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!
The Michigan Digital Government Summit is the destination for public sector and technology professionals to come together and explore how we can push the envelope on digital strategies for all Michiganders. Please join us as we exchange ideas and immerse ourselves in thoughtful conversation of how we can continue to address issues like cybersecurity, AI implementation, data governance, and more from a public service perspective.
- Laura Clark, Chief Information Officer, State of Michigan
Wednesday, September 17 |
|
8:00 am Eastern |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit AreaBanquet Rooms 1 – 4 |
9:00 am Eastern |
Opening RemarksBanquet Rooms 5 – 8Laura Clark, Chief Information Officer, State of Michigan |
9:20 am Eastern |
Keynote – Dynamic Modernization: Solving the Puzzle of People, Process, and TechnologyBanquet Rooms 5 – 8Just like puzzle pieces fit together in a specific way to form a complete picture, modern digital infrastructure systems are made up of interconnected components, hardware, software, data, networks, and people - that must align precisely to function properly. If even one piece is missing or misaligned, the whole system can falter. The opportunity to add a synthetic layer of intelligence on top of an already complicated puzzle presents challenges – but also, unprecedented opportunities. How does this reshape the dynamic between human behavior and technology? Can we utilize new tech to solve legacy problems? In this session, visionary Scott Klososky explores bold ideas and forward-looking concepts to help digital leaders anticipate and shape the next wave of transformation. Scott Klososky, Technologist, Futurist, Humanist, Author and Consultant |
10:20 am Eastern |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaBanquet Rooms 1 – 4 |
10:50 am Eastern |
Concurrent SessionsDynamic Modernization Here in MichiganMeeting Rooms 203 - 204Modernization is more than a tech upgrade -it’s about aligning people, processes, and tools to solve real-world challenges to solve persistent challenges and prepare for what’s next. Like a puzzle, every piece must fit: hardware, software, data, and human behavior. This session explores how agencies can use emerging technologies like AI and automation to tackle legacy issues, reduce friction, and drive smarter service delivery. Learn how to approach modernization practically and dynamically - one piece at a time. Moderator: Phil Bertolini, Chief Delivery Officer, Government Technology Tiziana Galeazzi, General Manager for Department of Attorney General, Executive Office of the Governor, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and Department of Transportation, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget, State of Michigan Corey Grant, Chief Operations Officer, Michigan Department of Treasury Rob McLean, Vice President, Data and AI Technical Sales, IBM Art Thompson, Chief Information Officer, City of Detroit Managing Insider Threats: Detecting and Mitigating Risks from Within Your OrganizationMeeting Rooms 101 - 102Insider threats are one of the most complex risks organizations face today. This panel discussion will explore various potential insider threats, from supply chain vulnerabilities introduced by foreign entities offering discounted tech, to HR risks posed by disgruntled employees seeking to harm cloud-based assets. Do your current policies effectively safeguard against these unique threats? Hear from your peers that have experienced both intentional and accidental insider threats, and can offer practical strategies for detecting risks, strengthening controls, and minimizing potential damage. Barry Fischel, Senior Account Director, Lumen James Mahaffey, Consulting Systems Architect, Fortinet Building the Skills for AI, ML, and Robotic Processing in GovernmentMeeting Rooms 103 – 104Workforce challenges in the public sector aren’t new—but the skills needed to meet them are rapidly changing. As technologies like Generative AI, Machine Learning, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Robotic Process Automation reshape the way we work, what does an effective team look like in 2025 and beyond? This session explores the critical capabilities agencies need to align IT with business goals, including prompt engineering, data literacy, AI oversight, quality assurance, and process automation. We’ll also discuss practical strategies for upskilling current staff, retaining talent, and adopting new workforce models to stay ahead of evolving demands. Join us to discover how to build a smarter, more adaptable public-sector team. The Cost of Innovation – Maximizing Value Without Reinventing the StackMeeting Room 205With limited funds and growing demands, government IT leaders must make strategic, phased investments that deliver lasting value. This session will explore how to reduce costs and technical debt by leveraging existing tools, rethinking procurement protocols, and collaborating across agencies. Through real-world examples and