Danielle is a former Information Security Manager for a Florida State Agency and the State’s former Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). As the ISM for a State Agency with 13 Divisions, she oversaw CJIS, PCI, FTI, and many other compliance initiatives. Danielle has served in multiple cyber capacities since joining Accenture, she was the security architect for a Medicaid integration services and integration platform, with a next generation digital identity stack. This experience was underpinned by her prior public sector and healthcare experience, as well as adherence to a defense-in-depth strategy to design and implement the architecture. She also served as the security lead for a large-scale statewide ERP, leveraging her prior expertise as an IT auditor and her degree in accounting to deploy best of breed security tools. Danielle recently led the Security workstream for a cloud migration that was critical to various back-office operations for a Florida-based utility. Danielle continues to support these clients and brings a continuous improvement approach to each architecture, which ties to emerging technology, automation efficiencies, and risk-based methodologies. Danielle’s latest efforts are focused on workforce pipeline development by partnering with higher education institutions and embedding cyber resiliency across clients in critical infrastructure verticals.

Guadalupe Ayala brings over a decade of extensive expertise and dedication to her role as Statewide Language Access Coordinator, where she oversees the development and implementation of language access plans across Michigan's state departments, agencies, and bureaus. With a robust background in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Guadalupe is committed to ensuring that populations who speak a language other than English (LOTE) receive linguistically and culturally appropriate services when accessing state resources.
Previously serving as the inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the City of Lansing, Guadalupe led the research, development, and implementation of DEI policies and
programs. In her capacity as the City’s Title VI Coordinator, she advocated for equitable practices and fostered collaboration among internal departments and external stakeholders to advance equity and inclusion goals.
Guadalupe's career includes managing grant-funded community programs and providing technical assistance on civil rights issues, including discrimination complaints and ADA compliance.
Guadalupe Ayala holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, majoring in Latina/o Studies, Sociology, and Spanish. She has also earned certificates in Immigration Law from the New York Immigration Coalition, Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida, and General Civil Mediator from the Resolution Services Center of Central Michigan.
Born in the U.S. and raised in El Salvador, Guadalupe brings lived experiences that have given her a deep understanding of the significant challenges involved in accessing essential services. These experiences fuel her dedication to breaking down language barriers and ensuring equitable access for all.

Jamie Bennett serves as the deputy chief security officer with DTMB’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Division at the State of Michigan. Jamie has worked for the State of Michigan for over 24 years, utilizing her collaborative leadership style and expertise in service management, emergency management, and strategic planning. Through her time at the state, she has served many positions focusing on data center security, operations, continuous improvement, enterprise monitoring, and disaster recovery.  Jamie is a passionate, inclusive leader that strives to provide the most innovative and secure technologies for the State of Michigan.

Phil Bertolini is a senior vice president for Government Technology, the premiere event and thought leadership content provider for state and local government technology professionals. Previously, he served as deputy county executive and CIO for Oakland County, Michigan. During his 31-year tenure, Phil built a world-class IT organization in the second-largest county in Michigan, just north of Detroit. As Oakland County CIO, he oversaw more than 150 employees serving over 1.2 million residents. In 2005, he was also promoted to deputy county executive, holding dual positions until his retirement. Phil’s efforts earned the county national attention, winning numerous awards for technology innovation and excellence. He was named Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year and Government Technology Magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers. He was also honored by the President Obama White House as a Champion of Change.

Vinod Brahmapuram is Senior Director of Security for state and local government and education markets at Lumen Technologies. With more than 25 years of information technology experience, Vinod has held cybersecurity leadership positions in three states, advising governors and legislators on key cyber issues. Before joining Lumen, he served as the State Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Washington.

Craig Brown is the Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Westland.  As head of the City’s Department of Innovation and Technology, he is responsible for all aspects of Information Technology services for the City of Westland.  As he would say, “If it touches electricity, then we are responsible for it.”  During the past 9+ years with the City of Westland, Craig has capitalized on over 25 years in various customer service driven industries to help facilitate and grow all aspects of technology service to the City’s 85,000 residents and staff from a service-oriented point of view and delivery.  Every decision made by his department is geared to maximizing the ability of City staff to work efficiently in delivery of their products to the residents and to provide the forward thinking, sustainable solutions residents need now and in the future.  He is always looking for new opportunities in technology to provide better, smarter, more cost effective ways to serve the City.

