Name: Illinois Digital Government Summit 2024
Start: 2024-11-19T08:00
Location: Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Center

Overview

The Digital Government Summit brings together technology focused public-sector professionals with leading industry partners to connect on innovative approaches, get inspired and discover new technologies. Join us and let’s improve the future of government together!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

The Illinois Digital Government Summit is set to take place in Springfield this year, and promises to be our best year yet! I am excited to welcome you and the hundreds of IT leaders and professionals from across State, local government and the private sector. Together, we will share ideas and explore the latest technology advancements that are transforming public services.

- Sanjay Gupta, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, State of Illinois

Speakers

Sanjay Gupta

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

Sanjay Gupta serves as the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) and the State Chief Information Officer. Sanjay leads the agency’s strategic IT planning and service delivery to 35 State of Illinois Agencies and over 80 boards, commissions, and offices throughout the State, representing nearly 60,000 users.
Previously, Sanjay served in the Chief Information Officer and Chief Technology Officer roles for the U.S Department of Justice and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) respectively. His modernization of SBA’s technology enabled it to process more than $1 trillion in economic assistance for the nation’s largest economic recovery effort.
He demonstrated the “art of the possible” in the public sector by delivering modernization, new cybersecurity models, collaborative standardization and innovative solutions that have informed policy updates. He also served on the Board of the Technology Modernization Fund (of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget), overseeing a $1 billion fund to modernize government IT and cybersecurity.
Appointed by Governor Pritzker in June 2023, the Illinois Senate confirmed Sanjay’s appointment in May 2024 as the State Chief Information Officer and Secretary of DoIT.

Brandon Ragle

Deputy Secretary and Deputy State Chief Information Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois 

Ragle brings 30 years of service in state government, serving in various roles supporting the Department of Corrections, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and Department of Insurance. Ragle spent the past two decades in information technology and joined the DoIT team in the role of Deputy Chief of Enterprise Applications in May 2016 where he was later promoted to Chief of Enterprise Applications in May 2019. In July 2022, Ragle assumed the role of Assistant Secretary of DoIT and subsequently served as interim Secretary from January to June 2023.
In June 2023, Ragle was appointed as the Deputy Secretary of DoIT and Deputy State CIO receiving Senate approval for the position in May 2024.

Jason Bowen

Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois 

Serving as Statewide Chief Information Security Officer, Jason drives positive cybersecurity outcomes for residents and visitors that leverage resources delivered by agencies across the State of Illinois. By building relationships and maximizing value provided through Federal - State - Local partnerships, Jason strives to promote and implement a unified cybersecurity strategy while providing tactical support where needed. As a public servant, he’s honored to lead a talented cybersecurity team dedicated to serving our residents and neighbors in the accomplishment of this mission.

Sharon Gai

Keynote Speaker and Author

Sharon Gai is an international female keynote speaker for corporations, associations and the public sector. Using her unique background from the east and west, she works with leaders worldwide to understand how to adopt AI into their workflows to increase productivity and efficiency. In her tenure at Alibaba, she advised brands and heads of state in crafting their digital strategy with programmatic marketing and AI. She has been the keynote speaker at TEDx, Singularity University, UBS, Deloitte, LVMH, Nestle, Ecomworld, and Etail. She is in the AAE list of Top Keynote Speakers in 2023. She is also one of 2024’s RETHINK Retail’s Top Retail Expert and a LinkedIn Top Voice in Public Speaking 2023. She has appeared on Bloomberg, ABC, CBC, CCTV, Techcrunch, Retail Asia, Wired, and The Next Web. She is the author of the book, Ecommerce Reimagined. Sharon has an Honors Bachelor’s degree in International Development from McGill and a Masters in Information and Knowledge Strategy from Columbia University.

Bill Rials

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government/Center for Public Sector AI

William (Bill) Rials, Ph.D., is a professor and associate director (department chair) of the Tulane University School of Professional Advancement IT and Cybersecurity Program, where he focuses on continually delivering and updating the program curriculum based on innovative and emerging technologies. Before transitioning to academia and higher education, he had a diverse gov tech career delivering value to state agencies, local governments, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Mississippi. He has served in CIO, CTO, and CISO roles for local governments and also in various leadership positions within the state of Mississippi’s IT organization as a deputy to the state CIO. Dr. Rials holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Belhaven University, a master’s degree in computer information systems and cybersecurity from Missouri State University, as well as a Ph.D. in higher education administration and public administration from Jackson State University. His dissertation research involved the critical factors that affect the adoption of cloud services within the public sector. He is a noted expert in the IT and cybersecurity space and is frequently quoted by national media outlets. He is also a frequent contributor to national IT government organizations such as NASTD and NASCIO.

