Nebraska Public Sector Cybersecurity & AI Summit 2026 Banner

Overview

The Nebraska Public Sector Cybersecurity & AI Summit is where government defends the future.

This public sector-focused event brings together IT security leaders, risk managers, and public officials to tackle the evolving cyber threats facing state and local government. Through expert-led sessions, peer exchange, and real-world case studies, attendees gain practical strategies to strengthen cyber resilience, protect critical infrastructure, and lead with confidence in an age of constant risk. Designed specifically for the public sector, this summit delivers insights you can act on and alliances you can trust!

 

A message from our Keynote Speaker

The Nebraska Public Sector Cybersecurity & AI Summit brings together leaders and cybersecurity professionals from across our state to confront today's most pressing digital threats. This summit goes beyond awareness by delivering practical tools, proven strategies, and real-world insights that help teams prevent, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents. By strengthening both capabilities and partnerships, it plays a critical role in protecting the systems Nebraskans depend on every day.

Bryce Bailey, State Deputy CIO & Chief Information Security Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), State of Nebraska

Speakers

Bryce Bailey

Bryce Bailey

Deputy CIO & Chief Information Security Officer, State of Nebraska

Bryce joined Nebraska's Office of the Chief Information Officer as Deputy CISO in mid-2025 and was formally appointed as the state's permanent CISO in February 2026. In May, he was also named Deputy CIO and Chief Information Security Officer, expanding his leadership responsibilities within the office. In that role, he oversees the protection of enterprise systems and sensitive data across state agencies and has set his sights on taking Nebraska's cybersecurity program to the next level, expanding the cyber workforce, fostering innovation, and making Nebraska a model for other states to follow.
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Timothy Galluzi

Timothy Galluzi

State Chief Information Officer, Governor’s Technology Office, State of Nevada

Timothy Galluzi was appointed administrator of the Enterprise Information Technology Services Division (EITS) in February 2021 and designated as the State Chief Information Officer in June 2022. Following the agency's transition from EITS to the Office of the Chief Information Officer in the Governor's Office, Timothy was reappointed State Chief Information Officer.
Timothy has been serving the State of Nevada since 2013 in various roles in information technology (IT) and leadership. He began with EITS in 2018 and has served as the project manager for the statewide Microsoft Office 365 implementation as well as the technology investment administrator in EITS Office of the Chief Information Officer. Prior to his tenure at EITS, Timothy held IT professional and programmer/analyst roles at the State Public Works Division and Western Nevada College, respectively. Timothy started his IT career by serving eight years in the United State Marine Corps filling roles as a telecommunications chief and Formal Schools instructor.
Timothy earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration in IT Management from Western Governors University. Timothy is a proud Marine Corps veteran and has worked to give back to his fellow veterans, volunteering to serve on former Governor Sandoval's Student Veterans Advisory Council, the Western Nevada College Veterans Resource Center, and the Disabled American Veterans, Carson City Chapter.
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PJ Biodrowski

PJ Biodrowski

Chief Information Officer, Sarpy County

PJ Biodrowski serves as Chief Information Officer for Sarpy County, Nebraska, where he leads the County’s technology, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and AI initiatives. With more than 25 years of experience in county government and a background in cybersecurity and IT operations, PJ has helped advance Sarpy County’s approach to cyber resilience, responsible AI adoption, modernization, and regional technology collaboration.
In his role, PJ works closely with County leadership and departments to align technology investments with organizational priorities, strengthen cybersecurity practices, improve service delivery, and prepare the organization for emerging technologies and evolving risks. He has also helped lead Sarpy County’s efforts to build practical AI literacy and governance, with an emphasis on responsible use.
Sarpy County provides technology and cybersecurity services to several neighboring municipalities through interlocal partnerships. That regional shared-services model has given PJ a unique perspective on the challenges local governments face in balancing innovation, cybersecurity, limited resources, operational resilience, and the growing expectations placed on public-sector technology organizations.
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Scott Isaacson

Scott Isaacson

Chief Information Officer, Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council 

Scott has worked on information technology with Nebraska's educational service units and school districts since 1993. He is passionate about efficient software engineering and development practices across multi-agency teams, improving cybersecurity for all schools and helping to apply enterprise-grade technology solutions across the diverse technical landscapes in Nebraska's schools.
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Christopher Wlaschin LinkedIn

