Name: North Carolina Cybersecurity and Privacy Symposium 2024
Start: 2024-12-04T08:00
Location: Raleigh Convention Center

Overview

To view speaker presentations where available, see Agenda, below.

2024 North Carolina Cybersecurity and Privacy Symposium
Exploring AI, Its Innovation and Its Intersection with Cybersecurity and Privacy

Cybersecurity and the protection of sensitive information are becoming increasingly complex with the rapidly growing popularity of new technologies such as generative artificial intelligence. While this evolution in North Carolina’s technology landscape offers exciting ways to innovate like never before, it also introduces concerns about data privacy, integrity and security that must be addressed to safeguard our state and promote its best interest.

The 2024 North Carolina Cybersecurity and Privacy Symposium provides an opportunity for government professionals to learn about AI innovations and use cases as well as the latest efforts to defend and protect the state’s IT systems, data and assets from threats.

Day 1 of the symposium was AI Day focused on demystifying AI and showcasing government solutions and innovations using AI. This day was aimed at a nontechnical audience with technical attendees also encouraged to participate. Day 2 was focused on Cybersecurity and Privacy and the role they play in the future of our state, including where they intersect with AI.

DAY 1 - AI Day
DAY 2 - Cybersecurity and Privacy Day

A message from our Keynote Speaker

As state government’s primary information technology service provider, one of our department’s foremost responsibilities is to stay on the cutting edge of emerging technologies such as generative AI, and the ways they can be used for both good and harm. We invite you to join us for this important two-day event examining AI, cybersecurity and privacy, and their implications for state and local government and the people we serve.

- Jim Weaver, N.C. Department of Information Technology Secretary and State Chief Information Officer

I encourage cybersecurity and privacy professionals in all career stages to attend, whether you are a seasoned leader with many years of experience or a student looking to break into the field. The event will have insightful discussions about the cybersecurity landscape and latest trends.

- Torry Crass, Chief Risk Officer, State of North Carolina

Cybersecurity and privacy go hand in hand, working together to protect data and manage risk. With the increasing prevalence of new technologies such as generative artificial intelligence, a growing number of legal, ethical, and operational issues emerge that must be addressed to ensure that privacy and protection of sensitive personal information is maintained. The symposium will provide an exploration of these timely topics and the chance to learn from one another as we navigate the complexity of managing privacy in the age of AI.

- Cherie Givens, Chief Privacy Officer, State of North Carolina

Speakers

James Weaver

Secretary and Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina 

James "Jim" Weaver joined the N.C. Department of Information Technology in March 2021, with more than 30 years of leadership and management in the IT industry. 
As secretary and state chief information officer, he leads the agency responsible for strategic IT planning and the procurement and delivery of IT services and solutions as well as cybersecurity and efforts to expand broadband access and affordability across North Carolina. 

Jim Alberque

GIS & Emerging Technology Manager, City of Raleigh 

James Alberque, City of Raleigh GIS and Emerging Technology Manager, leads a talented teams of data analysts, web developers, and technologists at the City of Raleigh. He has been with the City for 10 years in various technology management roles. Jim’s team delivers dozens of digital solutions for internal and public use.

Dustin Baptiste

Chief Information Security Officer, Town of Cary

Dustin Baptiste is an accomplished cybersecurity leader with a background in Electrical Engineering and over 20 years of experience in engineering and information security. A graduate of North Carolina State University, Dustin transitioned from a decade-long engineering career to focus on cybersecurity, where he has spent the past ten years driving initiatives to strengthen organizational resilience and mitigate risk.
Now serving as the Chief Information Security Officer for the Town of Cary, Dustin leads efforts to safeguard municipal infrastructure through innovative security strategies and cross-departmental collaboration. A lifelong learner with multiple professional certifications, including CISSP and GEVA, Dustin combines technical expertise and leadership to build a culture of security awareness and collective responsibility.

Karen Brinson Bell

Executive Director, North Carolina State Board of Elections 

Karen Brinson Bell has served as executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections since June 2019. She has worked in elections administration since 2006 in county, state, and national roles. As North Carolina’s chief elections official, she leads about 65 full-time employees at the state agency, which is charged with administering elections and campaign finance compliance, overseeing the 100 county boards of elections, and ensuring voting for more than 7.8 million voters.

