Name: New York Data & AI Summit 2026
Start: 2026-05-14T08:00
Location: Marriott Albany

Overview

Shaping the Future of Data in New York

Get ready to connect, learn, and lead at the New York Data & AI Summit! This premier one-day event connects technology decision-makers, data officers, and agency leaders to explore how better data strategies are powering smarter decisions, stronger services, and greater public trust. Join your peers for expert-led discussions on topics including AI-driven insights, privacy and security, data governance, and real-world case studies from across New York and beyond. Whether you're just starting your data journey or advancing an enterprise-level initiative, the New York Data Summit offers practical takeaways and inspiring conversations to support your mission.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Data is the foundation of modern government and the engine behind better decisions, stronger services, and greater public trust. The New York Data and AI Summit brings together leaders from across state and local government to share how we are building trusted data environments, applying AI responsibly, and turning information into meaningful outcomes for the people of New York. I look forward to the conversations and new ideas that will help shape New York’s data and AI journey in the years ahead.

- Dru Rai, New York State Chief Information Officer and Director of the Office of Information Technology Services

Speakers

Dru Rai

Chief Information Officer, State of New York

Dru Rai was appointed New York State Chief Information Officer and Director of the Office of Information Technology Services. In this position, he is responsible for leading New York’s ongoing digital transformation, enhancing the state’s cyber posture to defend New York against evolving cyber threats and working with Executive Branch agencies to create digital interactions between state government and residents that are simple, seamless and straightforward.
A highly skilled leader with more than 30 years of experience in Digital Product Management, Information Technology and eCommerce, Dru most recently served as Chief Digital and Information Officer of Quaker Houghton Company.  He previously served as Global CIO for the Ball Corporation, DuPont Coatings and GE Advanced Material (a Division of GE) and began his career at Ernst & Young.
Dru also led and volunteered as CIO for Goodwill Industries International and the American Cancer Society, helping each organization set and execute their digital strategies, and make significant technology operational improvements. He earned an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Technology from GB Pant University in India.

More

Rachel Wilson

Managing Director and Chief Data Officer, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Former NSA Senior Executive

Rachel Wilson is a Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Chief Data Officer. Her team of security professionals is responsible for protecting all sensitive client data from any type of theft, loss or compromise. She also oversees the resilience of Wealth Management’s critical infrastructure and the continuity of core business processes at times of turbulence. Additionally, Rachel supervises the client fraud risk program, which institutes technical and business controls to help prevent unauthorized access to or misuse of client funds. As a senior subject matter expert, Rachel regularly advises Wealth Management leadership and clients on the cyber threat landscape and mitigation strategies.
From 2017-2020, Rachel served as the first-ever Head of Wealth Management Cybersecurity. In this role, Rachel advised senior business and technology leaders on a range of cybersecurity issues, including secure code development standards, secure network architecture, vendor relationships, advanced persistent threat (APT) detection and mobile security. Her team drove innovation for new cybersecurity and authentication technology in the pursuit of protecting the integrity and confidentiality of firm and client data. In 2019, Rachel was recognized by Morgan Stanley Wealth Management as part of the MAKERS Class, a program that honors women who serve as groundbreakers, innovators and advocates. She was also named one of the Top Women in WealthTech 2020 by ThinkAdvisor.
Prior to joining the firm in 2017, Rachel spent 15 years at the National Security Agency (NSA), where she held several key senior executive-level leadership positions. Between 2008 and 2010, she ran NSA’s counterterrorism operations and led a global enterprise in detecting and disrupting terrorist plotting against the U.S. and its allies. Between 2010 and 2012, Rachel served as NSA’s Chief of Operations in the U.K., working out of the U.S. Embassy in London. In this role, she worked with U.K. intelligence services to counter terrorist and cyber threats to the 2012 Olympics. Returning to the U.S. in 2012, Rachel spent nearly five years leading NSA’s cyber exploitation operations as the Deputy and then Chief of the Remote Operations Center within NSA’s Tailored Access Operations. In this capacity, she led the planning and execution of thousands of cyber exploitation operations against a wide array of foreign intelligence, military and cyber targets, and served as the committing official for many of NSA’s highest risk and most important intelligence gathering activities.