Linus Barloon II

Global Head of Threat Detection and Response, CDW

Linus Barloon II is an experienced Executive in cybersecurity and Information Systems who brings more than 20 years of proven results in relevant Cyber assurance, remotely deployed information security, and secure communications infrastructure initiatives across the military and civilian landscape. Linus recently served the Office of the Sergeant Arms for the US Senate as the Chief Information Security Officer to provide proactive, predictive and adaptive Cybersecurity services for the 100 Senators and the 43 Committees.  Prior to the US Senate, he was the CISO for the White House Military Office to support the Executive Office of the President.  He has built a career in cybersecurity developing cybersecurity methodologies  to promote resiliency of enterprise networks to deny, degrade and disrupt the adversary’s ability to compromise military and federal government networks.
Linus joined CDW in July 2023 as our Global Head of Threat Response and he is highly regarded for his subject matter expertise in applying real-world cybersecurity solutions to protect the data and solutions we manage for CDW customers, coworkers, and partners globally.

Jason Barth

Chief People Officer, Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology, State Of Illinois 

Jason Barth is a strategic executive with over 20 years of professional experience leading human resource management and operations. He has a significant record of success in workplace strategy, talent acquisition, talent management, performance optimization, benefits and compensation, and employee relations. Jason’s career spans notable roles in various industries, where he has consistently demonstrated his ability to manage complex HR functions and drive organizational change.
Jason holds an MBA from Loyola University Chicago and has completed advanced leadership certifications from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania. Known for his tactical vision and ability to drive meaningful organizational change, Jason is passionate about mentoring emerging HR professionals and contributing to the broader HR community, making him a respected and influential leader in his field.
Currently, Jason serves as the Chief People Officer for the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology, where he partners with leadership to implement HR strategies that enhance efficiency and support agency objectives.

Monica Carranza

Principal Digital Innovation Specialist, Worldwide Public Sector, Amazon Web Services

Monica Terése Carranza, Esq. is an innovation and user-experience (UX) leader with two decades of industry practice delivering public sector solutions. Currently, Monica is a Principal Digital Innovation Specialist at Amazon Web Services (AWS). As a member of AWS’ Worldwide Public Sector team, Monica helps customers learn and use Amazon’s innovation mechanism of Working Backwards to design solutions that solve mission-critical problems. Before joining AWS, Monica spent 14-years working in the public sector at both the State of Illinois and City of Chicago as a CIO and lawyer focused on data privacy. Monica received her undergraduate degree from New York University and her law degree from Loyola University of Chicago law school.

John Cecala

Google Public Sector, Google Cloud

John is a public sector technology advocate at Google Cloud, dedicated to empowering governments with Google-inspired innovation. With 20+ years of experience, he understands the unique challenges agencies face across people, process and technology.  John champions  solutions to help government agencies improve resident services and accelerate problem-solving.

Daren Child

US Consult Data and AI Service Partner, Kyndryl

Daren is a senior-level data sage with repeated success in developing strategic data solutions and approaches to modernize and transform organizations. He is all about leveraging new data solutions to help agencies and organizations develop a data culture.
Prior to joining Kyndryl, Daren served as Principal Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft.

Tony Collings

Cybersecurity State Coordinator, Region 5 (IL), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Tony Collings is the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Region 5 Cybersecurity State Coordinator (CSC) for Illinois.
CISA protects the Nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber and physical threats by working with partners to defend against today’s threats and collaborating to build more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future.
Tony brings 40 years of information technology experience to the CSC position including nine years of cybersecurity experience. Prior to joining CISA, Tony served the State of Illinois as a Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at the Department of Innovation and Technology (DOIT), where he played a key role in the development and maturation of the state’s cybersecurity program. Tony has worked for state government for much of his career, including positions at Central Management Services, Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Corrections, and the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts. Tony has also worked in the energy sector of critical infrastructure.
Tony earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Illinois University, majoring in Computer Management. A lifetime learner, he has obtained several certifications in Cybersecurity, Cloud Security, Privacy, and Project Management.
Tony resides in Springfield, Illinois.

