Name: Illinois IT Leadership Forum 2025
Start: 2025-06-10T08:00
Location: Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Center

Overview

The IT Leadership Forum is a premier event designed for current and emerging public sector IT leaders to explore technological advancements that drive government innovation. The forum emphasizes leadership development, offering participants valuable opportunities to enhance their professional skills, engage in peer networking, and collaborate on strategies to improve public services through technology. This invitation-only event provides a space for leaders to collaborate while addressing the most important policy, management and leadership issues surrounding the future of digital government. Contact us if you’d like to join the conversation!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Brandon Ragle

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

In April 2025, Ragle was appointed Secretary and State CIO. In this role, he oversees the state's technology strategy, ensuring seamless operations and driving strategic advancements in digital services for the State of Illinois.
With over three decades of dedicated service in Illinois state government, Ragle has established himself as a seasoned technology executive. His career has spanned roles across various departments, including the Department of Corrections, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the Department of Insurance, and the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT).
Over the past two decades, Ragle has focused on leveraging technology to drive efficiency and innovation within state government. In 2016, he joined the DoIT as Deputy Chief of Enterprise Applications, quickly rising to the position of Chief of Enterprise Applications in 2019.
In June 2023, Ragle was appointed Deputy Secretary of DoIT and Deputy State CIO, receiving Senate approval for the position in May 2024. In this critical role, he oversees the state's technology strategy and implementation, driving digital transformation initiatives that benefit citizens and businesses alike.

Robert “Cujo” Teschner

Founder & CEO, Vmax Group

After decades of leading high-performance F-15 and F-22 teams as a fighter pilot, Fighter Weapons School Instructor, and Squadron Commander, Cujo concluded that the principles that allow leaders to lead well are universally applicable. Cujo also determined that businesses need to improve their leadership development to thrive in a continuously disruptive environment. Furthermore, he firmly believes that American businesses are the backbone of an economy that helps keep America strong.
And so Cujo is now on a mission: he’s actively helping organizations build leaders who can win in disruption to help keep our economy strong. The most important part of his mission is helping leaders harness the upside of positive, forward-focused accountability to become the best they can be.
Cujo has authored or co-authored three #1 bestselling books to support his mission. He’s built an incredible team of former fighter pilots and US Navy SEALS who have together delivered hundreds of workshops, keynotes, and breakout sessions, helping businesses of all sizes embrace real teamwork by practicing meaningful, effective, forward-focused accountability.

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.

Chris Britten, MBA, CISSP

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

Christopher Britten, proudly serves as the Group Chief Information Officer for the Department of Innovation and Technology's Public Safety Sector. With a remarkable five-year stint as the CIO for the State of Illinois and more than two decades of IT expertise, Chris is a well-seasoned professional in the realm of Information Technology.
In his present role, Chris plays a pivotal role as the bridge between Public Safety agencies in Illinois and the Department of Innovation and Technology. His strategic acumen comes into play as he navigates the intricate landscape of IT needs to bolster all the agencies within the Public Safety sector.
Chris firmly believes that technology is the key to the State's ability to serve the citizens of Illinois more efficiently and effectively in the future. This visionary approach underscores his commitment to leveraging technology for the greater good.
Chris holds a degree in Computer Information Systems from Clark Atlanta University, he further fortified his knowledge base with an Executive Master of Business Administration from Purdue University and obtaining his Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) certification.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chris has a deep-seated passion for aiding children in need and mentoring youth. He currently serves as the Board President of You Matter 2, an organization that empowers young individuals to engage in philanthropy and give back to their community. He is also an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a distinguished African American fraternity dedicated to community service and mandated programs.

John Cecala

Government & Higher Education Advocate, Google Public Sector

At Google Cloud, I spearhead collaborations with forward-thinking government agencies and higher education institutions to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and fundamentally transform public service delivery. Leveraging the secure and powerful Google Cloud Platform, I specialize in educating on the ways cutting-edge Cloud and Generative AI technologies help them exceed the evolving expectations of diverse stakeholders. My approach begins with deep listening, enabling me to architect and implement outcome-driven strategies focused on our clients' critical objectives. I am committed to building enduring, trusted partnerships that deliver win-win results. My leadership and proven execution consistently advance Google's mission and the vital work of the governments and schools we serve.

Ken Haycraft

Director of Learning & Development, People Operations, Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

Ken Haycraft is an experienced learning and development leader with over 20 years of driving talent strategies across industries including government, manufacturing, technology, higher education, and professional services. He currently serves as the Director of Learning and Development for the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology, where he leads initiatives to build leadership capacity, foster a culture of continuous learning, and prepare the workforce for the future.
Ken has led enterprise-wide efforts in talent development, performance management, and succession planning, consistently applying a values-based and data-informed approach. He is passionate about empowering internal talent and developing the leadership and behavioral skills that enable individuals and teams to thrive in dynamic environments.
He holds a Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior from Benedictine University and a Bachelor of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Western Illinois University.

