New Hampshire Digital Government Summit 2025 Banner

Overview

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!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

I'm really excited the Digital Government Summit is returning to New Hampshire! Each year, attendance has been steadily growing, and our goal is to make this the biggest yet. There’s a strong appetite within the IT community for a collaborative platform like this. Bringing state and local government tech leaders together with our industry partners creates an incredible opportunity for a timely and relevant exchange of ideas. I hope to see you there!


– Denis Goulet, Commissioner/Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of New Hampshire

Agenda

Tuesday, June 3

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

9:00 am Eastern

Opening Remarks

Denis Goulet, Chief Information Officer, State of New Hampshire

9:15 am Eastern

Keynote – Transform Adversity into Advantage: How to Conquer Life's Hurdles

The world has become more difficult, and the challenges are bigger than ever. Adopting a “new normal mindset” is necessary to empower your team to navigate the challenges and opportunities through a contextual model to overcome adversity. How will you manage uncertainty? Is your team ready to embrace change? This session will provide a powerful and interactive message of resilience and perseverance that will inspire you to see change as an opportunity for growth.

John Register, Inspirational and Motivational Speaker, Author, and Two-Time Paralympic Silver Medalist

10:15 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

10:45 am Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Data Chaos? Let’s Fix That

Public sector agencies have a LOT of data. But without the right structures in place that data remains untapped potential or, worse, a liability. Rushing toward AI and advanced analytics without addressing foundational challenges like data quality, security, and accessibility leads to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. How do agencies turn their data into a strategic asset instead of a roadblock? This session examines how strong data practices set the stage for analytics and smarter decision-making.

Privacy Gives Me Cognitive Dissonance: Public Duty or Personal Choice?

In government, protecting privacy is a requirement – and we take it so seriously at the State, that we define it as a fundamental principle for everything we do. But do we truly understand what that means in the Real World? This interactive session will explore the disconnect between professional privacy obligations and personal privacy habits, highlighting the competing perspectives on what privacy really is. Through audience participation and real-world scenarios, we’ll examine why strict privacy protections are mandated in the public sector yet often overlooked – or intentionally ignored - in everyday life. Attendees will engage in discussion with our hosts on privacy risks, how government policies shape expectations, and whether a stronger approach to privacy is needed in an increasingly data-driven world.

Ken Weeks, Chief Information Security Officer, State of New Hampshire

Doug Schelb, Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, State of New Hampshire

Designing Digital Services That Deliver: Usability Meets Accessibility

Public agencies must create digital services that are both accessible and user-friendly but achieving this can be challenging. How can agencies design services based on real user needs rather than assumptions? And what does it take to set up and sustain digital accessibility efforts? This session covers how human-centered design can improve usability while providing practical strategies for implementing and maintaining accessibility across an organization. Whether you're focused on compliance, enhancing user experience, or both, this session will equip you with the tools to build inclusive and effective digital services.

11:45 am Eastern

Lunch

12:45 pm Eastern

Bits and Bytes - Coexisting with AI: Up Skilling the Workforce for a New Era

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the public sector workforce by streamlining operations, enhancing decision-making, and redefining job roles. As government agencies adopt AI-driven tools and automation, the challenge lies in balancing technological innovation with workforce skills. How can IT leaders ensure a smooth transition, empower employees with new skills, and foster effective human-AI collaboration? This session delves into strategies for seamlessly integrating AI into government operations while cultivating a resilient, adaptable workforce ready to thrive in an evolving digital landscape.

Zach Patton, Editorial Director, Content Studio, Government Technology

1:20 pm Eastern

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:40 pm Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

AI Readiness: Before You Build the Rocket, Check the Launch Pad

You’re under increasing pressure to use and implement AI, but are you ready to use it effectively and responsibly? Without proper data governance, workforce preparation, and risk management, AI implementation can create more challenges than solutions. How do you prepare your organization for AI adoption while avoiding common pitfalls? What is the right balance between the risk and reward? This session explores the critical predecessors and dependencies that must be in place before integrating AI such as technical infrastructure, data governance, team skill-building, and leadership alignment.

Moderator: Zach Patton, Editorial Director, Content Studio, Government Technology

Tech Tools and Beyond: Real Efficiency in Government IT

Public sector IT teams are expected to deliver more with fewer resources, all while navigating policy changes, new technologies, and increasing demands from leadership and end users. Many agencies look to digital transformation and AI for solutions, but without a clear problem-solving approach, these tools can become distractions rather than efficiency drivers. How do you align stakeholders, streamline workflows, and drive meaningful change without overspending or over-relying on technology? This session offers practical digital transformation strategies that prioritize process over tools, helping agencies streamline operations and navigate uncertainty.

Exclusive Briefing for the Industry Partners

Hosted By:

Denis Goulet, Chief Information Officer, State of New Hampshire

Ken Weeks, Chief Information Security Officer, State of New Hampshire

2:40 pm Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

3:00 pm Eastern

The New Hampshire Technology Challenge: A Public Sector Trivia Showdown

Join us for a fun and engaging closing session where we’ll put your knowledge to the test with an interactive trivia game! This session will be a perfect mix of learning and laughter, highlighting key themes from the event and fun facts about New Hampshire. Don’t miss this chance to reflect, gain new perspectives, and wrap up the conference on a high note! Are you ready to challenge yourself and lead your team to victory?

Hosted By:

Erica Patterson, Vice President of Events, Government Technology

Ken Weeks, Chief Information Security Officer, State of New Hampshire

3:50 pm Eastern

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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

4:15 pm Eastern

End of Conference

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

DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown

700 Elm Street
Manchester, NH 03101
(603) 625-1000

Get Directions To
DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Margaret Byrnes
Executive Director
New Hampshire Municipal Association

Maeve Dion
Assistant Professor of Security Studies
University of New Hampshire

Annie Dove
Director of Information Technology, CISO
City of Dover

Perry Eaton
Cyber Services Director
City of Lebanon

Fash Farashahi
GIS/Information Technology Director
Town of Peterborough

Jean Fortier
Director of Information Services
Information Systems Department
City of Manchester

Irena Goddard
NH e-Court Program Manager
Administrative Office of the Courts, Judicial Branch
State of New Hampshire

Denis Goulet
Commissioner & Chief Information Officer
Department of Information Technology
State of New Hampshire

David Hasbany
Chief Information Officer
Salem School District

Steve Jamele
Information Technology Director
Town of Deerfield

John Maddaus III
Chief Information Officer
Department of Corrections
State of New Hampshire

Kate Michener
Director, User Experience
Department of Information Technology
State of New Hampshire

Josh Olstad
Director of Information Technology
Oyster River Cooperative School District

Terry Pfaff
Chief Operating Officer
General Court
State of New Hampshire

Bill Poirier
Vice Chancellor for Technology
University System of New Hampshire

Brian Rae
Information Systems Director
Town of Goffstown

Ron Reed
Information Technology Lead
Department of Safety
State of New Hampshire

Tom Rup
Director of Technology
Dover School District - SAU 11
Dover School District

Doug Schelb
Deputy Chief Information Security Officer
Department of Information Technology
State of New Hampshire

Matthew Seaton
Chief Information Officer
Administrative Office of the Courts
State of New Hampshire

Andrew Watkins
Chief Information Officer
Department of Information Technology
City of Rochester

Ken Weeks
Chief Information Security Officer
Department of Information Technology
State of New Hampshire

Industry Representatives

Steve Cunha
Named Account Manager
Fortinet

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: June 3, 2025

Open to Public Sector only.

Registration - Free

If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.

Contact Information

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

Venue

DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown

700 Elm Street
Manchester, NH 03101
(603) 625-1000