Jonathan Barlow is Associate Director of the Data Science Program and an Assistant Teaching Professor at Mississippi State University. Previously, Barlow was the Associate Director for Software Architecture and Development at NSPARC, a data science and digital government research center at Mississippi State University. With a background in industry and university research, Barlow has more than 25 years of experience in software development, data modeling, data-intensive applications, and data analysis. Barlow received his Ph.D. from Saint Louis University. His data science research interests involve natural language processing and the ethics of artificial intelligence.

Mike Dehaan is the System Architect for the Mississippi Department of Revenue. He has worked to drive technical capacity for the modernization of internal and taxpayer-facing applications. Additionally, Dehaan has managed networks and systems across the agency's on-prem and cloud footprints.

Senator Scott DeLano is from Biloxi, MS and represents Eastern Harrison County. He was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 2009. While in the House, he served as chairman of the newly formed Technology Committee to help craft public policy on emerging issues such as broadband and cyber related policies within state government. After serving 10 years in the House, he was elected to the Mississippi State Senate in 2019. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann tapped DeLano to continue his work on emerging technology issues by naming him Chairman of the Senate Technology Committee as well as appointing him to serve in an advisory role to the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) and the ITS Board. In addition to these leadership roles, Chairman DeLano is Vice-Chairman of Military and Veteran Affairs and subcommittee chair on Appropriations and serves on Education; Environment Prot, Cons and Water Res; Gaming; Highways and Transportation; Insurance; and Ports and Marine Resources committees as well.
Outside of public service, Senator DeLano is a partner in Southeast Commercial, South MS’ premier commercial real estate and development firm. Senator DeLano enjoys watching his son, Matthew, play baseball with the University of South Alabama and his daughter, Emily, who is a cheerleader at Mississippi State University.

Zaid Doleh is a Sr. Cloud Solutions Architect in the World Wide Technology SLED organization. He has 20+ years of experience in the IT services industry. He has successfully combined his technical expertise and competencies with a business-driven approach to lead, develop and deliver projects in the Public Sector, Financial Services & Banking, Healthcare and Retail markets. He holds several technical certifications with AWS including AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional. He has led, designed, and built scalable Hybrid/Multicloud solutions for several large enterprises to support their digital transformation and infrastructure modernization strategies.

Bobby Freeman was named the Director of the Mississippi Cyber Unit by Mississippi Office of Homeland Security Executive Director Baxter Kruger on 1 January 2023. Prior to joining the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security, Freeman served full-time as the Cyber Operations Officer for the Mississippi Army National Guard. With the Mississippi Army National Guard, Bobby mobilized to Iraq in 2009 with the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team as the Company Commander for the Brigade’s Signal Company. He also mobilized domestically with the Mississippi Army National Guard’s Cyber Protection Team detachment in 2018 and 2021. Bobby has over 20 years of military experience in information technology and security. He earned his Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Liberty University in 2020 and a Bachelors of Art from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2005. He has received extensive information technology and cybersecurity training through the military and holds multiple industry certifications including CompTIA’s Advanced Security Practitioner, Security+, and the EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker.

Deon Gates joined C Spire in 2005. In her role as chief people officer, she is responsible for all aspects of recruiting, hiring, training, retention and engagement of C Spire team members. Gates is also responsible for payroll and human resources systems. Additionally, she is actively involved in the company’s Tech Movement initiatives. During her early tenure at C Spire, Gates spent more than 10 years in the information technology department as a systems analyst, manager and director of applications development. Prior to joining the company, Gates served as operations officer at Hancock Whitney Bank (formerly Hancock Bank) as a programmer and business analyst.
Gates earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from The University of Southern Mississippi.
Gates has served on the business advisory council for The University of Mississippi and has volunteered with several community organizations in The Greater Jackson Area and Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Kermit Graham leads System Engineering in State, Local Government, and Education for the Eastern United States. His organization is responsible for the design and deployment of Fortinet solutions built on integrated security architectures that help solve the business challenges of customers.
After serving 13 years in the United States Marine Corps., Kermit entered the private sector via the Arrowpoint startup. After being acquired by Cisco, Mr. Graham held various leadership roles across Federal and SLED businesses, both domestically and internationally. With over 30 years of IT experience, he brings extensive knowledge of the Public Sector business.
Kermit and his wife Deonna reside in Austin, TX and are the proud parents of two sons.

Steve A. Gray serves as an advocate on legislative issues affecting all of Mississippi's 82 Counties. In addition, Mr. Gray manages correspondence, facilitate policy development, and provides legislative updates for all 82 Mississippi counties serving all 410 county supervisors. Mr. Gray's association rigorously monitors legislative activity affecting county government. Mr. Gray also serves on various boards, task forces, commissions, committees, and councils as a representative for Mississippi counties. Education: Delta State University Bachelor of Arts Mississippi State University Masters of Public Policy & Administration. Mr. Gray has served the Mississippi Association of Supervisors for 16 years.

