Name: Missouri Digital Government Summit 2026
Start: 2026-06-11T08:00
Location: Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center

Overview

The Missouri Digital Government Summit is where innovation meets impact!

Bringing together the brightest minds in state and local government, this summit empowers public-sector leaders to explore cutting-edge technologies, modernize operations, and solve pressing challenges. From cybersecurity and AI to data governance and digital service delivery, sessions are designed to spark insight, foster collaboration, and accelerate real-world results. Whether you're shaping strategy or implementing solutions, the Summit delivers valuable peer connections and actionable guidance to help move your mission forward.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

It’s an honor to host the 24th Annual Missouri Digital Government Summit! Technology continues to play a critical role in driving the state’s operations, helping us deliver exceptional & efficient services to Missourians. This year, we’ll emphasize the power of collaboration with industry partners, working together to make it easier for citizens, agencies, and businesses to engage with the state. Join us for insightful discussions, innovative ideas, and valuable networking opportunities. I look forward to connecting with all of you and exploring ways to shape Missouri’s digital future!

– John Laurent, Chief Information Officer, State of Missouri

Speakers

Shawnee Delaney

CEO, Vaillance Group and Former Spy

Shawnee Delaney is co-host of the popular YouTube series, Control Room, founder and CEO of Vaillance Group and an award-winning globally recognized expert in human risk management. As a decorated former Case Officer with nearly a decade at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), she conducted clandestine human intelligence (HUMINT) operations worldwide, including four combat zone tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, ultimately serving as both Detachment Chief and Supervisory Branch Chief. After leaving DIA, Shawnee supported the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in protecting U.S. critical infrastructure with the Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) before leading the creation of insider threat programs at Fortune 500 companies such as Uber and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Shawnee has advised nation-states, multinational corporations, and startups alike on preventing, detecting, and managing insider threats and continues to be a highly sought-after keynote speaker and consultant on insider threat, cybersecurity, and risk management. She has written articles or been cited on Insider Threat in publications such as the Cipher Brief, USA Today, Fox Business, Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, the Hill, Spyscape, Associated Press, Benzinga, and the Financial Times, among other international periodicals. She holds master’s degrees in Counter-Terrorism & Counter-Proliferation and Cybersecurity.
John Laurent

Erik Abderhalden

Principal Solution Engineer, Salesforce

Erik Abderhalden has spent his career helping government agencies improve the lives of the people they serve. As a Principal Solution Engineer at Salesforce, where he has been for eight years, he works alongside public sector customers to build scalable, sustainable solutions that turn complex challenges into real outcomes. Prior to Salesforce, he honed his craft as a consultant across numerous industries. A lifelong Illinois resident, Erik brings his technical acumen and Midwest Nice to every conversation. Outside of work, he's passionate about music, writing, movies, volunteering, and introducing his daughters to the glory of 1980s one-hit wonders.

Thomas Appelbaum, JD, MBA

Information Technology Director, St. Louis County, MO

Thomas Appelbaum, JD, MBA, serves as the Information Technology Director for St. Louis County, Missouri, the state’s largest political subdivision. He leads countywide efforts to modernize and secure technology infrastructure, driving digital transformation across government operations. Tom’s background includes technology leadership roles in mining, healthcare, finance, and telecommunications. After earning his law degree, he founded a financial technology company focused on renewable and efficient energy investments, gaining valuable experience working within government and regulatory frameworks. His combined expertise in law, business, and technology led to his selection to implement the County’s enterprise public records management solution, a role that set the stage for his current leadership position. Tom has been with St. Louis County for six years and continues to champion innovation, collaboration, and improved public service delivery.

Kalyn Buchheim

Senior Project Manager, Center for Operational Excellence, Office of Administration

Kalyn is a senior project manager for the Center of Excellence (COE), the Statewide OpEx Team, in the Office of Administration. Her education and experience in project management and continuous improvement started a decade ago in pharmaceutical research and development and clinical trials, and pivoted to state government four years ago. She, and the rest of the COE, assist the agencies and elected offices in streamlining processes, finding efficiencies, and developing project management skills. Having a questioning mindset is the foundation to her work, and she challenges those around her to continue to ask why. These skills translate to her free time, where her garden is leaned and adaptable for future changes!

