Maine Digital Government Summit 2025 Banner

Overview

The Maine 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

Government is undergoing a period of significant change, driven by evolving citizen expectations, emerging technologies, and new challenges that demand innovative solutions. In this dynamic environment, collaboration across all levels of government is more critical than ever. By working together, we can leverage the power of information technology to modernize services, strengthen security, and enhance our ability to meet the critical needs of our communities. Technology is not just a tool—it’s a strategic enabler that allows us to adapt, innovate, and deliver on the essential missions of state and local government. The 2025 Maine Digital Government Summit is a testament to our collective commitment to shaping a more responsive, resilient, and forward-thinking government for the future.

- Nicholas Marquis, Acting Chief Information Officer, State of Maine

Speakers

Jessica O. Matthews

Jessica O. Matthews

CEO of Uncharted, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur, Trailblazing Energy Advocate

Founded award-winning power and data infrastructure tech company credited with inventing an energy generating soccer ball and revolutionizing vision AI in energy efficiency
Mission-driven leader who values positive social impact and inspires audience to use innovation and technology to meet everyday needs
Recognized as Fortune’s Most Promising Women Entrepreneurs, 30 Under 30 list for Forbes and Inc., and Scientist of the Year by Harvard University
Powerhouse speaker dedicated to using technology to change the world
Innovation, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility have always been intrinsic to Jessica O. Matthews, even from a young age. At just 19, she invented SOCCKET, an energy-generating soccer ball that reflects her vision for a better world. Matthews was inspired by her experiences in Nigeria, when she noticed the reliance on dangerous diesel generators during power outages. She addressed a community need and created a safer alternative that harnesses power from an everyday activity to provide a source of light.
Her invention of SOCCKET exemplifies Matthews’ unique blend of altruism and a disruptive technological mindset that encourages her audience to embrace innovation and actively contribute to positive change. She channeled these qualities into founding Uncharted, an award-winning sustainable-infrastructure company that empowers small and under-resourced cities. As CEO, she takes her social responsibility seriously, creating solutions that enhance access to energy, water, air, and transit. Notably, Matthews has revolutionized vision AI in energy efficiency, developing technology that employs “smart photos” to visually assess homes. These photos then determine potential savings on energy bills and qualifying rebates. Matthews is committed to preserving the unique identities of the cities she serves, asserting that citizens shouldn’t have to "leave where they are from to get where they are goingExclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Jessica O. Matthews captivates audiences with her engaging presentation style. A relatable, down-to-earth speaker, she refers to herself as a “blend of Beyoncé and Bill Nye the Science Guy.” Her enthusiasm engages audiences, and she often jumps rope on stage to demonstrate her innovations in an interactive way. This personable approach allows her to connect deeply with her audience, fostering an honest dialogue about the challenges and opportunities in innovation. Matthews leaves audiences feeling inspired and motivated to create solutions that disrupt the status quo and encourages them to meet the needs of real people and communities. Her ability to tailor her message to resonate with the unique interests and experiences of each audience ensures that her insights are both relevant and impactful.
Jessica’s success in entrepreneurship led to a White House invitation from President Barack Obama to represent small companies for the signing of the America Invents Act in 2012. In 2016, she raised what was at the time the largest Series A round ever raised by a black female founder in history and was selected to ring the NASDAQ opening ceremony bell, representing all Forbes 30 Under 30 alumni. In 2021, Jessica was officially appointed by Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm to the Electricity Advisory Committee. As a member of the Smart Grid subcommittee, she plays a key role in advising the Department of Energy on the ways we can modernize our nation’s electric delivery system, specifically focusing on accelerating the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the U.S.
A dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States, Jessica has a degree in psychology and economics from Harvard University, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and is listed on over 12 patents and patents pending. Her list of accolades includes Fortune’s Most Promising Women Entrepreneurs, Forbes 30 Under 30, Inc. Magazine 30 Under 30 and Female Founders 100, Harvard University Scientist of the Year, One Young World Entrepreneur of the Year, the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, and Black Women Tech Talk’s Tech Trailblazer Award. She has appeared on the cover of Forbes and Forbes Africa, as well as featured in Marie Claire, Wired, Inc., TechCrunch, The New York Times, and Fast Company, among others.