Keith Briggs

Director of Enterprise Architecture & Innovation, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

Keith Briggs is the Chief Architect and Innovation Director for the State of North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT). Before joining NCDIT in June 2022, Keith served as Chief Information/Chief Technology Officer for the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Keith has 30 years’ experience in technology leadership in application development, cloud technology solutions, data centers management, information security, and IT service management. Throughout his professional career, Keith has worked for large private-sector businesses in the financial services, technology manufacturing, and health care industries. For the last seven years, Keith has focused his efforts towards state government. Keith has served for five years on the North Carolina IT Strategy Board through his appointment by the North Carolina Senate. His focus as member on the Digital Transformation subcommittee is to drive modernization of state government through innovative services and new channels of delivery. Keith holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from Texas Christian University

Christie Burris

Chief Data Officer, North Carolina Department of Information Technology 

Christie Burris was appointed as the state's chief data officer with the N.C. Department of Information Technology in January 2024.
She leads NCDIT's statewide development of enterprise data strategies, including management, privacy and governance across all platforms. As director of NCDIT's Government Data Analytics Center, she also guides the state's use of integrated data to support public safety, fraud, compliance, healthcare, finance and performance and policy decision analysis.
An award-winning communications executive with experience in industries from radio and television to public housing and insurance, Burris joined the N.C. Health Information Exchange Authority, within GDAC, in 2016. She became its executive director in December 2017 and oversaw the ongoing strategy to develop a mature and modernized state-designated health information exchange, NC HealthConnex, and support health care providers in fulfilling the state mandate for data connections.
Burris holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Government Chief Information Officer Certification from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government. She received a State Leadership award from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers in 2019.

Debora Chance

IT Business Continuity Management Program Manager, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina 

Debora Chance is program manager for the state of North Carolina’s IT Business Continuity Management program. 
She works with state agencies and other entities on their business continuity and disaster recovery planning as well as the emergency notification solution aligned with the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Incident Management process. 
Chance is a member of the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center’s Business Resiliency Workgroup, and local professional organizations with a focus on business resiliency.

John Evans

Chief Technology Advisor, State & Local Government & Education, World Wide Technology 

John Evans serves as Chief Technology Advisor (CTA) for State & Local Government & Education (SLED) at World Wide Technology (WWT).
In this role, Evans engages with clients on strategy, innovation, and transformation to develop and deliver solutions that are tailor-made for government. He is highly consultative and knowledgeable and focuses on tangible operational and business outcomes at enterprise scale. 
Prior to joining WWT, Evans served as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Deputy Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the State of Maryland, where he helped lead statewide technology and security initiatives. Evans brings 20 years of technology expertise with extensive experience in security, cloud, and mission critical applications.
Prior to his role within the State of Maryland, Evans worked in various executive-level positions and is an Adjunct Professor – Graduate School, Cybersecurity for University of Maryland.

Jonathan Feldman

Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services Department, Wake County

Jonathan Feldman is an award-winning Chief Information Officer, speaker, and writer. He has been recognized for his positive impact on the communities he serves by the Frost & Sullivan CIO Impact Award and inclusion in Government Technology’s Top 25 Dreamers, Doers, and Drivers, and he is frequently listed among top CIO and IT practitioners. Jonathan is widely acknowledged as a pioneer of cloud computing, digital transformation, and civic tech, with Forbes calling his efforts “IT done right.”  
Jonathan’s success leading government technology led him to co-author Code for America’s book, “Beyond Transparency” with Tim O’Reilly and others. His column with InformationWeek magazine, which won an American Society of Business Publication Editors award, started many industry conversations about positive IT transformation. He has spoken all over the world about civic technology, the future of work, talent management, leadership, and digital transformation, and is often quoted in the media about these topics. He is active on social media both to learn and to share and tweets at @_jfeldman.

Raju Gadiraju

Chief Information Officer, Division of Employment Security, Department of Commerce, State of North Carolina

Raju is an IT executive with 25 years of professional experience in the information technology field. Raju joined the Division of Employment Security, NC Department of Commerce in July 2016 as their Chief Information Officer. Raju works with the assistant secretary, senior executives and directors to set business priorities and develop the supporting IT strategy at NCDES.
Prior to joining at NCDES, Raju worked at Oxford University Press for approximately six years. He held the position of US IT Director, served as the Head of Software Development and Content Systems for Global Academic business unit. Prior to that, Raju worked as the VP and CIO of a technology services company in Morrisville, NC. Raju graduated with a master’s degree in Computer Science from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, AL. For more information on his professional experience, please refer to his LinkedIn profile at

Peter Gallinari

Data Privacy Program Manager, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

Peter Gallinari is a seasoned professional with over 48 years of experience in Information Technology, including more than 30 years in leadership roles specializing in Data Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Compliance. He possesses extensive industry expertise across the financial services, healthcare, and government sectors.
Throughout his distinguished career, Peter has held several high-profile positions, including:
Chief Data Privacy Officer for the State of Tennessee
Domain Information Security Officer for the State of Tennessee
Former Chief Security Officer at GE Capital and GE IT Director of Operations
Chief Security Officer overseeing security for three hospitals in New York
Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Delivery Services at Merrill Lynch
Currently, Peter serves as the Data Privacy Program Manager for the State of North Carolina, where he brings his deep knowledge of regulatory compliance, including frameworks such as GLBA, SOX, HIPAA, FERPA, FTI, CJIS, SSA, and the EU GDPR, along with PCI compliance for commercial operations.
Peter is a recognized subject matter expert in cloud compliance and governance solutions and is a frequent keynote speaker at Data Privacy and Cybersecurity conferences across both the public and private sectors. His insights and leadership have consistently driven the secure and compliant management of sensitive data in complex, high-stakes environments.