Greg Colvin

Director Identity and Access Management, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri

Greg Colvin is the Director of Enterprise Identity and Access Management for the State of Missouri, where Greg leads statewide strategy for securing digital identities and strengthening access governance across agencies. With extensive experience in cybersecurity, identity architecture, and enterprise level risk mitigation, Greg plays a key role in modernizing Missouri’s security posture as emerging technologies that reshape the threat landscape. Greg is deeply focused on combating evolving fraud tactics, advancing zero trust principles, and enabling secure digital services for residents and public sector partners.

Roftiel Constantine

President of the STL InfraGard Chapter

Roftiel Constantine grew up in Washington, DC and in Europe. He graduated from Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and then served as a communications officer in the United States Air Force for 25 years, retiring in the rank of Colonel. He served in a wide range of positions specializing in IT operations, service delivery, global project management, policy development, business process engineering, cybersecurity, and developing short- and long-term IT strategies. Roftiel has led teams from 5 to 4,200 people, including several multinational and internationally dispersed teams. He deployed to Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Afghanistan to support air war operations.
During his Air Force career, Roftiel led 6 network security shops and 5 24x7 IT operations centers, and the National Security Agency ranked his team of 65 as 2013’s #1 cyber security team in the entire United States Department of Defense. For the past 7 years, Roftiel has served as the Chief Information Security Officer for Barry-Wehmiller, a $3.9B/12,500-associate global supplier of manufacturing technology and services serving a diverse platform of industries at 150 operating locations in 23 countries, and they have conducted over 180 acquisitions since 1987.
Roftiel earned Masters Degrees in International Relations, Systems Engineering, and Business Administration, served for a year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a National Security Defense Fellow, and holds the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. He has served as an adjunct Professor in Washington University’s Cyber Security graduate school, serves on the University’s Cybersecurity Advisory Board, and served as a Board Member, Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Springfield, Illinois InfraGard chapter from July 2018 to December 2021 and has served as the Vice President and President of the Saint Louis, Missouri InfraGard chapter since March 2023. He also serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors of CyberUp, a world-class cybersecurity training and workforce development organization. Roftiel is very happily married and has a 15-year-old son who already beats his dad in coding. His wife does not.

Craig Davenport

Director of Cyber Security Infrastructure, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri

Craig Davenport serves as the Director of Cyber Security Infrastructure with the State of Missouri Office of Cyber Security. In this role, he leads critical efforts including but not limited to Intrusion prevention, Data Loss Prevention, Load Balancing, IT forensics, and Disaster Recovery. A seasoned expert in security, he has spent the last decade working in security engineering and is dedicated to helping the State of Missouri navigate the intricacies of securing a complex environment under constant attack. When not working you can find him running from hockey rink to hockey rink for his son’s travel league. Craig is also an archery coach for the local high school.

Brent Dixon

Assistant Director, Division of Purchasing, State of Missouri

Brent Dixon has been working for the State of Missouri since 1999, serving in various positions within the Office of Administration’s Division of Purchasing. Currently, he services as an Assistant Director, and he is responsible for managing the commodities, information technology, and administrative technology teams. His primary responsibilities involve overseeing the competitive procurement process to ensure state agencies are able to obtain the products and services needed to support the citizens of Missouri. Brent holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with and emphasis in Management from Hannibal LaGrange University. He is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB).

John Evans

Chief Technology Advisory, World Wide Technology

As a chief technology adviser, John Evans enables state and local governments to design, develop and integrate innovative solutions that improve citizen outcomes. With more than 20 years of experience in the public sector, Evans supports agencies as they navigate the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, helping secure their artificial intelligence initiatives and incorporate the technology into their cybersecurity programs to streamline operations and gain better insights and visibility.  Evans has empowered many states to adopt a “whole-of-state” cybersecurity approach, allowing cities, counties, and critical infrastructure to collectively improve their cyber postures. Through these efforts, he’s helped states create digestible plans for traditionally under-resourced cyber programs. Before joining WWT, Evans served as chief information security officer and deputy chief technology officer for the State of Maryland, where he helped lead statewide technology and security initiatives.