Currently, Craig holds multiple degrees and industry certifications, including a Bachelor’s in Technology Management.  He is the chairperson for the William D. Ford Career-Technical Center cybersecurity program advisory panel and a member of the Center’s advisory panel for the game design and programming program.   He facilitated the City of Westland’s win of the Citywork’s Exemplary User Award for Excellence in Online Practice in 2018, Mi-GMIS 2023 Organizational Project of the Year award, and the 2023 Mi-GMIS Citizen Impact Project of the Year award.  He has presented or moderated at various events including the Cityworks National Conference, Cityworks Michigan Chapter Roundtables, Michigan Digital Government Summit, and Michigan IT Leadership Forum.  Craig believes that connecting people within the IT space is vital for everyone's continued success within this career path and strives to help promote that philosophy whenever possible.

Named a Top 25 Doer, Dreamer & Driver by GovTech, Ted Cotterill serves as Indiana Chief Privacy Officer and as General Counsel for the Indiana Management Performance Hub, where he designed and implemented Indiana’s legal framework for responsible data-driven innovation. Ted’s practice focuses on governance, ethics, compliance, licensing, and privacy issues presented by AI, complex digital infrastructure partnerships, cloud services, and product development across various standards and regulatory frameworks. He serves as a founding officer of StateRAMP, co-chair of the NASCIO Privacy & Data Protection Forum, appointee to the Indiana General Assembly’s AI Task Force, and in his community as VP of the Greater Allisonville Community Council. Ted earned his JD from the Indiana University McKinney School of Law, is recognized as a Fellow of Information Privacy by the International Association of Privacy Professionals, and was honored by the Indiana Lawyer with a Leadership in Law Award in 2022.

Anthony has over a decade of experience in local government experience serving the community. After working in the public sector, Anthony chose to join the efforts of the MS-ISAC and assist with increasing the cyber posture of local agencies.

Heather Frick is the Agency Services Director at the Michigan’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget. Heather leads the Agency Services Division, which delivers enterprise-wide technology supporting the 20 State of Michigan Departments, state employees and digital services to Michigan residents driving digital transformation and innovation.
With a proven track record of leadership supporting critical, high-level statewide projects to successful completion, Heather brings a unique background spanning the legal, finance and IT fields to her role along with critical experience in strategic planning, organizational change management and executive leadership. Prior to joining DTMB, Heather worked for 13 years serving in a variety of senior executive positions including Deputy Treasurer, Executive Director of the State Tax Commission and Chief Operations Officer for the Michigan Department of Treasury. Heather spent the first half of her career in private practice as an attorney, representing a broad range of clients in complex contract, tax, and corporate matters. Heather leverages her legal and finance expertise to navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape governing technology implementations.
Heather is a member of the State Bar of Michigan. Heather holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Denison University and holds a Juris Doctorate (JD) from The Ohio State University. Heather believes in the power of collaboration and innovation to drive positive change both within government and our communities.

As General Manager in the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB), Ms. Galeazzi is accountable for all Information Technology services provided to the Department of Attorney General, the Executive Office of the Governor, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and the Department of Transportation. She oversees IT strategic planning and governance of IT investments, with a keen focus on fostering innovation and harnessing new technologies to achieve strategic business objectives. With more than 25 years’ experience in driving digital transformation, Ms. Galeazzi has held senior executive, and IT program management positions. Ms. Galeazzi serves as a mentor with the Michigan Council of Women in Technology (MCWT) Foundation, and she volunteers as a mentor in DTMB. She is the recipient of the Governor’s Coins for Leadership, Excellence and was also recognized with a State Leadership of the Year award. Under her leadership, Michigan received two national IT Recognition Awards by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO). Ms. Galeazzi holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management of Information Systems (MIS).
@tizianagaleazzi, michigan.gov/dtmb

Ryan Garvelink is the Regional VP of Engineering at Trace3, where he leverages over 15 years of experience in the industry. His role encompasses leading teams specializing in advisory services, solution architecture, engineering delivery, and program management. He takes a client-first, client-centric approach that combines a love of technology with a passion for problem-solving in order to exceed client expectations through innovative and efficiently engineered solutions.
Ryan is a graduate of Davenport University and began his career working for several value-added resellers and managed service providers in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He spent the early part of his career as a solution architect and delivery engineer, working with local government, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail clients, designing and implementing infrastructure, cybersecurity, and automation solutions. Most recently, he has been leading solution architecture teams while continuously driving go-to-market strategies in spaces such as Data & Analytics, AI/ML, Observability, Cloud and Hybrid-Cloud.

