Registration and Continental Breakfast

Welcome, Introductions, and Opening Remarks

AI in Action: A Rapid-Fire Showcase of Real-World Use Cases

Artificial intelligence is moving beyond pilots into practical campus applications. Rather than a traditional panel discussion, this fast-paced showcase will feature five higher education leaders from across Massachusetts presenting successful AI use cases. Each presenter will share lessons learned, measurable outcomes, and practical strategies for applying AI across teaching, learning, research, and administrative operations. The session will conclude with a moderated audience Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to compare approaches, ask questions, and leave with practical ideas they can apply within their own institutions.

Moderator: Steve Swartz, Chief Information Officer, Salem State University

Phil Ahn, Senior Director of Data Analytics and AI, Babson College

Nuno Couto, Senior Project Manager, Networking and Storage Infrastructure, Harvard Medical School

John Mazzarella, Assistant Vice Chancellor of IT Client Services, IT, University of Massachusetts Boston

Networking Break

Ready, Respond, Recover: Strengthening Cyber Resilience

Cyber incidents continue to challenge colleges and universities of every size, making preparation just as important as prevention. This interactive session will begin with a brief discussion featuring higher education technology and cybersecurity leaders before introducing a realistic cyber incident scenario. Attendees will then work in small groups to develop response strategies, navigate evolving challenges, and discuss communication, operational continuity, leadership decision making, and recovery efforts. The session will conclude with a facilitated debrief, allowing participants to compare approaches, share lessons learned, and leave with practical strategies they can apply within their own institutions.

Moderator: Ray Lefebvre, Chief Information Officer, New England College of Optometry, and Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Education

Lorna L. Koppel, Chief Information Security Officer, Tufts University

Praveen Sharma, Director of Cyber Range Operations and Strategic Partnerships, Salem State University

The Student Perspective: How AI Is Transforming Learning

Students are among the fastest adopters of artificial intelligence, yet their voices are often missing from institutional technology conversations. Hear directly from students representing colleges and universities across Massachusetts as they discuss how they are using AI for learning, research, collaboration, creativity, and career preparation, while sharing what support they expect from their institutions, where they see opportunities and challenges, and how higher education can better prepare graduates for an AI-enabled future.

Kendrik Hernandez, Student, Salem State University

Lunch

Doing More with Less: Maximizing Technology Investments in an Era of Budget Constraints

Higher education IT leaders are being asked to deliver more with fewer resources. This practical discussion will explore strategies for maximizing existing technology investments, identifying quick wins, leveraging freely available tools, and building strategic partnerships that extend the value of limited budgets. Panelists will share how they are strengthening cybersecurity, optimizing existing platforms, prioritizing technology investments, and finding creative ways to improve services without significantly increasing costs. Attendees will leave with practical ideas and proven approaches they can immediately apply within their own institutions.

Michael Lyons, M.S., Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Massachusetts Bay Community College

Robbie Plourde, Principal Solution Engineer, USU Solutions Inc.

Mike Richichi, Chief Information Officer, Western New England University

Preparing the Future-Ready Institution: Leadership, Workforce, and Change Management

As technology continues to reshape higher education, institutional leaders must prepare their organizations not only for new technologies but also for new ways of working. This discussion will explore strategies for leading organizational change, developing future-ready skill sets, building a culture of innovation, and preparing faculty and staff to thrive in an AI-enabled environment. Panelists will share lessons learned, leadership strategies, and practical takeaways for helping their institutions adapt to continuous change while remaining focused on their mission and long-term success.

Moderator: Michael P. Milligan, Vice President and System Chief Information Officer, University Information Technology Services, University of Massachusetts

Adrienne Garber, Chief Technology and Innovation Strategist, Dell

Lorna L. Koppel, Chief Information Security Officer, Tufts University

Jim La Creta, Ph.D., Chief Information Officer, Brandeis University

Patty Patria, Chief Information Officer, Babson College

Closing Remarks

End of Conference

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