Amy Forsee

Director of Advanced Systems Architecture, AI and Innovation, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri

Amy Forsee is the Director of Advanced Systems Architecture at the State of Missouri's Information Technology Services Division (ITSD). A Certified Distinguished Architect with over 25 years of enterprise architecture and IT leadership experience, Amy brings a proven track record of aligning complex technology with mission outcomes across public and private sectors. Today, she applies that depth to Missouri state government, advancing scalable AI systems and services, data governance capabilities, and the enterprise architecture foundations that make digital transformation real and sustainable.

Tricia Heislen

Assistant Information Systems Director, Department of Transportation, State of Missouri

Tricia Heislen currently serves as the Assistant Information Technology Director for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). She began her career in 1999 with the Public School and Public Education Employee Retirement Systems (PSRS/PEERS), where she advanced through a variety of roles across the organization.
Driven by a passion for leadership and technology, Tricia joined the Missouri Attorney General’s Office in 2013 as the Creative Design Manager and Web Developer. She was promoted to Deputy Information Technology Director in 2018 and subsequently to Information Technology Director in 2019.
Tricia joined MoDOT in 2021, initially serving as the Collaboration Manager. In 2023, she was promoted to Assistant Director of Information Technology. In her current role, Tricia oversees multiple operational teams, including Middleware, Data Center, Networking and Cybersecurity, the Help Desk, and the M365 Team, which manages Microsoft platforms such as Exchange, SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, Power Apps, and Power Automate.
Tricia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems.

Shawn Ivy

Chief Information Security Officer, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri

Shawn was born and raised in central Missouri and has a vested interest in the great state he calls home. He currently serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the Office of Administration. Shawn has over 30 years of public service experience in the information technology field and has worked in many information technology lanes including helpdesk, client endpoint support, UNIX system administration, web middleware and cyber security. Shawn has a passion for building secure modernized solutions that help improve citizen services.

Joe Kirby

Director of Data and Analytics, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri

Joe Kirby is the Director of Data and Analytics for the State of Missouri, bringing over 28 years of dedicated IT experience to public service. In his role, he leads the state's data strategy, overseeing the development of a statewide Data Governance framework, the creation of a federated data mesh environment, and the management of enterprise analytics programs. Additionally, Joe is a key stakeholder in the state's artificial intelligence initiatives, where he develops strategic frameworks and governance policies to safely evaluate and integrate AI technologies into state operations.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Joe began his career with the State of Missouri in Desktop Support. He quickly progressed to application development, where he managed all project phases from business analysis and database design to coding and training. As the Enterprise Information Architect for the Department of Conservation, he was instrumental in introducing Business Intelligence to the agency through Tableau. Joe is passionate about empowering state agencies to leverage their data and emerging AI capabilities for better, more timely decisions.

Travis Rehagen

Manager of Employee Engagement and Operational Excellence, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri

Travis currently serves as the Manager of Employee Engagement and Operational Excellence for ITSD. He started his career with the State of Missouri as a member of the Call Center and has also served as a Business Analyst as well as a Business Relationship Manager with ITSD. In 2019, Travis graduated from the ITSD-U Leadership Program and during that same year he earned his Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma from The Ohio St. University. In 2024 Travis graduated from the Missouri Leadership Academy. Travis has a passion in helping employees succeed at each stage of the Employee Lifecycle based on their current needs. He currently manages or assists the following organizational functions: Onboarding, Offboarding, Recruiting, Process Improvement, Leadership and Supervisor Training, Job Shadowing, Succession Planning and other Employee Engagement and Appreciation Activities.
Aaron Stalter

Nate Schneemann

SLED Central Account Executive Director, Socure 

Nate Schneemann, Central Region Director at Socure, has more than 10 years of experience in fraud and financial crime prevention, working on mission critical projects across tier 1 entities within the private sector and state governments. Before Socure, Nate worked as a fraud strategist and subject matter expert at Actimize in addition to risk prevention in banking. Through analyzing fraud risk across channels, Nate has helped organizations understand how to operationalize effective controls and advanced mitigation technologies across their ecosystem.