Pat Gannon

Public Information Director, North Carolina State Board of Elections 

Patrick Gannon is the public information director at the NC State Board of Elections, a position he has held since 2016. Prior to joining the State Board, he worked as a journalist in various reporting and editing positions in New York and North Carolina from 1999 through 2016. He is a 1999 graduate of Kent State University in Ohio. He lives in Raleigh with his daughter and dog.

Cherie Givens

Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Information Technology, North Carolina

As chief privacy officer for the N.C. Department of Information Technology, Cherie Givens is responsible for a strategic and comprehensive statewide privacy program that defines, develops, maintains and implements policies and processes that enable consistent and effective information privacy practices.
Givens is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) and an attorney with more than 20 years of experience. She joined NCDIT in December 2021 after more than a decade supporting federal privacy programs in the Washington D.C. area – first as a federal employee and then as a contractor. 

Todd Hamrick

Enterprise Architect, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

Todd has over 25 years of experience as an IT Professional. He began his career at Oracle where he learned relational database management systems. From Oracle, he transitioned to Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence as a consultant and taught courses on Data Warehousing and Information Access Strategies at the University of California Berkeley. As a manager at Autodesk, Inc. he led teams of data warehousing and business intelligence professionals before transitioning to an architecture role where he was instrumental in driving transformational initiatives. In addition to Autodesk, Todd was an IT Architect at SAS Institute and Director, IT Architecture at Emergent BioSolutions prior to joining the North Carolina Department of IT in his current position as Enterprise Architect.

Andrew Hess

AI Lead, Wake County 

Andrew Hess serves as the AI Lead at Wake County as an accomplished Application Developer, earning two NACo Awards for custom applications over the past two years. In his personal time, he shares his expertise as a Microsoft Power Platform YouTuber, fostering growth and innovation within the tech community.

Christine Hofer

Chief Information Officer, Office of State Human Resources, State of North Carolina  

Christine Hofer joined the NC Office of State Human Resources in 2022 as Chief Information Officer. She came from the City of Greensboro, where she was the Deputy Chief Information Officer during her nearly 17-year tenure. Hofer is a graduate of the University of Arizona Eller College of Management and Certified Government CIO.
She possesses more than 30 years’ advancement spearheading million-dollar multi-year ERP implementations and upgrades. Known as a consensus builder, able to lead large cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships organization-wide. She is passionate about digital transformation, data governance, and getting results with less effort. She has an unrelenting commitment to end-user satisfaction. She is currently leading an effort to procure a Statewide Human Capital Management (HCM) solution to streamline recruitment, enhance the employee experience, and facilitate timely analysis of HR data for decision-making.

Marina Kelly

Chief Information Security Officer, City of Raleigh

Marina Kelly is the Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Raleigh, NC, and an experienced leader in information security and technology. With a background that spans multiple industries, she holds a Master’s in Computer Science from UNC Greensboro. After a decade as a teacher in NC public schools, Marina switched to the field of IT. She has served as an IT Manager at NC State University and Director of Technology and a Data Protection Officer for multiple companies. She has led initiatives in information security, privacy, digital transformation, Governance, Risk, and Compliance, software engineering, and data management. She is the author of the award-winning "Secure Coding with the OWASP Top 10" bootcamp. Marina was recently honored with the CISOs Connect™ A100 award, recognizing her as a leading voice in cybersecurity.

Karen Lee

Workforce Development Manager, Division of Human Resources Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina 

Karen has been with NCDIT for five years as Workforce Development Manager. In this role she works to procure technical skills training, manages learning platforms, instructional design projects, supports change implementation and the delivery of training programs.
While her primary focus is the NCDIT workforce, she provides oversight and influences Enterprise-wide IT training options, including the development of learning products.
She is certified as a Prosci Change Practitioner, in Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and in Everything DiSC.
She has decades of experience supporting learning and development and change management in the public sector at the state (NC), local (VA, MD, NY) and national levels (United Kingdom.)
Her areas of interest are leadership development, organizational change management, and innovation.

Caitlyn Mabry

Data & Information Branch Manager, Office of Strategic Initiatives, Department of Transportation, State of North Carolina   

Caitlyn began her career supporting enterprise GIS projects for county planning and economic development agencies. She then transitioned to management consultancy focused on delivering enterprise application development projects for public sector clients. Embedded with North Carolina Department of Transportation for the last 5 years, Caitlyn was a lead consultant for several application development and business process improvement projects and initiatives for the department. In June 2024, Caitlyn officially joined NCDOT as the Data and Information Branch Manager in the Office of Strategic Initiatives & Program Support. In this role, Caitlyn leads development and implementation of NCDOT’s data, technology, and AI strategies and work plan in close coordination with NCDIT. 