Dana Justice serves a manager in eMichigan, the state office responsible for the vision, development and design of Michigan’s digital imprint. Dana leads two teams: the Digital Accessibility Testing Team responsible for reviewing systems against SOM Digital Standards for Websites and Applications, and the Web Content Management System (WCMS) Support Team responsible for maintaining Michigan.gov, where citizens can find information about services, programs and activities offered by the state, as well as the enterprise platform where executive branch agencies can edit content. Dana began her career with the state as a student intern at the DTMB Client Service Center IT Help Desk in 2013. Prior to her current role, she worked as an IT technician, programmer analyst and business analyst.

Ti’Kyra Napoleon is the Equity and Inclusion Officer at the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. In this role, she is responsible for leading the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion advisory council and committee, and developing and administering the diversity and inclusion programs for the department in alignment with the DTMB’s mission, strategic direction, values, and goals.

Ti’Kyra has experience building mutually beneficial business partnerships as well as community partnerships. She has led efforts in higher education/student affairs and financial services prior to her work in State government. Her passion is in promoting accountability and awareness around DEI and belonging through identity development, driving employee engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring practices.

Mike Homant is an innovative technology leader with more than 30 years of success. Currently he is CTO and Deputy CIO for the City of Detroit. Previously, was CIO at Wright & Filippis.  He has held leadership roles at: Asset Acceptance Capital, Comprehensive Receivables Group - BC/BS WI, and William Beaumont Hospital. He specializes in implementing technology modernization and building customer service focused teams. Outside work he is a husband, father, and passionate photographer.

Sergio Ortega is an accomplished executive with 20+ years of experience in AI, machine learning, analytics, and public sector industries. He excels in driving organizational excellence, fostering inclusive cultures, and solving customer challenges. Sergio has 15+ years of experience in cloud computing, PaaS, SaaS, and solution selling, with expertise in program management and go-to-market strategies. Currently, he is the Business Development Lead for AI/ML WW Public Sector at Amazon Web Services. Previously, he held leadership roles at Microsoft, including Metaverse, IoT, Light Edge Azure Engineering Global GTM and Ecosystem Lead. Sergio holds advanced degrees in data science, business, computer science, and cybernetics. His extensive experience and academic credentials make him a valuable asset to any organization.

Ryan is a Managing Director at Accenture Security, based in Detroit, Michigan, bringing over 20 years of global experience in digital transformation, technology integrations, and cybersecurity across the Financial Services sector. His expertise covers cyber strategy consulting, digital identity, cloud and application security, cyber defense, and managed security services.
Ryan has successfully led security practices, demonstrating a strong track record in organizational leadership and technology change management. He is recognized as a cybersecurity leader, currently overseeing a team responsible for next-generation digital transformation services, including Cyber Security, Identity Solutions, and Application Security for North America.
With deep knowledge of CloudOps, DevSecOps, and integrated security requirements, Ryan blends technical proficiency with leadership acumen. His two decades of experience in technology transformation and digital innovation position him as a technically-savvy, results-driven leader, adept at managing complex solutions and implementations at scale.

Suzanne Pauley serves as the director of eMichigan, the state office responsible for the vision, development, and design of Michigan’s digital imprint. eMichigan brings citizen-centric government to the Michigan’s residents and businesses, providing GIS, mobile, and web technology resources while ensuring a secure and accessible portal to connect residents with government online services. In her role, she oversees the team that has earned Michigan placement among the nation’s top 10 state government digital experiences every year since 2015. In 2017 and 2018, StateScoop editors chose Suzanne as one of the "Top 50 Women in Technology.” In 2022, Suzanne was named one of Government Technology’s “Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers”.
Pauley began her tenure as a student assistant with the State of Michigan in 2000. Over the course of her career, she worked as an application developer and project and program manager before being named eMichigan director in 2014.

Brian Pillar is a General Manager for the State of Michigan, Department of Technology, Management and Budget with his teams providing support to the Michigan Department of Corrections, the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Brian’s core values are: the strength of the teams; customer service; Innovation; Security; and Business Value.
Brian is an alumnus of Michigan State University and began his professional career working for one of the university’s IT departments where he drove a major network operating system modernization project. He then pursued opportunities at a small, but global, software development company where he led the IT Operations teams in their journey to the public cloud. In 2018, Brian joined the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, accepting his present role in 2021. Since joining the State of Michigan, Brian has been passionate about driving modernization towards cloud friendly platforms and services.

Jessica Randall is the Infrastructure and Data Director for the Michigan High-Speed Office, with responsibility for overseeing our state’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Information Networks (ROBIN) program. Before joining MIHI, she was a Senior Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist where she worked on a range of topics including broadband and digital equity. Her past roles include nearly five years as staff in the Michigan Legislature and positions at a number of advocacy organizations based in Washington, DC. Her work has been quoted in The Washington Post and a range of other publications. Jessica holds a BA from American University, a JD from the Georgetown University Law Center, and an LLM awarded jointly by the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris and Université de Paris I Panthéon-La Sorbonne. She lives near Mason with her husband and their two young children.

