Nebraska IT Leadership Forum 2026
Overview
The Nebraska 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.
In today’s fast-evolving and challenging tech landscape, we must invest in our current leaders and future leaders to ensure success in public sector IT. The inaugural Nebraska IT Leadership Forum is an ideal opportunity for state and local technology leaders to come together with industry partners for bold, forward-thinking conversations about what lies ahead. I hope you will join me on May 6th, so we can work together on how best to meet the needs of those we serve.
- Dr. Matthew McCarville, CIO, State of Nebraska
Speakers
Mitch Greenwall
Deputy Director, Department of Motor Vehicles, State of Nebraska
Mitch Greenwall serves as Deputy Director of the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, where he helps oversee statewide operations for driver licensing, vehicle titling and registration, motor carrier services, and the financial responsibility division. The Nebraska DMV employs approximately 230 staff across multiple divisions serving citizens throughout the state.
Mitch joined the Nebraska DMV in 2019 as an Attorney, advising agency leadership on administrative law, legislation, employment law, and regulatory policy. During this time, he implemented the agency’s data privacy governance and compliance program, aligning DMV practices with the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), the Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act (UMVRDA), and AAMVA best practices. He also served as legal liaison to the Financial Responsibility Division and improved agencywide contract and agreement review processes.
Appointed Deputy Director in February 2024, Mitch works closely with executive leadership to oversee agency operations, assist with budgeting, and advance strategic initiatives. His work focuses on modernization of driver licensing systems, implementation of artificial intelligence tools, strengthening data privacy controls, improving cross-division collaboration, and expanding digital services to move more transactions online and improve overall customer experience.
Mitch has been active nationally through the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators since the beginning of his time at the DMV. He has served on the State-to-State (S2S) Subcommittee, the Ignition Interlock Working Group, AAMVA’s Law Enforcement Committee, and the Intelligent Speed Assistance Working Group contributing to model legislation, best practices, and policy position development.
Prior to joining state government, Mitch practiced law as a small-town general practice attorney and law firm partner. His legal work included civil and criminal litigation, appellate advocacy, business formation, estate planning, juvenile law, and DUI defense. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law and his undergraduate degree from North Park University in Chicago, Illinois.
Joe Homan
Regional Site Support Administrator, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), State of Nebraska
Joe Homan started his IT career path while serving in the US Air Force from June 1984 to Dec 1996. During that time, a Law Enforcement Officer served as the computer systems support for the Police Squadrons. This turned into a full-time position until he left the service to work for the State of Nebraska.
Currently, Joe is the Regional Site Support Administrator for the State of Nebraska Office of the CIO. He is responsible for managing the consolidated Site Support team, IT Logistics and Warehousing, the Statewide Cabling team, and the Public Safety Communication team, consisting of 77 staff across the State, providing Desktop support for over 40 State Agencies, County Automation, supporting over 17,000 computers and laptops. Working with each Agency to ensure their computing needs are being addressed.
Joe has worked for the State of Nebraska for over 28 years. During that time, for the Department of Health and Human Services, he supervised the Desktop Support team for 8 years. Managed the Customer Services area for Health and Human Services, overseeing the Level 1 and 2 Help Desks, Desktop Support, 24 Hour Facility Support, and IT Warehouse Operations for over 10 years.
Joe is an active member of the Camp Creek Threshers. An antique farm machinery club in Waverly, Nebraska. Joe’s interests include woodworking, construction, and pickleball.
Derek Kruse
Chief Information Officer, Douglas Omaha Technology Commission (DOTComm)
Derek Kruse has over 25 years of organizational leadership experience. He has held leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies, the nonprofit sector, government and higher education. Derek is the Chief Information Officer for the Douglas Omaha Technology Commission (DOTComm), which serves the technology needs of the City of Omaha and Douglas County in Nebraska. He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Creighton University in the fields of strategy and entrepreneurship.
He recently launched Exponential Mindfulness to help people harness the power they already have by using simple tools to overcome challenges and build resilience for compounding growth.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University where he played varsity basketball for four years; an MBA from Emory’s Goizueta Business School and a DBA from Creighton's Heider College of Business. He also holds a certificate in Strategy Execution for Public Leadership from Harvard and a certificate in Mindful Leadership from Spirit Rock.
Derek, his wife Dana, and their two children are native Cornhuskers and live in Bennington, NE.
