Name: Illinois Digital Government Summit 2026
Start: 2026-11-17T08:00
Location: Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Center

Overview

The Illinois 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 Digital Government Summit is a valuable opportunity for public sector leaders from across Illinois government to come together and share ideas that move us forward. Each year, the conversations here help us better understand emerging needs, strengthen collaboration, and explore practical ways technology can improve service delivery for the residents and communities we serve. I look forward to the continued exchange of insights that helps us build a more responsive, secure, and innovative government.

- Brandon Ragle, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, State of Illinois

Speakers

Brandon Ragle

State Chief Information Officer and Secretary, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois

Brandon Ragle is the State Chief Information Officer and the Secretary for the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT). Appointed in April 2025, he leads the State’s enterprise technology strategy, cybersecurity posture, and delivery of modern digital services that support state agencies, citizens and businesses.
With more than 30 years of service in Illinois state government, Brandon is a seasoned technology executive with experience across Corrections, Financial and Professional Regulation, Insurance and DoIT. Over the past two decades, he has focused on modernizing large-scale systems, strengthening enterprise governance and using technology to drive efficiency, resilience, and public value.
Prior to his appointment as Secretary, Brandon served as Deputy Secretary and Deputy State CIO, as well as Chief of Enterprise Applications, where he led major digital transformation initiatives and enterprise platforms critical to statewide operations.

Phil Hansen

Artist, Speaker, Author and Innovator

Referred to by his fans as “the Artist for the People”, Phil Hansen is an internationally recognized multimedia artist, speaker, author, and innovator -- at the forefront of bringing art to a wider audience. Crashing irreverently through conventional boundaries, Phil works at the intersection of traditional art, electronic media, offbeat materials, and interactive experiences. His meta-art, with its process-focused videos (sometimes including destruction), powerfully demonstrates to millions that art is action, not just result. Hansen's work also extends deeply into traditional media with features on the Discovery Channel, Good Morning America, the Rachael Ray Show, Last Call with Carson Daly, Glamour and many more. Many influential clients, including the Grammy Awards, Disney, Skype, Mazda, and the Rockefeller Foundation, seek out his work.
For the tens of millions who have seen Phil’s art on TV and online, it’s hard to imagine his artistic journey. His journey nearly came to an end when a tremor developed in his drawing hand. In exploring new ways to create art, Phil discovered that by embracing his shake. Limitations could become the passageway to creativity. His inspirational story was first shared on the TED stage to a standing ovation. It reached a global audience, with PBS, BBC, and CBC among its broadcasters. Now, Phil’s ability to draw parallels to the business setting has won him followers among industry and business leaders. This has led to invitations to speak at the TED conference, Adobe MAX Creativity Conference, World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, and the Million Dollar Round Table. Phil’s message of self-reinvention and the power of transforming adversity into opportunity translates well across audiences. This is regardless of the industry. His message inspires, motivates and re-energizes the creative spirit in us all.” - Ford Motor Company
“We need to first be limited in order to become limitless.” - Phil Hansen

Wes Bell

IT and GIS Manager, City of Altamont

Wes Bell serves the City of Altamont in both information technology and zoning administration roles. As Zoning Administrator, he oversees building permits and zoning enforcement. He also manages the City’s Enterprise Zone and serves as Floodplain Administrator. In these capacities, he is the designated City official coordinating with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) on hazard mitigation and community resilience planning.
In his IT role, Wes manages the City’s network infrastructure across multiple locations and maintains the City’s website. He recently completed a website rebuild with an emphasis on accessibility and ADA compliance. His GIS responsibilities include collecting field data, maintaining the underlying data structure, and ensuring geographic information remains accurate and organized as municipal infrastructure changes and development projects progress. Through these combined responsibilities, he supports the City’s technology infrastructure, data management, and delivery of accessible public information.

