Illinois IT Leadership Forum 2026
Overview
The Illinois IT Leadership Forum is where tomorrow’s government leaders grow today.
This invitation-only gathering brings together state and local IT executives, emerging leaders, and visionary thinkers for candid conversations on the future of public-sector technology. Focused on leadership development, innovation, and strategy, the Forum goes beyond the tech to address the people, policies, and practices shaping digital government. Through peer exchange and practical sessions, participants gain the insights, relationships, and skills needed to lead their organizations and communities into the future.
The Illinois IT Leadership Forum is an investment in the people who power government across the State of Illinois. As technology reshapes how services are delivered and protected, our IT leaders must be connected, informed, and ready to lead. This forum brings together technology professionals from across state and local government to share ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen how we serve the public. I encourage leaders at every level to support their teams’ participation, because strong technology leadership is essential to building secure, modern, and resilient government for the communities we serve.
- Brandon Ragle, State Chief Information Officer and Acting Secretary, Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology
Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Center
3000 South Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 529-7777
Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Center
Advisory Board
Government Representatives
Austin Alaria
Deputy CIO
Office of the State Treasurer
State of Illinois
Jason Barth
Chief Operating Officer
State of Illinois
Emily Bean
Chief Information Officer
Carl Sandburg College
Marc Benner
Assistant Chief Information Officer
Illinois College
Jason Bowen
Chief Information Security Officer
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois
William Downing
Chief of Enterprise Architecture
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois
Edobor Efam
Chief Information Officer
State Board of Education
State of Illinois
Ken Haycraft
Director of Learning and Development
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois
Jenifer L. Johnson
Chief of Staff
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois
Chad Leonard
CISO
Office of the Secretary of State
State of Illinois
Rachel Pevey
Group Chief Information Officer
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois
Brandon Ragle
Chief Information Officer
Department of Innovation and Technology
State of Illinois
Jefferey Saiger
Chief Technology Officer
State Universities Retirement System of Illinois
Dan Sluga
Chief Information Security Officer
Office of the Comptroller
State of Illinois
Registration Information / Contact Us
Event Date: June 2, 2026
This is an invitation-only event, open to Public Sector only. For more information or to request an invitation, please contact Lindsay Anthis.
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