Name: Idaho Digital Government Summit 2026
Start: 2026-09-01T08:00
Location: Boise Centre

Overview

The Idaho Digital Government Summit is where innovation meets impact!

Bringing together the brightest minds in state and local government, this summit empowers public-sector leaders to explore cutting-edge technologies, modernize operations, and solve pressing challenges. From cybersecurity and AI to data governance and digital service delivery, sessions are designed to spark insight, foster collaboration, and accelerate real-world results. Whether you're shaping strategy or implementing solutions, the Summit delivers valuable peer connections and actionable guidance to help move your mission forward.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

The ability to deliver secure, innovative, and customer-focused digital services is more critical than ever for Idaho’s agencies and government partners at every level. The Digital Government Summit brings our community together to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore practical solutions that move our state forward. I look forward to continuing this important conversation with you in September.

– Alberto Gonzalez, Chief Information Officer, State of Idaho

Speakers

Debbie Critchfield

Superintendent of Public Instruction, State of Idaho

Debbie Critchfield was sworn in as Idaho’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction on January 2, 2023. She previously served for seven years on the Idaho State Board of Education and was appointed to education task forces by both Governors Brad Little and Butch Otter. Debbie served as an elected school board member in Cassia County for ten years and was on the executive committee of the Idaho School Boards Association. She is a former local library trustee and Oakley Valley Arts Council president, and worked as the public information officer for Cassia School District for nine years.
Debbie and her husband Dave live near Oakley, where they raised their four children. They have four grandchildren.

Jake Reynolds

Interim Chief Information Officer, State of Idaho

Jake Reynolds serves as the Interim Chief Information Officer and Administrator of the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services (ITS), where he leads the state’s enterprise technology organization and the delivery of secure, reliable, and innovative technology services across Idaho state government.
Prior to joining ITS, Jake spent more than 13 years at the Idaho Department of Commerce, most recently as Business Development and Operations Administrator, overseeing economic development, broadband, community development, finance and major state grant and incentive programs. An Idaho native, Jake earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Idaho and has professional experience in state government, sales, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Anthony Huey

President, CSP

Anthony Huey, CSP, is a highly-rated international speaker who offers session attendees pragmatic communications tools, tips and techniques they can use immediately. Anthony has presented more than 3,500 paid communications workshops, seminars and speeches in his career, and was named a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) by The National Speakers Association, an honor awarded to less than 12% of its speakers worldwide. Anthony’s 25-year career includes tenures as a news reporter and senior editor, crisis management specialist, media relations consultant and executive speech coach. He owns Reputation Management, LLC, one of the nation’s leading communications training and crisis consulting companies. His past client work includes a wide variety of advertising, public relations and communications initiatives for hundreds of trade associations, municipalities and companies, including Nike, Victoria’s Secret, Eli Lilly, Nationwide Insurance, The Kroger Company, Procter & Gamble, and many more. Anthony holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University.

Taylor Bothke

Privacy Officer, ADA Manager, Office of Information Technology Services, State of Idaho

Taylor Bothke serves in a dual leadership role responsible for Legislative Affairs, Privacy, and Digital Accessibility, bringing a rare, cross-disciplinary perspective to the evolving intersection of data ethics, digital accessibility, and trust in government. She leads Idaho’s compliance efforts preparing for the 2027 ADA Title II mandate, advises state technology and policy leaders on statutory impacts to IT operations, and has developed the State of Idaho privacy program with heavy focus on data classification strategy. Taylor led the states Copilot for M365 proof of concept, evaluating whether Copilot could be rolled out safely and responsibly and she played a key role in developing Idaho’s AI Advantage: A Framework for Responsible Innovation. With experience bridging policy, compliance, technology, and constituent needs, Taylor is passionate about public service and government modernization—ensuring privacy, accessibility, and legislative clarity evolve in step with Idaho’s digital future.
Prior to joining the Office of Information Technology Services, Taylor served within the Idaho Transportation Department as the Civil Rights Program Manager. During this tenure, she represented the department as the Title VI Coordinator and ADA Coordinator, which has profoundly influenced the work she does today. Outside of the office, she enjoys mountain biking and adventuring with her labrador retriever. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Boise State University.