Dave Heineman

Chief Information Officer, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

David Heineman has over 25 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, with the last 10 years in management roles. David joined the State in July 2000 and is currently the Chief Information Officer at the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. He has previously served in roles as a developer, team lead and manager for several State agencies.  Known for his authentic connection, insightful communication, and results-focused approach, David partners with individuals and teams to bring meaningful change and solutions to those who he serves.

Mike Hussey

Executive Director, State Industry, Oracle

Mike Hussey is an industry executive director for state and local strategy for Oracle Government and Education. Mike has 25 years of leadership experience with the State of Utah where he served as CIO and the executive director for the Department of Technology Services. As CIO, Mike was a transformative leader who applied technological advances available in the market. Mike led the state’s cloud journey and digital transformation efforts, created the state’s first cyber center, and formed the state’s first innovation fund.
Mike has been recognized as a “Top 25 Doer, Dreamer and Driver” in the public sector.

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.

Amy Lally

Leadership Development Manager, Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

Amy Lally serves as the Manager of Leadership Development at the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology, where she leads initiatives to build leadership capacity across the agency. A certified executive coach, master facilitator, and organizational consultant, Amy brings over 20 years of experience in corporate leadership development and a deep expertise in human behavior and organizational dynamics.
Amy’s career has included roles in organizational development, leadership and team coaching, and executive consulting. She holds credentials as an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and a Board Certified Coach through the Center for Credentialing and Education. She also holds a master’s degree in Management and Organizational Behavior and is certified in multiple assessment tools, including MBTI®, TKI®, FIRO-B®, MSCEIT™, and EQ-i 2.0®.
Known for her authentic connection, insightful communication, and results-focused approach, Amy partners with individuals and teams to uncover blind spots, cultivate self-awareness, and drive meaningful behavioral change.

M.C. Neal

Chief Information Officer, Champaign County

M.C. Neal has led a brilliant career leveraging his deep knowledge and passion for utilizing technology to propel government operations forward. Over the course of his close to 20-year career, M.C. ascended from an entry-level help desk technician to his current position as the Chief Information Officer for Champaign County, where he is responsible for the overall planning, organizing, and execution of all I.T. functions for the 10th largest county in the State.
Recognizing that technology’s success is deeply intertwined with the strength and motivation of the people behind it, M.C. has spent the last decade cultivating environments where individuals feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential. His leadership style is people-centric, centered on building positive workplace cultures that prioritize open communication, foster collaboration, and emphasize the support, growth, and overall well-being of his team.
When not working, M.C. loves to spend time with his wife and two kids, binge-watch TV shows, and make feeble attempts at being an amateur photographer.

Pat Nolan

Chief of Staff, Illinois Department of Central Management Services/ Deputy Secretary designee, Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

Pat Nolan is DoIT’s forthcoming Acting Deputy Secretary and a Commissioner on the Illinois Budgeting for Results Commission. He is currently transitioning from his role as Chief of Staff at the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). Prior to his work in state government, Pat worked in community organizing and higher education data science. He holds master’s degrees in business administration and public policy from the University of Chicago and Georgetown University, respectively, and a bachelor’s in philosophy from Loyola University Chicago.

Rachel Pevey

Group Chief Information Officer, Child and Family Services & Advocacy, Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

Rachel Pevey is the GCIO over Child and Family Services & Advocacy supporting the Department of Public Health, Department of Juvenile Justice, Guardianship & Advocacy, Department of Children & Family Services, and the Department of Early Childhood.  She brings over 25 years of IT leadership experience across public health and public safety sectors. Most recently, she served as CIO for the Illinois Department of Public Health, where she led major modernization efforts.

Beth Pruitt, CBCP

Deputy Chief Technology Officer - Customer Service, Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

With over 28 years in IT and Customer Service experience, she is a strategic leader at the intersection of technology, customer experience, and client agency collaboration, responsible for developing, planning, and managing the customer service experience for over 65 Agencies, Boards, and Commissions receiving IT services from DoIT. These services include IT Service Desk, IT end user goods and services provisioning and support, change management, knowledge management and Quality Assurance leading customer success, service delivery, and assisting agencies realize the full value of their technology investments with the development of enterprise and agency-level reporting to provide insight into service request trends and incident response performance.