Amit Sehrawat

Client Solution Engineer, Salesforce

For the past 15 years, Amit Sehrawat has worked closely with state and local agencies to modernize their operations and improve service delivery. As a Principal Solution Engineer at Salesforce, he helps government leaders cut through the hype of artificial intelligence to build practical, secure use cases grounded in strong data and governance. Amit focuses on balancing rapid innovation with the necessary guardrails, ensuring agencies can confidently adopt AI while managing risk and protecting citizen privacy.

Megan Stokes

Director of Cloud Security and Strategy, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri

Megan is the Director of Cloud Security & Strategy for the State of Missouri’s Office of Cybersecurity, where she leads enterprise cloud security efforts and collaborate on governance, AI, and emerging technology initiatives across state government. As a cybersecurity leader, Megan is passionate about helping agencies securely modernize and adopt new technologies while balancing innovation, risk management, compliance, and operational resilience.

Candace Williams

Chief of Unemployment Insurance Integrity, Division of Employment Security, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, State of Missouri

Candace serves as the Chief of Unemployment Insurance Integrity for the Division of Employment Security. She has been with the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations since 2010. She leads a specialized team dedicated to safeguarding the UI program through proactive fraud prevention and detection, reducing improper payments, and strategically recovering UI overpayments. A proud alumna of Hampton University, Candace holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Leadership Studies.

Dr. AJ Womack

Director, AI Solutions and Development, Office of AI and Innovation, State of Missouri

Dr. A.J. Womack is the Director of AI Solutions and Development for the State of Missouri. In this leadership role, A.J. drives technological innovation across the state by directing a team that delivers high-impact solutions to complex, data-driven agency challenges. Building on a strong foundation of data strategy, he is deeply committed to driving operational excellence and reducing the friction that naturally occurs when State programs interact with Missouri citizens at scale. He is also dedicated to upskilling the state’s data workforce for the future, drawing on his extensive experience providing technical leadership and training to Missouri’s data community. Most recently, A.J. developed an innovative solution for the Governor’s Office that ingested thousands of Agricultural grant applications to creating a streamlined, functional database. By organizing this information for the approval board, his approach eliminated administrative bottlenecks and enabled rapid decision-making. Ultimately delivering a 35x return on investment and getting funding to citizens significantly faster. When he is off the clock, A.J. enjoys throwing a baseball with his son, watching his daughter dance, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Missouri.

Blade Wood

Identity and Access Management Specialist, Office of Cyber Security, State of Missouri

Cybersecurity Specialist with 10 years of IT experience specializing in IAM and enterprise cloud security. A proven expert in the identity space, Blade Wood holds three Okta certifications and a CCNA, bridging the gap between secure access control and resilient network infrastructure.

Wes Young

Data Security Leader, US Public Sector, IBM

Wes Young is currently IBM’s Data Security sales leader for the US Public Sector, supporting IBM’s largest government, healthcare, and life sciences clients. Wes has been in the data security and compliance space for just shy of 10 years, with a consistent focus on protecting government and healthcare data. Recently, much of his time and energy has shifted to securing AI and helping customers adopt crypto-agility and move to post quantum readiness. Outside of his current role, Wes is active in ISSA and the security community at large.