Chris Carlisle

Lead Enterprise Architect, Information Technology Services, State of Idaho

Chris Carlisle serves as Lead Enterprise Architect for the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services (ITS), where he helps shape statewide technology strategy, enterprise procurement, and investment decisions across Idaho government. He works closely with state agencies to evaluate technology solutions, modernize procurement practices, develop sustainable funding models, and ensure technology investments align with mission outcomes while meeting security, compliance, and fiscal stewardship requirements.
With a background spanning enterprise architecture, software licensing, infrastructure, and technology governance, Chris has led statewide initiatives involving enterprise agreements, strategic vendor partnerships, technology modernization, and shared services. He is passionate about helping government organizations move beyond purchasing technology for its own sake and instead focus on measurable business outcomes, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and practical approaches that enable agencies to deliver better services to Idaho citizens.

Nelson Casteel

Operations Section Chief, Emergency Management, Shawnee County

Nelson Casteel works for Shawnee County Emergency Management in Topeka. He serves as the project manager for many of the homeland security cybersecurity grant projects in the state. He has served as a Vice President of KEMA since 2018 and has served as a voting member on the SIAC as the KEMA Rep for the last 5 years. With the exception of 3.5 years in the corporate world, Nelson has served in Public Safety fields since 1993. Nelson has served in Fire, EMS, Communications, and Emergency Management. Nelson holds a Bachelors of Science in Emergency Management from West Texas A&M, a Masters of Science in Security Management from Southwestern College in Winfield, has been a KCEM since 2011, and was the second Kansas graduate of the FEMA Basic Academy in 2013 at EMI. Nelson believes the motto of his local departments describe him best: "Neighbors Helping Neighbors." Because of this motto, Nelson continues to seek education and training about cybersecurity and so as to help others across the public safety endeavors.

Jamie Daniel

Technology Strategy and Security Senior Manager, Chief Information Security Officer, City of Boise

Jamie Daniel is the Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Boise, where she leads both cybersecurity strategy and broader technology strategy. Jamie brings more than 23 years of IT leadership experience, having managed the full stack of technology teams in both public and private sector, including prior service as CISO for the Auburn University Foundation. Jamie is passionate about building partnerships and connecting people and technology at the right moment to advance organizational goals and solve the right problems at the right time.

Jen Dvorak

Chief Information Officer, Idaho Judicial Branch

Jen Dvorak is the Chief Information Officer for the Idaho Judicial Branch, where she leads strategic IT initiatives, day-to-day operations, and cybersecurity. Since joining the Branch in 2021 as Chief Information Security Officer, she has spearheaded major statewide initiatives, including modernizing judicial network infrastructure, deploying scalable multi-cloud solutions, and building real-time cybersecurity collaboration between judicial partners. Prior to her role in Idaho, she spent over a decade with the State of Arizona, where she launched the Arizona Information Sharing and Analysis Center (AZ-ISAC) and served as a cybersecurity liaison with law enforcement and homeland security partners. With more than 20 years of experience in IT strategy, infrastructure, and cybersecurity, Jen brings deep expertise in aligning technology solutions with public service. Outside of work, she enjoys fly fishing and hiking with her husband and pug.

Megan Fox

Web Strategy Manager, Office of Community Engagement, City of Boise

Megan leads the strategic vision and day-to-day operations of the City of Boise's web properties. She is passionate about creating experiences that are as vibrant as the city they serve, with a strong focus on accessibility, usability, and inclusive design. Megan brings a practical, people-centered perspective to digital government in the constant pursuit of creating digital experiences for everyone.

Dy Gadberry

Director of Human Resources, Office of Information Technology Services, State of Kansas

Dy Gadberry serves as the Director of Human Resources for the Kansas Office of Information Technology Services (OITS). With seven years of public sector human resources experience with the State of Kansas, she is passionate about building strong teams, developing effective workplace policies, and helping agencies attract and retain top talent. Throughout her career, Dy has championed strategic workforce planning, employee relations, and talent development while partnering with agency leadership to build engaged, high-performing teams. She is committed to creating a workplace culture that empowers employees and strengthens public service across Kansas.

Jennifer Gonzalez

Communications Manager, Idaho Office of Information Technology Services

Jennifer Gonzalez has nearly 25 years of varied communications experience in both the public and private sector.
She joined ITS from an international engineering firm and its Idaho-based strategic communications and community engagement team.
Previously, Gonzalez was a communications specialist at the Idaho Transportation Department. She supported and managed communications, stakeholder outreach, media relations, and government affairs.
Before joining the State of Idaho, she was a business writer at the Idaho Business Review. Gonzalez began her career as a news producer, reporter, and anchor at TV stations in Northern California and Idaho.