Omar Sandoval

Chief Information Officer, Government Technology

Omar Sandoval is the Chief Information Officer for Government Technology, a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. Prior to joining the Center, Omar was the Director of Information Technology for the Naperville Park District.
Omar has won numerous awards which include a Distinguished Services Award, by the Naperville Jaycees; Four Under 40 Achievement Award, presented by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce which recognizes young who demonstrate excellence based on leadership in the community, business leadership, and career and life balance. Government Technology magazine honored Omar with awards for Technology Innovations in the Park District Operations and Citizens categories; Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers and a Leadership Innovation Award for his efforts in assisting his own organization and others to start eSports leagues during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Omar earned his Master of Science degree in Business Analytics with a concentration in Business Administration from Benedictine University. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at the College of DuPage in the Computer and Information Technology department.

Lori Sorenson

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

Lori Sorenson serves as the Chief Technology Officer for the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology. In this role, she is responsible for delivering reliable, secure, customer centric IT solutions and serves as a policy advisor for broadband issues. Lori has more than 25 years of experience in IT. She earned her Master of Business Administration at the University of Illinois Springfield and a Bachelor of Science degree at Illinois State University.

Jason C. Thoron, MBA

Director Talent Management, Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

Jason Thoron is a seasoned talent acquisition and human resources leader with a strong background in public sector recruitment and a passion for building high-performing teams. As the Talent Management Director at the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), he leads strategic initiatives to drive the recruitment, engagement, and retention of top-tier tech talent for the State of Illinois.
With over 25 years of experience across government, higher education, and hospitality, Jason has worn many hats—ranging from recruiter to general manager, director of sales, and college director. His leadership includes launching innovative recruitment campaigns, overseeing employee engagement programs, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. His approach blends strategic thinking with a people-first mindset, aligning talent strategies with broader organizational goals.
Jason holds an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources and is driven by a commitment to cultivating mission-driven workplace cultures. He thrives on the challenge of helping both people and organizations succeed. Outside of his professional role, Jason draws inspiration from impactful educators and mentors, crediting much of his leadership philosophy to those who have championed growth and resilience throughout his journey.

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.