As an executive government advisor, Carlos is a public sector data practice subject matter expert who specializes in helping organizations leverage data to make informed, actionable decisions. He also works with Chief Data Officers, Geospatial Information Officers, and other data leaders to develop mission-driven data programs.
Prior to joining Amazon Web Services (AWS), Carlos gained 27 years of experience in federal and state government and higher education. Carlos was the first Chief Data Officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia. During his tenure, he helped former-Governor Northam, his executive team, and public health and emergency management professionals respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging data-driven intelligence products to help keep Virginians safe.
In Virginia, Carlos developed a statewide data program that leveraged the data trust as the legal framework to facilitate data sharing across public and private entities. The data program featured a secure cloud-based data sharing platform as the technical implementation of the data trust. He also established a centralized entity resolution service mapping individuals across multiple data systems supporting longitudinal studies. Carlos also provided an enterprise reporting system to facilitate the development and delivery of data-driven intelligence products to internal and external stakeholders. Lastly, he implemented the governance structure which facilitated engagement among leaders across the organization from agency data stewards to state senators in the data conversation.
Carlos also served as Chief Data Officer and Chief Enterprise Architect for the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration in Washington, D.C. Prior to these roles, Rivero worked at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center in Miami, Florida, as a physical scientist and as a research associate at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. This is where he developed a passion for geospatial information systems, ecological modeling, and data.
Carlos earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Florida International University. He received a Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Analytics from Saint Joseph’s University, focusing on database design, data management, business intelligence, big data, and data analytics.
Carlos enjoys traveling the US with his wife, daughter, and dogs in their RV and participates in outdoor activities everywhere he goes.

Bryan Schneider is a Director in the Fortinet Capture Team.  His expertise includes 20+ years of experience in Public Sector advanced solutions business development for a range of Wireless carriers, including leading strategic initiatives such as Mobile Security, Endpoint protection, Digital Transformation, Mobile Forms, LBS, Interoperability, IOT and OT, covering SLED, K12 and Federal Agencies.  Bryan also brings domain expertise into Public Safety, Next Generation 911, FirstNet, Telco/ISP,  CJIS, Remote WFH solutions, and Federal ZTA initiatives. 

Doug Start is an experienced IT leader with a passion for technology and empowering people to reach their full potential. Beginning his career as an educator teaching technology topics like hardware repair, computer programming and web design, Doug has sought opportunities to increase his exposure to all facets of the IT landscape eventually moving into the role as the Director of Instructional Technology for Grand Haven Area Public Schools. There he spearheaded a sustainable 1:1 initiative that sought to increase student and teacher engagement and level the playing field for all learners. 

Now as the Director of Technology for the City of Grand Rapids, Doug has turned this user driven focus to driving a sustainable, reliable and best practice aligned IT program to support and empower 30 diverse lines of business. Over the past several years Doug has spent time modernizing the City’s IT security infrastructure, expanding frameworks to support resiliency, and positioning the IT department as an organizational strategic partner by rebranding the department as the department of “Yes If...”. 

Doug has a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Business from Western Michigan University, a Master of Arts in Educational Technology with a focus on Leadership from Western Michigan University and is a Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) through the University of North Carolina School of Government.
In his spare time Doug enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and cooking. 

Art Thompson is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the City of Detroit, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT). Prior to this appointment, Art served as the Director of Public Safety and Cyber Security for DoIT. Art is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Supply Chain Management. He has over fifteen (15) years of technical experience with the public safety environment and managing both union and non-union employees across multiple areas.

Bala is a recognized Thought Leader on Data and AI from IBM. He leads Worldwide Solution engineering from IBM Technology Expert Labs to design and deliver solutions around Data Governance, Data Integration, Data Observability, GenAI and AI Governance.
Bala has a proven track record of designing and implementing Data and AI solutions for many State agencies, federal and private organizations in North America and around the world. He has extensive expertise in working with Chief Information Officers (CIOs) Chief Data Officers (CDOs) and CXOs to develop information governance strategy, Data Strategy, and agile implementation roadmaps to successfully adopt the governance journey to meet their regulatory compliance needs as well as to generate business value from the data management landscape. Bala received many awards in IBM including patent application invention achievement award for governed database connectivity through and around data catalog to registered data sources.
Bala lives in Frisco, Texas, and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Purdue University and awarded three University gold medals for his outstanding achievements in bachelor degree (B.Tech) from Anna University, India.

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.