David Bolt

Senior Sales Engineer, SLED, Delinea

David Bolt is a Senior Sales Engineer at Delinea covering State, Local Government, and Education accounts across the Midwest. He spends most of his time working with small public sector IT teams, helping them figure out how to do more with less. Whether that's managing vendor access, helping to defend against AI driven attacks, or getting the right tools in place without blowing the budget, he's had that conversation more times than he can count. He lives in West Michigan with his family and has recently taken up triathlons as his mid-life crisis.

Christopher Britten

Assistant Secretary & Deputy State CIO, Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology

Christopher Britten is an accomplished technology executive with more than 28 years of experience driving innovation, transformational IT strategy, and customer‑centric service delivery across the public and private sectors. He currently serves as the Acting Assistant Secretary for the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), where he leads statewide solution delivery and oversees a workforce of more than 700 technology professionals. In this role, he champions enterprise-wide technology modernization, service excellence, and cross‑agency collaboration to ensure technology investments align with statewide business goals.
Chris is recognized for uniting cross-functional teams around shared goals, defining forward‑looking enterprise service strategies, and modernizing technology environments to improve how government serves residents and employees. A firm believer in technology’s power to improve public service outcomes, he has dedicated his career to building human‑centered, inclusive, and accountable IT organizations.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Clark Atlanta University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Purdue University. He also maintains his Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential and has completed advanced cybersecurity and systems engineering training.
Beyond his professional roles, Chris is deeply committed to community impact. He serves as a board member of You Matter 2, empowering youth through philanthropy and service, and is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., supporting its mission of leadership, scholarship, and community uplift.

Tyler Derickson

Cybersecurity and Systems Admin, Arbor Park School District

Tyler Derickson is a cybersecurity professional supporting school district technology environments. He works across network infrastructure, identity and access management, endpoint security, incident response, and security awareness training, helping ensure safe, secure, and reliable learning environments for students and staff. Tyler contributes to projects ranging from camera system and network deployments to cloud platform configuration, threat monitoring, and district-wide cybersecurity. He focuses on strengthening the technology foundation that schools depend on, protecting data and sustaining trust through practical, proactive security. Tyler is pursuing an MS in Cybersecurity Risk Management at Indiana University and holds a BS in Information Technology from Governors State University, along with several industry certifications.

Caitlin Dunn

Senior Manager, Deloitte

Darrin Hanson

Systems Engineering Director, Fortinet

Darrin Hanson has extensive experience working in the Cyber Security field for over two decades. He earned a B.S. degree in Computer Science in 1991 and an M.B.A. in IT Management in 2014.
In his current role, Darrin leads the Systems Engineering team focused on delivering secure networking solutions within Public Sector accounts at Fortinet. Prior to that, Darrin has held various Engineering and Management positions at Thomson Reuters, Diageo, Cisco Systems and ePlus. He has helped numerous companies from large Fortune 100 companies to small-medium sized businesses to design, deploy, and operate highly secure wired & wireless infrastructure.

Terance Henry

IT Director, City of Marion

Mr. Henry serves as Chair of the Southern Illinois Workforce Development Board (SIWDB). He also serves as a business representative for the SIWDB, and Chair of the Executive Committee. In addition, as SIWDB Chair, he serves as an Ex-Officio member of all committees.

Troy Horton

Health & Human Services Group CIO, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois

Troy Horton serves as the Chief Information Officer for the Health and Human Services Group at the State of Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology. With an impressive tenure spanning three decades, Troy has cultivated a rich background that bridges various sectors, from agriculture and the military to academia, commercial world & state government.
Guided by a passion for both mentorship and learning, Troy is a visionary in Information Technology. His hands-on approach to system design and development has paved the way for building reliable, scalable applications. Additionally, his adeptness at managing complex projects, even under tight deadlines, is testament to his commitment to excellence. Throughout his career, he has effectively led diverse teams, comprising systems analysts, database architects, technical analysts, test analysts, and end-user support specialists.
At the heart of his expertise is Troy's unique ability to blend technology with human-centric insights. His deep-seated interest in operations, combined with his understanding of its interplay with technology, forms the bedrock of his educational journey. Yet, it's his profound appreciation for the human elements in business and their intrinsic tie to technology that truly fuels his enthusiasm.
In his pivotal role as the CIO, Troy wears many hats. He engages directly with agency partners and clients, striving to comprehend their technological aspirations. This, in turn, enables him to craft, coordinate, and deliver integrated tech solutions that resonate. Troy proudly identifies as an innovator, and his flexibility, adaptability, and results-driven approach are evident throughout his illustrious career. Above all, he embodies passion and dedication, attributes clearly mirrored in his professional journey.
With a remarkable thirty-year career spanning diverse sectors such as agriculture, the military, academia, commercial enterprises, and state government, Troy has established himself as a visionary in Information Technology & his commitment to excellence is evident. His unique ability to blend technology with human-centric insights sets him apart, reflecting his profound appreciation for the intersection of operations and technology. As an innovator, his flexibility, adaptability, and results-driven approach define his illustrious career, embodying passion and dedication throughout his professional journey.

Cynthia Lovell

Employee Development Manager, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois

Cindy Lovell is the Manager of Organizational Learning & Employee Development at the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), where she leads initiatives focused on employee development, growth, and organizational performance. With more than 20 years of experience in learning and development, Cindy has held leadership roles across government, healthcare, technology, and financial services. Her experience spans global learning programs, leadership development, change management, and workforce performance improvement. Cindy believes learning is most effective when it is embedded in the flow of work. She is passionate about helping organizations navigate change by creating opportunities for employees to learn through experience, collaboration, and solving real workplace challenges. Her approach focuses on connecting learning, change management, and performance to help people adapt, grow, and succeed as the workplace evolves.

Andrew Martin

Deputy Chief Technology Officer – Customer Service, Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology

Andrew Martin serves as a Deputy Chief Technology Officer for the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology, where he helps lead enterprise IT service delivery supporting approximately 60,000 users across state government. With more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, logistics and the public sector, Andy specializes in helping organizations translate complex technology work into outcomes that leaders can understand and support.

Patrick Nolan

Deputy Secretary, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology

Patrick Nolan serves as the Deputy Secretary of the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), a position he assumed in June 2025. In this role, he is responsible for the Innovation and Strategy teams, ensuring that the State’s technology continues to evolve in ways that support its residents and agencies. Before joining DoIT, Nolan served as Chief of Staff at the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS. Earlier in his career, Nolan was the Director of Analytics at the University of Chicago, where he led data informed initiatives supporting institutional decision making. He holds graduate degrees in Business Administration and Public Policy and an undergraduate degree in Philosophy.

Joel Pingel

Head of State and Local Government Sales (Manager), Midwest Central Region / Head of Education, State and Local Government, Google Public Sector
Joel Pingel is an accomplished professional with more than 16 years of experience in the technology sector, specializing in serving the Public Sector. Currently, he leads Google Cloud's State and Local Government Sales team for the Midwest Central Region, overseeing the delivery of innovative solutions to governmental entities.
Prior to joining Google, Joel held pivotal roles at leading organizations such as OpenGov Inc., ReliaQuest, Gartner, and Thomson Reuters, where he excelled in solution selling, account management, and business development. With a background in law, Joel brings a unique perspective to his work, leveraging his Juris Doctor degree from Hamline University School of Law and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government from the University of Iowa.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Joel is dedicated to coaching youth sports at home in Minnesota, where he resides with his wife and their two children. An avid Peloton user, he also enjoys running half-marathons in his spare time.

Shelly Ray

Chief People Officer, People Operations, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois

Arun Reddy

CEO, Zion Cloud Solutions

Arun Reddy is the CEO of Zion Cloud Solutions and has 25 years of experience leading application integration and modernization for state, federal and commercial customers. He has spent the past several years building a dedicated AI practice that helps agencies move AI from demos into measurable production use. ZCS is certified by Google Cloud, Microsoft, AWS and Databricks.