View Speakers

Agenda

Thursday, November 13
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 (DoIT), State of Illinois
9:15 am Central	Keynote – Find Your Fight: Innovating When the Odds Are Against You Plaza H/I/J In moments when challenges feel insurmountable, and the odds are stacked against us, how do we find the will to fight—and win? In this powerful and energizing talk, Jessica O. Matthews shares how the most groundbreaking innovations often emerge from struggle, uncertainty, and adversity. Drawing from her own journey as a pioneering entrepreneur and inventor, Jessica explores how resilience, creativity, and relentless problem-solving can transform even the toughest setbacks into opportunities for impact and growth. This session will help you reframe challenges as opportunities for breakthrough innovation, develop resilience during moments of struggle, and uncover determination to keep fighting for transformative solutions. Jessica O. Matthews, CEO of Uncharted, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur, Trailblazing Energy Advocate
10:15 am Central	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Plaza E/F/G
10:45 am Central	Concurrent Sessions Aligning Data, Security & AI to Drive Mission-First Outcomes Diamond Ballroom Modern organizations don’t succeed by chasing the latest technologies; they succeed by solving the right problems. This session focuses on how to strategically integrate application data, security, and AI to support your organization’s broader mission. Rather than adopting AI or securing data in silos, we’ll explore how to align these elements to improve decision-making, reduce risk, and create real value. Through practical examples and outcome-driven frameworks, you'll learn how to apply technology not for its own sake, but to meaningfully advance your organization’s goals. Moderator: Bill Downing, Chief of Enterprise Architecture, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Tanmay Aul, Executive Account Manager, Check Point Flo Castro-Wright, Chief Data Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology Patrick Nolan, Deputy Secretary, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Reid Rose, Vice President, IBM Technology, Public Sector Breach Mode: Security Crisis Management Sapphire Ballroom When a cyberattack hits, every second counts. This session dives into the high-stakes world of security crisis management—what to do before, during, and after a breach. Learn how to build an actionable incident response plan, communicate under pressure, and lead with confidence when systems go down. With real-world scenarios and expert strategies, you’ll walk away prepared to turn chaos into control. Moderator: Jason Bowen, Statewide Chief Information Security Officer, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Chris Arbisi, Cyber Resilience Manager, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Ryan Lewis, Deputy CISO - Security Operations and Technology, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Dan O'Day, Sr. Consulting Director, Palo Alto Networks Steve Troxel, ASG Field Chief Technology Officer, SHI International Corp Future-Ready: Building the Skills to Thrive in Cloud-Driven IT Plaza C/D In today’s rapidly evolving IT landscape, standing still means falling behind. Cloud technologies are reshaping everything - from infrastructure to innovation velocity - and thriving in this new world demands a mindset of constant learning. This session explores the critical skills IT professionals need to stay ahead, from cloud architecture and automation to security, cost optimization, and cross-functional collaboration. Learn how to foster a culture of continuous education, build adaptable teams, and align learning with organizational strategy. Moderator: Rachel Pevey, Group Chief Information Officer - Child and Family Services and Advocacy, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Lindsay Abney, North America Lead for Software Engineering Technology Development Program, Accenture Cindy Lovell, Employee Development Manager, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Arun Reddy, Head of Delivery and Chief Technology Officer, Zion Cloud Solutions LLC Lori Sorenson, Chief Technology Officer, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Culture First: Building High-Performing Teams Through Innovation, Collaboration Plaza A Behind every successful technology initiative is a culture that supports it. This session explores how state IT leaders can foster a workplace environment where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and excellence is the standard. Learn practical strategies to attract, retain, and grow top talent—while breaking down silos and building trust across teams. If you’re aiming to future-proof your workforce and deliver lasting impact, this is where it starts. Moderator: Dr. Robert Kerr, Executive Director of Innovation and Opportunity, University of Illinois Springfield Jason Barth, Chief Operating Officer, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology John Cecala, Lead State of Illinois Public Sector Advocate, Google Carl Conner, Associate Director, University of Illinois Jason Thoron, Talent Management Director, IL Department of Innovation and Technology
11:45 am Central	Lunch Plaza H/I/J
12:45 pm Central	General Session – What You Need to Know About the Department of Justice’s Web Accessibility Laws The Department of Justice established a technical standard under the ADA’s Title 2.1 Level AA for state and local government to create greater accessibility for ADA compliance. There are varying deadlines for compliance depending on the size of the jurisdiction. Learn more about this important initiative and how you can help prepare to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public services offered through websites and mobile applications. Mike Scott, Chief Information Accessibility Officer, IL Department of Innovation and Technology
1:10 pm Central	Short Break Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.
1:25 pm Central	Concurrent Sessions Agentic AI in Action: Real-World Use Cases Driving Impact Sapphire Ballroom Agentic AI is no longer just a futuristic concept -- it’s here, and it’s transforming how we work. This session explores real-life applications of agentic AI, where autonomous systems go beyond simple automation to plan, adapt, and act on behalf of users. From IT operations and customer service to cybersecurity and business optimization, discover how organizations are leveraging agentic AI to boost efficiency, reduce decision fatigue, and unlock new value. Join us for practical insights, success stories, and key considerations for adopting agentic AI in your own enterprise. Moderator: Chris Britten, MBA, CISSP, Assistant Secretary and Deputy, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Troy Horton, Group CIO, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Nadeem Malik, Vice President, Data Science, Kyndryl Harsha Musunuru, Managing Director, Deloitte Data to Design: Transform UX with Journey Mapping Plaza C/D Great tech means nothing without a great user experience. This fast-paced session shows how journey mapping turns scattered user data into clear, actionable insights. Learn to identify friction points, align teams, and design experiences that truly connect. With real-world examples and practical tools, you'll leave ready to map smarter—and build better. Moderator: Lewis Waldia Powell, Deputy Budget Director, City of Chicago Cheryl Kulavic-Knope, Safety Group CIO, IL Department of Innovation and Technology MP Salinas, Account Executive - SLED East, NiCE Brad Smith, Deputy Chief of Enterprise Application Services, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Making the Case: Storytelling Strategies to Secure IT Funding Plaza A In the competition for limited public sector funding, even critical IT projects can be overlooked without a compelling narrative. This session explores how government IT leaders can craft clear, impactful stories that connect their projects to mission outcomes, public value, and policy goals. Learn how to align technical initiatives with broader priorities, speak the language of decision-makers, and stand out among competing proposals. Practical strategies and real-world examples will help you champion your projects—and get them funded. Moderator: Jenifer Johnson, Chief of Staff, IL Department of Innovation and Technology Andy Martin, Group CIO, IL Department of Innovation and Technology David McKee, Chief Information Officer, Illinois Department of Natural Resource Executive Briefing for Industry Partners Diamond Ballroom Hosted By: Brandon Ragle, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, State of Illinois
2:25 pm Central	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Plaza E/F/G
2:45 pm Central	General Session – AI 2025 – From Administrative Assistance to Agentic AI Plaza H/I/J As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, organizations are moving beyond AI as a simple administrative assistant to leveraging more autonomous, decision-making "agentic AI." This session will explore the transition from task-based automation to AI systems capable of reasoning, adapting, and executing complex workflows with minimal human intervention. Attendees will gain insights into how governments can harness these advancements while ensuring transparency, control, and alignment with human goals. Whether you're an executive, technologist, or policymaker, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the AI landscape of 2025 and beyond. William (Bill) Rials, Ph.D., Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government
3:45 pm Central	Closing Remarks Plaza H/I/J
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.