Michelle Hermann

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

Michelle Hermann, CPM®, is the Systems and Support Services Bureau Chief for the Idaho Division of Human Resources, where she leads statewide initiatives in HR technology, systems modernization, workforce development, and customer experience. A graduate of Idaho's Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program, Michelle enthusiastically supported the statewide implementation of Luma and continues to lead efforts to enhance the system through process improvement, innovation, and customer-focused design.
With more than a decade of public service experience and a Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Human Resources from Washington State University, Michelle is passionate about designing solutions that make government services more efficient, accessible, and effective. She enjoys partnering across agencies to improve the employee experience and deliver meaningful results for the State of Idaho.

Cheryl Jones, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Workforce Programs Manager, Division of Human Resources, State of Idaho

Cheryl Jones is a seasoned Human Resources leader with more than 20 years of experience across the full HR lifecycle, including talent acquisition, employee development, engagement, workforce planning, organizational design, and change management in multiple industries. She serves as the Workforce Programs Manager for the State of Idaho’s Division of Human Resources, where she leads statewide initiatives in talent acquisition, compensation, and classification to support agencies across Idaho.
Cheryl earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rider University and holds senior-level HR certifications as an SPHR and SHRM SCP. After relocating to Boise in 2020, she became actively involved with the Human Resources Association of the Treasure Valley (HRATV) and currently serves on the Board as Co Director of Arrangements.
Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. She loves backpacking, hiking, gardening, and taking advantage of Idaho’s great outdoors whenever she can.

Sydney Lewis

Data Architecture Manager, Idaho Transportation Department

Drawing on over 15 years of hands-on experience in diverse data-focused roles, Sydney Lewis manages the data architecture team at the Idaho Transportation Department. Her enthusiasm for data-driven transformation is evident in her commitment to harnessing information as a powerful strategic asset for her organization. Her expertise spans data architecture, governance, records management, and security, giving her a practical perspective on the challenges of modernizing information management in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Outside of work, Sydney enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two children, whether hiking, camping, or exploring new places together.

Stephen O'Meara

Chief Information Officer, Ada County

As Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Ada County, Stephen O’Meara oversees a staff of roughly 100 IT professionals. The scope of the department includes desk side support, custom software development, project management, cyber security, website construction/support, enterprise software license management, 3rd party application administration, data modelling/integrations and geospatial application and data development – across all 9 elected offices and 13 departments within Ada County.
Ada County IT is the supportive under pining of everything from 4th District of Idaho Courts to the Coroner’s Office, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office and Consolidated 911/Dispatch, Elections, the Treasurer’s Office, the County Assessor Office, the Prosecutor’s Office - even the Landfill, among many others in the county.
Prior to his 14 years of service and leadership at Ada County, O’Meara spent more than fifteen years in engineering at several cellular communications companies. He is a native of Tucson, AZ and holds a BFA from the University of Arizona.

Chelsea Robillard

Administrator/Chief Procurement Officer, Division of Purchasing, State of Idaho

Chelsea Robillard serves as the Administrator and Chief Procurement Officer for the Idaho Division of Purchasing, where she leads the State's central procurement office and oversees statewide policy, strategic sourcing, and contracting operations. She is committed to ensuring Idaho's procurement process delivers best value while maintaining transparency, competition, and compliance with state law. Chelsea collaborates with state agencies, industry partners, and procurement professionals to modernize practices, strengthen contract management, and implement innovative strategies that improve outcomes for Idaho agencies. A strong advocate for the procurement profession, Chelsea views procurement as a strategic function that drives innovation, promotes responsible stewardship of public resources, and builds meaningful partnerships between the state and the supplier community. She is passionate about advancing collaborative, transparent, and forward-thinking approaches that deliver lasting value for the State of Idaho and the citizens it serves.

Joshua C. Stemp

Cybersecurity State Coordinator, Idaho, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Josh Stemp is the Cybersecurity State Coordinator and Federal Cybersecurity Advisor in Idaho, representing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). CISA serves as the nation’s risk advisor and collaborates with industry and government partners to strengthen the resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure against cyber and physical risks. In this role, Mr. Stemp is a cybersecurity liaison between state and local government officials, critical infrastructure stakeholders, and the federal government and provides strategic planning, threat awareness, risk management advice, and incident response coordination.