Seth Polsley
Assistant Professor of Practice, Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Dr. Seth Polsley is an Assistant Professor of Practice at the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at UNL, where he manages the data science curriculum and promotes AI-literacy among students and professionals. Prior to joining UNL, he earned a PhD in Computer Engineering from Texas A&M University, serving as a Graduate Teaching Fellow and conducting research applying intelligent system design to human-centered computing. His projects have ranged from intelligent tutoring systems to brain-computer interfaces, building on his earlier Bachelor’s and Master’s in Computer Engineering from the University of Kansas and professional experience at Lexmark International and MIT Lincoln Lab.
Carl Steffen
Chief Information Officer, Lincoln-Lancaster County
Carl Steffen was raised on a family farm in northeast Nebraska, where early access to an “IBM Compatible” PC sparked his lifelong interest in technology. At the age of five, he began exploring computing on an 8086 PC running MS-DOS 2.0, laying the foundation for a career in information technology.
He served eight years in the Army National Guard, during which he pursued his degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Following his academic and military service, Carl gained experience across a diverse range of organizations, including technology startups, large corporations, financial institutions, and now the public sector.
Throughout his career, Carl has viewed technology as a strategic tool for improving efficiency—when applied thoughtfully and effectively. In his current role as Chief Information Officer for the City of Lincoln and Lancaster County, he is committed to delivering and expanding services for departments and agencies while maintaining a strong focus on cost optimization and operational excellence.
Chris Wlaschin, MSEd, CISSP
Information Systems Officer, Nebraska Department of Education
Chris Wlaschin is the new CIO/Information Systems Officer at the Nebraska Department of Education. In this role he will provide strategic leadership for development and implementation of internal business processes and drive operational efficiencies in support of (NDE) data management, cybersecurity, research, application development, and technology services aligned with the mission, strategic priorities, and goals of the State Board of Education.
Chris spent the last 7 years as the Senior Vice President of Systems Security and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Election Systems & Software. In this role he was responsible for company-wide security efforts including product hardware and software, data management, operational and infrastructure security.
Prior to joining ES&S, Chris was the Chief Information Security Officer for the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington D.C. where he oversaw cybersecurity efforts for the Department. He has held other senior cybersecurity leadership positions in both the public and private sector including the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, National Research Corporation, and the University of Nebraska.
Chris served with the United States Navy for over 20 years in a variety of leadership positions. He earned his Master’s Degree in leadership and educational policy studies from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science in vocational education from Southern Illinois University. He also holds a current CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification.
Chris is the past Chair of the Election Industry - Subsector Coordinating Council.
Agenda
Wednesday, May 6 |
|
8:00 am Central |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit AreaRegents Ballroom Foyer |
9:00 am Central |
Opening RemarksDr. Matthew McCarville, Chief Information Officer, State of Nebraska |
9:10 am Central |
Keynote – Debrief to Win: Building Teams that Succeed in DisruptionRegents BC BallroomIn times of turbulence and disruption, even the best teams can struggle to stay focused, aligned, and accountable. Overcoming these challenges requires a shift in mindset and the right leadership tools to create resilient, high-performing teams. Learn from a former U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School ("Top Gun") instructor how elite military teams succeed by centering on a shared mission, driving purpose, and embracing accountability as a path to growth, not blame. Walk away with actionable strategies and inspiring insights to help your teams thrive under pressure and achieve lasting success. Robert “Cujo” Teschner, Founder and CEO, Vmax Group |
10:10 am Central |
OneNebraska IT Roadshow: A Whole-of-State Approach to Modern GovernmentRegents BC BallroomNebraska is reimagining how government delivers technology together. In this session, hear from the Office of the State CIO (OCIO) on the OneNebraska IT Roadshow, a statewide effort to modernize IT through shared services, expanded cybersecurity, and stronger collaboration across agencies, counties, cities and education partners. From Network Nebraska’s near statewide backbone and enterprise cyber protections to web modernization, AI governance and workforce development, the OCIO is advancing a whole of state model designed to stretch limited budget dollars while reducing risk and increasing capacity. As the Roadshow prepares to visit communities across Nebraska, this session offers a clear look at what has changed, what is next, and how leaders can do more with less through collaboration. Bryce Bailey, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), State of Nebraska Joe Homan, Regional Site Support Administrator, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), State of Nebraska Dr. Matt McCarville, Chief Information Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), State of Nebraska |