Chief AI Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois

Dr. Tamara Roust is the Chief AI Officer. Dr. Roust served as Chief Data Officer for the State of Illinois where she developed the state’s enterprise data strategy for statewide data practice and was a part of the state’s COVID-19 taskforce. She also has nearly a decade of experience in the financial services industry and worked as a senior engineer for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Tammy holds a BS in Math and Computer Science from UCLA and several degrees including a Ph.D. in Information Systems and Technology from Claremont Graduate University.

Ray Shieh

Post Quantum Cryptography Business Leader, IBM Consulting

Ray Shieh is the PQC Business Development Leader for IBM Consulting Americas. Ray is responsible for driving awareness for cryptographic vulnerabilities, works with clients across various industries to build cryptographic-agility, and collaborates with executives to define PQC readiness roadmaps that accelerate transformation. In this session, Ray will share his experience working with clients and provide insights into how organizations should start their journey.

Christopher Shriver

Senior Partner and Vice President, IBM Consulting

Over the last 20 years, Chris has led Sales Teams in multiple IBM Business Units, leveraging his Leadership, Coaching and Passion for Winning. Chris is a high achiever and has consistently exceeded his business measurements in all areas and has been recognized with Leadership and Sales awards. In 2019, Chris was selected to be a part of IBM's Manager's Champion Group, which is an esteemed group of 50 managers across the company, focused on driving transformational change and elevating the performance of IBMers globally. In addition, in 2012 and 2013, Chris was recognized as a top Sales Leader and Manager at IBM. During 2010 - 2013, Chris led his team to achieving their sales plan, three consecutive years, averaging year over year revenue growth of 12%. During this time, Chris led significant sales transformation within his team (realigning the organization and transforming the team's skill set) and was personally involved in developing new relationships with C Level Executives in many Fortune 1000 Clients.

Lori Sorenson

Chief Technology Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois

Lori Sorenson serves as the Chief Technology Officer for the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology, where she leads statewide efforts to deliver reliable, secure, and customer centric IT services. In addition to overseeing enterprise technology strategy and operations, she advises on broadband policy to help expand digital access across Illinois.
With more than 30 years of experience in information technology, Lori brings expertise in modernizing public-sector systems and driving innovation that improves constituent services. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois Springfield and a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University.

Dave Termunde

Chief Innovation Project Manager, Arbor Park School District

Dave Termunde serves as the Chief of Innovation, Technology, Operations, and Project Manager for Arbor Park School District 145. He oversees district technology, facilities, operations, physical security, cybersecurity, and innovation initiatives, helping ensure safe, efficient, and future-ready learning environments for students and staff. Dave leads strategic projects ranging from educational technology integration and STEM programming to construction management, school safety enhancements, and infrastructure improvements. His passion is leveraging technology, innovation, and strong operational practices to create meaningful opportunities and positive outcomes for students, educators, and the community.

Kunal Thakkar

Director, Public Sector, Zion Cloud Solutions

Kunal Thakkar is the Director of Public Sector at Zion Cloud Solutions, where he partners with state, local and education organizations on cloud, data and AI modernization. He brings over a decade of experience on both sides of public sector technology projects, as a delivery leader and as a sales executive across multiple states. His focus is helping organizations turn modernization plans into services that people can rely on.

Tom Walker

Director of Technology, Massac Ud 1 School District

With 20+ years dedicated to education, Tom Walker is the current Director of Technology for Massac Unit School District #1 in Metropolis, Illinois. His extensive background includes serving as a mathematics teacher, technology coordinator, principal, district homeless liaison, and college instructor. Tom is a dedicated early adopter, evidenced by his leadership in bringing Chromebooks (2012), Securly (2013), and Alma to Massac as one of the first districts in Illinois. He actively engages with the wider educational community through his involvement with the Securly Educational Advisory Council and the Illinois Coalition for Educating At-Risk Youth. Above all, Tom is deeply committed to exploring and implementing innovative solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of every student.

