Nevada Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit 2026 Banner

Overview

The Nevada Public Sector Cybersecurity 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 past year reinforced the importance of preparation, partnership, and continuous improvement in cybersecurity. The 2026 Nevada Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit convenes state, local, and education IT and cybersecurity professionals alongside industry partners to exchange insights, learn from real-world experiences, and strengthen our ability to respond to emerging threats. I look forward to seeing you there! 

-Timothy Galluzi, Executive Director & State Chief Information Officer, Governor’s Technology Office, State of Nevada

Speakers

Tarah Wheeler

Tarah Wheeler

Cybersecurity Expert, White Hat Hacker

Tarah Wheeler is a renowned information security executive, white hat hacker, and social scientist. She equips organizations with tools to safeguard data and reputations, specializing in building resilient cybersecurity systems. As a Senior Fellow for Global Cyber Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations and a board member of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, she is a leading voice on global cyber policy and cyber warfare.
A US/UK Fulbright Scholar in Cyber Security, Wheeler has held roles at Splunk, Symantec, Microsoft Game Studios, and Harvard’s Belfer Center. She has advised organizations across industries and spoken globally, including at the U.S. Senate, the European Union, and the Federal Trade Commission. Named the top female cybersecurity influencer by Onalytica, she is known for simplifying complex cybersecurity concepts and advocating for the advancement of women in tech.
Wheeler authored the best-selling Women in Tech and frequently contributes to Foreign Policy and the Washington Post on cybersecurity issues. When not advising on digital security, she’s an accomplished poker player with multiple cashes in the World Series of Poker, having even funded her startup with her poker winnings.

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Dave Ahn

Dave Ahn LinkedIn

Chief Architect and VP Intelligence, Centripetal

Dave is a technology leader and innovator with a distinguished track record in cybersecurity and healthcare informatics over three decades.  He holds numerous patents in these fields, many of which have been successfully commercialized through groundbreaking startups.  In his current role as Chief Architect and VP Intelligence at Centripetal, Dave focuses on proactive ways of leveraging threat intelligence and analytics to transform cybersecurity defenses, accelerate security operations and advance threat research.

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Jeramie Brown

Chief, Information Technology Division, Nevada Department of Transportation, State of Nevada

Jeramie Brown is the Chief of the Information Technology Division at Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) with more than ten years of experience as an Information Technology (IT) leader.  He excels at collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives and is a strong advocate for IT modernization efforts at all levels.  Jeramie holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science and a Master of Science in Information Technology with a specialization in Information Assurance from the University of Maryland Global Campus and is a lifetime member of the Phi Kappa Phi, Upsilon Pi Epsilon, and Alpha Sigma Lambda honor societies.  Jeramie serves as the Chair of the State Information Technology Advisory Board, and previously served as the Deputy CIO, IT Operations Manager, and Information Security Officer for NDOT, held a voting position on the State Information Security Committee, which sets Information Security Policy for the State of Nevada, and helped lead the charge to improve the State of Nevada’s IT Security future.  Jeramie has 24 years of experience in Air Force Public Affairs and 15 years of experience in various IT roles, including desktop support, network administration, system administration, and information assurance/security.  He is the President of the Las Vegas Chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP-LV) and serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for CyberSafeNV, a non-profit organization that actively supports ongoing information security awareness education for people of all ages and experience levels.

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Ray Cone

Ray Cone

vCISO/ Principal Security Architect , Insight

Ray Cone is a trusted cybersecurity executive and strategic advisor with more than 30 years of experience leading information security, governance, risk, and technology transformation initiatives across Fortune 500 companies, global enterprises, and state government. As a vCISO Principal and Senior Architect at Insight, and previously in senior roles with AT&T Cybersecurity, Dell, and the State of Texas, where he served as Chief Information Security Officer, he has helped organizations strengthen resilience, align security programs to business priorities, and navigate complex regulatory and operational challenges. His expertise spans cybersecurity strategy, security architecture, governance, risk and compliance, identity and access management, third-party risk management, incident response, cloud security, and framework-based program maturation across NIST, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI, and HITRUST. Known for bridging executive priorities with practical execution, Ray partners closely with business and technical leaders to translate complex cyber risk into actionable decisions, build sustainable security capabilities, and drive measurable risk reduction.