Jason Donisch

Information, Communication, and Technology Director, Will County

Bill Downing

Chief Enterprise Architect, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT)

Bill Downing is relatively new to the State of Illinois, arriving in early 2023 as the Group Chief Information officer for the Department of Innovation and Technology’s Natural and Cultural Sector. Bill recently assumed the role of Chief of Enterprise Architecture and is leveraging his extensive professional experience to build out the Enterprise Architecture team for the State. A proud graduate of Northern Illinois University with a bachelors in Applied Data Processing, Bill first entered the consulting world with CSC Consulting where he started as a DBA. As a Principal with CSC he functioned as a technical architect on ERP implementations and system architect on a complete redesign of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund’s Pension systems. Bill founded and ran 2 startups, one focused on ERP systems and the second on providing network and server support for mid-sized businesses, spent 7 years as Director of Corporate Systems for CVS/Caremark, oversaw the design and implementation of all technology associated with Central DuPage Hospital’s 300 bed pavilion and the implementation of their new datacenter and their HR integration with Northwest Memorial. Bill is now very proud to be part of the DoIT team and to give back to the state he has always called home.

Romelia Flores

IBM Distinguished Engineer & Master Inventor, Public Market, IBM

Romelia’s industry experiences, combined with her unique software development, Generative AI and design expertise make her a highly sought-after innovator. She has collaborated with leading clients in the design of AI Centers of Excellence, Electric Vehicle Fleet Management, Social Services, Airports of the Future and more. She holds 86 US patents and 10 patents pending. In 2024-2023 she was interviewed by Texas CEO Magazine and eRepublic regarding AI in Business. In 2021, she received the Dallas Business Journal’s Women in Business Award. In 2018, she was the first female ever named to the Dallas Tech Titan Hall of Fame and was the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award winner from Great Minds in STEM.

Matt Fuchs

North American Software and Platform Engineering Lead for Health and Public Sector, Managing Director, Accenture

Matt is an expert in legacy modernization, leading the practice at Accenture Health and Public Sector with a focus on transforming outdated systems into agile, future-ready solutions. With over 25 years of experience in IT strategy and digital transformation, he collaborates with Public Sector (State and Local government) clients to streamline operations, enhance user experiences, and leverage emerging technologies. Matt is passionate about guiding organizations through complex modernization journeys, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Tom Gilbert

CGCIO, Information Technology Director, Village of Oak Brook

Tom Gilbert has over 24 years of experience as an IT leader in the SLED space.  In addition to serving as the Director of Information Technology for the Village of Oak Brook, Tom dedicates his time to serving GMIS Illinois where he currently serves as the chapter President.  Tom is a Navy veteran and proud grandfather of 5.

Troy Horton

Health and Human Services Group Chief Information Officer, 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.

Jenifer L. Johnson

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

Jenifer L. Johnson has 25 years of experience in state and local government in Illinois, with the last 20 years in senior management roles. Jenifer joined the DoIT team in June 2019 and is currently the Chief of Staff. She previously served as DoIT Chief Administrative Officer, as General Counsel at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and as Corporation Counsel for the City of Springfield. She received her J.D. from Northern Illinois University College of Law and her B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Radhika Lakhani

General Counsel, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology 

Radhika Lakhani has dedicated her career to public service, having been an attorney with the State of Illinois since 2012. She currently serves as General Counsel for the Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), having previously acted as Deputy General Counsel and Ethics Officer for the agency. Prior to joining DoIT, Ms. Lakhani spent 11 years with the Department of Central Management Services in a variety of roles in the legal department, which included serving as the Deputy General Counsel for Procurement and Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and the General Counsel for the Commission on Equity and Inclusion following the jurisdictional transfer of BEP. Ms. Lakhani is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law and earned her B.A. in Business Administration from Loyola University in Chicago. Radhika looks forward to participating in Illinois Digital Government Summit and furthering the mission of DoIT!

Joe Mariani

Research Senior Manager, Deloitte Center for Government Insights, Deloitte

Joe Mariani leads the emerging technologies research program for Deloitte’s Center for Government Insights. His research focuses on the intersection of culture and innovation in both commercial businesses and government organizations. Joe has testified before Congress on the impact of emerging technology on government, and his work has appeared in publications including the National Academy of Sciences, World Economic Forum, US News & World Report, Wall Street Journal, Cyber Defense Review, The Marine Corps Gazette, and more.
Joe serves in several other roles including adjunct professor at University of Maryland, advisor to the National Defense Industrial Association’s special operations division, and more. His previous experience includes work as a consultant to defense and intelligence organizations, high school science teacher, and Marine Corps intelligence officer.