Rod Warren

Deputy Chief Information Officer, IT Head of Delivery, Department of Technology and Innovation, City of Chicago

Rod Warren is the Deputy Chief Information Officer – IT Head of Delivery with the Department of Technology and Innovation for the city of Chicago. With a profound understanding of Chicago's governmental operations, Rod spearheads technology initiatives that equip the city with cutting-edge solutions. His leadership fosters strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing technology systems and services across all city agencies, further solidifying Chicago's position as a technological leader on the national stage. Rod also serves as the technology advisor for the Chicago Taskforce for Innovation and Technology, and sits on several Technology Advisory Boards.
Rod holds degrees in Computer Science, and IT Security and Management. Beyond his professional endeavors, Rod is a licensed ordained minister of the Apostolic Church of God, where he serves on the official board and various auxiliaries, embodying a commitment to serving his community.
Additionally, Rod is a board member of I AM A GENTLEMAN INC., an organization dedicated to mentoring and fostering leadership skills among young men aged 13-21. His passion for empowering individuals extends beyond his professional and community roles; Rod finds joy in encouraging, motivating, and inspiring people from all walks of life. He believes in the transformative power of technology to empower individuals and communities.
Outside of his work and community involvement, Rod enjoys traveling, reading, and actively supporting individuals in their personal and professional growth journeys. With a profound love for technology and a dedication to empowering others, Rod is committed to driving positive change and innovation in both the city of Chicago and beyond.

Thomas Webb

IT Manager, City of Urbana

Thomas is the IT Manager for the City of Urbana, Illinois, where he directs enterprise cybersecurity strategy, technology governance, and municipal digital service modernization as the primary advisor to executive leadership and elected officials while overseeing the IT Division’s daily operations. A public sector IT veteran, his prior leadership roles include Manager of Field Services Endpoint Management at Oregon Health & Science University and over a decade at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Engineering. Thomas holds an M.S. in Computer Technology and a B.S. in Aviation Human Factors.

Jackie White

Major Account Manager, Fortinet

Jackie White is a cybersecurity and public-sector technology leader with extensive experience supporting government organizations across Illinois. As a Major Account Manager at Fortinet, she works with state agencies and executive offices to strengthen cybersecurity posture, secure critical infrastructure, and navigate emerging challenges related to artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
In addition to her professional role, Jacqueline serves as a Board Member for the Chicago Chapter of InfraGard and is a longtime member of GMIS International. She is recognized for fostering collaboration between government and industry and for helping leaders translate complex cyber and technology risks into actionable strategies that protect public services and enhance citizen trust.

Jordan Wilkins

National Conference Director, Government Technology

Alan Xènos

Tech Infrastructure Manager, Fox River Water Reclamation District

Alan F. Xènos is the Technology Infrastructure Manager for the Fox River Water Reclamation District, leading the Office of Technology Infrastructure (a combined IT and OT/Controls department), where he is responsible for the secure, 24/7 operation of critical technology systems supporting three plants. He also works regionally with government partners on technology integration, cybersecurity, and modernization initiatives to help keep essential public infrastructure secure, resilient, and connected. Before his current role, he consulted primarily with police departments, water and wastewater utilities, and other public-sector organizations, with his work encompassing technology management, digital forensics, and support of active investigations.