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Emma-Marie Banks

Emma-Marie Banks

Coordinator of Learning Through Technology, Department of Education, State of Maine

As the Coordinator of Learning Through Technology, Emma oversees the implementation of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI), supporting schools in the purposeful integration of technology to enhance teaching and learning. In her role, Emma leads long-term statewide planning, cross-agency collaborations, professional learning coordination, and digital equity efforts, ensuring that all Maine students can thrive in connected, future-ready classrooms.

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Timothy Blackstone

Timothy Blackstone

Program Manager, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

A Navy Veteran with over 26 years of experience in IT. I have held many titles across the years in Commercial, DOD, Non-Profit, and now State Government. System Admin, Oracle DBA, Citrix Admin, Network Admin, Microsoft Certified Instructor, Project Manager, Director, Chief Operating Officer, and now BC/DR Program Manager. I live in the Augusta Area with a family I cherish and a job I love!

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Victor Chakravarty

Victor Chakravarty

Director of Digital Services, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

B. Victor Chakravarty is the Director of Digital Services at MaineIT. After completing a master's in Computer Engineering from the University of Hawaii, Victor spent many years in the Silicon Valley, before relocating to Maine. In his spare time, Victor joins his wife in animal welfare causes.

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Brigadier General Diane L. Dunn

Brigadier General Diane L. Dunn

Adjutant General, Maine National Guard

Sam Foster

Sam Foster

General Manager, Information Resource of Maine (InforME)

Sam Foster proudly serves the Information Resource of Maine (InforME) in his role as the General Manager of Tyler Technologies’ Digital Solutions Division in Maine. He has worked in the government technology field for nearly a decade with a focus on simplifying interactions between constituents and the public sector organizations that serve them. Off the clock, he can be found reading, spending time with friends and family, or being outsmarted by wildlife at one of Maine’s many fishing spots.

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Tony Gorneau

Tony Gorneau

Senior Financial Strategist, Department of Administrative and Financial Services, State of Maine

I have been working in State Government for almost 14 years holding many different financial positions throughout the State of Maine.  Most of my time within state government had been working in various capacities within Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), but I made a change in 2022 to come work for MaineIT.  I have spent the last 3 years learning financial trends for technology purchases and I have come to realize that the financing is no different than the technology.  It is always changing and the only way to move forward is to embrace the change.  In my downtime in the 6 months of nice weather we get in Maine I like to be out on the golf course.

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Rachel Groenhout, PH.D.

Rachel Groenhout, PH.D.

Director, Data & Change Management, Colby College 

Rachel Groenhout is the Director of Data & Change Management at Colby College, where she leads data governance, data literacy, and organizational change management. Rachel has 20+ years of higher education experience in various roles: instructor, researcher, and an array of data-focused roles in assessment & accreditation, institutional research & reporting, and data governance & literacy. Across these domains, Rachel’s career has focused on helping organizations utilize valid, reliable, and ethical data to answer critical questions. Working with data stakeholders, stewards, and managers, Rachel leads projects to improve data quality, coordinates collaborative data definitions and standards, and aligns data resources with institutional capability and culture for data-informed decision making. Rachel is an adjunct instructor for courses in data ethics and data analytics, as well as an active volunteer in several professional organizations, including Educause’s Data Governance Community Group and NorthEast Association for Institutional Research.

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David Jorgenson

David Jorgenson

Associate Director of Data Analytics and Rate Setting, Office of MaineCare Services, Department of Health and Human Services, State of Maine

David Jorgenson (he/him), MS, is MaineCare’s Associate Director of Data Analytics and Rate Setting. He leads multiple units at MaineCare that perform fiscal impact analysis, reimburse & reimbursement reform, quality measurement, and health data analytics. David also serves on MaineCare’s Senior Strategy Team, working to advance MaineCare’s strategic goals.