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Darla Dodge

Darla Dodge

Senior Deputy Chief Information Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of the Governor, State of Nevada

Darla Dodge has dedicated nearly 29 years to public service in the State of Nevada, consistently excelling in various managerial and leadership roles across business operations, finance, and strategic planning. In February 2022, she assumed a pivotal position within the State of Nevada’s Enterprise Information Technology Services Division. Her leadership proved instrumental in guiding the agency through its 2023 transition to the Governor's Office of the CIO, where she now serves as Senior Deputy CIO/COO. In this role, Darla provides comprehensive oversight and exceptional leadership, managing the agency’s daily operations, financial activities, and strategic initiatives. Her extensive experience and strong business acumen make her a critical asset in aligning the agency with its broader objectives, while also fostering the development of emerging leaders to advance the agency’s mission and success.
A distinguished alumna of Western Governors University, Darla holds a Master of Business Administration. Her educational achievements, coupled with her substantial professional experience, underscore her commitment to continuous growth and her expertise in managing the complexities of technology, operations, and strategic governance.

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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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Ken Heller

Ken Heller

AVP, Public Sector Solutions Engineering, Tanium

[LinkedIn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenheller/

Ken Heller is a senior solution engineering executive with more than 20 years of experience shaping technical strategy and driving customer success across public sector and commercial organizations. He leads a national team of solution engineers responsible for delivering secure, scalable, and missioncritical IT solutions. Ken is recognized for combining deep technical acumen with a strategic, consultative approach to help state and federal agencies modernize infrastructure, accelerate digital transformation, and implement autonomous endpoint management programs that reduce risk, optimize operations, and improve outcomes for the communities they serve.

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Alan Jones

Alan Jones LinkedIn

Chief Information Security Officer, MGT Impact Solutions

Alan Jones is the Chief Information Security Officer for MGT Impact Solutions, a national technology and advisory leader focused on maximizing social impact for public sector clients. An industry veteran of 29 years, Alan has held a variety of positions within the information technology sector, but from his first firewall to the executive boardroom Alan has always called information security home. Alan holds numerous credentials from both ISC^2 and the SANS Institute.

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Bob Leek

Bob Leek

Chief Information Officer, Clark County, NV

Bob Leek is CIO for Clark County, Nevada. He has over 25 years of leadership experience, including almost 20 years in information technology disciplines. His servant leadership at Clark County supports public services including health, human services, justice systems, administrative and public safety programs achieving positive outcomes in diverse communities. He is accountable for internal service teams providing application technology solutions at the county. 
Before joining Clark County, Bob worked in county government for seven years and human and pet health care for the previous thirteen years. His experience includes leadership roles in retail operations, corporate financial reporting and decision support system development, sales, international operations, logistics management and bringing inclusion and equity to nurture the individual growth of his diverse staff in recruiting, supervision and retention activities. His previous teams include Multnomah County (Oregon), Kaiser Permanente, Banfield Pet Hospital and Egghead.com. 
Bob is proudest of his work planning and executing large-scale, transformational change in complex organizations. His personal tag line is: Leveraging technology and change management to improve outcomes in the communities we serve. Bob is a native of the Netherlands and received his BA degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Berry College in Rome, Georgia.

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Michael Hanna-Butros Meyering

Chief Communication and Policy Officer, Governor's Technology Office, State of Nevada

Michael stands at the helm of the state's technological and strategic communication initiatives. With over a decade of experience in Information Systems and Technology, Michael's career is marked by a deep commitment to the citizens of Nevada, blending IT expertise with a strong focus on public service.
His journey began in the private sector, where his strategic leadership skills were instrumental in aligning technology with public service objectives. In his current role, Michael excels in crafting communication strategies for state IT projects, aligning them with the needs of Nevada's residents. He adeptly manages media relations and policy advocacy, coordinates legislative activities, and facilitates inter-agency communications.
Beyond project management, Michael is passionate about mentoring professionals, fostering a team that is technologically adept and dedicated to public service. His leadership style emphasizes trust and empowerment, encouraging innovation that prioritizes the people of Nevada.
Michael's approach to technology and communication is citizen-centric, ensuring that policies and solutions under his guidance are accessible, responsive, and beneficial to the community. His dedication to enhancing the lives of Nevada's citizens through advanced IT and effective communication align with his commitment to public service.

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Adam Miller

Adam Miller

Deputy Director, Office of Information Security and Cyber Defense, Governor’s Technology Office, State of Nevada

Adam Miller assumed the role of the Administrator for the Office of Cyber Defense Coordination for the State of Nevada on September 30, 2024. He is responsible for advising the Chief Information Officer on cyber threats and cyberattacks throughout the State of Nevada, as well as implementing Statewide cyber policy in conjunction with our State, Local, Tribal, and private sector partners. Adam’s role is to facilitate and work with all State partners in areas such as the sharing of cyber threat intelligence, formulating incident response plans, and building a statewide security operations center that supports a whole-of-state approach to cybersecurity.
Prior to his appointment as Administrator, Adam worked as a Senior Policy Advisor to the Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of the Army. In that role, he was responsible for advising on all Congressional cyber matters, including issues of readiness, capabilities, and strategy. Previously, he was a legislative liaison at U.S. Cyber Command where he worked directly with Congress and U.S. Cyber Command senior leadership on any authorizations, appropriations, and policy changes effecting the Command. Prior to that, Adam spent almost a decade on Capitol Hill working for multiple U.S. Senators handling the national security policy portfolio.