Tuesday, November 17
8:00 am Central	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Plaza E/F/G
9:00 am Central	Welcome and Event Opening Ceremonies Plaza H/I/J
9:10 am Central	Opening Remarks Plaza H/I/J Brandon Ragle, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois
9:15 am Central	Keynote – EMBRACE THE SHAKE: Transforming Limitations into Opportunities Plaza H/I/J Success, especially in today’s fast-changing business environment, depends on our ability to make creativity and innovation a continuous process. Leaders want to know how their teams can rise above any challenge and succeed no matter what comes their way. Whether the goal is to embrace change, overcome obstacles, sustain growth, or take your success to the next level, leaders and teams want to learn how to “Embrace the Shake.” The term “Embrace the Shake” is coined from artist Phil Hansen’s personal story of transformation. After developing a career-ending tremor in his drawing hand, Phil embraced his “shake” both physically and metaphorically by redefining his limitation as an impetus for creativity. Phil not only restored his artistic abilities, but he also became a much more creative and innovative artist than ever before. Phil’s powerful message of finding creativity within limitations will inspire you to stop looking outside and start looking within for the resources that can transform your challenges into opportunities for success. Phil Hansen, Artist, Speaker, Author, and Innovator Sponsored by: RL Canning, Inc.
10:15 am Central	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Plaza E/F/G Refuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsors: Red Hat, Inc.
10:45 am Central	Concurrent Sessions AI That Pays for Its Seat Diamond Ballroom Agencies are past the point of asking whether AI is interesting. The harder question is whether it is worth the cost, staff time, data work, and risk. The focus of this session will be practical AI use cases that can be measured, including process support, document review, service desk help, software development support, and knowledge management. The discussion will include ROI, token usage, data boundaries, security review, staff training, and signs that an AI project is ready for real use rather than just a demo. Moderator: Patrick Nolan, Deputy Secretary, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois Troy Horton, Health and Human Services Group Chief Information Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois Matt Fuchs, Software Engineering Lead, Accenture Arun Reddy, CEO, Zion Cloud Solutions Stop Launching and Start Owning Sapphire Ballroom Government technology work does not end when a project goes live. Applications need roadmaps, releases, testing, maintenance, security updates, support models, and clear ownership. This conversation will explore how agencies can move from project delivery to product ownership, especially when internal teams, project management vendors, technology vendors, and agency leaders all have a role in the outcome. Attendees will learn how to keep requirements, testing, accountability, and business value in the hands of the public agency while still working well with outside partners. Moderator: Rachel Pevey, Group Chief Information Officer, Child and Family Services & Advocacy, Acting Health and Human Services, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois Kevin Becker, Chief Information Officer, Supporting the Department of Public Health, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois Jim Daugherty, Agency Chief Information Officer, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois Caitlin Dunn, Senior Manager, Deloitte Critical Infrastructure Hiding in Plain Sight Plaza C/D Water, wastewater, electric, gas, airports, alarms, public safety buildings, and SCADA systems all depend on technology that may not be fully visible to the IT team. Speakers will show how public agencies can find the systems and devices they already have, understand what is exposed, improve logs and monitoring, and decide what needs attention first. The conversation should be practical for smaller governments that may not have deep OT staff but still carry responsibility for essential services. Moderator: Terance Henry, IT Director, City of Marion Darrin Hanson, Systems Engineering Director, Fortinet Alan Williams, Account Director, State and Local Government, OpenAI Alan Xènos, Tech Infrastructure Manager, Fox River Water Reclamation District Faster Tools for First Responders Plaza A Public safety teams need technology that works quickly in the field and does not slow down responders. This discussion will cover single sign-on, police laptops, body camera footage, records systems, mobile access, identity, data sharing, and data protection. Attendees will hear what makes technology useful for first responders, what creates friction, and how IT teams can balance speed, security, evidence, privacy, and public records responsibilities. Moderator: Jordan Wilkins, National Conference Director, Government Technology Christopher Britten, Assistant Secretary, Deputy State Chief Information Officer, Solution Delivery and Engagement, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois Donnie McCleskey, Director, Public Sector Twilio
11:45 am Central	Lunch Plaza H/I/J
