Iowa Digital Government Summit 2025 Banner

Overview

The Digital Government Summit is an event that brings together public sector leaders and technology professionals to explore innovative solutions to solve government problems. Key themes include cybersecurity, digital transformation, AI implementation, data governance, and fostering collaboration across multiple stakeholders. Attendees will benefit from expert discussions, peer networking, and insights into the future of government technology. Join us and let’s improve the future of government together!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Shawnee Delaney

Shawnee Delaney

Founder and CEO, Vaillance Group

Shawnee Delaney is the founder and CEO of Vaillance Group and a globally recognized expert in human risk management, insider threat, and security investigations. As a decorated former Clandestine Services Officer with nearly a decade at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), she conducted human intelligence (HUMINT) operations worldwide, including four combat zone tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, ultimately serving as both Detachment Chief and Supervisory Branch Chief. After leaving DIA, Shawnee supported the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in protecting U.S. critical infrastructure with the Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) before leading the creation of insider threat programs at Fortune 500 companies such as Uber and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Shawnee has advised nation-states, multinational corporations, and startups alike on preventing, detecting, and managing insider threats and continues to be a highly sought-after keynote speaker and consultant on insider threat, cybersecurity, and risk management. Her insights have been featured by The Financial Times, Fox Business, The Hill, USA Today, The Cipher Brief, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance and numerous international outlets. She holds master’s degrees in Counter-Terrorism & Counter-Proliferation and Cybersecurity and is currently completing a third in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.

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Agenda

Thursday September 25

8:00 am Central

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

9:00 am Central

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Dr. Matt Behrens, Chief Information Officer, State of Iowa

9:15 am Central

Keynote – The Art of Espionage: Understanding the Fundamentals of Spycraft

Espionage isn't just a plot in thrillers; it's a real and present danger. Could you be enticed into the world of spying? Think again. Our speaker, a former Case Officer (spy), will unveil her methods for identifying and recruiting individuals across various industries, revealing tactics from casual conversations at airport lounges to sophisticated surveillance operations. This insightful presentation dives deep into the clandestine world of espionage and its implications for your organization. Discover the espionage toolkit, which combines traditional human intelligence methods with advanced cybersecurity techniques. This talk will illuminate how today's adversaries, including hackers, nation-states, and organized crime rings, employ espionage techniques reminiscent of those used by spies. Equip yourself with the knowledge to detect and defend against espionage, whether facing a human operative or a cyber threat.

Shawnee Delaney, CEO, Vaillance Group and Former Spy

10:15 am Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

10:45 am Central

Concurrent Sessions

Strengthening Cybersecurity from the Ground Up

Cybersecurity threats are escalating, and relying solely on federal support is no longer a sustainable strategy. With federal funding streams shifting and national programs evolving, Iowa is embracing a more self-reliant, locally driven approach to cyber defense. Explore how state and local governments, along with education institutions, can collaborate more effectively to build resilient cybersecurity strategies rooted in community, communication, and shared responsibility. Together, we will discover the tools, relationships, and techniques that empower Iowa's public sector to defend itself, respond more quickly, and recover more effectively.

Designing for Everyone – Iowa’s Digital Future

As Iowa advances its digital transformation, accessibility is more than a requirement. It’s a core commitment. With a focus on the Digital Experience, the state is prioritizing inclusive design, modern platforms, and compliance with standards like WCAG 2.1. This session will highlight how Iowa is addressing digital accessibility through more intelligent infrastructure, user-centered design, and expanded broadband access. Learn how tools, policies, and partnerships are shaping a more inclusive digital future for all Iowans.

Operational Resilience: Supporting Tech at the Ground Level

Many small Iowa communities rely on a single IT staff member or outsourced providers, often with inconsistent results. As threats grow and tech needs rise, Iowa is shifting to a whole-of-state approach, offering shared resources, group contracts, and regional support networks. This session demonstrates how collaboration and more innovative sourcing can equip every city, county, and district with the tools they need to succeed.

11:45 am Central

Lunch

12:45 pm Central

Peer Power Problem-Solving Roundtables

Now it’s your turn. Join fellow attendees in a dynamic, peer-to-peer roundtable discussion where we will turn insights into action. These small group conversations will focus on real challenges, shared strategies, and practical solutions drawn from the day’s sessions. Bring your questions, ideas, and lessons learned - then leave with fresh perspectives and tools you can take back to your team.