MSEd, CISSP, Information Systems Officer, Nebraska Department of Education

Christopher Wlaschin is a nationally recognized cybersecurity executive whose career spans more than three decades of military service, government leadership, and private sector innovation. Throughout his journey, Chris has remained steadfast in his commitment to safeguarding critical systems, protecting sensitive data, and advancing the cause of trust in technology. His professional story is one of resilience, vision, and impact, underscored by a passion for building stronger organizations and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Chris most recently served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Election Systems & Software (ES&S), where for over seven years he has led enterprise-wide security programs. In this role, he has been responsible for safeguarding election infrastructure, strengthening operational defenses, and protecting the integrity of products relied upon by millions of voters. His leadership at ES&S has been pivotal in raising industry standards, building trust with stakeholders, and addressing some of the most complex security challenges facing democracy today.
Before joining ES&S, Chris served as Chief Information Security Officer for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In that capacity, he directed cybersecurity operations for one of the largest federal agencies in the country, overseeing the protection of critical systems and sensitive health data affecting more than 300 million Americans. His work at HHS was marked by a forward-looking approach to risk management and the development of policies that continue to shape government cybersecurity practices.
Earlier in his career, Chris held senior leadership roles across both government and private industry. He served as Senior Director of Information Security at NRC Health, where he advanced protections for patient and healthcare data, and as CISO for the University of Nebraska System, where he strengthened cybersecurity posture across a large educational institution. In the Department of Veterans Affairs, he was Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information Security and Risk Management, where he guided initiatives that improved resilience and security for millions of veterans and their families. Each of these roles reinforced his ability to align strategy, governance, and technology in highly complex environments.
Chris’s distinguished career began with over twenty years of service in the United States Navy, where he rose to senior leadership positions in information technology, operations, and communications. From his time as Chief Information Systems Officer aboard the USS John C. Stennis to his work as an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado–Boulder, Chris honed his ability to lead diverse teams, drive innovation, and make decisions under pressure. His naval service instilled in him not only technical acumen but also a deep appreciation for integrity, discipline, and service to a mission greater than oneself.
His influence extends beyond organizational boundaries into broader industry leadership. Chris is the past Chair of the Election Industry Subsector Coordinating Council (EI-SCC), where he collaborated with federal, state, and local officials to enhance security and resilience across the election industry. He has also served as a Federal Advisory Board Emeritus Member for Dell/EMC, providing strategic counsel on cybersecurity and governance. These advisory experiences underscore his ability to connect industry, government, and technology communities in pursuit of stronger, more secure systems.
A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Chris has presented keynote addresses, participated in high-level panels, and contributed insights at some of the world’s most respected security conferences, including DEF CON and Black Hat. He has been featured in national media outlets such as CyberScoop, Nebraska Public Media, and industry blogs, where his expertise on election security and vulnerability disclosure programs has informed public debate and policy development. His presence in these forums highlights not only his technical credibility but also his ability to communicate complex issues with clarity and authority.
Chris’s career is anchored in a deep commitment to cybersecurity governance, data privacy, and infrastructure protection. His expertise extends to disaster recovery and policy execution, areas where his leadership has consistently driven measurable improvements. Across every role, he has championed the principle that security is not merely a technical challenge but a business imperative that requires vision, accountability, and collaboration at the highest levels.
Education and lifelong learning have also shaped Chris’s professional journey. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Technology Education from Southern Illinois University and a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. He also maintains a CISSP certification, underscoring his commitment to staying current with evolving industry standards. His combination of academic achievement, professional credentialing, and practical experience makes him a trusted advisor to boards and executive teams alike.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Chris values family, music, and the outdoors. A dedicated musician and lover of the performing arts, he also enjoys camping and skiing, pursuits that reflect his appreciation for balance, creativity, and resilience. These personal interests ground him and provide a broader perspective that enriches his professional leadership.
Chris is now focused on expanding his impact through board service, where his blend of executive leadership, cybersecurity expertise, and strategic insight can help organizations in technology, healthcare, defense, and education navigate today’s most pressing challenges. Having served in advisory roles for global corporations and industry councils, he brings not only knowledge but also a proven track record of helping organizations build trust, enhance resilience, and create long-term value. For Chris, serving on a board represents not only a professional opportunity but also a continuation of his lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and giving back.
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Agenda