Andrew Martin

Group Chief Information Officer for the Division of Natural and Cultural Resources, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology

Tom McNeela

Vice President of Hardware Product Management, Samsara

Jennifer Rominger, PMP

Security Program Manager, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology

Jennifer Rominger serves as the Security Program manager for the State of Illinois Chief Information Security Officer at the Department of Innovation and Technology. Jennifer manages a variety of security initiatives for the state including Homeland Security cyber grants, SLCGP grants, security awareness and identity and access management modernization. Jennifer has worked for DoIT since 2016 and previously worked for the University of Illinois and IEMA on various cybersecurity training and interoperable communication projects. She holds degrees in both mass communications and education and is certified Project Manager Professional.

Bill Roth

Chief of Enterprise Application Services, Department of Innovation and Technology, State of Illinois   

Bill joined DoIT in 2022 as part of a nearly four-decade career where he rose through the ranks of IT technical development, database administration, applications architecture, project/program management, and senior leadership over application development, implementations, and operations in the human services domain in multiple states. He presently serves as the Chief of Enterprise Applications Services for the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology where he leads multiples teams providing services and solutions to the state agencies supported by DoIT. The scope of EAS spans system engineering with .Net and interfaces, the MS Power Platform, the State’s Adobe AEM web platform, Salesforce, ServiceNow, legacy Enterprise Systems, DoIT Audio-Visual services, and helpdesk services for EAS.

Mike Scott

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

Mike Scott is the State of Illinois’ first Chief Information Accessibility Officer (CIAO). Mike has been promoting accessibility for Illinoisans with disabilities for more than twenty years. Mike started as a Rehabilitation Engineer, designing custom workplace accommodations, and, as the importance of information technology in the workplace grew, shifted his focus to information accessibility. Mike led some of Illinois’ key IT accessibility initiatives, including the development of the Illinois Web Accessibility Standards and the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA), and continues to work to help the State further improve the accessibility of its information for people with disabilities.

Jason C. Thoron

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

Jason Thoron, serving as the Recruitment Officer at the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology since 2022, has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of the recruitment and talent acquisition division. Demonstrating exemplary leadership, Jason is committed to connecting qualified IT professionals with coveted permanent positions within the State of Illinois.
Jason actively engages with candidates, ensuring he remains attuned to the challenges and dynamics of the IT workforce. His hands-on approach, coupled with a strategic vision and personal experience, has contributed to DoIT's reputation for top-tier recruitment marked by quality, integrity, and a commitment to go above and beyond to assist applicants in securing open roles.
Prior to his tenure at DoIT, Jason accrued over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, holding diverse roles ranging from Regional Director of Sales and Marketing to Area General Manager. His successful leadership of operational teams provided invaluable insights into customer relationship management.
As an adult learner, Jason earned his master's in business administration from Daniel Webster College, enriching his understanding of human resources and marketing. Building on this knowledge, he has served as an adjunct instructor at a local community college for over 7 years, imparting his expertise to college students in various classes.

Christopher Westgor

Technical Services Manager, Village of Schaumburg

Chris is currently the Technical Services Manager for the Village of Schaumburg. He has spent many busy project-filled years there since 2005. Before that, he worked for over fourteen years at the Village of Glenview. Several of Chris’ projects were documented in various publications, including State Tech and Illinois Review Magazines.
Chris is an honors graduate of Roosevelt University with a BA in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics. He has served on several advisory boards and even tried his hand at teaching Microsoft Networking. Chris has been a member of GMIS IL and International since 1996, serving in various capacities such as Vice President, President, Executive Director, Executive Board Member, Past President, and Conference Chairperson. He was awarded the Val Anders Award from GMIS IL in 2010 for his dedication to the organization. During his Presidency at GMIS IL, the Board initiated the GIANTS Conference in 2001. Which continues to grow and teach Government IT professionals about the latest technology in their industry and lets them have fun in the process.

Jackie White

National Conference Director, Government Technology

As National Conference Director for Government Technology magazine, Jackie produces, manages, and emcees government IT conferences throughout the country. With over 20 years in the SaaS and Tech arena, Jackie proudly brings strategy, project management, operational excellence, and production together to streamline the efforts of live national events. For 15 years Jackie has worked within the greater Chicago market, while also planning and producing events throughout the US, Canada and Europe. 
Jackie is a proud member of GMIS Illinois, active with Chicago Innovation (FKA Chicago Innovation Awards),  and is also known for dedicating countless hours volunteering and fundraising for non-profits including Surge for Water, Hephzibah Children's Association, SheSays Chicago, and Naperville Safety Town.