12:45 pm Central	General Session – Shadow AI Is Already Here Plaza H/I/J AI use is already showing up across public agencies, sometimes through approved tools and sometimes through personal accounts, copied data, prompts, draft documents, and quick workarounds that nobody is tracking. This conversation will focus on the real governance questions agencies are facing now, including which tools employees use, what information goes into those tools, which records may need to be preserved, how FOIA risk changes the conversation, and how policy can guide staff without shutting down useful work. Attendees will leave with practical questions to ask within their own agencies and examples of guardrails that can help make AI safer, clearer, and more useful. Moderator: Thomas Webb, IT Manager, City of Urbana Terance Henry, IT Director, City of Marion Michael Bass, Founder and Executive Director of Intergenerational Computer Education, and Coordinator of Inventory Management & Property Control, City of Chicago Tamara Roust, Chief AI Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois Kunal Thakkar, Director, Public Sector, Zion Cloud Solutions
1:30 pm Central	Short Break Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.
1:40 pm Central	Concurrent Sessions When Technical Debt Starts Making Decisions Sapphire Ballroom Old systems, unsupported software, rising costs, mainframe risk, storage growth, and limited maintenance windows can quietly decide what an agency can or cannot do. Speakers should connect technical debt to budgets, risk, operations, modernization, and service delivery. Attendees will hear how to prioritize what matters most, explain the cost of waiting, connect maintenance to business outcomes, and find practical ways to modernize when funding is tight. Moderator: Andrew Martin, Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Customer Service, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois Sahil Jain, Partner, McKinsey and Company Joel Pingel, Head of State and Local Government Sales (Manager), Midwest Central Region / Head of Education, State and Local Government, Google Public Sector Lori Sorenson, Chief Technology Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois Small Teams, Big Responsibilities Plaza C/D Many local governments are running technology programs with one person or a very small team. Those same teams may support servers, websites, GIS, zoning, phones, cybersecurity, utilities, public works, vendors, and field staff. The discussion will focus on practical ways small teams can reduce workloads, use shared services, plan upgrades, manage vendors, improve accessibility, and help non-desk employees adopt new tools. Attendees should leave with ideas that fit smaller budgets and smaller staffs. Moderator: Lora McDonald, Business and Workforce Group Chief Information Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois Wes Bell, IT and GIS Manager, City of Altamont David Bolt, Senior Sales Engineer, SLED, Delinea Dave Termunde, Chief Innovation Project Manager, Arbor Park School District Quantum Is Coming to the Risk Register Plaza A Post-quantum readiness can feel far away until agencies start looking at encryption, sensitive records, vendor contracts, long-term data, identity systems, and critical applications. Attendees will receive a plain-language explanation of what public agencies need to understand now. The focus should be on which systems may be affected, which inventory work should begin, which questions to ask vendors, which timelines matter, and which first steps are reasonable for state, county, city, and higher education teams. Moderator: Jordan Wilkins, National Conference Director, Government Technology Zeeshan Khan, CISSP, Information Security Lead, Department of Technology and Innovation, City of Chicago Dominic Saebeler, Senior Associate Director, University of Illinois at Urbana Ray Shieh, Post Quantum Cryptography Business Leader, IBM Consulting Executive Briefing for Industry Partners Diamond Ballroom Hosted by: Brandon Ragle, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois
2:40 pm Central	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Plaza E/F/G Refuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsors: Red Hat, Inc.
3:10 pm Central	General Session – The Workforce Shift No One Can Ignore Plaza H/I/J The public sector IT workforce is changing at every level. New employees are entering the field with different expectations and tools. Mid-career employees need to keep learning as AI, cloud, security, data, and automation change the work. Long-time employees may be carrying knowledge that agencies cannot afford to lose. This conversation will focus on the skills teams need now, the human skills that matter more as technology evolves, and how leaders can help people build confidence rather than feel left behind. Attendees will leave with a clearer picture of what to teach, what to document, and how to support teams through the next wave of change. Moderator: Rod Warren, Deputy Chief Information Officer, IT Head of Delivery, Department of Technology and Innovation, City of Chicago Tyler Derickson, Cybersecurity and Systems Admin, Arbor Park School District Cynthia Lovell, Employee Development Manager, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois Shelly Ray, Chief People Officer, People Operations, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois Tom Walker, Director of Technology, Massac Ud 1 School District
4:00 pm Central	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area Plaza E/F/G Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
4:30 pm Central	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Center