Thursday, October 22

8:00 am Central

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

8:30 am Central

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Bryce Bailey, Deputy Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), State of Nebraska

8:45 am Central

Keynote – Nevada's Statewide Cyberattack: A Case Study in Public Sector Resilience

When a statewide cyberattack hit Nevada, years of preparation were put to the ultimate test. This keynote takes attendees inside the response and recovery, exploring how practiced incident-response plans, executive alignment, infrastructure modernization, and trusted partnerships helped protect critical services and accelerate recovery. Hear what worked, what was learned under pressure, and why true cyber resilience goes far beyond technology. Nevada’s experience offers a compelling, real-world playbook for preparing for disruption, leading through crisis, and emerging stronger on the other side.

Timothy Galluzi, Executive Director and State Chief Information Officer, State of Nevada

9:45 am Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

10:15 am Central

Cyber Challenge Arena Public Sector Capture-the-Flag Competition (Ongoing)

A live, hands-on cybersecurity competition running throughout the day. Participants will test their skills across threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability analysis in a realistic environment. Open to all experience levels, this interactive experience promotes collaboration, practical learning, and peer engagement.

10:15 am Central

General Session – When Systems Go Dark: Cyber Incident Response and Continuity Planning

When a cyberattack takes critical systems offline, the middle of the crisis is the worst time to decide who is in charge, who to call or how essential services will continue. This practical discussion will examine incident response, disaster recovery, COOP and business continuity, including how to make the right decisions quickly when staff, budgets and resources are limited. Panelists will cover call trees and escalation paths, trusted state and outside partners, maintaining essential services during an outage, and the templates and shared resources organizations can put in place now, before an incident becomes real.

10:45 am Central

General Session – Cyber + AI at City Hall: How Nebraska Municipalities Are Making It Work

Local governments across Nebraska are navigating the opportunities, risks and realities of cybersecurity and AI at the same time. Panelists will share how they are approaching cyber initiatives, AI adoption, governance and day-to-day implementation at the local level. The conversation will highlight what communities are doing now, what they are learning along the way, and where collaboration can help local governments move forward more confidently as these priorities continue to evolve.

Moderator: PJ Biodrowski, Chief Information Officer, Sarpy County

11:30 am Central

General Session – The Future of AI and What It Means for Cybersecurity

AI is advancing quickly, and cybersecurity strategies will need to evolve with it. Looking beyond today’s tools, this session will explore where frontier AI could be six months from now and what that shift could mean for cybersecurity teams. The conversation will make the future tangible by examining how advanced AI models are already being used to identify vulnerabilities, how they could change both attack and defense, and what organizations should be doing now to prepare. Attendees will leave with a clearer sense of which emerging AI capabilities deserve their attention and which decisions cannot wait.

12:15 pm Central

Lunch

1:15 pm Central

Bits and Bytes – Inside the University of Nebraska’s AI Institute

The University of Nebraska’s AI Institute is bringing together AI research, expertise and innovation from across all four NU campuses to create a more connected, statewide approach to artificial intelligence. Designed as a hub for collaboration rather than a centralized program, the Institute is working to connect researchers, expand AI literacy, develop responsible AI policy and strengthen partnerships with government, industry and communities. In this fast-paced session, get an inside look at how the Institute is taking shape, where its work is headed and how Nebraska’s growing AI expertise could translate into real-world impact across the state.

Santosh K. Pitla, Ph.D., Co-Director, The University of Nebraska AI Institute (NU AI)

1:30 pm Central

General Session – Strengthening K-12 Cybersecurity Across Nebraska

As cyber threats continue to grow, K-12 organizations are under increasing pressure to strengthen protections while navigating limited resources and evolving requirements. Hear how Nebraska is advancing cybersecurity across its school districts, from the rollout of new cybersecurity legislation to the partnerships helping schools improve their security posture. The discussion will highlight practical steps districts can take to build more resilient programs, what is working, where challenges remain, and how greater coordination can help protect schools across the state.

