customer experience vision, while continuously taking solutions back to users to validate, refine and improve. The result is services that are not just functional, but intuitive, trusted and built with the people they serve in mind.

Jennifer Gonzalez, Communications Manager, Idaho Office of Information Technology Services

Michelle Hermann, System and Support Bureau Chief, Division of Human Resources, State of Idaho

Rebecca Morris, Program Manager, DMV Emerging Technologies, Idaho Transportation Department

Leading Through Change: Building Idaho's Future IT Workforce

As cyber, cloud, AI and other emerging technologies continue to transform government, state and local agencies are rethinking the skills needed for success. Today's IT professionals must pair technical expertise with curiosity, adaptability, continuous learning, and strong communication and collaboration skills to navigate change and align technology with business needs. This session explores how technology leaders are building resilient, future-ready teams through leadership development, talent recruitment and retention strategies, workforce flexibility, and a focus on both technical and human-centered skills that drive innovation and better outcomes for government and citizens.

Moderator: Janelle White, Chief Human Resources Officer & Administrator, Division of Human Resources, State of Idaho

Cheryl Jones, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Workforce Programs Manager, Division of Human Resources, State of Idaho

Lunch

Bits and Bytes – Emerging Threat Brief: Risks, Trends and What’s Next

What threats should government leaders be paying attention to right now? This timely briefing provides an overview of the current cyber threat landscape, including emerging attack trends, AI-enabled phishing and social engineering tactics, evolving risks to government systems, and the intelligence shaping cybersecurity operations today. Attendees will gain practical insights into the threats targeting public-sector organizations, what security professionals are seeing on the horizon, and how agencies can strengthen awareness, preparedness, and resilience in an increasingly complex threat environment.

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Cyber, Fusion and You: Strengthening Idaho's Cyber Defense Through Partnership

Cybersecurity is a team sport. As threats become more sophisticated and resource constraints continue to challenge organizations of all sizes, collaboration has never been more critical. This session explores how state agencies and local governments are partnering to share intelligence, leverage cybersecurity resources and strengthen collective resilience. Discover how organizations across Idaho are working together to improve situational awareness, maximize funding opportunities, respond to incidents and build a stronger cyber ecosystem prepared for today's threats and tomorrow's challenges.

Jerred Edgar, Chief Information Security and Operations Officer, Office of Information Technology Services, State of Idaho

Seth Gaskins, Cyber IRT Coordinator, Idaho Army National Guard

Joshua C. Stemp, Cybersecurity State Coordinator, Idaho, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Drowning in Data? Modernizing Records, Retention and Privacy

Data is one of government’s most valuable assets, but without modern records management, retention and privacy practices, it can quickly become a liability. This session explores how agencies are evolving from siloed, paper-era approaches to integrated data governance strategies that ensure compliance, transparency and public trust. Explore how to navigate complex retention requirements, manage growing volumes of structured and unstructured data, and embed privacy by design across the data lifecycle. Hear practical insights from public-sector leaders on balancing access with security, improving cross-agency alignment, and leveraging automation to support retention, discovery and responsible data disposal in an era of heightened cyber risk and scrutiny.

Moderator: Taylor Bothke, Privacy Officer, ADA Manager, Office of Information Technology Services, State of Idaho

Sydney Lewis, Data Architecture Manager, Idaho Transportation Department

Stephen O'Meara, Chief Information Officer, Ada County

Jim Weaver, National Strategy Advisor, Everpure

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Jake Reynolds, Interim Chief Information Officer, State of Idaho

Jason Pierce, Deputy Administrator and Chief Information Officer, State of Idaho

Chris Carlisle, Chief Technology Officer, State of Idaho

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session – Idaho Innovates: AI Solutions for Today's Challenges

Across Idaho, government organizations are actively using AI to streamline operations, improve customer service, enhance decision-making and tackle everyday business challenges. In this closing session, attendees will hear practical use cases, lessons learned and strategies for identifying where AI can deliver the greatest value. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your efforts, you'll leave with actionable ideas, peer insights and a better understanding of how AI is transforming government today.

Jason Pierce, Deputy Administrator and Chief Information Officer, State of Idaho

Jake Reynolds, Interim Chief Information Officer, State of Idaho

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.

End of Conference

Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.