More

Bill Carter

National Director of Cybersecurity Strategy, Public Sector, Fortinet

Bill Carter is a dynamic cybersecurity leader with a passion for securing the digital world and educating others on the evolving threat landscape. Currently serving as a public sector cybersecurity strategist at Fortinet, Bill previously protected Ohio’s 12 million citizens as the Chief Information Security Officer for the Department of Commerce and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for the State, overseeing security strategies across 80+ agencies.
With a career spanning additional roles as Field CTO, Senior Systems Engineer, and Technical Consultant, he brings deep expertise in cybersecurity strategy, infrastructure, and risk management.
A hands-on technologist and sought-after public speaker, Bill holds a master’s degree in Cybersecurity and multiple industry certifications, including CISSP, SecurityX, and all MITRE credentials. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity, and an active member of the Ohio Cyber Reserve and the FBI’s InfraGard. Beyond his professional pursuits, Bill is dedicated to philanthropy in serving as CEO for an80,000-person strong non-profit organization.

More

Eleonore Fournier-Tombs

Chief AI Officer, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Dr. Fournier-Tombs brings more than 15 years of global AI, data governance, technology innovation and digital transformation experience to this important role. Most recently, she served as Head of Anticipatory Action and Innovation and Senior Researcher for United Nations University, where she founded and led the UN’s first AI policy research lab and directed governance and lifecycle management of predictive analytics and AI systems to support crisis forecasting.

More

Scott Geer

Deputy Chief Legal Technology Officer, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Scott Geer is the Deputy Chief Legal Technology Officer for the Division of Legal Technology in the NYS Office of Information Technology Services Office of the Chief General Counsel. With over 20 years in both the private and public sector of the IT field, Scott brings a wide array of experience to his role of managing and implementing eDiscovery technical strategy in New York’s large and complex consolidated environment. Scott has been a member of the eDiscovery team since 2016, progressively moving up the ranks until taking the lead in 2020. Under Scott’s leadership, the NYS Division of Legal Technology, formerly eDiscovery team, consists of an Email and Collaboration suite unit, a Non-Email and Digital Forensics unit, and a Platforms unit. This division has grown in size and scope to meet the evolving needs of the state enterprise. Most recently the team has been working on productization to allow all executive state agencies to utilize a standard set of products, for a wholistic legal solution.  
Scott holds a Masters in Business Administration from the State University of New York, and a Masters in Cybersecurity from Excelsior College. He also holds multiple vendor-neutral IT certifications. In his free time, Scott is an active board member for the Bethlehem Softball League, holding an executive board position. He also enjoys coaching his daughters softball teams and golfing with friends and family.

More

Jenson Jacob

Executive Deputy Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

In September 2025, Jenson Jacob was named Executive Deputy Chief Information Officer for the NYS Office of Information Technology Services (ITS).
Prior to that, he served as the agency’s Chief Digital Transformation Officer. Jenson brings more than 25 years of IT experience working on both private and public sector initiatives that included building a digital strategy using disruptive and enterprise technologies and overseeing an innovation journey across applications and services.
Prior to joining ITS in 2011, Jenson worked for Unisys and HCL Technologies where he served as an enterprise solution and services architect building customer-centric products. Earlier in his career at ITS, he served as the Deputy Chief Technology Officer overseeing business application development for more than 57 executive agency clients as well as managing an 1,800+ strong workforce delivering mission critical services for New Yorkers. In his spare time, he serves as an Adjunct Professor at the State University of New York at Albany (SUNY), where he teaches data computing, networking and cloud computing to undergraduate students. Jenson holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Mumbai in India.

