Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

Corey Mock, Chief Information Officer, State of North Dakota

Keynote – Leading Beyond Our Limits

We’re pressed to the edge of our comfort zone daily. Faced with evolving challenges, unforeseen obstacles, and constant change, it can be tempting to stick to the familiar and avoid risk. Yet, there’s opportunity on the other side of discomfort, and standing out as a leader who’s willing to embrace uncharted territories is a remarkable way to inspire innovation and drive transformation. Join Saby Waraich as he draws on his real-life experience as a trailblazing guide in leadership. Learn to step into the uncomfortable to expand your impact, conquer complex challenges, and build a legacy of resilient leadership.

Saby Waraich, Chief Information Officer/Chief Information Security Officer, Clackamas Community College

Bits and Bytes - Tech Talk: Translating IT Lingo for Government Decision-Makers

How can you turn technical expertise into clear, compelling stories that resonate with nontechnical audiences? In this session we explore how to engage and influence key stakeholders through the power of effective storytelling. Join us and gain practical tools to strengthen your communication skills and thrive in the fast-paced world of government and education IT.

Rob Keller, Co-Founder, North Dakota Public Information Officer Association

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Data Structure: Laying a Solid Foundation for AI

Effective data management is the backbone of successful public sector innovation. By establishing a strategic data foundation, technology leaders can create a resilient infrastructure that supports both current operations and future initiatives, including AI deployment. This session will explore the prerequisites for AI readiness, such as robust data governance, comprehensive data retention policies, and effective records management. Join us for actionable insights to elevate your data strategy and drive meaningful transformation.

Moderator: Kimberly Weis, MPH, Chief Data Officer, North Dakota Information Technology

Benjamin Welte, Data Governance Manager, North Dakota Information Technology

Automation in Action: Use Cases and Workforce Transformation

Automation and RPA are increasingly being used to streamline routine tasks, save time, and boost efficiency - even with limited resources. This session features real-world use cases, practical tips for identifying automation opportunities, and strategies to empower staff to think differently about workflows. Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale, you'll leave with actionable ideas and a clearer understanding of how automation can support your team and the constituents you serve.

Skyler Lunsford, Microsoft 365 Copilot Administrator, North Dakota Information Technology

From A to Z: Lessons in Crisis Management

When a crisis hits - whether it's a cyberattack, natural disaster, or major system failure - a fragmented response can cause confusion and delay recovery. This session highlights the importance of a unified, cross-functional approach to crisis management for public sector organizations. You'll learn how to strengthen coordination, improve response times, and support continuity of operations. Through real-world examples and insights, attendees will gain practical strategies for breaking down silos, fostering resilience, and preparing your organization to respond swiftly and effectively to any crisis.

Moderator: Anthony Aukland, MBA, Technology Outreach Director, North Dakota Information Technology

Jared A. Lemieux, Program Administrator, Statewide Interoperable Radio Network, North Dakota Information Technology

Darin Hanson, Homeland Security Director, North Dakota Information Technology

Ryan Stepan, City/County IT Systems and Security Administrator, Williams County

Lunch

Bits and Bytes – Silent Storm: Lessons from a Three-Year Botnet That Stayed Below the Radar

Explore one of the most quietly persistent threats observed in recent years—the 7777 botnet. Over the course of three years, this adversary executed a slow, methodical campaign that evaded traditional defenses while silently targeting critical infrastructure. This session unpacks the tactics that let the attack remain largely unnoticed, offering key takeaways on how advanced threat actors are redefining persistence—and how defenders can anticipate and deny this attack vector.

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

AI in Action: Driving Efficiency and Innovation

Adopting AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency is quickly becoming the norm. Streamlining processes, optimizing resource allocation, and delivering better services to the community are no longer a “nice to have”, but a “must have”. In this session we will examine case studies and strategies for leading AI pilot programs that drive innovation, improve decision-making, and ultimately transform public service delivery for the better.

Moderator: Logan Tong, User Support Specialist, University IT, University of North Dakota

Jason Anderson, Data Insights and AI Manager, North Dakota Information Technology

Cybersecurity is a Team Sport: United We Secure

Cyberattacks are growing in both sophistication and frequency, posing serious challenges for state and local governments and education. Meeting these threats requires a united, proactive approach - one built on strong intergovernmental collaboration, shared strategies, and access to the right resources. This session will explore how partnerships and coordinated efforts across agencies can strengthen cybersecurity defenses. We’ll highlight the tools, programs, and relationships that can help public sector teams stay resilient and ready.

Moderator: Josh Kadrmas, Governance, Risk, Compliance Sr. Manager, North Dakota Information Technology

Ethan Kobos, Cybersecurity Analyst, University IT, University of North Dakota

Building Bridges: Effective Information Sharing for Improved Constituent Experience

In an era where technology continually reshapes our world, our guiding principle remains to improve the lives of our constituents. They seek an intuitive, holistic, and accessible approach when interacting with government services. Meeting modern users’ needs is more critical than ever. The solution lies in user engagement practices, human-centered design, and effective data sharing. Are they getting what they need? How can we design our systems and applications to meet the needs of both the enterprise and the individual while ensuring seamless information sharing?

Moderator: Craig Felchle, Chief Technology Officer, North Dakota Information Technology

Evonne Amundson, Chief Business Applications Officer, North Dakota Information Technology

Jessica Thomasson, Executive Director, Human Services Division, North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Corey Mock, Chief Information Officer, State of North Dakota

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session – The Digital Government Challenge: A Public Sector Trivia Showdown

Join us for a fun and engaging closing session where we’ll put your knowledge to the test with an interactive trivia game! Our panel of experts will be on stage, not just to weigh in on the answers, but to share their insights, experiences, and wisdom along the way. This session will be a perfect mix of learning and laughter, highlighting key themes from the event while keeping things lighthearted and engaging. Don’t miss this chance to reflect, gain new perspectives, and wrap up the conference on a high note!

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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

End of Conference

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