1:30 pm Central

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:45 pm Central

Concurrent Sessions

AI Strategy and Disruptive Technology

As AI and emerging tech reshape government operations, leaders must balance innovation with governance, risk management, and long-term sustainability, while also addressing the growing challenge of shadow IT. This session will explore lessons from successful initiatives, assess readiness for organizational change, and responsible technology adoption. Attendees will learn how to effectively implement emerging technologies while managing risks posed by unsanctioned tools, thus ensuring operational stability, and maintaining public trust.

Making Procurement Work for Modern Government

As technology evolves, so must the way the government acquires it. Iowa is taking bold steps to reform procurement practices, making it easier for agencies to access modern solutions while ensuring accountability, efficiency, and value. This session will explore how updated policies, streamlined processes, and standardized contracts are transforming the procurement landscape across the state. From simplifying IT acquisitions and increasing vendor accountability to aligning purchases with strategic goals, we'll examine how Iowa is developing a more innovative, faster, and more flexible procurement model. Whether you're navigating complex contracts or looking to engage with the government more effectively, this session offers insight into what's changing and how it benefits everyone.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by:

Dr. Matt Behrens, Chief Information Officer, Department of Management, Division of Information Technology, State of Iowa

Michelle O’Hollearn, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Department of Management, Division of Information Technology, State of Iowa

2:45 pm Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

3:05 pm Central

Inside Iowa’s Enterprise Architecture Plan

As Iowa continues its statewide IT transformation, enterprise architecture is emerging as a key driver of modernization, efficiency, and strategic alignment. With a unified approach that centralizes systems, standardizes tools, and prioritizes cloud-first solutions, the state is creating a scalable foundation for future innovation. This session will explore how Iowa's enterprise architecture plan is reducing duplication, enhancing service delivery, and enabling more responsive, business-aligned technology decisions across agencies. From shared services and commercial off-the-shelf solutions to streamlined telecommunications and data-driven governance, join us for a practical look at the architecture guiding Iowa's digital future and what it means for technology partners and public leaders alike.

Presented By: Michelle O’Hollearn, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Department of Management, Division of Information Technology

4:00 pm Central

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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.

Des Moines Marriott Downtown

700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
515.245.5500

Get Directions To
Des Moines Marriott Downtown

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Matt Behrens
Chief Information Officer
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
IA Dept of Management

Matt Bender
Deputy Director
Department of Management
IA Dept of Management

Michael Bergan
Representative
State of Iowa

Jacob Bernholtz
System Engineer
Legislative Service Agency
IA Legislative Service Agency

Nick Carter
Service Delivery Deputy Associate CIO
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
IA Workforce Development

Andrew De Haan
IT Director
Information Technology
IA States Association of Counties

Robert Dehnert
Assistant Chief
City of West Des Moines

Stephanie DeVault
Bureau Chief
IA Communications Network

Shane Dwyer
Chief Information Security Officer
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
IA Department of Management

Matt Eaton
Director
IA Legislature

Jess Flaherty
Strategic Communications Director
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
State of Iowa

Lisa Gard
Program Consultant
Department of Education
IA Dept of Education

Anthony Jahn
State Archivist, Library and Archives Bureau Chief
State Historical Society of Iowa, Department of Administrative Services
IA Dept of Administrative Services

Steve Kinney
Chief Operating Officer
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
State of Iowa

Awna Kotchian
IT Contracting Program Manager
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
IA Dept of Managements Office of the Chief Information Officer

Martin Moen
Service Management Associate CIO
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
IA Dept of Management

Michelle O'Hollearn
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
State of Iowa

Joel Rohne
Technology Service Bureau Program Manager
IA States Association of Counties

Michael Scott
Systems Analyst Manager
City of Cedar Rapids

Shawn Smith
IT Director
Information Technology
City of Cedar Rapids

Jeff Wann
Chief Information Officer
City of Des Moines

Industry Representatives

Hilary Kasel
Field Sales Representative, Public Sector
Google Cloud

John Phyle
Regional Director
Fortinet

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: September 25, 2025

Open to Public Sector only.

Registration - Free

If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.

Contact Information

For registration and general assistance contact:

Amanda Wallace
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1315
E-mail: awallace@erepublic.com

For assistance or questions concerning Sponsor Logos or Logistics please contact:

Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@erepublic.com

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:

Heather Earney
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1339
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

Venue

Des Moines Marriott Downtown

700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
515.245.5500