More

Michele Jones

Deputy Commissioner for Technology, Ag and Markets, ESD, DPS, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Michele Jones is the Deputy Commissioner for Technology for Ag & Markets, ESD and DPS. Prior to this role, Michele was the Chief Risk and Privacy Officer for ITS.
Prior to joining ITS, Michele served more than 10 years in various roles, including General Counsel and Deputy Director of Risk Management, as well as Compliance/Data Protection Officer for Capital Region BOCES, where she was a key member of the executive team. She also managed vendor engagements, developed information privacy and security awareness training, and spearheaded the campaign to shift BOCES culture towards data privacy and security awareness.
Michele is a graduate of Albany Law School and holds a certificate in Human Resource Management from Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

More

Valerie Lubanko

Deputy General Counsel, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Valerie A. Lubanko has served as Deputy General Counsel to NYS ITS since January 2022.  In this role she assists in managing the daily operations of the Division of Legal Affairs, which includes addressing a wide variety of topics related to litigation, procurement, electronic discovery, ethics, policy, and legislation.  Prior to joining ITS, Valerie worked for the NYS Executive Chamber since 2017, first as the Chamber FOIL Counsel and then as an Assistant Counsel to the Governor, managing a portfolio of technology, local government, and judicial related matters. Most recently, Valerie was selected to be a member of the drafting team for Sedona Conference Working Group 13 addressing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Discovery.
Valerie has spent her entire legal career in public service. Her first position out of law school was with the Town of Colonie as an Assistant Town Attorney, and then for the City of Albany as a First Assistant Corporation Counsel.  Valerie’s experience in the public sector and government is a valued asset to ITS. 
Valerie holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from Albany Law School where she graduated magna cum laude, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College.  She lives in Niskayuna and enjoys going to the Troy Farmers Market with her family on the weekend.

More

Benjamin Yankson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Cybersecurity, University at Albany, State University of New York

Dr. Benjamin Yankson is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director of Cybersecurity at the State University of New York at Albany. He holds a PhD in Computer Science, an MBA in Management, and a Master’s degree in IT Security.
His work sits at the intersection of cybersecurity, privacy, and artificial intelligence, with a focus on securing emerging technologies while preserving trust, accountability, and regulatory compliance. His research and advisory portfolio spans cyber risk and compliance, AI governance, privacy, digital forensics, cybercrime, and the security of emerging and IoT systems.
Dr. Yankson is the Founder and Director of the HackIoT & PCCRT Research Lab and the visionary behind the Global CyberTech Exchange, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing cybersecurity capacity building through global academic and industry partnerships.
An accomplished international scholar, he has held academic and research appointments across North America, Asia, and the Middle East, and has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications.
Before entering academia, Dr. Yankson spent more than 15 years in the cybersecurity and IT industry, serving in senior roles including Application Security Manager, IT Operations Manager, and Senior Security Consultant. He brings a practitioner’s perspective to teaching and research.
Dr. Yankson is also a recognized media contributor, offering expert commentary on cybersecurity, AI risk, and digital resilience through outlets such as ABC News 10, Spectrum News 1, RGB News 6, and WAMP Radio.