Brian Hopkins is the Deputy Chief information Officer for Academic Technology at the University of Mississippi, with responsibility for all technology services that are closest to the teaching and discovery missions of the University: classroom technologies, learning management systems, end-user cloud technologies, high performance computing, data management and governance, and user support services for all of these. A two-time Ole Miss graduate (BS 01, Phd 06), Brian is a published computational chemist who worked in a range of scientific and high performance computing jobs at UM before coming to his current role in 2016.

Mr. David C. Johnson was appointed the new Executive Director of Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) and Chief Information Officer for the State of Mississippi effective November 1, 2020. A native of Mississippi and a graduate of Mississippi College, Mr. Johnson began his career in public service in 1995 with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. While there, he served in various roles utilizing his background in accounting, audit, and financial management.
Mr. Johnson has served at ITS for the past 14 years, first guiding the financial and budgeting efforts for the agency and then assuming the role of Director of Procurement Services, providing leadership over the enterprise technology procurement function for Mississippi state government. A 2006 graduate of the Senator John C. Stennis State Executive Development Institute, Mr. Johnson utilized his extensive financial data analysis background and knowledge of state government to serve as a key member of the ITS executive management team. Going forward, Mr. Johnson’s in-depth understanding of information technology within ITS and throughout state government will allow him to continue to build relationships with partner agencies, collaborate with technical resources and colleagues on a state and national level, and further advance Mississippi technology, both strategically and operationally.

Patrick Keaton is an IBM Solution delivery Industry executive with over 25 years of State and Local and healthcare experience. Patrick has been a panel speaker at several state Digital Government Summits and is an industry expert in the ethical use of artificial intelligence and generative ai. Patrick’s previous experience has allowed him to help many clients deploy critical, regulatory compliant industry solutions in the domains of Customer Relationship Management and Advanced Digital Automaton as well as Clinical Data solutions.

Chief Information Officer, Department of Education, State of Mississippi

John Kraman is the Chief Information Officer at the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). He began this senior leadership role in 2018 to align data and data systems with the agency’s strategic policy and reform goals. His responsibilities at MDE have included implementing the $200-plus million Mississippi Connects program – rapidly establishing a statewide digital learning program to support teaching, learning, and innovation – and leading the agency’s Mississippi Student Information System (MSIS) modernization project. From 2011 to 2018, John worked at state education agencies (SEA) in Oklahoma and New Mexico in similar leadership roles. In the decade prior to his time in SEAs, he served as the research director of multiple national education policy programs.

Kevin Lomax is the Director, Technical Services for Pearl River Community College, the 4th largest community college in the state of Mississippi. Kevin is a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), COMPTIA Security + and Network + and a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). He has 21+ years in the Information Technology field extending across both his military and civilian background.
Prior to his current position, Kevin worked at the University of Southern Mississippi as a Network Security & Wireless Engineer. While there, he designed the wireless stadium infrastructure for the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4).
Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology from American Public University. He is currently working to complete a Master of Science Degree in Cybersecurity Studies from American Military University.
Kevin is a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Awardee from the United States Army.

Amy Marquez serves as Stakeholder Engagement Director for the Office of Technology and Strategic Services (OTSS) at the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). In that role she helps OTSS develop and deliver messaging for various internal and external education stakeholder groups. While that messaging includes all OTSS efforts, her attention is primarily focused on MDE’s statewide student information system modernization project, MSIS 2.0.
Prior to joining MDE, Amy spent nearly 14 years at the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) as a Program Administrator for Customer Service and Retirement Education. At PERS, she was heavily involved with that agency’s retirement database modernization project, MARS.
Amy, who has more than 20 years of public sector experience, studied Communication at Mississippi State University (BA) and the University of Alabama (MA).

Renée Murray, CPM, PMP, Vendor Management Team Lead, Department of Information Technology Services, State of Mississippi
Renée has been with the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) for 25 years. E-Government was the first project Renée was assigned at ITS when she was tasked with encouraging agencies to move services online. As the state’s program approaches 400 services across more than 100 government entities, Mississippi has always worked to keep the citizen experience at the forefront.

Brian Norwood serves as the Chief Operations Officer for the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services. As COO, he is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of ITS’ enterprise central IT functions. In his 20+ year career at ITS, he has worked in several facets of the organization beginning in application development before moving to network management and later into executive management. He holds a Master of Computer Science degree from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University.

William (Bill) Rials, Ph.D., is a professor and associate director (department chair) of the Tulane University School of Professional Advancement IT and Cybersecurity Program, where he focuses on continually delivering and updating the program curriculum based on innovative and emerging technologies. Before transitioning to academia and higher education, he had a diverse gov tech career delivering value to state agencies, local governments, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Mississippi. He has served in CIO, CTO, and CISO roles for local governments and also in various leadership positions within the state of Mississippi’s IT organization as a deputy to the state CIO. Dr. Rials holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Belhaven University, a master’s degree in computer information systems and cybersecurity from Missouri State University, as well as a Ph.D. in higher education administration and public administration from Jackson State University. His dissertation research involved the critical factors that affect the adoption of cloud services within the public sector. He is a noted expert in the IT and cybersecurity space and is frequently quoted by national media outlets. He is also a frequent contributor to national IT government organizations such as NASTD and NASCIO.

