Chris Arbisi, the Cyber Resiliency and Business Continuity Manager at the Department of Innovation & Technology, within the Office of the Statewide CISO, has been with CMS/DoIT since 2013. Since 2017, he has specialized in business continuity and disaster recovery. Chris leads the Cyber Resiliency and Business Continuity (CRBC) program, collaborating with over 60 executive branch agencies to develop comprehensive business impact analyses and disaster recovery plans. Chris is committed to ensuring the sustainability of critical systems during cyber disruptions and disasters. He conducts functional and tabletop exercises to validate the developed plans.
Chris holds certifications from the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and from the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII) as a Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) and Certified Cyber Resilience Professional (CCRP).

Bill Carter is a dynamic cybersecurity leader with a passion for securing the digital world and educating others on the evolving threat landscape. Currently serving as a public sector cybersecurity strategist at Fortinet, Bill previously protected Ohio’s 12 million citizens as the Chief Information Security Officer for the Department of Commerce and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for the State, overseeing security strategies across 80+ agencies. With a career spanning additional roles as Field CTO, Senior Systems Engineer, and Technical Consultant, he brings deep expertise in cybersecurity strategy, infrastructure, and risk management. A hands-on technologist and sought-after public speaker, Bill holds a master’s degree in Cybersecurity and multiple industry certifications, including CISSP, SecurityX, and all MITRE credentials. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity, and an active member of the Ohio Cyber Reserve and the FBI’s InfraGard. Beyond his professional pursuits, Bill is dedicated to philanthropy in serving as CEO for an 80,000-person strong non-profit organization.

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.

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.

Fadi Fadhil is a seasoned IT executive with a 20+ years track record of digital transformation, business strategy, and partnership building both in government and education. Fadi served as the CIO of the City of Minneapolis as well as the CIO of Minneapolis Public Schools. Amongst other leadership roles, such as Director of Technology in Saint Paul Schools, MN, Fadi was also the Lead Technology Architect and liaison between the US Army and the new Iraqi government in Baghdad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II 2003-2005. With a deep understanding of government and education, Fadi offers a unique combination of strategic vision, field experience, and wealth of knowledge in cybersecurity and IT operations.

Neal is a driven leader focusing on major digital transformation that constantly challenges the norms of the public sector. Neal has a wide variety of experience in identity and access management, identity verification, criminal/fraud investigations, technical architecture, project management, change management, and steady state operations.
At Socure, Neal is the Senior Manager of Solution Consulting within Socure’s Public Sector team where he is responsible for providing fully inclusive oversight and guidance of Socure’s industry leading product suite and integration into Government systems.
In Neal's previous public position, he built and led the digital identity platform for one of the largest states. In this role Neal accomplished major digital transformations migrating the State’s existing identity system to a cloud identity system, implementing Single Sign On to thousands of applications (Unemployment, BMV, Medicaid, etc) including MFA and identity verification services. Additionally, Neal led the User Experience/Website platform with over 150+ government websites, and the digital platform for State’s coronavirus pandemic response. At Socure, Neal continues to lead all of Socure's major projects as a dedicated advisor to the State's business and implementation teams. 

Jim Harmening has spent his entire career in the Information Technology Sector. From his time working as a full time Mainframe Computer Operator at the University of Illinois at Chicago, through starting with the Illinois Commerce Commission as the Director of Cybersecurity and Risk Management, he has focused his work on making improvements in IT & Cybersecurity. From 1995 to 2020 he served as the president of Computer Bits, Inc. a small software development, IT support and computer forensic company in the Chicagoland area. He focused on the legal industry, provided services to the Cook County Sheriff, Lake County Chief Assessment Office and Illinois Secretary of State, as well as many small businesses. Jim has a degree in Mathematics & Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has written several chapters in college textbooks. He was an Encase Certified Forensic Examiner and has taken courses in ethical hacking, operational technology cybersecurity and exercise creation. He looks forward to improving Cybersecurity in the 21st century.

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.

Leah McGrath serves as Executive Director for StateRAMP, a national non-profit advancing cyber security for State & Local Government. McGrath dedicated more than 1,000 hours in 2020 working alongside Steering Committee members to develop StateRAMP’s governance and policy framework. Ms. McGrath was recognized for her work with StateRAMP in 2023, when she was named a Government Technology Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers. Prior to her work with StateRAMP, McGrath held leadership positions in both the public and private sector, including serving as the first deputy mayor of the City of Fishers, Indiana from 2015 - 2019. During her tenure, the City of Fishers transformed from a town into a smart, vibrant, entrepreneurial city and was named in 2017 the #1 Best Place to Live in America by Money Magazine. In her role, she helped lead modernization efforts and spearheaded city-wide efforts to develop its first long-range comprehensive plan. McGrath’s 20+-year career has been focused on working to improve government outcomes at the state and local level, helping shepherd government into the digital age, securely and effectively, for the citizens it serves. McGrath is a graduate of Purdue University and resides in Fishers, Indiana with her husband and three sons.

John Nicholson serves as the Security Operations Center (SOC) Supervisor at the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), where he leads efforts to monitor and protect the State's digital ecosystem. His SOC monitors and protects every State user and agency under the governor, as well as counties, schools, towns, and other public sector entities across Illinois.
John has over eight years of experience in DoIT’s cyber division. He holds a degree in Cybersecurity, a master’s in Project Management, and multiple industry-recognized certifications including: Security+, PenTest+, Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional, Certified Ethical Hacker, associate C|CISO, and CISSP.

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.  

Fred Scalera is the Director of Program Management and The Response Operations Group for the AT&T. FirstNet Program. He is Responsible for facilitating collaborative innovation with FirstNet users and Public Safety.
Fred Scalera has a long history of public safety service and innovation. Fred retired in 2008 as a Deputy Chief with the Nutley Fire Department in New Jersey. During his time with the Nutley Fire Department, Fred was assigned to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Task Force. Fred was the first Fire Service Arson Investigator to attend a Police Academy. He served as an instructor at the Essex County Police Academy for over 25 years.
During Fred’s career with the Fire Service and Municipal Government he also became a Certified Fire Official. Other responsibilities included radio communications, the Township Information Technology Bureau and the Emergency Management Coordinator. Fred not only served his home Township of Nutley, but also within Essex County as a Deputy Sherriff, the Deputy Director of the County Office of Emergency Management and the Hazardous Material Coordinator.
Fred also served in the New Jersey State Legislature. He rose to be the Deputy Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly and served Chairman of the Homeland Security Preparedness Committee. He was also served as the Bureau Chief of Interoperable Communications and was responsible for NJ as one of the FirstNet Early Builder projects.

Dan Sluga currently serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the Illinois Office of Comptroller. Throughout his career with the State of Illinois, he has held several key positions, including Deputy CISO of Security Operations at the Department of Innovation and Technology, Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, and Interim CIO for the Illinois State Police. In addition to his public service, Dan is an Adjunct Instructor, teaching courses in Computer Science, Information Security, and Cryptocurrencies. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Computer Science from the University of Illinois Springfield. Dan is also a highly credentialed professional, holding certifications as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

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.