Ken Zellers

Commissioner, Office of Administration, State of Missouri

Ken Zellers is the Commissioner of the Missouri Office of Administration, a role he has held since his Senate confirmation on March 10, 2022. Serving under Governor Mike Kehoe, Ken originally stepped into the position as Acting Commissioner in October 2021 following an appointment by Governor Mike Parson. The Office of Administration serves as the administrative and managerial arm of State of Missouri government, responsible for coordinating the central management functions of state government to help departments operate efficiently and effectively. The Commissioner of Administration is appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate and serves as the Chief Administrative Officer with oversight of the seven divisions along with various programs, boards, and commissions. Ken is actively leading governmental transformation by implementing state-of-the-art technology and enhancing the overall customer experience. In 2024, Ken was issued the Governor’s Proclamation for Remarkable Public Service and Dedication to the State of Missouri.
As Chief Operating Officer, Acting Director, and later, Director of the Department of Revenue, Ken led transformation by developing strategies that promote a desirable culture and effectively drive diverse operations. His areas of focus include artificial intelligence, economic development, digital convenience, improved vendor and third-party relationships, and enhanced team building practices. Under Ken’s leadership, the Department of Revenue improved customer service by successfully implementing the first state agency virtual assistant in Missouri. Since inception, the Department of Revenue Answers (DORA) chatbot has offered 24/7 assistance to customers by providing nearly 7MM responses in the first 48 months. Ken also guided the Department through finalization of its new $82 million integrated tax system, which contributed to the most successful tax season in Department history in 2021.
Prior to joining the Missouri Department of Revenue Ken held numerous senior roles in Anheuser-Busch InBev, most recently serving as Global Director, Operations Brewing and Quality. Anheuser-Busch InBev is a global consumer products company which employs over 200,000 people world-wide and generates $60 billion in annual sales. In this role Ken was responsible for improving the overall product quality and customer/consumer experience, by collecting and analyzing relevant global call center data. Ken also served on the North American Wholesaler Advisory Board representing Anheuser-Busch InBev and over 750 U.S. distribution centers and product wholesalers. In prior roles with Anheuser-Busch InBev Ken served as Senior Director Human Resource Operations, a member of the Human Resource Operating Committee, and Global Director of compensation.
Prior to joining Anheuser-Busch InBev, Ken was employed with Citicorp Acceptance and Finance, a division of Citibank, as a Manager of Quality and Exceptions Processing.
Ken has dedicated his career to developing and implementing processes that improve quality and efficiency, while reducing cost. He is a proven leader and brings strong skills to raise the bar strategically and operationally to the benefit of the citizens of the state of Missouri. Ken holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis.