Mladen Milanovic

Vice President, Automation, Presidio

Mladen Milanovic is an accomplished executive with a proven track record in driving digital transformation, customer experience, and revenue growth. His expertise spans process automation, AI, and CCaaS, leveraging technology to optimize business processes and create exceptional customer journeys. Currently Vice President, Automation & TX Innovation at Presidio, Mladen has consistently built and led high-performing teams, forging strategic partnerships and delivering substantial ROI. His experience includes leading sales and delivery organizations, overseeing national professional services, and spearheading global programs resulting in significant revenue growth. Mladen holds an MBA from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Science in Electronics Engineering from Belgrade University.

Crystal Pitts

Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security, State of North Carolina  

Crystal Pitts is a public sector leader with 29 years in local and state government. Focused on security and risk reduction, she excels in building high-performance teams, advancing technologies, and optimizing processes. Her collaborative approach and expertise in cybersecurity make her a trusted advisor, driving initiatives to protect data, infrastructure, and foster a security-conscious culture.

Glenn Poplawski

State Solutions Director, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

Glenn Poplawski has more than 25 years of business experience, including five years in systems engineering and technical analysis for the federal government and 15 years working in the private information technology sector.
Prior to coming to work for the state of North Carolina, Poplawski worked for various private companies, including IBM, a systems integration firm, an internet startup bought by CMGI, the former Anderson Consulting and as a consultant to various private companies and public agencies. This work included managing client relationships and engagements, managing the operations of critical business systems, guiding the implementation of large-scale system development projects and contributing with the senior team to develop the local business strategy and operational model. 
Poplawski has been working for the state for more than 10 years. Initially, he served the Office of Information Technology Services Enterprise Solutions Division in the role of team lead for the Project Management Services team. He built a team of certified project managers to manage both ITS-related projects and other executive agency projects. Subsequently, per the ITS chief information office, Poplawski took on additional duties as required to include the Service Transition organization, including the PMO, and later IT Business Applications.   
Currently, Poplawski heads the N.C. Department of Information Technology's Solutions Delivery Division, which includes the Enterprise Project Management Office, the Project Management Office, Business Analysis Services, Solutions Architecture Services, Software Quality Assurance Services, Digital Commons Services and several general government CIOs. 
Poplawski is a certified project management professional and government chief information officer.  He has a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from Virginia Tech and a Master of Business Administration from George Mason University.

Rob Reynolds

Chief Information Officer, Orange County

Robert Reynolds is the Chief Information Officer for Orange County, North Carolina. As a trusted thought leader with over 25 years of demonstrated success, Robert helps organizations in establishing strategic vision, creating digital transformation strategies, nurturing innovation, and building collaborative relationships across the enterprise, thereby helping lead organizations and their technology initiatives to successful outcomes.
During his career, Robert has consulted for the federal government and corporate clients helping them to improve operations and IT security. Robert has held senior leadership positions in corporate, State and Local Government organizations with extensive IT operations and security experience in law enforcement and military high value mission critical environments. Robert holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and an MBA from the University of Maryland. He also holds the CISSP, MCSE, and Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) certifications.
Robert is an active member of FBI InfraGard, ISSA, ISC2 Raleigh Chapter and the U.S Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force. Robert has also served in the United States Navy.

Sarah Robey

Privacy Procurement Attorney, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

Sarah Robey is a dedicated privacy professional who discovered her passion for data privacy during law school, where a specialized course solidified her commitment to the field. After earning a CIPP/US certification and being sworn into the NC State Bar in 2023, Sarah has had the pleasure of working under Cherie to help establish and support the Office of Privacy and Data Protection. In her role as the Privacy Legal Advisor & Analyst, she assists in various critical areas—from attending vendor meetings, reviewing privacy provisions in contracts to reviewing privacy threshold analyses and drafting privacy policies and guidance. Sarah is committed to fostering public trust through implementing privacy throughout the state.

Vinny Scotto

AI Pursuit Team, Enterprise East, Dell Technologies 

With over 15 years of experience at Dell, Vinny Scotto has become a cornerstone in the realm of Data Center technologies. Currently, as a key member of Dell’s AI Solutions team, Vinny is at the forefront of helping customers and partners accelerate their AI journeys. His expertise lies in transforming complex AI concepts into practical, cost-effective solutions that drive innovation and tangible business outcomes.
Vinny’s journey with Dell has seen him excel in various roles, each contributing to his deep understanding of the data center landscape. His current focus on AI use cases and outcomes enables businesses to harness the power of AI, making it a reality that propels their growth and efficiency.
Originally from the vibrant city of New York, Vinny now resides in New Jersey with his wife and two children. A passionate sports enthusiast and former collegiate football player, Vinny brings the same dedication and team spirit to his professional endeavors as he did on the field.

Maggie Smith

Research Analyst, Department of Commerce, State of North Carolina 

Dr. Maggie Smith is a Research Analyst in the Labor and Economic Analysis Division (LEAD) of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. She brings over 15 years of experience in research and data analysis to her role. Prior to joining LEAD, Maggie was a Research Analyst for the Economic Development Coalition of Asheville-Buncombe County and a Research Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Smith's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kent State University, followed by a Master of Science in Psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience from Binghamton University.

