New Hampshire Digital Government Summit 2026 Banner

Overview

The New Hampshire Digital Government Summit is where innovation meets impact!

Bringing together the brightest minds in state and local government, this summit empowers public-sector leaders to explore cutting-edge technologies, modernize operations, and solve pressing challenges. From cybersecurity and AI to data governance and digital service delivery, sessions are designed to spark insight, foster collaboration, and accelerate real-world results. Whether you're shaping strategy or implementing solutions, the Summit delivers valuable peer connections and actionable guidance to help move your mission forward.

 

A message from our Keynote Speaker

I’m thrilled to welcome the Digital Government Summit back to New Hampshire for another year! This event has become a cornerstone for collaboration among state and local government technology leaders and our industry partners. Each year, the event gets larger, the conversations grow more impactful, the outcomes initiated by the connections continue to amaze, and 2026 promises to be no exception. Together, we’ll explore innovative solutions and share ideas that help us deliver better services to the people of New Hampshire. I look forward to seeing you there!

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

Speakers

Shawnee Delaney

Shawnee Delaney

CEO, Vaillance Group and Former Spy

Shawnee Delaney is co-host of the popular YouTube series, Control Room, founder and CEO of Vaillance Group and an award-winning globally recognized expert in human risk management. As a decorated former Case Officer with nearly a decade at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), she conducted clandestine human intelligence (HUMINT) operations worldwide, including four combat zone tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, ultimately serving as both Detachment Chief and Supervisory Branch Chief. After leaving DIA, Shawnee supported the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in protecting U.S. critical infrastructure with the Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) before leading the creation of insider threat programs at Fortune 500 companies such as Uber and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Shawnee has advised nation-states, multinational corporations, and startups alike on preventing, detecting, and managing insider threats and continues to be a highly sought-after keynote speaker and consultant on insider threat, cybersecurity, and risk management. She has written articles or been cited on Insider Threat in publications such as the Cipher Brief, USA Today, Fox Business, Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, the Hill, Spyscape, Associated Press, Benzinga, and the Financial Times, among other international periodicals. She holds master’s degrees in Counter-Terrorism & Counter-Proliferation and Cybersecurity.

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Alan Brady

Alan Brady LinkedIn

Technology Director, City of Portsmouth

Alan Brady is the Technology Director for the City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with more than 30 years of experience in information technology, including over two decades in municipal government. Over the course of his career, he has worked across departments to modernize systems, strengthen security, and support reliable, citizen-focused services.
He has led major infrastructure initiatives that have improved resilience, expanded connectivity, and increased operational flexibility.
Alan is currently focused on the practical and responsible use of artificial intelligence in local government, including designing and testing an AI agent within a controlled environment, refining it to rely only on verified city website content in preparation for deployment.

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Cori J. Casey, CRM

Cori J. Casey, CRM LinkedIn

Risk Management Consultant, New Hampshire Public Risk Management Exchange

Cori Casey is a Risk Management Consultant at Primex³, where he specializes in cyber liability risks affecting members. He holds the Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designation from the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance and is Certified in Cybersecurity℠ by (ISC)². In his role, Cori partners closely with members to reduce cyber risk through comprehensive training programs, policy development, strategic planning, incident response coordination, and post-incident support. He is recognized as a dependable and trusted resource, regularly convening local, state, and federal partners alongside Primex³ members to strengthen cybersecurity resilience across the State of New Hampshire. In addition to his position with Primex, Cori also serves as Advisory Board, Chair for The Overwatch Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to the defense of the Homeland, the public’s trust in the State of New Hampshire, and the security of the United States Critical Infrastructure. Cori earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Justice Studies, from the University of New Hampshire.

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Sonja Gonzalez

Sonja Gonzalez LinkedIn

Chief Information Technology Officer, New Hampshire Retirement System

Sonja Gonzalez is a seasoned technology executive with over two decades of experience leading strategic IT initiatives across government, utilities, education, and nonprofit sectors. She currently serves as Chief Information Technology Officer for the New Hampshire Retirement System, where she is responsible for advancing enterprise technology strategy, strengthening cybersecurity posture, and modernizing systems that support critical retirement services for public employees across the state. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Sonja excels at aligning technology investments with organizational mission, driving efficiency, resilience, and long-term value.
Prior to her current role, Sonja served as Vice President of Information Technology at New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, where she led IT operations supporting critical infrastructure, ensuring the reliability, security, and resilience of systems essential to power distribution and member services. Her work focused on strengthening cybersecurity defenses, modernizing core platforms, and enhancing operational continuity in a highly regulated and mission-critical environment. Her career also includes Chief Information Officer for the City of Rochester, New Hampshire, as well as roles in education and nonprofit organizations. With a foundation that began in marketing, sales and product management at companies like Polaroid, she brings a unique blend of business acumen and technical expertise to her work. Sonja holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and remains committed to continuous learning and innovation in an evolving technology landscape.

