The Indiana Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit is where government defends the future.
This public sector-focused event brings together IT security leaders, risk managers, and public officials to tackle the evolving cyber threats facing state and local government. Through expert-led sessions, peer exchange, and real-world case studies, attendees gain practical strategies to strengthen cyber resilience, protect critical infrastructure, and lead with confidence in an age of constant risk. Designed specifically for the public sector, this summit delivers insights you can act on and alliances you can trust!
The Indiana Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit brings together leaders and experts dedicated to safeguarding our state’s digital infrastructure. This event is an essential forum for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and strengthening our collective defense against evolving cyber threats. It’s an invaluable opportunity for public sector professionals to collaborate and advance Indiana’s cybersecurity resilience.
- Warren Lenard, Chief Information Officer
Wednesday, June 17 |
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8:00 am Eastern |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit AreaWaters A |
9:00 am Eastern |
Welcome and Opening RemarksWaters BCWarren Lenard, Chief Information Officer, Indiana Office of Technology (IOT), State of Indiana |
9:15 am Eastern |
Keynote - Navigating the Digital Frontier: Unveiling the Intersection of AI and CybersecurityWaters BCEmbark on a captivating exploration of the convergence between artificial intelligence and cybersecurity with Tarah Wheeler, a distinguished expert uniquely positioned at the intersection of these two dynamic fields. Delving into the symbiotic relationship between AI and cyber threats, this talk unravels the nuanced ways in which advanced technologies reshape the threat landscape. Tarah Wheeler not only illuminates the challenges posed by AI-driven cyber threats but also provides a strategic roadmap for organizations, empowering them to harness the power of artificial intelligence as a formidable ally in the ongoing battle for digital resilience. Tarah Wheeler, Cybersecurity Expert, White Hat Hacker |
10:15 am Eastern |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaWaters ARefuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsors: Gartner |
10:45 am Eastern |
Concurrent SessionsScaling AI in Government: Securing Innovation with ConfidenceWaters DInnovation is moving quickly, but government cannot afford to sacrifice accuracy for speed. As agencies shift from experimentation to large-scale AI deployment, leaders must balance innovation with accountability. This requires a strong awareness of data security, system integration and governance frameworks to ensure AI is implemented safely and effectively. With a focus on acceptable-use policies, data governance and enterprise AI security, this panel brings together public sector leaders and tech experts to discuss how to encourage innovation without increasing exposure. Tracy Gaynor, Director of Information Technology, City of Fishers Deep Dive: Post Quantum CryptographyWaters EQuantum computing, a rapidly advancing technology, has the potential to revolutionize government operations by changing the way data is processed. However, quantum computers also present a risk to current methods of cryptography, as they would be powerful enough to solve the mathematical problems behind most public-key algorithms. This panel will discuss the current state of quantum computing, the benefits offered by post-quantum cryptography, and what early steps the public sector should take to prepare for the future. Incident Response and Reporting: Navigating Policy, Compliance and Cyber ResilienceDitslear BCIn today’s evolving threat landscape, cyber incidents are no longer a matter of if—but when. As expectations around incident reporting and accountability grow for state and local agencies, organizations must be prepared not only to respond effectively, but also to navigate complex policy and legal reporting requirements. This session will highlight practical steps to strengthen resilience with a focus on incident reporting best practices, providing clarity on obligations with guidance to help ensure accurate, timely and compliant reporting. Moderator: Dan Gin, IT Director, Town of Schererville |
11:45 am Eastern |
LunchWaters BC |
12:45 am Eastern |
General Session: Cybersecurity as Public SafetyWaters BCWhen thinking about public safety, many people focus on traditional services such as police and fire departments. But even smaller, rural communities are prime targets for cyberattacks. In this insightful fireside chat, senior Indiana public safety officials outline the ways that cyber incidents can disrupt essential government operations just as severely as physical threats, making the case for treating cybersecurity as a core public safety concern that requires a proactive approach. |
1:30 pm Eastern |
Short Break |
1:45 pm Eastern |
Concurrent SessionsDay One: When Expectations Meet RealityWaters DYou’ve talked about it. You’ve planned and prepared as best you can. But this is the day the theoretical became reality. As the victim of a cyberattack, what immediate actions do you need to take? Who are you obligated to contact? What best practices exist based upon the scope of the event? What might the next days and weeks look like? Hear firsthand how reality differed from expectations and what lessons were learned from those who experienced such an event. Thomas Rhyndress, Network Security Engineer, St. Joseph County From Curiosity to Capability: Perfecting the Use of AI in GovernmentWaters EAI is no longer a future add-on for government; it’s here, and it’s already influencing how agencies manage records, improve customer experience and analyze data. The challenge is how to move from curiosity to practical capability. How can AI deliver immediate value today? And how do leaders set expectations without overselling the technology or underestimating the work involved? This session provides an overview of available tools and how to use them effectively, with a focus on real-world application, readiness and responsible adoption. Ramping Up: Understanding and Aligning with Compliance StandardsDitslear BCAs cybersecurity compliance standards evolve, frameworks such as GovRAMP and StateRAMP have become essential for securing cloud services in the public sector. This session provides an overview of these programs, why they matter for risk management and procurement, and how agencies can navigate requirements without slowing innovation. Gain a clearer understanding of what to look for in a vendor and how to align your organization with compliance expectations. |
2:45 pm Eastern |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaWaters ARefuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsors: Gartner |
3:15 pm Eastern |
General Session: Global Threats, Local ImpactWaters BCThroughout history, warfare has always evolved alongside advances in technology. Although physical warfare is in no danger of becoming obsolete, experts warn that future conflicts will incorporate cyberattacks to create civilian disruption. The current situation in the Middle East has led to increased attacks against U.S. infrastructure such as water and electricity. Join security experts as they discuss the role of cyber in future conflicts and how local resilience must be addressed. |
4:00 pm Eastern |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaWaters ANetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors. |
4:30 pm Eastern |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
13700 Conference Center Drive South
Noblesville, IN 46060
(317) 674-1900
Gary Bierman
IT Director
Floyd County
Gideon Bower
Local Government Program, Operations Director
Office of Technology
State of Indiana
Marianne Cardwell
Geographic Information Officer
Office of Technology
State of Indiana
Natalie Dewitt
City Council President
City Council
City of Auburn
Brett Edstene
Director, Local Government Program
Office of Technology
State of Indiana
Dave Fox
Chief Technology Officer
Office of Technology
State of Indiana
Dan Gin
IT Director
Town of Schereville
Collin Hill
Chief Information Officer
City of Indianapolis
Hemant Jain
Chief Information Security Officer
Office of Technology
State of Indiana
Warren Lenard
Chief Information Officer
Office of Technology
State of Indiana
Graig Lubsen
Director of Communications and External Affairs
Office of Technology
State of Indiana
Thomas Rhyndress
Network Security Engineer
Information Technology
St. Joseph County
Sean Totten
Chief Security Officer
Information Technology
City of Fishers
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.
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