Mike Ware

Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services, NC Department of Environmental Quality

Michael Ware works for the North Carolina Department of Information Technology and serves as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.  Michael has 22 years of IT leadership experience and is a 24-year veteran of the US Air Force.  Over the years, Michael accumulated a robust range of IT experience with numerous domestic and international business partners across a diverse portfolio of technologies. 
Michael began his career in the Air Force in 1990 and served as an aircraft avionics technician before commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in August 2002.  He served in a variety of leadership positions throughout his career and a veteran of multiple campaigns and several overseas operations including Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. 
During Michael’s Air Force career, he was the Director of Operations for the 83rd Network Operations Squadron, where he directed network operations for half of the Air Force’s Information Network.  He led IT operations during deployments to Bosnia and Iraq (twice) supporting IT networks in dynamic situations working with a host of international contractors.  He also served as the Operations Flight Commander for the largest Communications squadron in the Air Force, the 86th Communications Squadron, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.   
After he retired from the Air Force, Michael joined the Department of Information Technology in November 2014 and was assigned as the CIO for DEQ in October 2016.  In this role, he provides IT leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day operational oversight for 72 IT professionals supporting the department’s 1600+ employees. 
Michael holds an MBA from Webster University and a BS in Management Information Systems from National American University.  He completed the Certified Government Chief Information Officer program at UNC Chapel Hill.  Michael and his wife, Julie, have two sons: Collin and Carson.

Christine Weber

Chief Information Security Officer, North Carolina State Board of Elections

Christine Weber recently joined the NC State Board of Elections team as the Chief Information Security Officer. With over 20 years of experience in Information Technology and Cybersecurity, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Her expertise spans both the Defense and Academic Industries, where she has contributed significantly to safeguarding critical systems and data. 
Christine’s commitment to cybersecurity extends beyond her role in elections. In addition to her civilian work, she continues to serve her country as an Air Force Reservist and a member of the Civil Air Patrol.  
Christine holds an MBA from Capella University, a BS in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and holds multiple certifications to include the CISSP.

Mark Wittenburg

Chief Information Officer, City of Raleigh

Mark Wittenburg is the Chief Information Officer for the City of Raleigh. Mark has extensive public sector experience working with city and regional leaders in Arizona and now North Carolina to develop strategic direction and manage IT operations. His knowledge helped advance initiatives such as deploying smart water meters to conserve water, advancing regional digital equity by accelerating 5G and fiber installation, and building a culture that embraces innovation. Mark brings that same passion for public service to Raleigh, leveraging thoughtful and appropriate technology to advance the priorities of the community.