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Agenda

Wednesday, May 6

8:00 am Pacific

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Tahoe Ballroom

9:00 am Pacific

Opening Remarks

Reno Ballroom

Timothy D. Galluzi, State Chief Information Officer, Governor’s Technology Office, State of Nevada

9:15 am Pacific

Keynote – Hacking the Hackers: Strategies for Building Cyber Resilient Organizations

Reno Ballroom

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, organizations must stay ahead to protect their data, operations, and reputation. This session offers a glimpse into a hacker’s mindset, revealing both common and lesser-known threats. Attendees will learn practical strategies to strengthen system defenses, reduce vulnerabilities, and foster resilience. The session also explores the human side of cybersecurity, emphasizing the ways in which leaders can empower their people to play their role in upholding the organization’s cyber defense strategy.

Tarah Wheeler, Cybersecurity Expert, White Hat Hacker

10:15 am Pacific

General Session

10:40 am Pacific

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Tahoe Ballroom

11:10 am Pacific

Concurrent Sessions

Identity Is the New Perimeter: Securing Constituent Access

Carson 1 Room

As traditional network boundaries fade, managing constituent identity has become foundational to public-sector cybersecurity and digital services. This session will examine the challenges of establishing trusted digital identities, including identity proofing, lifecycle management, privacy, and governance. How can a strong identity foundation support secure access, reduce fraud, and enable scalable service delivery? Join us and learn practical insights to guide early planning for identity initiatives.

Moderator: Darla Dodge, Senior Deputy Director/Chief Operations Officer

Ray Cone, vCISO/ Principal Security Architect, Insight

Spencer Crane, VP of Intelligence, ID Dataweb

Incident Response in the Public Eye: Roles, Responsibilities, and Trust

Carson 2 Room

Cyber incidents are not just technical events - they are organizational crises that demand coordinated action. This session will explore the roles and responsibilities involved in incident response, with a focus on internal coordination, decision-making, and public communication. How can technical teams, leadership, legal, and communications staff work effectively together before, during, and after an incident? Join us for practical guidance on preparing messaging that builds trust and helps the public understand what happened, and what comes next.

From Sprawl to Strategy: Managing Technical Debt as a Cybersecurity Risk

Carson 3 Room

As technology environments grow more complex, unmanaged sprawl and technical debt increasingly undermine cybersecurity efforts. You can’t manage what you’re not tracking! In this session we explore how fragmented systems and limited visibility increase operational and security risk for government organizations. How can you inventory assets, improve governance, and align modernization with security priorities? Join us for insights into building a more manageable and defensible technology environment.

Moderator: Jeramie Brown, Chief, Information Technology Division Department of Transportation, State of Nevada

Dave Ahn, Chief Architect and VP Intelligence, Centripetal

Ken Heller, AVP, Public Sector Solutions Engineering, Tanium

Bob Leek, Chief Information Officer, Clark County

12:10 pm Pacific

Lunch

Reno Ballroom

1:10 pm Pacific

Bits and Bytes – Statewide SOC Update

Reno Ballroom

A comprehensive update on the progress of Nevada’s statewide Security Operations Center, formally established through recent legislation.

Timothy D. Galluzi,  State Chief Information Officer, Governor’s Technology Office, State of Nevada

Adam Miller, Deputy Director, Office of Information Security and Cyber Defense

Governor's Technology Office, State of Nevada

1:30 pm Pacific

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:45 pm Pacific

Concurrent Sessions

Know Your Data to Protect It: Data Governance as Cyber Hygiene

Carson 1 Room

Effective cybersecurity starts with understanding the data you manage. This session will explore how data governance and classification support cyber hygiene by clarifying what data exists, where it lives, and how it is used. Join us for practical approaches to identifying, classifying, and managing data to inform protection, storage, and sharing decisions. We will also examine modernizing and simplifying outdated data policies to better align with today’s digital environments.

