Michigan IT Leadership Forum 2026
Overview
The Michigan IT Leadership Forum is where tomorrow’s government leaders grow today.
This invitation-only gathering brings together state and local IT executives, emerging leaders, and visionary thinkers for candid conversations on the future of public-sector technology. Focused on leadership development, innovation, and strategy, the Forum goes beyond the tech to address the people, policies, and practices shaping digital government. Through peer exchange and practical sessions, participants gain the insights, relationships, and skills needed to lead their organizations and communities into the future.
Michigan continues to lead and uphold its reputation as a national leader in digital government. The 2026 Michigan IT Leadership Forum is a great opportunity for industry leaders to take part in practical sessions and learn ways to lead their organizations and communities in today's everchanging IT landscape.
- Eric Swanson, Acting Chief Information Officer, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB)
Advisory Board
Government Representatives
Kristen Aldrich
Chief of Staff
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Sunil Asija
Chief Learning and Development Officer
Oakland County
Josh Baron
IT Director
City of Ann Arbor
Jamie Bennett
Deputy Chief Security Officer
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Craig Brown
Chief Innovation Officer
City of Westland
Eric Brunk
IT Manager
City of Birmingham
Chris Cantrell
Director of IT/GIS
Midland County
Tom Cantrell
Business Relationship Manager
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Paul Carley
IT Manager
Marquette County
Valerie Craft
IT Director
Antrim County
Kim Crawford
General Manager
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Rod Davenport
Chief Information Officer
Oakland County
Andy Esch
Information Security Officer
Department of Transportation
State of Michigan
Deb Fett
Chief Information Officer
Ingham County
Heather Frick
Agency Services Director
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Tiziana Galeazzi
General Manager
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Holly Grandy-Miller
Director of Organizational Development
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Corey Grant
Chief Operations Officer
Department of Treasury
State of Michigan
John Hartley
IT Director
Alcona County
David Holcomb
Director of Information Technology
Hillsdale County
Jamie Howell
EPMO Portfolio Division Director
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Robert Johnson
Director of Technology Experience
Wayne County
Robert Jones
Executive Director of Support Services
University of Michigan
Duane Kerkstra
Business Relationship Manager
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Jim LaBlanc
Business Relationship Manager
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Mike Makki
Chief, Human Resources Transformation
Wayne County
Michelle McClish
Cybersecurity Local Partnerships
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Rex Menold
Chief Security Officer
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Suzanne Pauley
eMichigan Director
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Brian Pillar
General Manager
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Lucy Pline
Business Relationship Manager
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Brad Pragratis
Information Management Division Director
Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy
State of Michigan
Hector Roman
Chief Information Officer
Wayne County
Manny Rosales
Chief Technology Officer
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Steve Sedore
Executive Director of Operations
Allegan County
Tom Spencer
IT Director
Ogemaw County
Doug Start
Director of IT
City of Grand Rapids
Eric Swanson
Chief Information Officer
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Art Thompson
Chief Information Officer
City of Detroit
Jackie Venton
Chief Operating Officer
Department of State
State of Michigan
John Walker
Business Relationship Manager
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Stuart Willard
Business Relationship Manager
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Ulri Zay
Outreach Specialist
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan
Registration Information / Contact Us
Event Date: May 21, 2026
This is an invitation-only event, open to Public Sector only. For more information or to request an invitation, please contact Sherri Tidwell.
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:
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