procurement best-practices, discover how agencies are justifying software use, embracing native cloud solutions, and starting the right conversations to maximize what you already have—empowering staff to think critically and invest wisely. Moderator: Nathan Buckwalter, IT General Manager for MDHHS Mike Homant, Chief Technology Officer and Deputy Chief Information Officer, City of Detroit Sara Keel, Director, Division Administrator - Innovation Division, Operational Excellence Bureau, Michigan Department of Treasury Anthony Rodgers, Director, Office of Enterprise Architecture, Department of Technology, Management & Budget, State of Michigan Narayan Sivaraman, Business Relationship Manager, Department of Technology, Management & Budget, State of Michigan |
11:50 am Eastern |
Short BreakPlease proceed to Lunch. |
12:00 pm Eastern |
LunchExhibit Hall C |
1:00 pm Eastern |
General Session – Updates on Michigan’s Adoption of Meaningful Digital AccessBanquet Rooms 5 – 8With WCAG 2.1 deadlines approaching, the State of Michigan has been making great strides to ensure digital services are accessible to all users. Join this session to hear about the advances that have been made over the last year, and how the call for great accessibility with ADA compliance fit into the State’s objective of meaningful digital access for all. |
1:20 pm Eastern |
Short BreakPlease proceed to the concurrent sessions. |
1:35 pm Eastern |
Concurrent SessionsMichigan’s Inspiring Use Cases AI and Robotic ProcessingMeeting Rooms 103 - 104AI is transforming how government works—but not by replacing people. This session goes beyond the hype to showcase real AI and robotic processing use cases already in practice across Michigan. From practical application with automating forms to streamlining inspections via tablets, AI is accelerating service delivery and improving staff efficiency. Learn how agencies are using AI for cost avoidance, faster turnaround times, and improved quality assurance—without compromising human oversight. What do we need to know to better train our staff to leverage the future of this emerging tech? This session will explore risk management and for things like hallucinations, attributions, and social engineering, as well as helping share what repetitive tasks are being alleviated the use of these tools. Charlie Henderson, Principal, Google Public Sector - State of Michigan, Google Cloud David Workman, Data AI Modern Engineer Practice Leader, AHEAD Data Literacy in Action: Understanding Boundaries, Building FoundationsMeeting Rooms 101 - 102Effective data use in government starts with data-literate staff. This session focuses on building deeper data literacy for staff at all levels -helping them understand not just what data means, but what they can and can’t do with it. We’ll explore how data classifications define usage boundaries (e.g., “inside the house” vs. “outside”), and how this clarity supports secure, compliant, and effective decision-making. Learn how to foster change agility across your organization by equipping teams to confidently navigate policy, privacy, and interoperability in a complex data environment. Kim Crawford, BRMP®, General Manager, Department of Technology, Management & Budget, State of Michigan The Human Side of IT: Designing Change That WorksMeeting Room 205Successful transformation in government IT requires more than new tools—it demands thoughtful change, and a deep understanding of the people impacted. This session explores how combining change management principles with human-centered design leads to better adoption, smoother transitions, and solutions that truly work for users. Learn how to engage stakeholders early, design with empathy, and guide teams through change with clarity and purpose. Whether launching a new system or rethinking a service, this approach puts people at the center—where real, lasting change begins. Moderator: Holly Grady-Miller, Director Organizational Development, Department of Technology, Management & Budget, State of Michigan Exclusive Briefing for Industry PartnersMeeting Rooms 203 – 204 |
2:35 pm Eastern |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaBanquet Rooms 1 – 4 |
3:00 pm Eastern |
General Session – The Government Experience Revolution: Reimagining Personalized Government DeliveryBanquet Rooms 5 – 8Constituents 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 will explore how governments are leveraging AI, digital identity, and advanced analytics to anticipate citizen needs, streamline interactions, and build trust through personalization. Phil Bertolini, Chief Delivery Officer, Government Technology |
3:45 pm Eastern |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaBanquet Rooms 1 – 4Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors. |
4:15 pm Eastern |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
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:
Sherri Tidwell
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1382
E-mail: stidwell@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