3000 South Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 529-7777

Get Directions To
Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Center

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Jason Barth
Chief Operating Officer
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois

Wes Bell
Manager
City of Altamont

Matt Berger
Chief Technology Officer
Mclean County

Jason Bowen
Chief Information Security Officer
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois

Christopher Britten
Assistant Secretary; Deputy State CIO, Solution Delivery and Engagement
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois

Carl Conner
Associate Director
IT Security & Compliance
University of Illinois

Bill Downing
Chief Enterprise Architect
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois

Terance Henry
Director
City of Marion

Jenifer Johnson
Chief of Staff
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois

Robert Kerr
Executive Director
University of Illinois at Springfield

Mark Little
Chief Information Officer
Peoria County

Patrick Nolan
Deputy Secretary
IL Dept of Innovation & Technology

Brandon Ragle
Secretary and Chief Information Officer
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois

Stephen Rounds
IT Director
City of Peru

Brad Smith
Chief of Enterprise Application Services
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois

Lori Sorenson
Chief Technology Officer
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois

Industry Representatives

Brian Baun
SLED Enterprise Account Manager
Delinea

Kathryn McGirk
Client Advocate
Google Public Sector

Nishant Nanda
Partner
McKinsey & Company

Khelan Patel
Principal
Deloitte

Arun Reddy
CEO
Zion Cloud Solutions LLC

Abrar Shaikh
Illinois Client Account Lead
Accenture

Eric Westberg
Technology Client Leader
Technology
IBM Corporation

Jackie White
Major Account Manager, SLED
Fortinet

Alan Williams
Account Executive - State and Local Government
OpenAI

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: November 17, 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:

Lindsay Anthis
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1495
E-mail: lanthis@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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Illinois Digital Government Summit 2026

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Brandon Ragle

State Chief Information Officer and Secretary, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois

Phil Hansen

Artist, Speaker, Author and Innovator

Wes Bell

IT and GIS Manager, City of Altamont

David Bolt

Senior Sales Engineer, SLED, Delinea

Christopher Britten

Assistant Secretary & Deputy State CIO, Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology

Tyler Derickson

Cybersecurity and Systems Admin, Arbor Park School District

Caitlin Dunn

Senior Manager, Deloitte

Darrin Hanson

Systems Engineering Director, Fortinet

Terance Henry

IT Director, City of Marion

Troy Horton

Health & Human Services Group CIO, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois

Cynthia Lovell

Employee Development Manager, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois

Andrew Martin

Deputy Chief Technology Officer – Customer Service, Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology

Patrick Nolan

Deputy Secretary, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology

Joel Pingel

Shelly Ray

Chief People Officer, People Operations, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois

Arun Reddy

CEO, Zion Cloud Solutions

Dr. Tamara Roust

Chief AI Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois

Ray Shieh

Post Quantum Cryptography Business Leader, IBM Consulting

Christopher Shriver

Senior Partner and Vice President, IBM Consulting

Lori Sorenson

Chief Technology Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois

Dave Termunde

Chief Innovation Project Manager, Arbor Park School District

Kunal Thakkar

Director, Public Sector, Zion Cloud Solutions

Tom Walker

Director of Technology, Massac Ud 1 School District

Rod Warren

Deputy Chief Information Officer, IT Head of Delivery, Department of Technology and Innovation, City of Chicago

Thomas Webb

IT Manager, City of Urbana

Jackie White

Major Account Manager, Fortinet

Jordan Wilkins

National Conference Director, Government Technology

Alan Xènos

Tech Infrastructure Manager, Fox River Water Reclamation District

Agenda

Tuesday, November 17

8:00 am Central

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Plaza E/F/G

9:00 am Central

Welcome and Event Opening Ceremonies

Plaza H/I/J

9:10 am Central

Opening Remarks

Plaza H/I/J

9:15 am Central

Keynote – EMBRACE THE SHAKE: Transforming Limitations into Opportunities

Plaza H/I/J

10:15 am Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Plaza E/F/G

10:45 am Central

Concurrent Sessions

AI That Pays for Its Seat

Diamond Ballroom

Room Block 

Map and Directions 

Event Parking 