Ohio IT Leadership Forum 2025 Banner

Overview

The IT Leadership Forum is a premier event designed for current and emerging public sector IT leaders to explore technological advancements that drive government innovation. The forum emphasizes leadership development, offering participants valuable opportunities to enhance their professional skills, engage in peer networking, and collaborate on strategies to improve public services through technology. This invitation-only event provides a space for leaders to collaborate while addressing the most important policy, management and leadership issues surrounding the future of digital government. Contact us if you’d like to join the conversation!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Ohio is a leader in embracing technological advances to drive innovation in government. Our partnerships across state and local government are key to our success in capitalizing on technology to enhance systems that serve as critical links for Ohioans seeking to start or grow businesses, obtain services, and thrive in our state. Just as technology evolves, so must leadership. Join us again this year at the IT Leadership Forum to take advantage of valuable networking, leadership skills development, and continued collaboration that will keep our momentum going well into the future.

- Katrina Flory, Chief Information Officer, State of Ohio

Agenda

Thursday, May 29

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

9:00 am Eastern

Opening Remarks

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

9:15 am Eastern

Keynote – Charting Your Course: A Global Perspective on Team Development and Leadership

In today’s dynamic landscape, leaders must remain attuned to emerging trends and stay ahead of new developments to effectively guide their teams through times of transformation. What valuable insights can we glean from how governments and organizations worldwide approach challenges? And how does this impact our work in the public sector? This session explores pressing topics such as change management, the role of Artificial Intelligence in our daily lives, and strategies for upskilling your teams. In her timely keynote address, Dr. Mary Kelly offers actionable takeaways, helping you assess your current position on the ever-evolving tech roadmap and how to empower your team with necessary tools for progress.

Mary Kelly, PhD, Former Commander, US Navy

10:15 am Eastern

General Session

10:45 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

11:15 am Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Evolving as a Leader: Develop, Elevate, Sustain

Strong IT leadership isn’t just about today’s work - it’s about building a lasting foundation for the future. How can you evolve as a leader? In this session we will learn strategies for visionary goal setting, succession planning, and coaching programs. Join us to discover how you can foster innovation and position your organization for long-term success.

Storytelling: Communication with Impact

Strong communication is a cornerstone of effective IT leadership - whether articulating a vision, securing buy-in from executives, or guiding teams through change. This session will explore how to sharpen your storytelling skills to convey complex technical concepts, build trust, and drive action. Join us to learn strategies for effective communication in both times of stability and crisis, and how to imbue the next generation of tech leaders with strong storytelling skills.

Next in Line: Cultivating Emerging Leaders

Great IT leadership doesn’t happen by chance, it is intentionally cultivated. This session explores how to identify emerging leaders and create opportunities for their growth through career development, strategic team dynamics and mentorship. Learn how to build confidence in future leaders, leverage their strengths, and create a culture that fosters leadership at all levels.

12:15 pm Eastern

Lunch

1:15 pm Eastern

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:30 pm Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

The Ohio Digital Academy Update: What We’ve Learned and Where We’re Going

One year later, how has the Ohio Digital Academy advanced its mission to build a strong IT workforce pipeline? This session provides updates on key successes, challenges overcome, and lessons learned in training and employing early-career IT professionals. Hear firsthand how the Academy is shaping Ohio’s future workforce, meeting the evolving demands of technology and cybersecurity, and driving innovation in both the public and private sectors.

Expanding the Talent Pool: Recruiting Skilled IT Professionals

To reflect the needs of an evolving workforce and ensure innovative solutions, government must explore diverse talent pools to build strong teams. This session will cover strategies for attracting skilled professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Join us to learn how you can tap into a variety of talent sources and build an inclusive recruiting strategy that makes your organization a top choice for tech professionals seeking meaningful opportunities.