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Melanie McDonough

Melanie McDonough LinkedIn

Chief Innovation and AI Officer, City of Lebanon

Melanie McDonough is the Chief Innovation and AI Officer for the City of Lebanon, New Hampshire, where she leads citywide innovation initiatives focused on responsible artificial intelligence adoption, data governance, digital transformation, and service improvement. With more than 16 years of municipal experience, she works across departments to turn emerging technology into practical, transparent, and human-centered solutions that support staff and improve public service delivery. She also contributes to broader conversations on responsible artificial intelligence in local government and serves as the government lead on the NH AI Task Force.

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Kathryn Michener

Kathryn Michener LinkedIn

Director of User Experience, New Hampshire Department of Information Technology

Kathryn is a passionate advocate for user-centered design. As the Director of User Experience at the New Hampshire Department of Information Technology, she oversees the migration of State agency websites from a static platform with hierarchy-based navigation to a responsive platform that encourages agency partners to put their constituents first when designing new websites.
With a background in customer service, public information and graphic design, Kathryn was a key participant in the Governor’s initiative to rebrand the State’s websites to have a consistent look and feel, which led to the template and platform now used by the State.
Kathryn is dedicated to helping agencies meet their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, offering regular training for State employees to learn how to design for accessibility when creating publications and actively emphasizing the importance of digital accessibility.

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Brian D. Rae, Jr.

Brian D. Rae, Jr. LinkedIn

Information Systems Director, Information Technology Office, Town of Goffstown

Brian serves as the Information Systems Director for the Town of Goffstown, where he leads a dedicated IT team providing help desk support, application management, network administration, infrastructure solutions, and more. With over 20 years of IT and public safety experience, he brings a unique ability to collaborate with law enforcement, emergency services, and local government to deliver innovative, problem-solving solutions. As a member of the State IT Council and leader of the NH Municipal IT Leadership Group, Brian is committed to leveraging technology to enhance organizational resilience, security, and responsiveness for the community. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor recreation, coaching youth sports, and a good BBQ with friends and family.

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Rick Rossi

Rick Rossi

Cybersecurity State Coordinator for New Hampshire, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Richard “Rick” Rossi serves as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Cybersecurity Advisor (CSA) and Cybersecurity State Coordinator (CSC) for the State of New Hampshire. With 20 years of federal service at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Rick brings extensive experience in cybersecurity and intelligence operations.
Rick joined CISA in 2021 as New Hampshire’s first Cybersecurity Advisor, leading efforts to strengthen cyber resilience and foster public-private collaboration. Previously, he spent eight years with DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis, serving as the Collection Operations Manager for the New England DomDNI Region and as DHS Intelligence Officer for New Hampshire. With extensive experience in national security and cybersecurity, Rick has directed regional cyber threat intelligence programs and managed terrorism watchlisting and HUMINT operations. His expertise spans foreign cyber threats, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and economic security, and he has contributed to national-level missions including Operation Warp Speed. Rick also advanced technical capabilities for the New England Utility Cybersecurity Integration Collaborative, a pioneering partnership to protect critical energy infrastructure from nation-level foreign cyber threats.
Rick earned his Bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Boston and holds a Master of Science of Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University. He also completed a Certificate in Legislative Studies through the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and holds additional credentials including GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). He is recognized as a SANS Lethal Forensicator and serves as a member of the GIAC Advisory Board.

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Amit Sehrawat

Amit Sehrawat LinkedIn

Client Solution Engineer, Salesforce

For the past 15 years, Amit Sehrawat has worked closely with state and local agencies to modernize their operations and improve service delivery. As a Principal Solution Engineer at Salesforce, he helps government leaders cut through the hype of artificial intelligence to build practical, secure use cases grounded in strong data and governance. Amit focuses on balancing rapid innovation with the necessary guardrails, ensuring agencies can confidently adopt AI while managing risk and protecting citizen privacy.