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Joe Legee

Joe Legee

Deputy Director, Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Maine Emergency Management Agency

Joe Legee serves as Deputy Director of the Maine Emergency Management Agency, where he helps lead statewide efforts in emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. With nearly a decade at MEMA, Joe has played key roles in planning, operations, and recovery, and previously served as the agency’s Senior Planner and Director of Mitigation, Planning, and Recovery.
His emergency management career began at the Maine CDC, where he coordinated the Strategic National Stockpile program to ensure rapid distribution of medical supplies during crises.
Joe has contributed to Maine’s response to major emergencies, including pandemics, windstorms, flooding, and winter storms. He brings a collaborative, solutions-focused approach grounded in real-world experience and a deep commitment to public service.
A lifelong Mainer, Joe holds degrees in biology and public health, and lives in Oakland with his wife and two children.

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Daniel Matz

Daniel Matz

Policy and Data Analyst, Economy & Infrastructure, Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, State of Maine

Daniel Matz is a Policy Analyst for the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan. Prior to joining the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, Daniel worked at a number of small non-profits advocating for increased sustainability and equitability in the food and agriculture system, including at the Sustainable Food Center in Austin, Texas, where he helped forge public-private partnerships aimed at combatting food insecurity and bolstering community climate resilience. Daniel was previously employed at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, where he managed a team responsible for the administrative and logistical operations of an oncology clinic.
Daniel graduated from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York with a BA in History, and went on to attain his Master’s in Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas in Austin. 

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Mark McInerney

Mark McInerney

Director, Center for Workforce Research and Information, Department of Labor, State of Maine

Mark McInerney is an economist and the Director of the Center for Workforce Research and Information (CWRI). CWRI’s core mission is to inform the public about conditions and trends in the workforce. Mark joined CWRI in 2020 after completing his PhD in Economics at the University of Connecticut.

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Derek Mullens

Derek Mullens

Executive Director of Client and Infrastructure Services, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

Derek Mullens is the Executive Director of Client & Infrastructure Services at MaineIT.  Most recently, he had been the Director of the Account Management team at MaineIT since 2018. With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, the last 13 years have been with the State of Maine. This vast experience includes client systems support, administration of an enterprise infrastructure, and acted as a senior advisor to the chief information security officer focusing on risk management and the overall security posture for the State of Maine. His most recent accomplishments include working on the development and execution of MaineIT and agency strategic imperatives to support State of Maine operations and services. Derek manages MaineIT’s Infrastructure teams which include Client Technologies, Computing Infrastructure & Services, Networking Services, Cloud Center of Excellence, and the MaineIT Radio Operations group.

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Angela Oechslie

Director, STEM Pathways and Innovation, Educate Maine

Angela brings a wealth of workforce experience and statewide relationships to her role leading the Project>Login and Maine Mobile BioLab programs. She leads computer science education expansion efforts and CS teacher professional learning. Angela's background in economic and workforce development and has worked on several jobs-related federal grant programs. She is past-chair of the steering committee for Building Bridges, a business and education partnership through the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the 2018 class of Bangor Region Leadership Institute. She is passionate about matching students and adults with educational programs and quality job opportunities in Maine. Angela earned her BS in Business Administration from the University of Maine at Augusta and her Masters of Science in Organizational Communication from MSU. Angela is a member of Maine Technology Institute's IT Tech Board, a Microsoft TechSpark Fellow and she also serves as a SCRIPT Steering Committee member. She enjoys hiking, camping and kayaking across Maine.

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Garry Peirce

Garry Peirce

Solutions Engineer, Cisco Systems

Solutions Engineer with Cisco Systems, supporting SLED (State/Local Govt and Education) across ME/NH/VT , collaborating with customers to create solutions and solve their challenges.

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Shelby Orr

Shelby Orr

Senior Consultant, Presidio

Shelby Orr is a Senior Consultant at Presidio specializing in organizational change management for digital transformations. She partners with public sector organizations to design and implement human-centered strategies that support technology adoption, process modernization, and workforce enablement. With experience across state and local government, and a foundation in education and public programming, Shelby supports organizations through stakeholder engagement strategy, leadership alignment, strategic communications, and enablement initiatives that align people and processes with evolving digital tools. She is a Prosci® Certified Change Management Practitioner and passionate about helping teams navigate changes with clarity and confidence, building resilient workplaces that that are equipped to deliver strong public service outcomes.