More

View Speakers

Agenda

Thursday, May 14
8:00 am Eastern	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Empire Room/Foyer
9:00 am Eastern	Opening Remarks Salon E/F/G/H Dru Rai, Chief Information Officer and Director, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York
9:15 am Eastern	Keynote – Strengthening the Shield: Cybersecurity and AI in a New Threat Landscape Salon E/F/G/H There is no question – public-sector leaders must continue to strengthen their cyber hygiene, foster cross-sector partnerships, and adapt to the evolving threat landscape. Join Rachel Wilson, former NSA cyber operations leader, for an engaging and action-driven keynote that bridges real-world cybersecurity expertise with the challenges of emerging technologies. Drawing on her experience safeguarding critical systems, Rachel explores the heightened risks posed by AI-enabled threats like ransomware, insider attacks, and credential exploitation. This session is a call to action for everyone, from CIOs to frontline technologists, to embrace a proactive and resilient approach to protecting critical assets in the age of AI. Rachel Wilson, Managing Director Chief Data Officer, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Former NSA Senior Executive
10:15 am Eastern	Fireside Chat – Inside New York’s Data and AI Strategy: From Foundation to Impact Salon E/F/G/H As New York State advances its data and artificial intelligence capabilities, agencies are moving from exploration to execution—leveraging data as a strategic asset to improve decision-making, enhance service delivery, and drive mission outcomes. In this executive-level fireside chat, members of the State’s AI leadership team will share a candid look at the priorities shaping New York’s approach. The conversation will explore how the State is building a modern data ecosystem, where the greatest opportunities for AI exist, and what challenges remain around governance, interoperability, workforce readiness, and public trust. Join us for a forward-looking discussion that sets the tone for the day—highlighting how New York is turning data into actionable intelligence while navigating the complexities of responsible AI adoption. Moderator: Phil Bertolini, Chief Delivery Officer, Government Technology Eleonore Fournier-Tombs, Chief AI Officer, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York Jenson Jacob, Executive Deputy Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York
10:45 am Eastern	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Empire Room
11:15 am Eastern	General Session – Building the Data Foundation: Powering AI Across New York Salon E/F/G/H AI is only as effective as the data behind it. Before agencies can scale advanced analytics or deploy AI responsibly, they must first establish a strong data foundation—one built on quality, accessibility, governance, and trust. In this session, we will explore what it takes to build and sustain that foundation across a complex, multi-agency environment. From improving data quality and standardization to enabling secure, responsible data sharing, panelists will discuss the infrastructure, policies, and cultural shifts required to treat data as a true enterprise asset. Arun Alla, Senior Manager, Data Services and Application Development, New York Power Authority Scott Geer, Deputy Chief Legal Technology Officer, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York Lauren Holupko, Director of eDiscovery and eDiscovery Counsel, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York
11:55 am Eastern	General Session – Governing AI in a Data-Driven World: Privacy, Ethics, and Accountability Salon E/F/G/H As AI adoption accelerates, the challenge is no longer whether to innovate—but how to do so responsibly. Public-sector leaders must balance opportunity with obligation, ensuring that data is used ethically, transparently, and in ways that maintain public trust. In this session, we will explore how agencies are establishing governance frameworks that go beyond compliance to enable responsible AI at scale. Topics will include data privacy, acceptable use policies, model accountability, bias detection and mitigation, and ethical decision-making in high-impact environments. Through real-world examples, panelists will discuss how governance structures support informed decision-making while allowing agencies to innovate with confidence. Moderator: Michele Jones, Deputy Commissioner for Technology, Ag and Markets, ESD, DPS, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York Ron Carroll, Vice President, Chief Data and AI Officer, New York Power Authority Peace Kuteesa, Assistant Deputy Superintendent, AI and Data Analytics, Department of Financial Services, State of New York Valerie Lubanko, Deputy General Counsel, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York Benjamin Yankson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Cybersecurity, University at Albany, State University of New York
12:35 pm Eastern	Lunch and Networking in the Exhibit Area Salon E/F/G/H
1:35 pm Eastern	Short Break Please proceed to the General Session
1:45 pm Eastern	General Session – Protecting Data in the Age of AI Salon E/F/G/H Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how local governments deliver services, but it is also quietly reshaping how sensitive data can be exposed or stolen. In this thought-provoking session, cybersecurity leader Bill Carter explores why traditional compliance alone cannot protect public-sector data in the AI era and introduces practical strategies for building "AI-Safe" data defenses that enable innovation while safeguarding trust. Attendees will gain fresh insight into modern data loss risks, from accidental AI-driven exposure to evolving exfiltration tactics. Learn how forward-thinking governments can protect what matters most while embracing the future. Bill Carter, National Director of Cybersecurity Strategy, Public Sector, Fortinet
2:15 pm Eastern	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Empire Room
2:40 pm Eastern	General Session – Deploying AI at Scale: Data, Talent, and Responsible Execution Salon E/F/G/H Scaling AI across government requires more than technology—it demands the right data, strong governance, embedded privacy practices, and a workforce prepared to operationalize it effectively. As agencies move from pilots to enterprise deployment, leaders must navigate increasing complexity around data size, sensitivity, interoperability, and organizational readiness. In this session, we will explore what it takes to deploy AI at scale across diverse agencies and use cases. Panelists will discuss how to manage large and sensitive datasets, build internal capabilities, and align teams around shared goals—while embedding Privacy by Design principles from the start. Moderator: James Sammon, Associate Commissioner, Data Analytics, Office of General Services, State of New York Natasha Almanzar Sanchez, Senior Attorney, Privacy Office, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York Thierno Diallo, Manager, Dedicated Team, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York Srini Pusuluri, Senior Director, Product Development and Data Integration. New York Power Authority Scott Stalker, Deputy Chief AI Officer, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York
3:20 pm Eastern	General Session – Data and AI in Practice: Delivering Outcomes in Health, Education, and Human Services Salon E/F/G/H Data and AI are reshaping how government delivers critical services, creating new opportunities to improve outcomes, increase efficiency, and better serve residents. But turning potential into impact requires more than technology alone. In this session, public sector leaders will share real-world examples of how data and AI are being applied across health, education, and human services. From improving program effectiveness to streamlining service delivery and supporting more informed, equitable decisions, panelists will highlight lessons learned and practical strategies for success. Join us to explore how New York is leveraging data and AI to drive meaningful, resident-centered outcomes across the state. Moderator: Phil Bertolini, Chief Delivery Officer, Government Technology Andrew Heck, Associate Commissioner, Planning, Research, Information Management, and Evaluation, Office of Addiction Services and Supports, State of New York Cheng Ren, PhD., Assistant Professor, College of Integrated Health Sciences, School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, State University of New York
4:00 pm Eastern	End of Summit Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change