Jim Weaver

National Strategy Advisor, Everpure

Jim Weaver is a former state CIO and nationally recognized public sector technology leader with deep experience guiding government IT strategy, modernization, and cybersecurity initiatives. He served as Secretary and Chief Information Officer for the North Carolina Department of Information Technology, where he oversaw statewide IT strategy, procurement, cybersecurity, and broadband expansion. Prior to that, he served as CIO for the state of Washington, helping strengthen the state’s IT infrastructure and advance technology adoption across government. Jim also served as president of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), contributing to IT policy and collaboration nationwide.
Jim joined Everpure in January 2025 as National Strategy Advisor for the U.S. Public Sector, focused on State, Local, and Education. In this role, he advises Public Sector Sales leadership and district managers on SLED market dynamics, growth opportunities, and strategic engagement with consultants, lobbyists, and key stakeholders.
A recognized leader in his field, Jim has received honors from NASCIO and Computerworld Honors. He also serves in the U.S. Army National Guard in North Carolina and has previously served in Washington and Pennsylvania.

Alex Winkler

Chief Information Officer, City of Boise

Alex Winkler is the Chief Information Officer for the City of Boise, where she leads a 80-person technology team covering cybersecurity, data and GIS, enterprise applications, infrastructure, and resident-facing technology. Prior to joining the City of Boise, she held senior leadership roles in health information and IT consulting and served more than 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, flying C-130 aircraft and leading transformation efforts. She holds an M.S. in Knowledge Management from Kent State University and a B.S. in Computer Science from UC Davis.

Tuesday, September 1
8:00 am Mountain	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Level 4 SW Lobby and Room 400D
9:00 am Mountain	Welcome and Opening Remarks Room 400AB Jake Reynolds, Interim Chief Information Officer, State of Idaho Debbie Critchfield, Superintendent of Public Instruction, State of Idaho
9:15 am Mountain	Keynote – The Power of TALK in an AI World Room 400AB 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 Sponsored by: Arista Networks
10:15 pm Mountain	Bits and Bytes – Inside BoiseState.AI: Building an Enterprise AI Platform Room 400AB 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.
10:45 am Mountain	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Level 4 SW Lobby and Room 400D
11:15 am Mountain	Concurrent Sessions From Dollars to Outcomes: Rethinking IT Funding and Procurement Room 410A 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, Information Technology Services, State of Idaho Jen Dvorak, Chief Information Officer, Idaho Judicial Branch Chelsea Robillard, Administrator/Chief Procurement Officer, Division of Purchasing, State of Idaho Customer-Centered Design in Action Room 410B 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. Moderator: Megan Fox, Web Strategy Manager, Office of Community Engagement, City of Boise 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 Room 410C 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 Scott Smith, Chief Deputy Controller, State of Idaho Controller’s Office
12:15 pm Mountain	Lunch Room 400AB
1:15 pm Mountain	Bits and Bytes – Emerging Threat Brief: Risks, Trends and What’s Next Room 400AB 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.
1:45 pm Mountain	Short Break Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.
2:00 pm Mountain	Concurrent Sessions Cyber, Fusion and You: Strengthening Idaho's Cyber Defense Through Partnership Room 410A 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. Moderator: Jamie Daniel, Technology Strategy and Security Senior Manager, Chief Information Security Officer, City of Boise 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 Room 410B 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 Room 410C 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
3:00 pm Mountain	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Level 4 SW Lobby and Room 400D
3:30 pm Mountain	General Session – Idaho Innovates: AI Solutions for Today's Challenges Room 400AB 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. Moderator: Jordan Wilkins, National Conference Director, Government Technology Jason Pierce, Deputy Administrator and Chief Information Officer, State of Idaho Leif Nelson, Executive Director, Technology for Research & Instruction, Research Computing, Boise State University Jake Reynolds, Interim Chief Information Officer, State of Idaho Alex Winkler, Chief Information Officer, City of Boise
4:15 pm Mountain	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area Level 4 SW Lobby and Room 400D Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
4:45 pm Mountain	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Boise Centre

850 W Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 336-8900

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Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Kristin Bartz
Project Coordinator
Office of Information Technology Services
State of Idaho

Taylor Bothke
Privacy Officer, ADA Manager
Cybersecurity
State of Idaho

Chris Carlisle
Software License Architect
Information Technology Services
State of Idaho

Austin Cole
Deputy IT Director & Chief Information Security Officer
County of Latah

Jen Dvorak
Chief Information Officer
Idaho Courts

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

Bill Finke
DMV Modernization Program Manager
Department of Transportation
State of Idaho