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Charles Rote

Charles Rote

Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, State of Maine

Charles Rote is the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Maine, where he leads cybersecurity strategy for executive branch agencies and fosters cross-branch collaboration. A retired United States Army officer, he brings over 25 years of leadership in national defense and cybersecurity. He chairs the Government Risk and Authorization Management Program (GovRAMP) Standards and Technical Committee and holds certifications in security and continuity planning from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRI International), and the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

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Sam Shankar

Sam Shankar

AI Lead, State & Local + EDU, Salesforce

Samuel Shankar is a seasoned technology executive and Agentforce and Agentic Lead for State & Local + EDU at Salesforce, where he drives strategic initiatives to maximize client value and satisfaction. With an MBA from Henley Business School and a background in engineering, Sam blends technical expertise with strong leadership to drive outcomes. Passionate continuous learning, and he remains dedicated to delivering impactful solutions to State and Local Government and EDU initiatives.

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Todd Smith

Todd Smith

General Counsel, Office of the Chief Technology Officer, Government of the District of Columbia

Mr. Smith is the DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer’s General Counsel and a member of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s AI Taskforce. In this role he authors handbooks, guidance, and internal training materials for DC government personnel, and serves as the legal and technical expert on AI for other executive leadership with DC government. He has taught continuing legal education courses covering, inter alia, AI governance at the state level, the responsible use of AI tools, fundamental limitations in the faithful explanation of neural networks’ hidden layers, the legal risks arising from the existence of large Rashomon sets, adversarial attacks on neural networks, the due process implications of the use of AI tools in adjudication, and the technical foundations of language models, synthetic agents, computer visions systems, and neural networks generally. Mr. Smith authors plain-language explanations of the operation of neural networks for professional legal publications.

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Nancy Tan

Nancy Tan

Acting Deputy Chief Procurement Officer, Department of Administrative and Financial Services, State of Maine

I have been in the procurement profession for over 17 years with the last three focusing on IT Procurement, aligning technology sourcing with business goals. My responsibilities include policies and process flow development, internal system implementation, strategic sourcing, contract management and supplier relationship development.

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Angela Welle

Angela Welle LinkedIn

Senior Manager, Government and Public Service, Deloitte Consulting

Angela Welle is a Senior Manager at Deloitte Consulting focused on digital government transformations with a human-centered design lens. She has helped elevate the human experience for dozens of state governments and federal agencies. She has 13 years’ experience in customer strategy consulting, including extensive experience with human-centered design, digital government services, service design for large IT systems, and vision development. Prior to Deloitte, Angela worked in the United States Senate, focused on health legislative policy. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the College of William & Mary and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State University. Outside of work, she’s a Navy wife and loves spending time with her kiddos.

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Patrick J. Williams

Patrick J. Williams

Director, Architecture and Policy, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

Patrick Williams is the Director of Architecture and Policy for MaineIT. He was initially appointed Acting Director in July 2020 and later formally hired as the Director during the pandemic. Patrick has 30 years of diverse service experience within the private and non-profit sectors. During his 15-year tenure with a New England based health system, Patrick served in many roles leading up to a System Director for LEAN as an advanced workshop leader of an internationally recognized client centric management method. Throughout his career, Patrick has developed a focus on customer service approaches while aligning organizational mission & vision strategies impacting service delivery, leadership development, and the execution of strategic plans.
Patrick has served as president on local non-profit boards providing support for industry and community programs. As a native of Maine, Patrick obtained his undergraduate from the University of Southern Maine, his two graduate degrees (MBA and Organizational Leadership) from Southern New Hampshire University along with his Project Management and LEAN graduate certificates from Villanova University. Patrick is a graduate from the Maine Development Foundation’s Leadership Maine program (Pi Class).

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Agenda

Thursday, September 11

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Fort Western

9:00 am Eastern

Opening Remarks

Auditorium

Nicholas Marquis, Acting Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

9:10 am Eastern

Keynote – Find Your Fight: Innovating When the Odds Are Against You

Auditorium

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

10:10 am Eastern

General Session – IT State of the State

Auditorium

A distinguished panel of IT leaders from across Maine will deliver rapid-fire lightning talks on the latest advances driving digital transformation. Highlights include updates from the State’s AI Task Force, the Maine Cybersecurity Annex which aligns the K-12 and municipal response framework with the statewide incident response plan, and critical data governance initiatives. This session offers a concise, impactful overview of Maine’s strategic technology efforts.

