The Digital Government Summit is an event that brings together public sector leaders and technology professionals to explore innovative solutions to solve government problems. Key themes include cybersecurity, digital transformation, AI implementation, data governance, and fostering collaboration across multiple stakeholders. Attendees will benefit from expert discussions, peer networking, and insights into the future of government technology. Join us and let’s improve the future of government together!
We are excited to welcome the amazing e.Republic team back to Rhode Island in May 2025 for our second Digital Government Summit. This event offers the opportunity to unite public and private sector thought leadership on ways to leverage technology and data to digitally transform the way Rhode Island conducts business is a rare and exciting opportunity that I am hopeful you can join us for.
– Brian Tardiff, Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information Officer, State of Rhode Island
Wednesday, May 7 |
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8:00 am Eastern |
Registration and Morning RefreshmentsGrand Ballroom Foyer |
9:00 am Eastern |
Opening RemarksGrand Ballroom Salon 3 - 5Brian Tardiff, Chief Digital Officer/Chief Information Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island |
9:10 am Eastern |
General Session – IT State of the StateGrand Ballroom Salon 3 - 5Join this in-depth discussion on the state of IT in Rhode Island and the key factors driving digital transformation. This session will explore how technology is impacting policy and investment, the future of data, and updates on the state's AI Task Force. The session will also highlight opportunities for cross-jurisdictional collaboration, shared resources, and leveraging existing state research and contracts to drive efficiency and innovation. Brian Tardiff, Chief Digital Officer/Chief Information Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island Jonathan Womer, Director, Department of Administration, State of Rhode Island |
9:40 am Eastern |
Keynote – Find Your Fight: Innovating When the Odds Are Against YouGrand Ballroom Salon 3 – 5In 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 |
10:40 am Eastern |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaGrand Ballroom Foyer |
11:10 am Eastern |
Concurrent SessionsOrganizational Transformation: Driving Culture, Security, and ChangeGrand Ballroom Salon 1Successful organizational transformation requires a strategic balance of leadership, communication, and cultural adaptation. This session explores how IT leaders can drive and sustain culture change, strengthen cybersecurity awareness, and effectively align stakeholders with emerging technologies. Attendees will gain insights into managing risk, optimizing resources, and balancing investments in people and technology to ensure lasting organizational readiness. Moderator: Sandy Furtado-Nardozza, Deputy Chief of IT, Agency and Enterprise Applications, Non-Health, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island Nick Craig, Director of Information Technology, City of Newport Laurie Schaeffer, Interim Chief Information Officer, Rhode Island College Elise Swearingen, ETSS Client Experience Lead (OCM), Department of Administration, State of Rhode Island Strategic and Operational Optimization: Maximizing IT Partnerships for Government EfficiencyGrand Ballroom Salon 2An effective IT strategy is crucial for state and local governments to deliver reliable services while maximizing limited resources. With constrained budgets and rapidly evolving technology, optimizing IT partnerships is key to maintaining high-quality, consistent services. This session will explore the best practices for managing outsourcing agreements, enhancing vendor collaboration, and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity protocols. Attendees will gain valuable insights into managing legacy systems, navigating funding challenges, and sustaining modernization efforts while balancing risk, efficiency, and strategic investments. Gabriele Fariello, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services, University of Rhode Island Nicole Nelson, Director, Information Technology Systems, Executive Office of Health and Human Services, State of Rhode Island Carlos Zambrano, Director of Information Technology, City of East Providence |
12:10 pm Eastern |
LunchGrand Ballroom Salon 3 - 5 |
1:00 pm Eastern |
Interactive Session – Real-World Cyber Attack Simulation: Preparing Defenders for the FrontlineGrand Ballroom Salon 3 – 5There’s no substitute for real-world experience when it comes to preparing for cyber incidents. In an ideal world, analysts would be able to gain experience long before ever stepping foot into a Security Operations Center (SOC), but that simply hasn’t been the reality. This session offers a realistic cyber-attack tabletop exercise, immersing attendees in the intensity and dynamics of an actual attack. By engaging in this scenario, participants will develop the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively when real cyber threats occur. Join us to gain the critical experience that can make all the difference in a high-stakes environment. R. Mike Tetreault, Interim Chief of Cyber for Region 1 – New England and Cybersecurity Advisor for Rhode Island, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security |
1:40 pm Eastern |
Short BreakPlease proceed to the concurrent sessions. |
1:45 pm Eastern |