10:40 am Central |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaRegents Ballroom Foyer |
11:10 am Central |
Concurrent SessionsFostering Safe Innovation: Responsible AI in GovernmentRegents D BallroomAI is transforming public services, but with innovation comes risk. How can government leaders move quickly while maintaining public trust, make informed governance decisions, and build a culture that balances experimentation with accountability? In this session, you will learn practical strategies for vetting use cases, strengthening procurement and vendor oversight, managing cybersecurity and data risks, and launching pilots that deliver measurable value. Join us to explore how to navigate uncertainty and maximize the impact of AI responsibly, securely, and transparently in government. Moderator: Jordan Wilkins, National Conference Director, Government Technology PJ Biodrowski, Chief Information Officer, Sarpy County Mitch Greenwall, Deputy Director, Department of Motor Vehicles, State of Nebraska Santosh K. Pitla, Ph.D., Co-Director, The University of Nebraska AI Institute (NU AI) When Systems Fail: Leadership in Cyber Crisis and RecoveryRegents E BallroomWhen cyber incidents strike, government services must continue, and IT leaders are on the front line of making that happen. This session brings together state and local IT perspectives to examine how cybersecurity, crisis management, and continuity planning must work as one. Drawing on real incidents including ransomware attacks, floods, insider threats, and system outages, leaders will share lessons learned on incident response, mitigation controls, and continuity plans that move beyond binders on a shelf. Attendees will explore how to prepare teams, align with emergency management, leverage shared services, and maintain essential operations under pressure, even amid workforce and budget constraints. The focus is practical, collaborative, and grounded in what actually happens when something goes wrong and government still has to deliver. Moderator: Bryce Bailey, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), State of Nebraska Kirk Langer, Chief Technology Officer, Lincoln Public Schools Christopher Wlaschin, MSEd, CISSP, Information Systems Officer, Nebraska Department of Education Let’s Be Friends First: Positioning IT as a Trusted PartnerRegents F BallroomSuccessful technology initiatives begin with trust, credibility, and shared understanding. This session explores how IT leaders intentionally build relationships with agency leaders, elected officials, peers, and vendors by meeting people where they are, listening before prescribing solutions, and clearly articulating the value of IT in business terms. Drawing on real-world examples, participants will examine how early engagement, transparent conversations about risk and cost, and effective storytelling help shift IT from a perceived barrier to a mission-enabling partner. The discussion will also highlight strategies for engaging non-technical stakeholders, fostering cross-jurisdiction collaboration, and creating buy-in before projects, policies, or crises force the conversation. |
12:10 pm Central |
Lunch |
1:10 pm Central |
What Keeps You Up at Night? A Peer-to-Peer IT Leadership RoundtableRegents BC BallroomThis interactive roundtable invites Nebraska’s IT leaders into a candid, small-group conversation about the real pressures behind the work. It creates space to pause, reflect, and connect before the afternoon program continues. From cybersecurity threats and AI governance to workforce shortages, budget constraints, risk management, and strengthening business-IT relationships, participants will explore the challenges that weigh most heavily and how peers across state, county, city, and education are navigating them. Each table will use a shared set of guided questions to help facilitate discussion, surface common themes, and identify practical takeaways. Expect real talk, fresh perspective, and the reassurance that no one is tackling these challenges alone. |
1:30 pm Central |
Short BreakPlease proceed to the concurrent sessions. |
1:45 pm Central |
Concurrent SessionsThe Leadership Shift in Government ITRegents D BallroomAs technology reshapes every function of government, the role of the IT leader is evolving just as quickly. Today’s leaders are no longer defined by technical credentials alone. They are strategists, storytellers, risk managers and culture-setters who must balance innovation with accountability. This session explores the mindset required to lead in this new era, especially for those who did not start their careers in IT but now oversee it. How do you assess your strengths, build complementary teams and foster professional growth for yourself and others? How do you move from keeping the lights on to shaping enterprise strategy around AI, cybersecurity and digital services? Join peers from across Nebraska for a candid conversation on leadership identity, growth and the skills that matter most in modern public-sector IT. Moderator: Scott Martin, Chief Information Officer, Department of Health and Human Services, State of Nebraska Derek Kruse, Chief Information Officer, Douglas Omaha Technology Commission (DOTComm) Christine Neukirch, Information Technology Division Manager, Nebraska State Patrol Carl Steffen, Chief Information Officer, Lincoln-Lancaster County