Moderator: Zach Patton, Chief Editor, Content Studio, e.Republic

Daniel Matz, Policy and Data Analyst, Economy and Infrastructure, Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, State of Maine

Raja Paidipalli, Chief Data Officer, Department of Administrative and Financial Services, State of Maine

Nathan Willigar, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

10:50 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Fort Western

11:20 am Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Preparing for AI: Governance, Readiness, and Risk

Piscataquis/Sagadahoc (2nd Level)

As AI and emerging technologies evolve rapidly, state and local governments must balance innovation with governance, practicality, and risk. This session will explore real-world use cases, ethical adoption, and data governance strategies, while offering budget-conscious approaches and AI readiness frameworks. Attendees will gain insights into distinguishing hype from impact, preparing for operational changes, and building a foundation for responsible, secure, and resilient AI use in government.

Moderator: Peter Rushton, Acting Director of Account Management, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

Emma-Marie Banks, Coordinator of Learning Through Technology, Department of Education, State of Maine

Nick Fahey, Information Security Risk Management Officer, State of Maine

Sam Shankar, AI Lead, State, Local and EDU, Public Sector, Salesforce

Reimagining Service Delivery for a Seamless Constituent Experience

Cumberland

Public-sector agencies are reimagining service delivery to be more personalized, interconnected, and accessible. This session will explore how governments can assess their readiness, align systems and data, and collaborate across jurisdictions to streamline services and create a more seamless constituent experience. Learn practical strategies to shift organizational mindsets, adopt enabling technologies, and build the foundation for responsive, connected public services.

Moderator: Zach Patton, Chief Editor, Content Studio, e.Republic

Victor Chakravarty, Director of Digital Services, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

Sam Foster, General Manager, Information Resource of Maine (InforME)

Angela Welle, Senior Manager, Government and Public Service, Deloitte Consulting

Future-Ready Workforce

Penobscot

As the nature of work evolves rapidly, government IT organizations must proactively prepare their workforce by identifying skill gaps and developing targeted upskilling strategies that support employees across diverse experience levels. This session will explore tools for workforce planning, effective training methods for hybrid environments, and approaches to ensure readiness for ongoing technological change. Learn how to build a resilient and adaptable team equipped to meet the demands of modern public service.

Moderator: Joy Lazore, Director of Client Tech Services, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

Joan Dolan, Director of Apprenticeship, Department of Labor, State of Maine

Angela Oechslie, Director, STEM Pathways and Innovation, Educate Maine

Charles Rote, Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, State of Maine

Patrick Williams, Director, Architecture and Policy, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

Enterprise Architecture: Bridging Business and Technology for Lasting Impact

Kennebec

Enterprise Architecture is critical for aligning business goals with technology strategies in the public sector. This session will cover why a strong enterprise architecture program matters and how to integrate business process approaches throughout the project lifecycle. Attendees will learn practical methods for business process re-engineering and best practices to establish and sustain an effective program that drives organizational success.

Moderator: Dale Thomas, Director of Applications, Enterprise Shared Services, Department of Administrative and Financial Services, State of Maine

Jay Nutakki, Deputy Director, ITSM, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

Dave Pascarella, Director, MaineIT Cloud Center of Excellence, Department of Administrative and Financial Services, State of Maine

Garry Peirce, Solutions Engineer, Cisco Systems

12:20 pm Eastern

Lunch

Auditorium

1:15 pm Eastern

Bits and Bytes - Reimagining Health Care with Generative AI

Auditorium

Discover how MaineHealth is transforming clinical workflows by leveraging an ambient Generative AI tool to automatically generate medical notes from clinician-patient interactions. This presentation highlights how technology is enhancing documentation efficiency, improving provider experience, and elevating the quality of patient care.