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Agenda

Thursday, June 11
8:00 am Central	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Atrium
9:00 am Central	Welcome and Opening Remarks Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom John Laurent, Chief Information Officer, Office of Administration, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Ken Zellers, Commissioner, Office of Administration, State of Missouri
9:15 am Central	Keynote – Spy vs. AI: Defending Against Artificial Intelligence’s Threats to Your Life, Loved Ones and Livelihood Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom Have you heard of a deep fake? Would you or your family fall for one? Dive into the dynamic world of artificial intelligence and its intricate relationship with the insider threat landscape. As AI continues to reshape industries, it simultaneously introduces new dimensions of vulnerabilities within organizations that insiders can exploit. In this engaging and insightful keynote, we’ll explore the evolving threats of AI, from deepfakes to voice cloning, and how they can impact individuals, families, and businesses. With real-world examples and case studies, we'll break down the tactics malicious actors use and, more importantly, provide practical tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from these emerging dangers. By the end, you'll not only understand the risks but walk away empowered with actionable strategies to safeguard your digital lives in an increasingly AI-driven world. Shawnee Delaney, CEO, Vaillance Group and Former Spy
10:15 am Central	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Atrium Refuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsors: Apptio, an IBM Company, Red Hat LLC
10:45 am Central	Concurrent Sessions Securing the Cloud: Building Resilient Government Environments Lincoln Room As government agencies modernize services and systems, cloud security has become a core responsibility for IT and security leaders. This session focuses on the practical realities of protecting cloud and hybrid environments across state and local government. We will explore cloud governance and policy frameworks, secure migration from legacy systems, identity and access management in multi-cloud environments, and how agencies can balance innovation with security and compliance. Attendees will gain actionable insights and peer-driven lessons to strengthen cloud resilience while supporting responsible digital transformation. Moderator: Pamela Heimericks, Director, Office of Administration, State of Missouri Roftiel Constantine, President of the STL InfraGard Chapter Megan Stokes, Director of Cloud Security and Strategy, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri Blade Wood, Identity and Access Management Specialist, Office of Cyber Security, State of Missouri The New Face of Fraud: Managing Risk in a Digital and AI-Powered World Jefferson BC Ballroom Fraud prevention is growing more complex as organizations increasingly rely on third-party agents, digital authorization, and advanced automation. This session explores the practical questions leaders are facing today - how to verify agent authorization, prevent unauthorized actions, and identify where controls are most likely to fail. Participants will examine the true cost of fraud incidents versus the value and limitations of insurance, including considerations like preapproval requirements, coverage exclusions, and evolving restrictions tied to AI-related fraud. The session will also highlight emerging risks from agentic and generative AI, and how gaps in governance and oversight can expose organizations to new vulnerabilities. Moderator: Theresa Frommel, Director of Enterprise Cyber Risk, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri Greg Colvin, Director Identity and Access Management, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri John Evans, Chief Technology Advisory, World Wide Technology Nate Schneemann, SLED Central Account Executive Director, Socure Candace Williams, Chief of Unemployment Insurance Integrity, Division of Employment Security, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, State of Missouri AI, GIS, and Satellite Technology in Crisis Response Carnegies Room Modern crisis and disaster response depends on timely information, coordinated operations, and secure, resilient systems. In this session we explore how technologies like AI, GIS, and low Earth orbit satellite data are enhancing situational awareness, supporting rapid damage assessment, and improving resource prioritization - especially when traditional infrastructure is disrupted. As these capabilities evolve, leaders must also address critical security considerations, including data integrity, system resilience, and the protection of sensitive information. Join us to learn how aligning technology, emergency planning, and security practices can strengthen response efforts and improve recovery outcomes. Moderator: Craig Davenport, Director of Cyber Security Infrastructure, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri Tim Marczewski, Director of AI and Innovation, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Mark Munsell, Executive Director, GeoSTL David Nykodym, GIS Manager, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Brandon Ousley, Business Relationship Manager, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Leading Through Change in an AI‑Driven Workplace Jefferson A Ballroom AI is reshaping how work is performed, how skills are developed, and how employees gain experience over time. As AI increasingly handles baseline tasks, organizations must rethink upskilling and reskilling strategies to help employees continue to grow and contribute at higher levels. This session examines why employees respond to change the way they do, how prompt engineering and other emerging skills fit into the workforce, and why soft skills remain critical alongside technical capability. The discussion will highlight change management approaches that support learning, adaptability, and sustained engagement as AI becomes part of everyday work. Moderator: Aaron Stalter, Business Relationship Manager, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Kalyn Buchheim, Senior Project Manager, Center for Operational Excellence, Office of Administration Joe Kirby, Director of Data and Analytics, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Charles Landry, President, Public Sector, Egen Travis Rehagen, Manager of Employee Engagement and Operational Excellence, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri
11:45 am Central	Lunch Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom
12:45 pm Central	Bits and Bytes – What’s Below our AI Surface? Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom AI capabilities may appear simple on the surface but scaling them requires a strong and often overlooked foundation. Beneath user interfaces and models are critical dependencies on data quality, integration, infrastructure, governance, and operational readiness. As organizations move from experimentation to broader adoption, gaps in these areas can limit performance, increase risk, and slow progress. This session explores what lies beneath the visible AI layer and how aligning data, systems, and processes is essential to scaling AI effectively and sustainably across the organization. Tim Marczewski, Director of AI and Innovation, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri
1:05 pm Central	Short Break Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.
1:15 pm Central	Concurrent Sessions Cybersecurity is A Team Sport Lincoln Room Cybersecurity depends on more than technical controls or IT teams. It is shaped by how well organizations communicate risk, manage access to data, and prepare their workforce to recognize and respond to threats. Clear, consistent expectations across roles are essential to reducing everyday cyber risk. This conversation focuses on shared cyber responsibility, the impact of data access decisions on organizational security, and the persistence of phishing as a primary attack vector. This session focuses on integrating cybersecurity into everyday work through practical communication and training, reinforcing it as a shared, ongoing responsibility rather than a standalone compliance task. Moderator: Shawn Ivy, Chief Information Security Officer, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri Tom Appelbaum, Acting Director, Information Technology, St. Louis County Tricia Heislen, Assistant Information Systems Director, Department of Transportation, State of Missouri Procurement, Technology, and Third‑Party Risk Management Jefferson A Ballroom Procurement decisions increasingly carry technology and security implications, even when purchases appear non-technical. Third-party risk often enters through vendors, subcontractors, and service providers without consistent oversight or evaluation. This session explores how procurement processes can better account for technical risk, including the use of vendor questionnaires, integration of third-party risk management into procurement workflows, and the importance of clear security and data protection language in contracts and renewals. Learn how to make risk assessment a standard part of procurement - rather than an after-the-fact review. Moderator: Laura Barry, Director of Finance and Administration, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Chris Angerer, Chief of Enterprise Architecture, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Brent Dixon, Assistant Director, Division of Purchasing, State of Missouri Theresa Frommel, Director of Enterprise Cyber Risk, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri Knowledge Management and the Future of Human Work Carnegies Room As organizations adopt AI to capture, generate, and retrieve knowledge, new opportunities and risks are emerging. Large language models can turn scattered information into useful documentation, but they can also introduce unintended and unexpected uses of data when governance and intent are unclear. Effective knowledge management now plays a critical role in succession planning, workforce continuity, and preserving institutional knowledge as roles and responsibilities change. This session explores how AI can support documentation and knowledge transfer while reinforcing human judgment, context, and leadership as essential elements of the future of work. Moderator: Eric Pahl, Business Relationship Manager, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Erik Abderhalden, Principal Solution Engineer, Salesforce Feng Hou, Chief Information Officer, St. Louis Community College Dr. AJ Womack, Director, AI Solutions and Development, Office of AI and Innovation, State of Missouri Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners Jefferson BC Ballroom Hosted by: John Laurent, Chief Information Officer, Office of Administration, Information Technology Services Division (ITSD), State of Missouri
2:15 pm Central	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Atrium Refuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsors: Apptio, an IBM Company, Red Hat LLC
2:30 pm Central	General Session – Data Governance in the AI Era Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom Data governance is becoming more complex as organizations adopt AI tools, manage growing data volumes, and navigate evolving retention requirements. Shadow AI usage introduces new data protection risks, particularly when data is shared, stored, or reused outside formal governance controls. Clear data classification, retention, and documentation practices are essential to managing these risks, especially as AI systems surface older or previously archived information. This session addresses how organizations define records versus non‑records, manage retention in AI‑driven environments, and protect sensitive data while maintaining usability and compliance. Moderator: Travis Rehagen, Manager of Employee Engagement and Operational Excellence, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Angela Anderson, Chief Technology Officer, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, State of Missouri Joe Kirby, Director of Data and Analytics, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Zana Stephenson, Chief Data Officer, Department of Social Services, State of Missouri
3:00 pm Central	General Session – Preparing for Post Quantum Cybersecurity & What’s Next Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom Quantum computing is poised to reshape the cybersecurity landscape, creating both new risks and new responsibilities for digital government. Preparing for post quantum cybersecurity examines what comes next as agencies plan for a future where current encryption standards may no longer be sufficient. This event brings together public-sector technology and security leaders to explore post‑quantum readiness, emerging cryptographic standards, and the broader implications for infrastructure, data protection, and digital services. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of how to prepare today for tomorrow’s cybersecurity challenges while supporting resilient, trusted digital government. Moderator: Travis Rehagen, Manager of Employee Engagement and Operational Excellence, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Dr. Rohit Chadha, Associate Professor and Director of Cybersecurity Center, University of Missouri Shawn Ivy, Chief Information Security Officer, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri Mickey Slimp, Executive Director, Great Plains Network Wes Young, Data Security Leader, US Public Sector, IBM
3:45 pm Central	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area Atrium Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
4:15 pm Central	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center