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Agenda

Tuesday, November 19
8:00 am Central	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Plaza E/F/G
9:00 am Central	Welcome Message Plaza H/I/J Jackie White, National Conference Director, GovTech
9:05 am Central	Opening Remarks Plaza H/I/J Sanjay Gupta, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT)
9:15 am Central	Keynote – Leading the AI Revolution: IT's New Role in Global Public Sector Innovation Plaza H/I/J AI is reshaping everything and IT leaders in government and public sector organizations stand at a pivotal juncture. Traditionally viewed as reactive and slower to innovate than the private sector, the public sector is now uniquely positioned to take a hands-on stance in AI implementation. To do that, we need to understand how IT departments can anticipate and address business needs proactively. In this whirlwind session, digital transformation and AI expert, Sharon Gai, will take us on a journey around the world. Starting from the bustling streets of Hangzhou to the high-tech healthcare facilities of Tokyo, and finally to the classrooms of New York. Through this session, government leaders will understand the myriad ways AI is redefining society and be equipped with actionable insights, aiding them in harnessing the full potential of AI for the betterment of their communities. Sharon Gai, Keynote Speaker & Author
10:15 am Central	General Session: Emerging Technology: Real-World Applications of AI in the Illinois Public Sector Plaza H/I/J While stakeholders may believe the sky is the limit with AI and emerging technology, public sector IT leaders must work hard to manage expectations on realistic ways to weave AI into workflows without compromising constituent privacy and critical security safeguards. In this session, we will talk about use cases where AI afforded wins across the state, as well as times IT leaders had to pivot from the original request to stay in compliance with the important policies and governance that protect the people of Illinois. Sanjay Gupta, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT)
10:35 am Central	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Plaza E/F/G
11:00 am Central	Concurrent Sessions Navigating AI Policy and Governance While Prioritizing Public Trust Diamond Ballroom The proliferation of AI systems and the data that drives them are increasingly shaping our daily lives. Having guardrails and an effective governance process in place is more vital than ever and is essential to ensuring public trust. How should we approach the ethical and regulatory considerations that now must be taken into account? What are key principles and best practices for navigating the complex landscape of data and AI governance? This session offers actionable insights to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical use of data and AI technologies to foster public trust in their deployment within government organizations. Moderator: Jackie White, National Conference Director, GovTech John Cecala, Google Public Sector, Google Cloud Romelia Flores, IBM Distinguished Engineer & Master Inventor, Public Market Troy Horton, Health & Human Services Group CIO, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) Cyber Hygiene 101 Sapphire Ballroom In an unpredictable world, effective crisis management and business continuity are essential responsibilities for everyone, regardless of their role. Are your teams doing all they can to defend your agency against a cyber-attack? What resources are you leaning on to stay up to date about the current threat landscape? Have you reached out to DoIT to leverage the state contracts and other resources that are available to help you create a meaningful response plan? This session will highlight the resources available, and how they can help you make a dent in being prepared. Moderator: Jason Bowen, Chief Information Security Officer, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) Linus Barloon II, Global Head of Threat Detection and Response, CDW Tony Collings, Cybersecurity State Coordinator, Region 5 (IL), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Jennifer Rominger, PMP, Security Program Manager, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) Data Governance: Navigating the Present and Shaping the Future Plaza C/D In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and exponential data growth, organizations face unprecedented challenges and opportunities in managing and sharing data effectively. We are inundated with data and challenged with making the most out of it. How are conversations around governance and privacy affecting day-to-day work life? What should we focus on when approaching this challenge to turn it into an opportunity? This session delves into the critical considerations and strategies for navigating the complex landscape of data governance and sharing - both now, and into the future. Moderator: Jeana Bigham, Executive Director of Content Studio, GovTech Daren Child, US Consult Data and AI Service Partner, Kyndryl Radhika Lakhani, General Counsel, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) Innovation Through Optimizing Partner Relationships Plaza A To ensure the delivery of successful, consistent services and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars, cooperative, mutually beneficial IT partnerships are crucial for state and local governments. Skill and experience are needed to align the right IT solutions to fit current and future business strategies, functional requirements, technical specifications, and budgets. Hear benchmarking strategies on optimizing partner relationships and outsourcing agreements, focusing on key aspects such as contract negotiation, performance monitoring, compliance, and risk mitigation. Moderator: Andrew Martin, Group Chief Information Officer for the Division of Natural and Cultural Resources, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) Tom Gilbert, CGCIO, Information Technology Director, Village of Oak Brook Tom McNeela, Vice President of Hardware Product Management, Samsara Dale Walters, Chief of Network Operations, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT)