Stepping Up: Turn Hesitation into Leadership

Fewer and fewer people are showing interest in stepping into leadership roles - how can we change that? Join us to explore strategies for making leadership more appealing by highlighting the intangible rewards, career growth, and long-term impact of frontline supervisory roles. In this session, you'll walk away with actionable insights to strengthen your leadership pipeline and learn practical approaches to inspire and develop the next generation of IT leaders.

2:30 pm Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

2:55 pm Eastern

General Session – The Leadership Challenge: A Public Sector Trivia Showdown

Join us for a fun and engaging 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 day on a high note!

Host: Phil Bertolini, Chief Delivery Officer, Government Technology

3:45 pm Eastern

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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

4:15 pm Eastern

End of Conference

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

Renaissance Columbus Downtown

50 North Third Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 228-5050

Get Directions To
Renaissance Columbus Downtown

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Eric Bess
Chief Information Officer
Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services
State of Ohio

Tina Chubb
Chief Information Officer
Department of Insurance
State of Ohio

Holly Drake
Chief Information Security Officer/Privacy Officer
Department of Administrative Services, Office of Information Technology
State of Ohio

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

Adam Frumkin
Chief Information Officer
Franklin County Data Center
Franklin County

Kirk Herath
Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor
Office of the Governor
State of Ohio

Brian Hernandez
Chief Information Officer
Department of Youth Services
State of Ohio

Nathan Huskey
Chief Information Officer
Department of Health
State of Ohio

Andy Johnson
Chief Information Officer
Cuyahoga County

Kurt McDowell
Chief Information Officer
Legislative Information Systems
State of Ohio

Raivo Murnieks
Chief Data Officer
Department of Administrative Services, Office of Data and Efficiency
State of Ohio

Sam Orth
Director of Technology
City of Columbus

Kannan Ramanujam
Chief Application Services
Department of Administrative Services, Office of Information Technology
State of Ohio

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

Shawn Robinson
Chief Information Officer
Department of Development
State of Ohio

Kimberly Roy-Wilson
Commissioner
Information Technology Services
City of Cleveland

Charles See
Deputy Chief of Staff, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships and Education Technology
Department of Higher Education
State of Ohio

Parvinder Singh
Chief Information Officer
Ohio Secretary of State
State of Ohio

Mark Smith
Chief Information Officer
Department of Job and Family Services
State of Ohio

Anupam Srivastava
Chief Information Officer
Department of Administrative Services, Office of Information Technology
State of Ohio

Jeff Swan
Chief Infrastructure Services
Department of Administrative Services, Office of Information Technology
State of Ohio

Sean Ware
Director
Enterprise Technology Solutions
City of Cincinnati

Industry Representatives

Vadivel Kumaran Pandian
Associate Director
Accenture

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: May 29, 2025

This is an invitation-only event, open to Public Sector only. For more information or to request an invitation, please contact Timiko Watkins.

If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.

Contact Information

To RSVP and for general assistance contact:

Timiko Watkins
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1314
E-mail: twatkins@erepublic.com

For assistance or questions concerning Sponsor Logos or Logistics please contact:

Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@erepublic.com

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:

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

Venue

Renaissance Columbus Downtown

50 North Third Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 228-5050

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Room Block

Room Rate: $149/night, single, $169/night double.

Rate Cut-Off Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

To Make a Reservation:

Phone: (877) 901-6632 and reference Ohio IT Leadership Forum.
Online: Group Reservation Link
If you experience issues booking online, call the hotel directly for assistance.

Rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, once the room block is full, you will need to make other arrangements for your accommodations with the hotel directly or at a nearby hotel. 

Map and Directions

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cmhbr-renaissance-columbus-downtown-hotel/overview/

Event Parking

Self-parking: There are two nearby garages that offer self-parking for a daily fee:

- Uptown District Public Parking Lot (62 E Gay St.)
- 4th & Elm Garage (78 N 4th St.)

Valet parking:  The discounted overnight rate is $35.00, per day with unlimited access. The discounted daily rate is $18.00, with no in and out access per vehicle, based on availability.

Parking fees subject to change without notice.