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!
Technology continues to transform the way governments serve their communities, and 2025 is poised to be a pivotal year. From the rise of generative AI and conversational technologies to advancements in cybersecurity and digital identity, the opportunities to modernize government operations are unprecedented. The Montana Digital Government Summit is where IT leaders across the state come together to explore these innovations, share practical solutions, and address challenges like workforce development, AI governance, and legacy modernization. As always, the goal is to ensure attendees leave with actionable insights to enhance government services. At the Montana Digital Government Summit, you can be a part of the conversation, connect with peers, learn from experts, and shape the future of digital government in Montana.
– Kevin Gilbertson, Chief Information Officer, State of Montana
Tuesday, May 13 |
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8:00 am Mountain |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area |
9:00 am Mountain |
Opening RemarksKevin Gilbertson, Chief Information Officer, State of Montana |
9:20 am Mountain |
Keynote – Have You Ever Jumped from an Airplane? (The Journey of Delivering a Complex Project in the Public Sector)Large-scale public-sector technology projects are complex, often requiring IT leaders to address technical debt and legacy issues before envisioning future advancements. Launching new projects involves evaluating everything from the RFP process to relationship management, and regulatory compliance. Join Saby Waraich as he shares actionable insights from his journey of transforming a struggling digital transformation project into a success. Discover the strategies he employed to overcome these challenges and understand the true essence of 'jumping out of an airplane' in the context of leading successful digital transformations. Saby Waraich, Chief Information Officer/Chief Information Security Officer, Clackamas County College |
10:20 am Mountain |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Area |
10:50 am Mountain |
Concurrent SessionsAI Literacy: What Is It and What Can We Do Right Now?AI is everywhere, but what is it and how can we use it to enhance service delivery? This session will explore exactly what AI can do for your organization and practical steps for public sector employees to adopt AI tools, focusing on wins like automating citizen inquiries and streamlining document processing. We'll highlight cross-departmental collaboration and real-world examples like enhancing fraud detection. Attendees will learn concrete next steps to start leveraging AI in their daily work. Join us for actionable insights to transform your organization. Moderator: John Matelski, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government Chris Powell, Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Collaboration for a New EraAs emerging technologies continue to transform the workplace, governments must cultivate a workforce adept at leveraging new tools and committed to innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. How can we effectively train and upskill our current teams and our constituents to thrive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape? This session will share creative tactics and strategies for building, retaining, and fostering collaboration across departments and organizations. Moderator: Victoria Lowe, Director of Information Technology, Sheridan County Tamuna Cullison, Product Management Bureau Chief, Department of Transportation, State of Montana Harnessing the Power of DataPublic sector organizations recognize the power of data to inform decision-making and improve service delivery. However, accessing and managing this valuable resource is challenging. Are you struggling to unlock the potential of data? Do you face issues with data silos and privacy concerns? Our panel will explore the collection and use of data to manage the performance of programs, initiatives, and teams. This session will provide strategies to overcome obstacles and empower your organization to leverage data while ensuring integrity and security. |
11:50 pm Mountain |
Lunch |
12:50 pm Mountain |
Bits and BytesIn these use case focused Ted-style lightning talks, we’ll explore public sector success stories. We’ll feature new architecture solutions and cybersecurity innovations. |
1:20 pm Mountain |
Short BreakPlease proceed to the concurrent sessions. |
1:30 pm Mountain |
Concurrent SessionsAI Deep Dive: Governance and Integrated AI ToolsAI is transforming public sector IT, offering tools that can both protect and pose additional risks to organizations. But how do we navigate this double-edged sword? This session delves into the dual nature of AI—and how to manage AI tools integrated into your industry partner’s offerings. Through this dual lens, we'll explore strategies to harness AI's potential while staying vigilant against its misuse. Join us to gain insights into leveraging AI responsibly to create a safer digital world. Moderator: Michelle Hauer, Chief Information Officer, Department of Transportation Demystifying Zero Trust: Trends, Challenges and Practical StepsZero trust is more than a cybersecurity tool: it's a comprehensive security strategy for municipalities, balancing security with user-friendly solutions. Our panel will explore best practices and effective uses of this strategy. We'll dive into practical; budget friendly zero trust implementation and immediate steps agencies can take. Plus, we'll discuss statewide interoperability and user experience improvements. Jonathan Neff, CISO, Information Technology, University of Montana Exclusive Briefing for Industry PartnersHosted by: Kevin Gilbertson, Chief Information Officer, State of Montana |
2:30 pm Mountain |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Area |
3:00 pm Mountain |
General Session – Beta Government - Building Innovation & Continuous Improvement in GovernmentIn an era of rapid technological change and shifting citizen expectations, governments must embrace a culture of experimentation, iteration, and continuous improvement. Beta Government reimagines the public sector as an agile, innovative ecosystem—where policies, finances, services, and technologies evolve dynamically to meet real-time challenges. This session will explore strategies for fostering innovation within government, from exploring the costs of government to innovating across all levels of government. Attendees will gain insights into how leading agencies are embedding a "beta mindset" to drive efficiency, improve service delivery, and build more resilient public institutions. John Matelski, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government |
3:45 pm Mountain |
Networking ReceptionNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors. |
4:15 pm Mountain |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
2301 Colonial Drive
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 443-2100
Carrie Albro
Chief Information Officer
Department of Public Health and Human Services
State of Montana
Elle Arredondo
Chief Innovation & Transformation Officer
Information Services Division
State of Montana
Rick Corder
Chief Information Officer
Department of Agriculture
State of Montana
Tamuna Cullison
Product Management Bureau Chief
Department of Transportation
State of Montana
Kevin Gilbertson
Chief Information Officer
Information Services Division
State of Montana
Michelle Hauer
Chief Information Officer
Department of Transportation
State of Montana
Chris Hermance
Enterprise Architect
Information Services Division
State of Montana
Victoria Lowe
IT Director
Information Technology
Sheridan County
Ken Marshall
Chief Technology Officer
Information Technology
Missoula County
Scott McMahan
Director of IT
Information Technology
City of Bozeman
Justin Miller
IT Director
Information Technology
Flathead County
Jonathan Neff
Chief Information Security Officer
Information Technology
University of Montana
Chris Powell
Chief Information Officer
Department of Natural Resources & Conservation
State of Montana
Chris Santucci
Chief Information Security Officer
Information Services Division
State of Montana
Brett Schriock
Information Technology Director
Information Technology
Madison County
Michael Sweeney
IT Director
Office of the State Auditor
State of Montana
Kim Warren
Chief Information Officer
Department of Labor & Industry
State of Montana
Mikal Wilkerson
Operations Manager
Department of Agriculture
State of Montana
James Zito
Security Architect
Information Services Division
State of Montana
Open to Public Sector only.
Registration - Free
If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.
For registration and general assistance contact:
Audrey Houser
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1420
E-mail: ahouser@erepublic.com
For assistance or questions concerning Sponsor Logos or Logistics please contact:
Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@erepublic.com
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:
Heather Earney
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1339
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com