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Andy Watkins

Andy Watkins LinkedIn

Chief Information Officer, City of Rochester

Andy Watkins is the Chief Information Officer for the City of Rochester, New Hampshire, where he leads technology strategy, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and digital modernization efforts across municipal government. A Marine Corps veteran, Andy focuses on practical innovation in the public sector, with particular interest in data governance, AI infrastructure, and building resilient local capacity. His work centers on helping local government adopt modern tools responsibly while staying grounded in operational reality, public trust, and service to residents.

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Agenda

Tuesday, June 9

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Assembly Lobby and Pemigewasset

9:00 am Eastern

Opening Remarks

Armory Ballroom

Denis Goulet, Chief Information Officer, State of New Hampshire

9:15 am Eastern

Keynote – The Art of Espionage: Understanding the Fundamentals of Spycraft

Armory Ballroom

Espionage isn't just a plot in thrillers; it's a real and present danger. Doubtful you could be enticed into the world of spying? Think again. Our speaker, a former Case Officer (spy), will unveil her methods for identifying and recruiting individuals across various industries—revealing tactics from casual conversations at airport lounges to sophisticated surveillance operations. This insightful presentation dives deep into the clandestine world of espionage and its implications for your organization. Explore the intricate realms of industrial, corporate, and foreign espionage, as we dissect their motivations, the financial stakes involved, recruitment strategies, and provide vivid case studies of threat actors. Learn about the espionage toolkit, which blends traditional human intelligence methods with cutting-edge cyber security tactics. This talk will illuminate how today's adversaries, including hackers, nation-states, and organized crime rings, employ espionage techniques reminiscent of those used by spies. Equip yourself with the knowledge to detect and defend against espionage, whether you're facing a human operative or a cyber threat.

Shawnee Delaney, CEO, Vaillance Group and Former Spy

10:15 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Pemigewasset

10:45 am Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

The Anatomy of Risk: Preparing for the Inevitable Cyber Incident

Contoocook

This session explores the anatomy of a cyber incident through the lens of risk, starting before the breach ever occurs. Grounded in real-world lessons, it highlights how to identify low-frequency, high-impact threats, understand key vulnerabilities, and build the foundational practices that drive effective response. From detection to continuity, this discussion focuses on what separates reactive organizations from resilient ones. Attendees will leave with a clearer framework to assess risk, strengthen preparedness, and respond with confidence when an incident occurs.

Moderator: Pamela McLeod, Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of New Hampshire

David Lang, Chief of Staff, New Hampshire Secretary of State

Kiran Mantha, North East Public Sector Cyber Leader, Deloitte

AI: “No” Is Not the Answer, But Proceed with Purpose

Merrimack

AI is already shaping government operations, from service delivery to cybersecurity. The question is not whether to use it, but how to use it well. This session focuses on practical use cases that deliver real value, grounded in strong data, clear purpose, and governance. Panelists will share lessons on defining use cases, managing risks like bias and hallucinations, and navigating privacy, cost, and workforce impacts. Walk away with a balanced approach to AI, enabling innovation while applying the guardrails, policies, and standards needed for responsible and effective use.

Alan Brady, Technology Director, City of Portsmouth

Melanie McDonough, Chief Innovation and AI Officer, City of Lebanon

Amit Sehrawat, Client Solution Engineer, Salesforce

Live Free or Data: Governing the Granite State’s Greatest Asset

Piscataquog

Data is everywhere, but without strong governance it cannot be trusted, shared, or effectively used. As agencies expand their use of business intelligence and AI, the need for clean, secure, and well-managed data has never been more critical. This session explores how establishing clear data governance practices around quality, ownership, access, and standards creates the foundation for meaningful insights and responsible use of emerging technologies. Learn how organizations are prioritizing data-first strategies to reduce risk, improve decision-making, and unlock the full value of their technology investments.

David Hasbany, Chief Information Officer, Salem School District

Bill Mannion, Enterprise Business Intelligence Administration and Data Management, New Hampshire Department of Information Technology

Andy Watkins, Chief Information Officer, City of Rochester

11:45 pm Eastern

Lunch

Armory Ballroom

12:45 pm Eastern

Bits and Bytes – Take Action on ADA Compliance

Armory Ballroom

ADA digital accessibility deadlines are approaching, but guidance, resources, and readiness vary widely. This session breaks down what matters most, including Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and how to close the gap between requirements and reality. Learn how to treat accessibility as both compliance and risk management, prioritize limited time and resources, and take practical steps toward more inclusive digital services.