View Speakers

Agenda

Wednesday, December 4
8:30 am Eastern	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Ballroom A Lobby
9:30 am Eastern	Opening Remarks Ballroom A Mark Wittenburg, Chief Information Officer, City of Raleigh Jim Weaver, Secretary and Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina
9:45 am Eastern	Keynote - Balancing Innovation and Security with AI Development through Data Governance Ballroom A Margo Keeler, Principal Watsonx Sales Leader - Healthcare, State & Local Government and Education, IBM View Presentation Here
10:30 am Eastern	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Ballroom A Lobby
11:00 am Eastern	Concurrent Sessions Practical Steps for AI Implementation and Adoption 302A As AI technologies rapidly evolve, how can organizations ensure they’re implementing and optimizing AI in ways that truly align with their business goals? What critical factors should be considered from the outset—such as planning, data preparation, and tool selection—to set the foundation for success? This session will dive into adoption best practices, explore potential pitfalls, and rethink how to effectively manage organizational change in the face of AI adoption. Moderator: Karen Lee, Workforce Development Manager, Division of Human Resources Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Dr. ClarLynda Williams-DeVane, Deputy Secretary, Operational Excellence Portfolio, Department of Health and Human Services, State of North Carolina Erin Joe, Executive, Office of the Chief Information Security Officer, Google Cloud Glenn Poplawski, State Solutions Director, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Babita Savistky Director, Technology & Architecture, Department of Health and Human Services, State of North Carolina Data in the Driver’s Seat: Steering Strategy, Management, and AI Preparation 302B As AI becomes integral to decision-making, are we doing enough to ensure responsible data stewardship? How do the characteristics of the data we input shape AI outcome - and, ultimately, our growing digital footprint? What are the hidden risks of poorly managed data, and how do we ensure sensitive information is properly validated and protected? This session explore how we should be managing, protecting, and ethically utilizing data in AI applications. Moderator: Todd Hamrick, Enterprise Architect, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Jim Alberque, GIS and Emerging Technology Manager, City of Raleigh Jonathan Bell, Technical Director, Cohesity Christie Burris, Chief Data Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Caitlyn Mabry, Data & Information Branch Manager, Office of Strategic Initiatives, Department of Transportation, State of North Carolina Developing Pathways for an AI-Ready Public Sector Workforce 302C As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the public sector landscape, how can we cultivate a workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to leverage these transformative technologies? How can state and local governments collaborate with higher education institutions to create curricula and training programs that meet the needs of a modern workforce? How can agencies effectively implement upskilling and reskilling initiatives to prepare their teams for the evolving demands of AI technologies? This session will delve into effective pathways, certifications, and educational programs that can enhance the public sector workforce's ability to adapt to AI integration. Moderator: Zach Thorn, Senior National Conference Director, Government Technology Aldo Dagnino, Director of Applied AI in the College of Engineering, North Carolina State University Christine Hofer, Chief Information Officer, Office of State Human Resources, State of North Carolina Maggie Smith, Research Analyst, Department of Commerce, State of North Carolina
12:00 pm Eastern	Lunch Ballroom A
1:00 pm Eastern	Bits and Bytes - Utilizing Intelligent Automation to Modernize Statewide IT Procurement Ballroom A James Tanzosch, Chief IT Procurement Officer, Department of Information Technology
1:20 pm Eastern	Short Break Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.
1:30 pm Eastern	Concurrent Sessions Transforming Citizen Services with AI: The SCUBI Chatbot for North Carolina's Unemployment Claims 302A Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the SCUBI Consortium’s innovative approach to developing a conversational AI chatbot for the North Carolina Department of Employment Security (NC DES). This project aims to simplify and expedite the unemployment claims process - enhancing the citizen experience through responsible AI deployment. In this session we will dive into this unique collaborative initiative and how AI can improve service delivery while prioritizing safety, security. Raju Gadiraju, Chief Information Officer, Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security, State of North Carolina Crystal Pitts, Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security, State of North Carolina Workplace Culture for a New Era 302B As emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) reshape the landscape of work, the public sector must adapt to foster a workforce culture that embraces innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. An effective company culture is consistently at the top of the list of job hunters. So how do you do it right? How can we as leaders overcome certain perceptions about the future of work? Getting everyone to row and lean into the organization’s mission is more critical than ever. This session will explore what creating an effective workplace culture means now and into the future. Moderator: Mick DiGrazia, Senior Director Enterprise Operations, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Mark Wittenburg, Chief Information Officer, City of Raleigh Vijay Ramanujam, Acting Chief Information Officer, Department of Health and Human Services, State of North Carolina AI Innovation Showcase: Unleashing the Future of Intelligent Solutions 302C AI is transforming the way we work and engage - from automating repetitive tasks and streamlining document generation to enhancing business platforms and revolutionizing citizen engagement. In this session, you’ll get a firsthand look at cutting-edge innovations powered by AI. Join our expert panel as they explore how AI is shaping new solutions, making an impact across industries, and bringing intelligent technology into our everyday lives. Moderator: Keith Briggs, Director of Enterprise Architecture & Innovation, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Andrew Hess, AI Lead, Wake County Mladen Milanovic, Vice President, Automation, Presidio Mike Ware, Chief Information Officer, Department of Environmental Quality, State of North Carolina Vinny Scotto, AI Pursuit Team, Enterprise East, Dell Technologies
2:30 pm Eastern	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Ballroom A Lobby
2:50 pm Eastern	Security of AI, Security with AI, Security From AI John Evans, Chief Technology Advisor, State & Local Government & Education, World Wide Technology
3:10 pm Eastern	General Session - High Performance AI Factories: Efficient and Scalable Regional Solutions for Advanced Computing Ballroom A Tracy Futhey, Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Duke University
3:50 pm Eastern	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area Ballroom A Lobby Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
4:15 pm Eastern	End of Day One