Mark French
Service Delivery Manager
Information Technology Services
State of Idaho

Alberto Gonzalez
ITS Administrator/Chief Information Officer
Office of Information Technology Services
State of Idaho

Jennifer Gonzalez
Communications Manager
Information Technology Services
State of Idaho

Will Goodman
Chief Technology Officer
Boise City Schools

Tyler Jackson
Chief Technology Officer
Office of Information Technology Services
State of Idaho

Isaac Joyner
Bureau Chief
Tax Commission
State of Idaho

Lisa McClellan
Administrator
Department of Motor Vehicles
State of Idaho

Cody McRoberts
Chief Information Officer
Secretary of State
State of Idaho

Phil Merrell
Director of Innovation & Academic Systems
Boise State University

Leif Nelson
Executive Director, Technology for Research & Instruction
Research Computing
Boise State University

Stephen O'Meara
Chief Information Officer
Ada County

Jason Pierce
Deputy Administrator / Chief Information Officer
Office of Information Technology Services
State of Idaho

Kathryn Romano
Colonel
Idaho Military Division
State of Idaho

Decar Scaff
IT Security Coordinator
Board of Education
State of Idaho

Butch Schierman
Chief Information Officer
City of Nampa

Dan Thornock
Chief Operations Support & Services Officer
Office of Information Technology Services
State of Idaho

Chris Volmer
Cyber & Infrastructure Security Manager
Office of Emergency Management
State of Idaho

Sara Westbrook
Director of Government Affairs
Idaho Association of Counties

Jonathan Wheatley
Deputy Director
Association of Cities

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

Alex Winkler
Chief Information Officer
City of Boise

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: September 1, 2026

Open to Public Sector only.

Registration - Free

If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.

This event is open to all individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

Contact Information

Need help registering, or have general event questions? Contact:

Isabel McKee
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-0722
E-mail: imckee@erepublic.com

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

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

Want to sponsor and stand out? Reach out to explore opportunities!

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

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Idaho Digital Government Summit 2026

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Debbie Critchfield

Superintendent of Public Instruction, State of Idaho

Jake Reynolds

Interim Chief Information Officer, State of Idaho

Anthony Huey

President, CSP

Taylor Bothke

Privacy Officer, ADA Manager, Office of Information Technology Services, State of Idaho

Chris Carlisle

Lead Enterprise Architect, Information Technology Services, State of Idaho

Nelson Casteel

Operations Section Chief, Emergency Management, Shawnee County

Jamie Daniel

Technology Strategy and Security Senior Manager, Chief Information Security Officer, City of Boise

Jen Dvorak

Chief Information Officer, Idaho Judicial Branch

Megan Fox

Web Strategy Manager, Office of Community Engagement, City of Boise

Dy Gadberry

Director of Human Resources, Office of Information Technology Services, State of Kansas

Jennifer Gonzalez

Communications Manager, Idaho Office of Information Technology Services

Michelle Hermann

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

Cheryl Jones, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Workforce Programs Manager, Division of Human Resources, State of Idaho

Sydney Lewis

Data Architecture Manager, Idaho Transportation Department

Stephen O'Meara

Chief Information Officer, Ada County

Chelsea Robillard

Administrator/Chief Procurement Officer, Division of Purchasing, State of Idaho

Joshua C. Stemp

Cybersecurity State Coordinator, Idaho, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Jim Weaver

National Strategy Advisor, Everpure

Alex Winkler

Chief Information Officer, City of Boise

Agenda

Tuesday, September 1

8:00 am Mountain

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Level 4 SW Lobby and Room 400D

9:00 am Mountain

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Room 400AB

9:15 am Mountain

Keynote – The Power of TALK in an AI World

Room 400AB

10:15 pm Mountain

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

Room 400AB

10:45 am Mountain

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Level 4 SW Lobby and Room 400D

11:15 am Mountain

Concurrent Sessions

From Dollars to Outcomes: Rethinking IT Funding and Procurement

Room 410A

Customer-Centered Design in Action

Room 410B

Leading Through Change: Building Idaho's Future IT Workforce

Room 410C

12:15 pm Mountain

Lunch

Room 400AB

1:15 pm Mountain

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

Room 400AB

1:45 pm Mountain

Short Break

2:00 pm Mountain

Concurrent Sessions

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

Room 410A

Drowning in Data? Modernizing Records, Retention and Privacy