Marriott Albany

189 Wolf Road
Albany, NY 12205
(518) 458-8444

Get Directions To
Marriott Albany

Planning Committee

Representatives

Eleonore Fournier-Tombs
Chief AI Officer
Office of Information Technology Services
State of New York

Jeffrey Frederick
Data & Information Technology Project Manager
Department of Public Services
State of New York

Scott Geer
Deputy Chief Legal Technology Officer
Office of Information Technology Services
State of New York

Lauren Holupko
eDiscovery Counsel
Office of Information Technology Services
State of New York

Jenson Jacob
Executive Deputy Chief Information Officer
Office of Information Technology Services
State of New York

Valerie Lubanko
Deputy Chief General Counsel
Office of Information Technology Services
State of New York

James Sammons
Associate Commissiner, Data Analytics
Office of General Services
State of New York

Marcy Stevens
Chief General Counsel & Chief Privacy Officer
Office of Information Technology Services
State of New York

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: May 14, 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:

Lee Vang
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1407
E-mail: lvang@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

New York Data & AI Summit 2026

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Dru Rai

Chief Information Officer, State of New York

Rachel Wilson

Managing Director and Chief Data Officer, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Former NSA Senior Executive

Bill Carter

National Director of Cybersecurity Strategy, Public Sector, Fortinet

Eleonore Fournier-Tombs

Chief AI Officer, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Scott Geer

Deputy Chief Legal Technology Officer, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Jenson Jacob

Executive Deputy Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Michele Jones

Deputy Commissioner for Technology, Ag and Markets, ESD, DPS, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Valerie Lubanko

Deputy General Counsel, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Benjamin Yankson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Cybersecurity, University at Albany, State University of New York

Agenda

Thursday, May 14

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Empire Room/Foyer

9:00 am Eastern

Opening Remarks

Salon E/F/G/H

9:15 am Eastern

Keynote – Strengthening the Shield: Cybersecurity and AI in a New Threat Landscape

Salon E/F/G/H

10:15 am Eastern

Fireside Chat – Inside New York’s Data and AI Strategy: From Foundation to Impact

Salon E/F/G/H

10:45 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Empire Room

11:15 am Eastern

General Session – Building the Data Foundation: Powering AI Across New York

Salon E/F/G/H

11:55 am Eastern

General Session – Governing AI in a Data-Driven World: Privacy, Ethics, and Accountability

Salon E/F/G/H

12:35 pm Eastern

Lunch and Networking in the Exhibit Area

Salon E/F/G/H

1:35 pm Eastern

Short Break

Please proceed to the General Session

1:45 pm Eastern

General Session – Protecting Data in the Age of AI

Salon E/F/G/H

2:15 pm Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Empire Room

2:40 pm Eastern

General Session – Deploying AI at Scale: Data, Talent, and Responsible Execution

Salon E/F/G/H

3:20 pm Eastern

General Session – Data and AI in Practice: Delivering Outcomes in Health, Education, and Human Services

Salon E/F/G/H

4:00 pm Eastern

End of Summit

Marriott Albany

Planning Committee

Representatives

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: May 14, 2026

Contact Information

Venue

Marriott Albany

Show More

Room Block

Map and Directions

Event Parking