12:00 pm Central	Lunch Plaza H/I/J
12:45 pm Central	Bits and Bytes – DoIT Wins in 2024 Plaza H/I/J Join our distinguished panel to learn how to take ideas from stakeholders into projects that solve real-world problems with DoIT. This discussion will provide details on projects that started as ideas that evolved into success stories that our IT leaders have had working with partners throughout the State in 2024. Don't miss this discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of public sector IT. Sanjay Gupta, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) Brandon Ragle, Deputy Secretary and Deputy State Chief Information Officer, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) Bill Downing, Chief Enterprise Architect, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT)
1:15 pm Central	Short Break
1:30 pm Central	Concurrent Sessions Legacy to Leading Edge: Modernization Strategies for Government Sapphire Ballroom Legacy applications often form the backbone of many public sector organizations' IT infrastructure; however, as technology advances, they can become a liability, hindering innovation and efficiency. Modernizing these systems is crucial for improving service delivery, operational effectiveness, and citizen engagement. Where do agency leaders start the process of modernization when the obstacles can seem overwhelming? This session will provide valuable insights on how others have modernized legacy systems in the public sector, considered different models for moving forward, adopted agile methodologies to implement the change, and managed the costs associated with the modernization efforts. Moderator: Bill Downing, Chief Enterprise Architect, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) Matt Fuchs, North American Software and Platform Engineering Lead for Health and Public Sector, Managing Director, Accenture Jessica McKean, Chief Information Officer, City of Peoria Bill Roth, Chief of Enterprise Application Services, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) The Future of the Digital User Experience Plaza C/D Often when we talk about user experience, the conversation focuses on ease-of-use. Constituents seek an intuitive, holistic, and accessible approach when working with government. How can we craft well-designed, accessible systems that understand enough about the user to personalize the experience and offer the least-restrictive option to meet that user’s needs without compromising privacy? Are we designing our systems and applications to meet the needs of individuals where they are? Join our session to give into the idea of meaningful access as we look to elevate the constituent experience for ALL that call Illinois home. Moderator: Jeana Bigham, Executive Director of Content Studio, GovTech Monica Carranza, Principal Digital Innovation Specialist, Worldwide Public Sector, Amazon Web Services Joe Mariani, Research Senior Manager, Deloitte Center for Government Insights, Deloitte Mike Scott, Chief Information Accessibility Officer, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) Finding, Keeping, and Growing Our Public Sector IT Talent Plaza A As the workforce landscape evolves, attracting and retaining top talent has become a critical challenge for organizations, especially the public sector. The modern workforce values flexibility, purpose-driven work, and opportunities for growth more than ever before. Where can the public sector find new talent to fill critical roles? How do we motivate and upskill our existing teams to meet the needs of an ever-evolving tech environment? This session shares creative tactics and strategies for establishing, retaining, and fostering a diverse, future-ready workforce. Moderator: Jason Barth, Chief People Officer, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) Jason Donisch, Information, Communication, and Technology Director, Will County Jason C. Thoron, Recruitment Officer, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) Christopher Westgor, Technical Services Manager, Village of Schaumburg Executive Briefing for Industry Partners Diamond Ballroom Moderator: Jackie White, National Conference Director, GovTech Albert Coll, Chief Administrative Officer, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) Sanjay Gupta, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) Jenifer Johnson, Chief of Staff, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) Brandon Ragle, Deputy Secretary and Deputy State Chief Information Officer, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT)
2:30 pm Central	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Plaza E/F/G
2:45 pm Central	General Session – The Constituent Digital Experience of the Future Plaza H/I/J Constituents are accustomed to a certain level of ease and convenience when it comes to buying and receiving goods and services – typically through a click of a button on their smartphones. Ensuring this digital experience is at the top of the NASCIO priorities for 2024. In this fast-changing world, with soaring pressures to be constituent-centric, how can government keep up? How can government ensure digital equity and accessibility are embedded in their solutions? How will AI and new technologies enhance the digital experience while ensuring constituent privacy? This session will look to answer those questions and discuss what it takes to deliver government services safely, equitably, and securely. William (Bill) Rials, Ph.D., Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government
3:45 pm Central	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area Plaza E/F/G Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
4:15 pm Central	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.