415 West McCarty Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(757) 508-9889

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Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Tom Appelbaum
Chief Information Officer
St Louis County

Jeffrey Arnel
Deputy Chief Information Security Officer
Office of Cyber Security, Missouri Office of Administration
State of Missouri

Stephanie Brooks
Chief of Business Systems Development
Office of Administration
State of Missouri

Ben Canlas
Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Division of Information Technology
University of Missouri System

Jeff Coiner
Chief Information Officer
Information Systems
Missouri State University

Tara Dampf
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Office of Administration, Information Technology Services Division
State of Missouri

Cory Fischer
Applications Manager
City of Columbia

Eric Gorham
Chief Information Officer
REJIS Commission

John Hanauer
Chief Information Officer
Public Service Commission
State of Missouri

Charles (Chuck) Henderson
Chief Information Officer
Franklin County

Charlie Herbst
Associate Commissioner
Cape Girardeau County

Shawn Ivy
Chief Information Security Officer
Office of Cyber Security, Missouri Office of Administration
State of Missouri

John Laurent
Chief Information Officer
Missouri Office of Administration
State of Missouri

Tim Marczewski
State Director of AI
Missouri Office of Administration
State of Missouri

Andrew Ngui
Chief Digital Officer
City of Kansas City

Paula Peters
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Missouri Office of Administration
State of Missouri

Lisa Scheulen
Chief Technology Officer
Public School Retirement System of Missouri
State of Missouri

Steve White
Director
Cybersecurity and Technology Division, MO State Highway Patrol
State of Missouri

Industry Representatives

Matthew Benton
Client Executive
World Wide Technology

David Clements
Technology Sales Executive
IBM

Nate Schneemann
Regional Director
SLED, Central
Socure

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: June 11, 2026

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.

Contact Information

Need help registering, or have general event questions? Contact:

Jasmin Tetzlaff
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1308
E-mail: jtetzlaff@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

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Missouri Digital Government Summit 2026

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Shawnee Delaney

CEO, Vaillance Group and Former Spy

Erik Abderhalden

Principal Solution Engineer, Salesforce

Thomas Appelbaum, JD, MBA

Information Technology Director, St. Louis County, MO

Kalyn Buchheim

Senior Project Manager, Center for Operational Excellence, Office of Administration

Greg Colvin

Director Identity and Access Management, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri

Roftiel Constantine

President of the STL InfraGard Chapter

Craig Davenport

Director of Cyber Security Infrastructure, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri

Brent Dixon

Assistant Director, Division of Purchasing, State of Missouri

John Evans

Chief Technology Advisory, World Wide Technology

Amy Forsee

Director of Advanced Systems Architecture, AI and Innovation, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri

Tricia Heislen

Assistant Information Systems Director, Department of Transportation, State of Missouri

Shawn Ivy

Chief Information Security Officer, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri

Joe Kirby

Director of Data and Analytics, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri

Travis Rehagen

Manager of Employee Engagement and Operational Excellence, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri

Nate Schneemann

SLED Central Account Executive Director, Socure

Amit Sehrawat

Client Solution Engineer, Salesforce

Megan Stokes

Director of Cloud Security and Strategy, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Cybersecurity, State of Missouri

Candace Williams

Chief of Unemployment Insurance Integrity, Division of Employment Security, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, State of Missouri

Dr. AJ Womack

Director, AI Solutions and Development, Office of AI and Innovation, State of Missouri

Blade Wood

Identity and Access Management Specialist, Office of Cyber Security, State of Missouri

Wes Young

Data Security Leader, US Public Sector, IBM

Ken Zellers

Commissioner, Office of Administration, State of Missouri

Agenda

Thursday, June 11

8:00 am Central

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Atrium

9:00 am Central

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom

9:15 am Central

Keynote – Spy vs. AI: Defending Against Artificial Intelligence’s Threats to Your Life, Loved Ones and Livelihood

Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom

10:15 am Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Atrium

10:45 am Central

Concurrent Sessions

Securing the Cloud: Building Resilient Government Environments

Lincoln Room

The New Face of Fraud: Managing Risk in a Digital and AI-Powered World

Jefferson BC Ballroom

AI, GIS, and Satellite Technology in Crisis Response

Carnegies Room

Leading Through Change in an AI‑Driven Workplace

Jefferson A Ballroom

11:45 am Central

Lunch

Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom

12:45 pm Central

Bits and Bytes – What’s Below our AI Surface?

Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom

1:05 pm Central

Short Break

SLED Central Account Executive Director, Socure 