Dr. Daniel Nigrin, Chief Information and Digital Officer, MaineHealth

1:35 pm Eastern

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:40 pm Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Bracing for the Next Crisis: Disaster Preparedness and Digital Continuity

Washington/York (2nd Level)

Disasters, whether natural or digital, are rarely isolated, and their impact can disrupt essential government services. This session explores how state and local governments can align preparedness efforts, assess vulnerabilities, and build coordinated emergency response plans. Learn how to confidently discuss, report, and implement protocols, understand your role in collective defense, and access free tools and practical strategies to fund, build, and sustain resilient systems that protect your community before, during, and after a crisis.

Moderator: Brigadier General Diane L. Dunn, Adjutant General, Maine National Guard

Timothy Blackstone, Program Manager, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

Joe Legee, Deputy Director, Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Maine Emergency Management Agency

Daisy Mueller, Cybersecurity Advisor – Maine, DHS/CISA/IOD/Region 1 (New England), U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Data Strategy in Action

Piscataquis/Sagadahoc (2nd Level)

Public-sector organizations increasingly recognize the power of data to improve decision-making and service delivery, but many still struggle to unlock its full potential. This session will explore practical frameworks for building a data-informed culture, highlighting readiness assessment, collaboration, and aligning data strategy with mission goals. Learn best practices for making data more manageable, discoverable, and actionable to drive meaningful impact.

Rachel Groenhout, PH.D., Director, Data & Change Management, Colby College

David Jorgenson, Associate Director of Data Analytics and Rate Setting, Office of MaineCare Services, Department of Health and Human Services, State of Maine

Mark McInerney, Director, Center for Workforce Research and Information, Department of Labor, State of Maine

Managing Change: Practical Strategies for Business Transformation

Cumberland

Change is never easy – especially when organizational and business transformations must move forward with limited resources and outdated processes. This session will explore practical strategies for change management, including managing expectations, engaging cross-functional teams, and maintaining continuity through transitions. Government IT leaders will learn how to foster a culture of adaptability, manage risk, optimize resources, and balance investments in people and technology to ensure long-term organizational readiness.

Moderator: Cindy Owings-Hutchison, Assistant Director, Results and Information Office, Department of Transportation, State of Maine

Rebekah Douin, Director of Application Development, Department of the Secretary of State, State of Maine

Jennifer Lane, Associate Director of Project Management, Project Management Office, State of Maine

Derek Mullens, Acting Executive Director of Client and Infrastructure Services, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

Shelby Orr, Senior Consultant, Presidio

Smart Procurement Strategies for Maine

Penobscot

Effective technology procurement is critical for public-sector success—but where do you start? What criteria should you use to determine your needs, and which partnerships best align with your goals? How do you decide what to outsource versus what to keep in-house? This session will explore how to evaluate SaaS and software options, manage risks, and conduct thorough security reviews to ensure resilient and compliant deployments. Attendees will gain best practices for assessing the right technology partners, evaluating contracts, and leveraging existing state-local resources to make informed, strategic procurement decisions.

Natalie Haynes, Senior Cybersecurity Legal and Policy Advisor, Information Security Office, State of Maine

Nancy Tan, Acting Deputy Chief Procurement Officer, Department of Administrative and Financial Services, State of Maine

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Kennebec

Hosted by: State of Maine

Tony Gorneau, Senior Financial Strategist, Department of Administrative and Financial Services, State of Maine

Nicholas Marquis, Acting Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

Peter Rushton, Acting Director of Account Management, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

Nathan Willigar, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

2:40 pm Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Fort Western

3:10 pm Eastern

General Session – Maximizing Government Service through Digital Transformation

Auditorium

MaineIT developed a secure and user-friendly Constituent Portal to streamline access to State government services through a personalized, easy-to-navigate platform. This case study highlights how the portal enhances customer service with automated identity verification, centralized data management, and privacy controls. Attendees will learn valuable guidelines and lessons from the portal’s design, implementation, and its impact on efficiency and constituent empowerment.