Bill Carter, Director of SLED Capture, Public Sector, Fortinet

Scott Isaacson, Chief Information Officer, Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council

Christopher Wlaschin, MSEd, CISSP, Information Systems Officer, Nebraska Department of Education

2:15 pm Central

General Session – Pulling Back the Curtain: Vendor Risk in the Age of AI

AI and cybersecurity capabilities are increasingly embedded in third-party tools, making vendor risk a critical part of the security equation. How do organizations evaluate vendors, assess data exposure and supply chain risks, and ask the right questions before bringing new technologies into their environments? This discussion will focus on strengthening procurement and vendor review practices, understanding how protected data may be handled by large language models and security platforms, and demanding greater transparency around access, integrations and decision-making. Attendees will leave with a stronger framework for evaluating new tools without compromising security, privacy or accountability.

Vik Kolli, Fractional CTO, Strategic Account Executive- Agentic Technologist Specialist, SailPoint

3:00 pm Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Please return to the general session room.

3:30 pm Central

General Session – Growing Our Own: Building Nebraska’s Cyber Talent Pipeline

The demand for cybersecurity talent continues to grow, making it critical to build the pipeline before vacancies become crises. From partnerships with K-12 schools, colleges and universities to internships, hands-on learning and other workforce pathways, this discussion will explore how Nebraska organizations can attract, develop and retain the next generation of cyber professionals. It will also examine how employers can strengthen the skills of existing teams, increase awareness of cybersecurity careers and work together to create a sustainable talent pipeline for the state.

Moderator: Cheri Polenske, Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, Nebraska State College System

4:15 pm Central

General Session – Cybersecurity Without Silos, Securing Nebraska Together

Cybersecurity challenges do not stop at organizational boundaries, and neither should the response. Nebraska’s whole-of-state approach brings organizations together across traditional silos to share resources, strengthen capabilities and support one another. This closing conversation will highlight the partnerships, shared services and statewide initiatives helping build a more connected and resilient Nebraska, while examining what it takes to make collaboration work in practice. The message is simple: when one organization is impacted, the strength of the entire ecosystem matters.

4:45 pm Central

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.

5:15 pm Central

End of Conference

Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Downtown

1616 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 346-7600

Get Directions To
DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Downtown

Planning Committee

Representatives

Bryce Bailey
Chief Information Security Officer
Office of the Chief Information Officer
State of Nebraska

PJ Biodrowski
Chief Information Officer
Sarpy County

Ben Faltys
Chief Information Security Officer
City of Lincoln

Rick Haugerud
Assistant Vice President for IT and Interim Chief Information Officer
Information Technology Services
University of Nebraska

Scott Isaacson
Chief Information Officer
Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council

April Kleinschmit
Lead IT Project Manager
Office of the Chief Information Officer
State of Nebraska

Derek Kruse
Chief Information Officer
Douglas Omaha Technology Commission

Candace Meredith
Deputy Director
Nebraska Association of County Officials

Cheri Polenske
Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
System Office IT
Nebraska State College System

Lynn Rex
Executive Director
League of Nebraska Municipalities

Chris Wlaschin
Information Systems Officer
Department of Education
State of Nebraska

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: October 22, 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:

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

Venue

DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Downtown

1616 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 346-7600

Show Hotel & Parking

Room Block 

Room Rate: $124 per night, single or double. 
Rate Cut-Off Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026. 
To Make a Reservation:  
   Phone: (402) 346-7600 and reference Nebraska Cyber Summit.
  Online: Group Reservation Link
If you experience issues booking online, call the hotel directly for assistance. 

Rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, once the room block is full, you will need to make other arrangements for your accommodations with the hotel directly or at a nearby hotel. 

Map and Directions 

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Omaha Downtown - Google Maps 

Event Parking 

Self-Parking: $15 per day 

 

Instructions: Please bring your parking ticket with you to the event. Ask at our event registration desk for a parking voucher to receive the discounted rate at the pay station before leaving the garage. 
Note: No trailers or RVs allowed. 

DoubleTree_by_Hilton_Omaha_Downtown_Parking_Diagram_.25_8-7-26

Parking fees subject to change without notice.