Oregon Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit 2025 Banner

Overview

The Oregon Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit focuses on addressing the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by the public sector. The event brings together government leaders and IT security professionals to discuss strategies for safeguarding sensitive information, enhancing cybersecurity infrastructure, and staying ahead of evolving threats. Attendees can expect expert insights, collaborative discussions, and practical solutions tailored to the needs of public sector organizations.

 

A message from our Keynote Speaker

We are excited once again to bring our vendor and local partners together to continue to grow Oregon’s strong commitment to defend against cyber criminals who wish to do us harm. With the continued increase in cyber-attacks, it is important for our local government leaders to know how to assess the risks and have an informed workforce as our first line of defense by fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness.

– Terrence Woods, State Chief Information Officer, OR Department of Administrative Services

Agenda

Wednesday, September 24

8:00 am Pacific

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

9:00 am Pacific

Opening Remarks

Ben Gherezgiher, Chief Information Security Officer, State of Oregon

Terrence Woods, Chief Information Officer, State of Oregon

9:15 am Pacific

Keynote

Hacking the Hackers: Strategies for Building Cyber Resilient Organizations

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, organizations must stay ahead to protect their data, operations, and reputation. This session offers a glimpse into a hacker’s mindset, revealing both common and lesser-known threats. Attendees will learn practical strategies to strengthen system defenses, reduce vulnerabilities, and foster resilience. The session also explores the human side of cybersecurity, emphasizing the ways in which leaders can empower their people to play their role in upholding the organization’s cyber defense strategy.

Tarah Wheeler, Cybersecurity Expert, White Hat Hacker

10:15 am Pacific

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

10:45 am Pacific

Concurrent Sessions

AI and Security Risks: Mitigating Sophisticated Threats

Artificial intelligence is transforming how governments operate and deliver services, but it’s also reshaping the threat landscape. What kinds of attacks are public sector cybersecurity teams now facing in an era of AI driven threats? This session will dive into how agencies can leverage AI to reinforce security, detect emerging vulnerabilities, and implement robust governance frameworks to counter bad actors.

Strengthening Identity Management: Securing Public Sector Access in a Zero Trust Era

With cyber threats on the rise, managing digital identities is essential for protecting government systems and services. How can agencies reliably validate identities and reduce the risk of fraud in complex, interconnected environments? This panel will explore actionable strategies for public sector identity management, including zero trust architecture, identity verification protocols, and the role of data governance in building secure access frameworks.

Plan, Prepare, Protect: Interactive Incident Response for Public Sector Resilience

Cyber incidents don’t wait! Are your teams truly ready to respond when the clock starts ticking? This dynamic tabletop exercise puts public sector IT professionals in the driver’s seat, testing real-world decision-making under pressure. Participants will work through simulated scenarios that challenge coordination, communication, and escalation protocols. Learn how to refine your incident response plans, strengthen interagency collaboration, and build muscle memory for cyber crisis readiness.

11:45 am Pacific

Lunch

12:45 pm Pacific

Bits and Bytes

In these TED- style lightening talks, we’ll hear public sector and private sector use cases, success stories and lessons learned.

1:20 pm Pacific

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:30 pm Pacific

Concurrent Sessions

Cybersecurity Awareness: Internet and Mobile Safety

As government operations increasingly rely on mobile connectivity and online platforms, safeguarding digital interactions becomes more critical than ever. How can public sector teams ensure secure browsing, data protection, and mobile device hygiene across their workforce? This session will unpack practical strategies for minimizing risks in internet and mobile usage, promoting security-first habits, and empowering employees with the awareness needed to protect sensitive information and uphold public trust.

Strategic Collaboration: Aligning Cybersecurity Initiatives with Business Goals

Effective cybersecurity isn’t just a technical pursuit, it thrives on strong collaboration between IT and business leaders. How can public sector IT teams choose the right technologies while navigating urgency, complexity, and long-term business goals? This session explores the convergence of cybersecurity strategy and public service delivery. Attendees will gain insights into cross departmental collaboration, aligning investments with business priorities, and accelerating secure innovation.

Cloud Risk Management: Unleashing the Power of Secure Partnerships

In today’s cloud landscape, securing both your agency’s environments and those of your vendors is mission critical. How can agencies implement continuous cloud security monitoring to protect sensitive data and maintain operational integrity? Join our expert panel to learn how to evaluate third-party cloud security, enforce real-time visibility through contract terms, and align with federal and industry standards. Walk away with actionable steps to leverage cloud-native tools and build resilient, compliant partnerships.

Exclusive Executive Briefing

Ben Gherezgiher, Chief Information Security Officer, State of Oregon

Terrence Woods, Chief Information Officer, State of Oregon

2:30 pm Pacific

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

2:50 pm Pacific

General Session - Cyber Smarts Showdown: A Team Trivia Challenge

Think you know cybersecurity? Ready to put that knowledge to the test? Join fellow attendees for a fast-paced, team-based trivia game covering topics like cyber hygiene, threat actors, identity management, privacy, and real-world government use cases. This interactive session is a chance to collaborate, compete, and connect with peers from across the public sector. Whether you're in it to win or just want to sharpen your knowledge and meet new people, this is your moment to engage, learn, and have some fun.

3:30 pm Pacific

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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

4:00 pm Pacific

End of Conference

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

Salem Convention Center

200 Commercial Street SE
Salem, OR 97301
(503) 589-1700

Get Directions To
Salem Convention Center

Planning Committee

Representatives

Ben Gherezgiher
CISO
Enterprise Information Sevices
State of Oregon

Jimmy Godard
CTO
Enterprise Information Sevices
State of Oregon

Shirlene Gonzalez
Legislative Director
Enterprise Information Sevices
State of Oregon

Kathryn Helms
Chief Data Officer
Enterprise Information Sevices
State of Oregon

Hope Hiebert
Communications Director
Enterprise Information Sevices
State of Oregon

Terremce Woods
CIO
Enterprise Information Sevices
State of Oregon

Birol Yesilada
Professor and Director
Cybersecurity Center for Excellence & Mark O. Hatfield Cyber Defense Policy
Portland State University

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: September 24, 2025

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:

Kathy Simpson
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1394
E-mail: ksimpson@erepublic.com

Already a sponsor, but need a hand? Reach out to:

Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 365-2308
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) 296-2617
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

Venue

Salem Convention Center

200 Commercial Street SE
Salem, OR 97301
(503) 589-1700