Jason Benshoof, Chief Data Officer, Governor's Technology Office, State of Nevada

Demystifying Zero Trust: Fundamentals and Practical Steps for Any Budget

Carson 2 Room

Zero Trust is more than a buzzword, it’s a mindset for securing modern networks. This session will break down the fundamentals of Zero Trust - what it is, why it matters, and how it differs from traditional security models. We will discuss practical approaches for adopting Zero Trust principles - even with limited budgets - and how to prioritize actions based on risk and resources. Attendees will walk away with a clear framework to evaluate, plan, and begin implementing Zero Trust in your organization.

Jeramie Brown, Chief, Information Technology Division Department of Transportation, State of Nevada

Alan Jones, Chief Information Security Officer, MGT Impact Solutions

From Awareness to Action: Creating a Cyber-Smart Culture

Carson 3 Room

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be intimidating - it can be interactive, engaging, and even fun! Join us to explore how to build a culture where employees understand risks, practice safe behaviors, and are ready to respond when incidents occur. Learn strategies for awareness campaigns, gamified training, and embedding security into everyday routines. This session provides practical guidance for creating a workplace culture that strengthens cybersecurity across the organization.

Michael Hanna-Butros Meyering, Chief Communication and Policy Officer, Governor's Technology Office, State of Nevada

William Slade, Enterprise Information Security Officer, Technology and Information System Services, Clark County School District

2:45 pm Pacific

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Tahoe Ballroom

3:15 pm Pacific

General Session - Cybersecurity Transformed: From Social Engineering to Quantum (Mini-Radar for Cybersecurity)

Reno Ballroom

As cyber threats evolve, so must our defenses. From sophisticated social engineering attacks to the looming impact of quantum computing, cybersecurity is undergoing a transformation. This session will examine the shifting threat landscape, and the strategies organizations must adopt to stay ahead. Attendees will gain insights into emerging risks, cutting-edge defenses, and how to future-proof their cybersecurity strategies in an era of rapid technological change.

Sean McSpaden, Senior Fellow, The Centers for Digital Government and Public Sector AI

4:05 pm Pacific

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

Tahoe Ballroom

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

4:35 pm Pacific

End of Conference

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

Grand Sierra Resort

2500 East 2nd Street
Reno, NV 89595
(775) 789-2000

Get Directions To
Grand Sierra Resort

Planning Committee

Representatives

Dr. Donald Barnwell
Executive Director
Information Technology
University Medical Center of Southern Nevada

Jason Benshoof
Chief Data Officer
Governor's Technology Office
State of Nevada

Jeramie Brown
Chief, Information Technology Division
Department of Transportation
State of Nevada

Chris Craig
Director
Innovation and Technologies
City of Las Vegas

Darla Dodge
Senior Deputy Director/Chief Operations Officer
Governor's Technology Office
State of Nevada

Jason Frame
Chief Information Officer
Southern Nevada Health District

Tim Galluzi
Executive Director & State Chief Information Officer
Governor's Technology Office
State of Nevada

Michael Hanna-Butros Meyering
Chief Communication & Policy Officer
Governor's Technology Office
State of Nevada

Jared Hansen
Assistant Director
Information Technology
City of Henderson

Carl Jones
Director of Cybersecurity
Technology Support & Services
Clark County School District

Adam Kellner
Director of IT
City of North Las Vegas

Bob Leek
Chief Information Officer
Clark County

Charles Luneza
Senior Manager
Department of Aviation
Clark County

Scott Mazick
Director of Technical Services
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC)

Dr. Anne Milkovich
Chief Information Officer
Nevada System of Higher Education

Adam Miller
Deputy Director, Office of Information Security & Cyber Defense
Governor's Technology Office
State of Nevada

Kivanc Oner
Vice President, Digital Transformation and Chief Information Officer
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Vito Rocco
Chief Information Security Officer
Office of Information Technology
University of Nevada Las Vegas

William Slade
Enterprise Information Security Officer
Technology & Information System Services
Clark County School District

Mugunth Vaithylingam
Chief Information Officer
Technology & Information Systems Services Division
Clark County School District

Ken Wendtland
Director
Information Technology
Las Vegas Valley Water District

Ronald Williams
Security Manager
Information Technology
City of North Las Vegas

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: May 6, 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:

Kathy Simpson
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1394
E-mail: ksimpson@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

Grand Sierra Resort

2500 East 2nd Street
Reno, NV 89595
(775) 789-2000

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Room Block

Room Rate: $106 per night, queen or king.
Rate Cut-Off Date: Monday, April 6, 2026.
To Make a Reservation:
   Phone: (775) 789-2000 and reference Nevada Public Sector Cybersecurity 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

https://www.grandsierraresort.com/directions

Event Parking

Complimentary parking.