Thursday, December 5
8:00 am Eastern	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Ballroom A Lobby
9:00 am Eastern	Opening Remarks Ballroom A Jim Weaver, Secretary and Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Cherie Givens, State Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Torry Crass, State Chief Risk Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina
9:30 am Eastern	Keynote – Tales From the Crypt…Analyst: The After Life Ballroom A Our speaker, a seasoned InfoSec pioneer and former NSA Cryptologist, will guide us through the early, defining days of Information Security in this third installment of his “Tales from the Crypt…Analyst” series. Starting with his transition from the NSA to the private sector, he’ll share stories about convincing companies that firewalls were essential to connecting safely to the Internet, how penetration testing evolved into modern security architecture practices, and the surprising security risks of early network setups. How did the landscape shift as organizations began to take security seriously? What was it like to “root” a mainframe? And are today’s challenges really so different from those of the past? This session will offer a unique, insightful look at the origins of InfoSec—and the lessons we’re still learning. Jeff Man, Cryptanalyst, InfoSec analyst, pioneering ex-NSA pen tester
10:30 am Eastern	General Session: Raising Security Awareness – A Collaborative Effort Ballroom A Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. In this session, explore how Wake County, the Town of Cary, and the City of Raleigh are joining forces to raise cybersecurity awareness among their residents. This unique collaboration brings together local resources, expertise, and community engagement strategies to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves in an increasingly digital world. Join us as we learn how they joined forces with public sector agencies, non-profits and private sector partners - and how they overcame the inevitable challenges along the way. Moderator: Jonathan Feldman, Chief Information Officer, Wake County Dustin Baptiste, Chief Information Security Officer, Town of Cary Lisa Jones, Chief Information Security Officer, Wake County Marina Kelly, Chief Information Security Officer, City of Raleigh
11:00 am Eastern	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Ballroom A Lobby
11:20 am Eastern	Concurrent Sessions Leveraging Federal Support: Enhancing our Layered Defenses 302A How can North Carolina stay ahead of evolving cyber threats while aligning with national security efforts? What new federal initiatives and funding opportunities are available to strengthen state and local defenses? How can collaboration across layers of government be optimized to protect critical infrastructure? Join leaders from key federal agencies as they offer fresh perspectives, discuss emerging challenges, and share insights on the work being done at the national level. Peter Ahearn, Special Agent, FBI Torry Crass, State Chief Risk Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina The Value of Collaboration Between Legal & Privacy to Ensure Comprehensive Risk Mitigation 302B As the public sector faces increasing pressure to ensure privacy and safeguard data it is more important than ever that partnerships and collaboration provide the needed support to continue to reduce risk. This session will explore ways that legal and privacy teams can and do work together to collaborate on laws, regulations, compliance matters and more! Moderator: Zach Thorn, Senior National Conference Director, Government Technology Cherie Givens, Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Sarah Robey, Privacy Procurement Attorney, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Jonathan Shaw, General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina DR & BCP: The Most Important Acronyms? 302C In today’s threat landscape, how prepared is your organization to recover from a cyberattack or disaster? This session will dive into the critical components of Disaster Recovery (DR) and Business Continuity Planning (BCP) for the public sector. With cyberattacks, natural disasters, and system failures on the rise, it’s more important than ever to have a solid plan in place to ensure the continuity of operations. Our panel of experts will explore best practices for developing and testing disaster recovery strategies, maintaining resilient IT infrastructures, and ensuring rapid recovery with minimal disruption. Moderator: Debora Chance, IT Business Continuity Management Program Manager, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Larry Hobbs, Business Continuity Specialist, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Hank Kaylor, Director, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Albert Moore, IT Security, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Robert Reynolds, Chief Information Officer, Orange County NCLGISA Showcase 303 Scott Clark, Information Technology Manager, Town of Fuquay Varina Randy Cress, Chief Information Officer, Assistant County Manager, Information Technology Department, Rowan County Mark Seelenbacher, Director, Information Technology, Henderson County Shannon Tufts, Professor of Public Administration and Government, Director, Center for Public Technology, University of North Carolina
12:20 pm Eastern	Lunch Ballroom A
1:20 pm Eastern	Short Break Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.
1:30 pm Eastern	Concurrent Sessions Navigating Privacy and Data Protection in the Age of Generative AI: Operational, Ethical, and Legal Strategies for Responsible Technology 302A Generative AI is seeing widespread interest and increasing integration across industries. This new landscape requires a strategic approach to privacy and data protection risk management and compliance. This discussion focuses on essential operational, ethical, and legal strategies to ensure responsible technology practices, protect sensitive data, and uphold compliance in a rapidly evolving landscape. This session will focus on equipping organizations to responsibly leverage generative AI and foster trust while safeguarding data privacy in an increasingly AI-driven world. Moderator: Cherie Givens, Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Peter Gallinari, Data Privacy Program Manager, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Sarah Robey, Privacy Procurement Attorney, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Charting Your Path: Degrees, Certifications, and Real-World Experience 302B In the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity, what’s the best path to success - formal education, industry certifications, or hands-on experience? How should we approach upskilling for current teammates? Should we adjust how we handle the hiring and onboarding process? This session will look to answer all of those questions as we look to bolster our security workforce for 2025 and beyond. Moderator: Zach Thorn, Senior National Conference Director, Government Technology Neil Delacruz, Regional Systems Engineer, Public Sector / SLED, Fortinet Stephen Reeves, Associate Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer, North Carolina Community College System Dr. Mark Sorrells, President, Fayetteville Community College Legislative Pulse: Securing NC for Next Session and Beyond 302C As threats evolve, so do the laws and regulations designed to protect agencies and critical infrastructure. What key bills, regulatory updates, and positions are shaping the State's approach to cyber defense? What successes did NC have during this legislative session and what do we need to be thinking about for 2025 and beyond? Join this session for an in-depth look at how legislative changes are shaping the future of how we protect North Carolinians. Moderator: Jonathan Shaw, General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Jay Chaudhuri, State Senator, District 15, State of North Carolina Torre Jessup, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Jeff Tarte, State Senator (former), State of North Carolina Guarding the Vote: Developments in Election Security 303 In an era where election security is under more scrutiny than ever, how is North Carolina safeguarding the integrity of its democratic process? This session will feature key insights from the North Carolina State Board of Elections on the evolving cybersecurity strategies designed to protect elections from digital threats. From securing voter data to defending against disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks on election infrastructure, this post-election discussion will highlight the critical role cybersecurity plays in ensuring free and fair elections. Karen Brinson Bell, Executive Director, North Carolina State Board of Elections Pat Gannon, Public Information Director, North Carolina State Board of Elections Christine Weber, Chief Information Security Officer, North Carolina State Board of Elections
2:30 pm Eastern	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Ballroom A Lobby
2:40 pm Eastern	Partner Showcase - Why the Future of AI Is on Prem as a Service Ballroom A Jake Augustine, Director, Advanced Services, Broadcom Software
3:10 pm Eastern	Cyber IQ: A Leadership Trivia Challenge on Security, Privacy & AI Ballroom A Think you’re up-to-date on cybersecurity, privacy, and AI? Join us for a collaborative trivia showdown designed to bring public sector leaders together in an interactive networking game focused on the latest in digital resilience. This team-based session challenges participants to dive into real-world questions and scenarios, testing their knowledge of security protocols, privacy regulations, and AI applications in government. Come prepared to share insights, learn from others, and discover new perspectives as you work together to conquer the evolving digital landscape. Will your team rise to the top of this cyber challenge? Let’s find out! Torry Crass, State Chief Risk Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina Zach Thorn, Senior National Conference Director, Government Technology
4:00 pm Eastern	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area Ballroom A Lobby Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
4:30 pm Eastern	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