The Long-Term Commitment: Managing IT Relationships That LastRegents E BallroomOnce trust is established, maintaining it requires discipline, communication, and consistency. This session focuses on how IT leaders strengthen long-term relationships by managing expectations, navigating change, and maintaining alignment as priorities, leadership, and technologies evolve. Panelists will discuss how to balance innovation with governance, say yes while setting guardrails, and address conflict without eroding credibility. Topics include shared ownership of risk, ongoing stakeholder engagement, and keeping partners informed during incidents, budget pressures, and major transformations. The goal is to move beyond one-time buy-in to resilient, collaborative relationships that endure stress, adapt to change, and deliver sustained public value. Moderator: Rhonda K. Lahm, Director, Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, State of Nebraska Kelly Gray, Director, Business Operations, Douglas Omaha Technology Commission (DOTComm) Joe Homan, Regional Site Support Administrator, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), State of Nebraska Exclusive Briefing for Industry PartnersRegents F BallroomHosted by: Dr. Matthew McCarville, Chief Information Officer, State of Nebraska |
2:45 pm Central |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaRegents Ballroom Foyer |
3:15 pm Central |
General Session - Made in Nebraska: Developing the Next Generation of Government IT TalentRegents BC BallroomNebraska’s biggest IT challenge isn’t just technology, it’s people. This session explores how state, local, and education leaders are building sustainable talent pipelines that start early, move fast, and stick locally. Learn what’s working across K-12, community colleges, universities, internships, apprenticeships, military transitions, and upskilling programs to keep Nebraskans in Nebraska. Expect practical examples on developing early interest, creating real-world pathways into government IT, competing with the private sector on purpose rather than just pay, and retaining institutional knowledge in a rapidly changing workforce. The focus is simple: grow talent here, keep it here, and future-proof Nebraska’s public-sector IT workforce. Moderator: Bob Goeman, Chief Information Officer, Metropolitan Community College Area Dr. Leah Barrett, President, Northeast Community College Art Brown, Dean of Information Technology, Metropolitan Community College Area Cheri Polenske, Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, System Office IT, Nebraska State College System Seth Polsley, Assistant Professor of Practice, Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
4:15 pm Central |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaRegents Ballroom FoyerNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors. |
4:45 pm Central |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
Embassy Suites by Hilton Lincoln
1040 P Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 474-1111
Embassy Suites by Hilton Lincoln
Advisory Board
Government Representatives
Bryce Bailey
Chief Information Security Officer
Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
State of Nebraska
Dr. Leah Barrett
President
Northeast Community College
Joe Beer
IT Supervisor
Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
State of Nebraska
PJ Biodrowski
Chief Information Officer
Sarpy County
Noah Finlan
Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer
Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
State of Nebraska
Suzy Fredrickson
IT Administrator
Nebraska Deptartment of Transportation
State of Nebraska
Bob Goeman
Chief Information Officer
Information Technology
Metropolitan Community College
Mitch Greenwall
Deputy Director
Department of Motor Vehicles
State of Nebraska
Cree Griffin
IT Administrator
IT Department
Omaha Tribe of Nebraska
Troy Harris
Statewide Interoperability Coordinator/IT Manager
Nebraska Emergency Management Agency
Joe Homan
Regional Site Support Administrator
Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
State of Nebraska
Tim Klein
Director of Information Technology
Lincoln Public Schools
Kirk Langer
Chief Technology Officer
Computing Services
Lincoln Public Schools
Scott Martin
Chief Information Officer
Deptartment of Health and Human Services
State of Nebraska
Dr. Matt McCarville
Director, Chief Information Officer
Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
State of Nebraska
Zach Mellender
Director of Enterprise Solutions
Omaha Zoological Society
Kim Menke
IT Manager
Information Technology
NE Dept of Water, Energy, and Environment
Candace Meredith
Deputy Director
Nebraska Association of County Officials
Thomas Peters
Manager, Information Technology
Information Technology
Central Community College
Cheri Polenske
Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
System Office IT
Nebraska State College System
Marcus Rechtenbach
General Counsel, Chief Privacy Officer, and Exec. Admin
Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
State of Nebraska
Carl Steffen
Chief Information Officer
Lancaster (City of Lincoln)
Andy Weekly
IT Project Manager
Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
State of Nebraska
Registration Information / Contact Us
Event Date: May 6, 2026
This is an invitation-only event, open to Public Sector only. For more information or to request an invitation, please contact Amanda Wallace
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:
Amanda Wallace
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1315
E-mail:awallace@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