Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

Katrina Flory, State Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, Department of Administrative Services, State of Ohio

Keynote - Find Your Fight: Innovating When the Odds Are Against You

In moments when challenges feel insurmountable, and the odds are stacked against us, how do we find the will to fight - and win? In this powerful and energizing talk, Jessica O. Matthews shares how the most groundbreaking innovations often emerge from struggle, uncertainty, and adversity. Drawing from her own journey as a pioneering entrepreneur and inventor, Jessica explores how resilience, creativity, and relentless problem-solving can transform even the toughest setbacks into opportunities for impact and growth. This session will help you reframe challenges as opportunities for breakthrough innovation, develop resilience during moments of struggle, and uncover determination to keep fighting for transformative solutions.

Jessica O. Matthews, CEO of Uncharted, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur, Trailblazing Energy Advocate

Bits and Bytes - Preparing for HB 96: What to Know About Ohio’s New Cyber Law

Ohio’s new cybersecurity legislation – included in House Bill 96 - sets important new standards for state and local government. Signed into law in June 2025, the bill introduces requirements around incident reporting, annual cybersecurity training, and the establishment of foundational cyber programs. In this session you’ll learn about what what’s expected, what resources are available, and how to build a strong, compliant cybersecurity posture in alignment with the new law.

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

AI Readiness: Building the Case for Responsible Innovation

AI holds tremendous potential for improving government operations but realizing that potential starts with a clear strategy and a strong business case. This session will explore how to assess AI readiness, identify practical use cases, and align efforts with organizational goals and public trust. Learn how to build compelling business cases that demonstrate value, engage stakeholders, evaluate risks, and lay the groundwork for responsible, scalable AI adoption. Whether you're just beginning or refining your approach, this session will help you move from interest to action.

Vanitha Zacharias, Administrator, Investment and Governance, Office of Information Technology, Dept of Administrative Services, State of Ohio

Modernization and Transformation: Leading Enterprise Projects to Success

Successful IT modernization goes beyond technology - it requires strong leadership, project sponsorship, and a customer-centric approach. As emerging technologies like automation and AI become more integrated into enterprise projects, the need for strategic alignment and change leadership is greater than ever. Do you have the critical skills to champion these initiatives, engage stakeholders, and ensure seamless service delivery? In this session you’ll discover how to build organizational buy-in, shift mindsets, and navigate complex change with confidence.

Aman Singh, Managing Director, Accenture

Navigating Tech Adoption and End-User Empowerment

Successfully implementing new technologies isn’t just about the tools, it’s about the people who use them. How can you build buy-in, manage change, and empower team members to take ownership of emerging technologies? In this session we will learn how to strike the right balance between enabling innovation and maintaining governance. Join us to hear practical strategies for engaging end users, fostering accountability, and turning resistance into momentum!

Guy Pensa, Senior Technology Evangelist, Portage Cybertech

Demystifying Accessibility and Inclusive Design

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II mandate presents unique challenges and opportunities for public sector IT. This session will examine the ongoing strategic and operational impacts of ADA compliance on digital accessibility. It will also explore essential frameworks for inclusivity and usability, such as considerations in building inclusive design, assistive technology compatibility, and multiple modes of operation.

Lunch

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Closing the Gaps: Reducing Cyber Vulnerabilities

Significant reductions in cybersecurity vulnerabilities don’t happen by accident - they require intentional collaboration, transparency, and a shift in how risk is prioritized. In this session we’ll explore how to increase visibility, align with business programs, and make cybersecurity a shared responsibility. Join us to learn practical steps for managing risk, engaging non-IT leaders, and embedding cyber accountability into the foundation of your operations.

Data Evolution: Advancing Secure, Collaborative, and Purposeful Data Use

Data is a powerful asset, but only when it’s secure, well-governed, and shared responsibly. In this session, discover how Ohio is transforming its approach to enterprise data through statewide collaboration, clear governance frameworks, and a strong focus on privacy and security. Join us to explore learn about statewide data-sharing compacts, how local governments can plug into broader analytics efforts, and evolving policy and retention standards - all aimed at unlocking data’s full potential through secure, strategic collaboration.

Skills of the Future: Building a Culture of Learning and Innovation in Government

As technology rapidly evolves, government agencies must do more than adopt new tools - they must prepare their workforce to grow with them. This session delves into how you can build a culture of continuous learning, upskill staff in emerging areas like AI and data analytics, and overcome fear or hesitation around innovation. Join us to learn how to nurture habits of learning, leverage available resources, and equip your teams with the skills of the future.

Michael Carmack, Chief Information Officer, Department of Education and Workforce, State of Ohio

Jasmine Ramaradjou, Chief Information Officer, Department of Public Safety, State of Ohio

Armand Salimnejad, Senior Solutions Engineer, Snowflake

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by:

Katrina Flory, State Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, Department of Administrative Services, State of Ohio

Adam Frumkin, Chief Information Officer, Franklin County Data Center, Franklin County

Kimberly Roy-Wilson, Director, Information Technology & Services, City of Cleveland

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session - The Government Experience Revolution: Reimagining Personalized Government Delivery

Constituents today expect the same level of seamless, personalized service from government that they receive in the private sector. The Government Experience Revolution is transforming how agencies deliver services - moving from one-size-fits-all approaches to data-driven, user-centric experiences. This session will explore how governments are leveraging emerging technologies, digital identity, and advanced analytics to anticipate citizen needs, streamline interactions, and build trust through personalization.

John Matelski, Executive Director, The Centers for Digital Government and Public Sector AI

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.