Mr. David Sliman is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in the Information Technology Services department. His office consists of 80 employees and multiple student workers. As CIO, Sliman is responsible for the academic and administrative technical needs of approximately 14,000 students and 2,800 faculty and staff in several counties in south Mississippi. Departments reporting to the CIO include Enterprise Technology Planning, Technology Finance and Administration, Technology Operations and Infrastructure, Technology Security Office, and Technology Support Services.
Mr. Sliman has been a member of the USM technical staff since 1997. He was integral in the rebuilding of the technical infrastructure of all the USM Gulf Coast teaching sites after hurricane Katrina and the modernization of the USM Technology and Data Center in Hattiesburg. He was involved in the creation of the Mississippi Optical Network (MissiON) and serves as the spokesperson for the state university CIOs for Internet2. He is a member of multiple committees at USM and is the EDUCAUSE primary representative for USM.
Prior to USM, Mr. Sliman was co-founder, president, and CEO of Southwind Technologies, a computer integration company and one of the first internet service providers on the MS Gulf Coast. Mr. Sliman worked for several contractors at the NASA Stennis Space Center as a scientific programmer, database administrator, and network specialist for NASA, the Naval Oceanographic Office, and the Naval Research Laboratory.
The Ocean Springs, Mississippi native graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Mr. Thomas has over four decades of experience delivering communications and information technology solutions to government and private sector organizations. Mr. Thomas has spent the last twenty years at CDW•G focused solely on the state and local public safety arena and the first responder community. Mr. Thomas has delivered consultative, project leadership, architect, and engineering services to a wide variety of Public Safety agencies throughout the United States. Currently he serves as the Program Manager for the technology implementation at the Washington, D.C. Metro Police Joint Operations Command Center & in 2020 Mr. Thomas served as the Program Manager supporting CDW•G's efforts towards assisting The City of Charlotte, N.C. in preparation for the 2020 Republican National Convention. He is the author of several whitepapers and writs often for StateTech Magazine.

Tina Wells is the General Manager for Tyler’s state enterprise of Mississippi. With more than a decade of eGovernment experience, Tina leads the team that has helped the State of Mississippi deliver over 380 digital government solutions, providing citizens an efficient and secure way to engage agencies, departments, local, and state government. Under her leadership, Mississippi’s self-funded eGovernment program has resulted in an over $19 million cost avoidance for the state since its 2010 inception. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Millsaps College and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Mississippi.

Jay White is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS). ITS's CISO provides oversight of the cybersecurity efforts across all state agencies, including cybersecurity systems, services and development of policies, standards and guidelines. Jay has worked as a technology consultant with ITS for over 25 years. Jay has been the ITS CISO since in 2011. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi.

Henry Williams brings more than 30 years of private and public sector work experience. He currently serves as Deputy Director of Mississippi State Personnel Board. In this role, Williams oversees the agency’s internal operations that includes communications, information technology, and administrative services. He also supervises agency’s administrative support of the Employee Appeals Board. Prior to working for Mississippi state government, Henry worked for General Motors Corporation, Delphi Packard Electric Systems, and Delphi Energy & Engine Management Systems in several locations throughout Mississippi, Ohio, and Georgia.
A native of Washington, D.C., Williams earned a master’s degree in business and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Howard University.

Kevin Yearick serves as Chief Information Officer - Technology for the University of Mississippi Medical Center, a Public Healthcare / Academic / Research Center.
Responsible for employees on the service desk, network, telecommunications and technology teams. He has changed the culture of the once bureaucratic department to one that runs “business at the speed of business”.
Developed and manages a multi-year strategic plan for operations and technical infrastructure inclusive of system upgrades, enhancements, and implementation activities that address strategic initiatives, vendor product developments and support requirements.
Prior to joining the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Kevin served as the Executive Director of Network Services at the Grady Health System in Atlanta, GA.
Hospital Partners of America, as Director of Corporate Infrastructure Services.
Accenture as a consultant for local technology services.
Kevin received his BA in Business Administration from Queens University of Charlotte, NC.
Kevin is married to his college sweetheart, with two children. Kevin volunteers as a Head Coach for the local Youth Soccer organization and enjoys a good game of golf.

Dr. Young is responsible for data, information technology, research, non-communicable epidemiology, information technology security, revenue cycle, electronic health record, and vital statistics functions of the agency. Dr. Young is a graduate of Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, and holds a Master of Health Services Administration degree from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Health Sciences from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. In addition to her role with the Mississippi Division of Medicaid, Dr. Young is an adjunct faculty member for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Xavier University of Louisiana and for the School of Health Related Professions at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She has experience in hospital administration, health information and informatics, life sciences research, healthcare reimbursement, analytics and policy development. Before joining the Mississippi State Department of Health, Dr. Young served as the Deputy of Health Services, the Director of Innovation Initiatives, and the Medical Services Director in the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. She has also been a Director in University of Mississippi Medical Center Hospital Administration and for UMMC University Heart.