Sharon Horne, Executive Director of Enterprise Shared Services, Architecture & Policy, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

Victor Chakravarty, Director of Digital Services, Office of Information Technology, State of Maine

3:50 pm Eastern

General Session – The Government Experience Revolution – Reimagining Personalized Government Delivery

Auditorium

Constituents today expect the same level of seamless, personalized service from government that they receive in the private sector. The Government Experience Revolution is transforming how agencies deliver services - moving from one-size-fits-all approaches to data-driven, user-centric experiences. This session, presented by the Center for Digital Government, will explore how governments are leveraging AI, digital identity, and advanced analytics to anticipate citizen needs, streamline interactions, and build trust through personalization.

Zach Patton, Chief Editor, Content Studio, e.Republic

4:30 pm Eastern

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

Fort Western

Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.

5:00 pm Eastern

End of Conference

Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Augusta Civic Center

76 Community Drive
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 626-2405

Get Directions To
Augusta Civic Center

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Chris Boudreau
Director of Enterprise Data Services
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

Victor Chakravarty
Director of Digital Services
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

Michael Cornwell
Director of Operations
Department of Administrative and Financial Services
State of Maine

Jill Cunningham
Director of Information and Technology
City of Auburn

Michael Dery
Information Services Director
City of South Portland

Rebekah Douin
Director of Application Development
Department of the Secretary of State
State of Maine

Brigadier General Diane L. Dunn
Adjutant General
Maine National Guard

Tony Gorneau
Senior Financial Strategist
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

Sharon Horne
Executive Director of Enterprise Shared Services
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

Joshua Howe
Deputy Executive Director of Workforce Training and Remote Working
Maine Community College System

Jeff Jordan
Associate Chief Information Officer
Maine Community College System

Beth Lambert
Director of Innovative Teaching and Learning
Department of Education
State of Maine

Joy Lazore
Director of Client Tech Services
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

Peter Lewis
Director, DHHS Applications
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

Nicholas Marquis
Acting Chief Information Officer
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

Brian McDonald
Director, Information Technology & Administration
Maine Municipal Association

Daisy Mueller
Cybersecurity Advisor Maine
DHS/CISA/IOD/Region 1 (New England)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Derek Mullens
Acting Executive Director of Client & Infrastructure Services
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

Jeff Nay
Information Technology/Cable TV Director
Town of Brunswick

Jay Nutakki
Deputy Director, ITSM
Department of Administrative and Financial Services
State of Maine

Angela Oechslie
Program Manager
Project Login
Educate Maine

Cindy Owings-Hutchison
Assistant Director, Results and Information Office
Department of Transportation
State of Maine

Raja Paidipalli
Chief Data Officer
Department of Administrative and Financial Services
State of Maine

Dave Pascarella
Director, MaineIT Cloud Center of Excellence
Department of Administrative and Financial Services
State of Maine

Dawnna Pease
Director of Computing Infrastructure & Services
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

Jennifer Phinney
Director of Information Systems
Town of Falmouth

Ryan Pinheiro
IT Director
City of Saco

Christine Reynolds
Executive Assistant to the CIO / Acting Director of Special Projects
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

John Richards
Director of Radio Operations
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

Peter Rushton
Acting Director of Account Management
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

David Simsarian
Director of Business Technology Solutions
Department of Health and Human Services
State of Maine

Hazel Stevenson
Director of IT Applications: DOC, DOE, DAFS, MRS, Ethics DVEM
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

Dale Thomas
Applications Director
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

Patrick Williams
Director, Architecture and Policy
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

Nathan Willigar
Chief Information Security Officer
Office of Information Technology
State of Maine

Industry Representatives

Dan Buckley
Client Director
Presidio

Sean Connolly
US Public Sector Client Executive
US Public Sector
SAS

Sam Foster
General Manager
Tyler Technologies

Mike Peters
Cybersecurity Sales Specialist
Google LLC

Rosalba Schino
Client Relationship Executive
Deloitte

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: September 11, 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.

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
Center for Digital Education
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

Venue

Augusta Civic Center

76 Community Drive
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 626-2405

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Room Block 

There is no room block set up for this event. There are a number of hotels nearby. 

Map and Directions 

https://www.augustaciviccenter.org/faqs

Event Parking 

Self-parking: Free onsite daily parking.

Note: No trailers or RVs allowed.      

Parking fees subject to change without notice. 

Attire 

Business casual.