Kathryn Michener, ADAC, Director of User Experience and Chief Digital Accessibility Officer, New Hampshire Department of Information Technology

1:20 pm Eastern

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:40 pm Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Connected Defense in NH: Protecting Water Through a Whole-of-State Approach

Contoocook

Explore how New Hampshire is advancing a whole-of-state approach to cybersecurity by aligning state, local and critical infrastructure partners. Learn how shared services, partnerships, and practical governance are strengthening resilience across communities. Panelists will address securing water, wastewater and operational technology environments where legacy systems and limited resources heighten risk. Walk away with actionable insights to break down silos, strengthen incident readiness and continuity, and build a culture of collective defense that helps New Hampshire punch above its weight.

Moderator: Megan Hoskins, Assistant Director, Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, New Hampshire Department of Safety

Cori J. Casey, CRM, Risk Management Consultant, New Hampshire Public Risk Management Exchange

Rick Rossi, Cybersecurity State Coordinator for New Hampshire, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Terms and Conditions Apply: Smarter Procurement Starts Here

Merrimack

Procurement is evolving into a strategic function that helps organizations manage risk, enable innovation and set consistent standards. This session explores how leaders are rethinking procurement to address third-party relationships, emerging technologies like AI and growing accessibility expectations. Attendees will learn practical ways to strengthen contract language, share common approaches and improve alignment across stakeholders. We will also discuss how to balance speed with oversight and embed key considerations such as accountability, security and usability early in the process. The focus is on building a more consistent and coordinated approach to modern procurement.

Moderator: Brian Rae, Information Systems Director, Town of Goffstown

Sonja Gonzalez, Chief Information Technology Officer, New Hampshire Retirement System

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Piscataquog

Hosted by: Denis Goulet, Chief Information Officer, State of New Hampshire

2:40 pm Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Pemigewasset

3:05 pm Eastern

General Session – The New Hampshire Technology Challenge: Public Sector Trivia Showdown – Round 2

Armory Ballroom

We’re back for round two! Join us for a lively and engaging closing session as the New Hampshire Technology Challenge returns with even more fun, featuring a similar fast-paced format packed with fresh New Hampshire and Digital Government trivia. Test your knowledge, compete with your peers, and enjoy plenty of laughs as we wrap up the day, but be sure to listen closely throughout the conference, as you just might pick up a few hints to give your team the winning edge. Are you ready to take on the challenge and lead your team to victory?

3:45 pm Eastern

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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

Pemigewasset

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

Spencer Batchelder
Information Technology Lead
Department of Safety
State of New Hampshire

Alan Brady
Technology Director
City of Portsmouth

Margaret Byrnes
Executive Director
New Hampshire Municipal Association

Jason Carey
Director of Information Technology
Town of Newmarket

Cori Casey
Cyber Risk Manager
New Hampshire Public Risk Management Exchange

Julie Demers
Executive Director
New Hampshire Tech Alliance

Maeve Dion
Assistant Professor of Security Studies
University of New Hampshire

Annie Dove
Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Security Officer
City of Dover

Perry Eaton
Cyber Services Director
City of Lebanon

Fash Farashahi
GIS/Information Technology Director
Town of Peterborough

Sonja Gonzalez
Chief Information Technology Officer
New Hampshire Retirement System

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

David Hasbany
Chief Information Officer
Salem School District

David Heafey
Information Technology Lead
Department of Education
State of New Hampshire

Meg Hoskins
Assistant Director
Department of Safety
State of New Hampshire

Hannah Kelly
Policy and Compliance Manager
Department of Information Technology
State of New Hampshire

David Lang
Chief of Staff
Secretary of State
State of New Hampshire

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

Andrew Mueller
Director of Information Technology
City of Keene

Terry Pfaff
Chief Operating Officer
General Court
State of New Hampshire

Brian Rae
Information Systems Director
Town of Goffstown

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

Timothy Scott
Assistant Director
Department of Safety, Division of Emergency Services and Communications
State of New Hampshire

Matthew Seaton
Chief Information Officer
Judicial Branch
State of New Hampshire

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

Industry Representatives

Rosalba Schino
Client Relationship Executive
Deloitte

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: June 9, 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:

Audrey Houser
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1420
E-mail: ahouser@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 Manchester Downtown

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

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Room Block

Room Rate: $169 per night, single or double.
Rate Cut-Off Date: Monday, May 18, 2026.
To Make a Reservation:
   Phone: (603) 625-1000 and reference New Hampshire Digital Government Summit or use the code 94H.
   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 Manchester Downtown

Event Parking

Parking: $8 per day/$15 per night
Instructions: Bring parking ticket to be validated at registration .

Parking fees subject to change without notice.