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2025 Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:

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Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1339
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

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North Carolina Cybersecurity and Privacy Symposium 2024

Overview

To view speaker presentations where available, see Agenda, below.

DAY 1 - AI DayDAY 2 - Cybersecurity and Privacy Day

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

James Weaver

Secretary and Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

Jim Alberque

GIS & Emerging Technology Manager, City of Raleigh

Dustin Baptiste

Chief Information Security Officer, Town of Cary

Karen Brinson Bell

Executive Director, North Carolina State Board of Elections

Keith Briggs

Director of Enterprise Architecture & Innovation, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

Christie Burris

Chief Data Officer, North Carolina Department of Information Technology

Debora Chance

IT Business Continuity Management Program Manager, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

John Evans

Chief Technology Advisor, State & Local Government & Education, World Wide Technology

Jonathan Feldman

Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services Department, Wake County

Raju Gadiraju

Chief Information Officer, Division of Employment Security, Department of Commerce, State of North Carolina

Peter Gallinari

Data Privacy Program Manager, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

Pat Gannon

Public Information Director, North Carolina State Board of Elections

Cherie Givens

Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Information Technology, North Carolina

Todd Hamrick

Enterprise Architect, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

Andrew Hess

AI Lead, Wake County

Christine Hofer

Chief Information Officer, Office of State Human Resources, State of North Carolina

Marina Kelly

Chief Information Security Officer, City of Raleigh

Karen Lee

Workforce Development Manager, Division of Human Resources Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

Caitlyn Mabry

Data & Information Branch Manager, Office of Strategic Initiatives, Department of Transportation, State of North Carolina

Mladen Milanovic

Vice President, Automation, Presidio

Crystal Pitts

Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security, State of North Carolina

Glenn Poplawski

State Solutions Director, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

Rob Reynolds

Chief Information Officer, Orange County

Sarah Robey

Privacy Procurement Attorney, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

Vinny Scotto

AI Pursuit Team, Enterprise East, Dell Technologies

Maggie Smith

Research Analyst, Department of Commerce, State of North Carolina

Mike Ware

Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services, NC Department of Environmental Quality

Christine Weber

Chief Information Security Officer, North Carolina State Board of Elections

Mark Wittenburg

Chief Information Officer, City of Raleigh

Agenda

Wednesday, December 4

8:30 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Ballroom A Lobby

9:30 am Eastern

Opening Remarks

Ballroom A

9:45 am Eastern

Keynote - Balancing Innovation and Security with AI Development through Data Governance

Ballroom A

10:30 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Ballroom A Lobby

11:00 am Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

DAY 1 - AI Day
DAY 2 - Cybersecurity and Privacy Day

Secretary and Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina 

GIS & Emerging Technology Manager, City of Raleigh 

Executive Director, North Carolina State Board of Elections 

Chief Data Officer, North Carolina Department of Information Technology 

IT Business Continuity Management Program Manager, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina 

Chief Technology Advisor, State & Local Government & Education, World Wide Technology 

Public Information Director, North Carolina State Board of Elections 

AI Lead, Wake County 

Chief Information Officer, Office of State Human Resources, State of North Carolina  

Workforce Development Manager, Division of Human Resources Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina 

Data & Information Branch Manager, Office of Strategic Initiatives, Department of Transportation, State of North Carolina   

Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security, State of North Carolina  

AI Pursuit Team, Enterprise East, Dell Technologies 

Research Analyst, Department of Commerce, State of North Carolina 