Concurrent SessionsHype vs. Value: Understanding Usefulness and Managing RisksGrand Ballroom Salon 1As AI and emerging technologies rapidly evolve, state and local governments must balance innovation with practicality, governance, and risk. This session explores real-world AI applications, data governance strategies, and budget-conscious approaches to adoption. Attendees will gain insights into distinguishing hype from impactful use cases, ensuring responsible implementation, effective data governance, and preparing for the operational impact of these emerging technologies. Moderator: Scott Gausland, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island Tim Henry, Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, Rhode Island College Rebecca Lebeau, Director of Data and Analytics, Executive Office of Health and Human Services, State of Rhode Island Future-Ready WorkforceGrand Ballroom Salon 2As the public sector adapts to resource constraints, evolving skill demands, and technological advancements, organizations must strategically upskill their workforce to optimize productivity. This session will explore effective approaches to succession planning, leadership development, and technical training to address these evolving needs. Attendees will gain valuable insights into leveraging emerging tools, such as AI, modernizing skill development strategies, and preparing the next generation of IT professionals for a rapidly changing landscape. Moderator: Doug Alexander, Director, Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies, Rhode Island College Congressman Jim Langevin, Distinguished Chair, Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies, Rhode Island College Exclusive Briefing for Industry PartnersGrand Ballroom Salon 3 - 5Hosted by: State of Rhode Island Sandy Furtado-Nardozza, Deputy Chief of IT, Agency and Enterprise Applications, Non-Health, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island Osiris Gonzalez, Deputy Chief of Infrastructure, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island Nathan Loura, Chief Information Security Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island Michael Lombardi, IT Sourcing Manager, State of Rhode Island Ramesh Madhavan, Chief of IT Sourcing & Contracts, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island |
2:45 pm Eastern |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaGrand Ballroom Foyer |
3:15 pm Eastern |
Bits and Bytes – The Art of Incidence ResponseGrand Ballroom Salon 3 - 5Rhode Island’s Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services (ETSS) will provide invaluable insights into effective incident response, communication strategies, and the importance of resilience in managing the aftermath of the recent cyber-attack. This case study presentation will feature ongoing efforts, highlighting the tangible steps to enhance cybersecurity resilience and mitigate future risks. Discover Rhode Island’s resilience and determination in overcoming cyber adversity! Nathan Loura, Chief Information Security Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island |
3:35 pm Eastern |
General Session – The New Data Paradigm: Revamping the Government Data Infrastructure for the FutureGrand Ballroom Salon 3 - 5The future of government hinges on its ability to harness, manage, and protect data effectively. In this session, presented by the Center for Digital Government, we’ll explore the shift toward a modernized data infrastructure that prioritizes interoperability, scalability, and security. From breaking down data silos to leveraging AI and cloud-based solutions, this presentation will highlight key strategies for future-proofing government data ecosystems. John Matelski, Executive Director, Center for Digital Government |
4:15 pm Eastern |
Closing RemarksGrand Ballroom Salon 3 - 5Brian Tardiff, Chief Digital Officer/Chief Information Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island |
4:30 pm Eastern |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaGrand Ballroom FoyerNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors. |
5:00 pm Eastern |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
801 Greenwich Ave
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 732-6000
Doug Alexander
Director
Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies
Rhode Island College
James Bradley
Chief Information Officer
Information Technology
Community College of Rhode Island
Christine Cabral
Chief of Staff
Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services
State of Rhode Island
Philip Carlucci
IT Director
Management Information Services Division
City of Warwick
Nick Craig
Director of Information Technology
Information Technology
City of Newport
Bob DaSilva
Mayor
City of East Providence
Gabriele Fariello
Chief Information Officer
Information Technology Services
University of Rhode Island
Paul Fontaine
Chief Information Officer
Providence College
Lori Ann Fox
IT Director
Information Technology
South Kingstown
Sandy Furtado-Nardozza
Deputy Chief of IT, Agency and Enterprise Applications, Non-Health
Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services
State of Rhode Island
Scott Gausland
Chief Data and Analytics Officer
Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services
State of Rhode Island
Garth Hoxsie-Quinn
Supervising GIS Specialist
DOA-Division of Statewide Planning
State of Rhode Island
Terrance Jackson
Director of Information Technology
eGov & IT
Rhode Island Department of State
Gary Jarvis
Deputy Chief of Technology
Information Technology
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority
Christopher Keith
VP Information Technology and CIO
Brown University
Olivia King
State Coordinator, Health Information Technology
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
State of Rhode Island
Jacques Laflamme
Chief Information Officer
New England Institute of Technology
Chuck LoCurto
Vice President for Information Services and Chief Information Officer
Bryant University
Nathan Loura
Chief Information Security Officer
Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services
State of Rhode Island
Nicole Nelson
Director, Information Technology Systems
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
State of Rhode Island
Arul Rangaraju
Chief of IT Portfolio and Projects, Office of Digital Excellence
Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services
State of Rhode Island
Laurie Schaeffer
Interim Chief Information Officer
Rhode Island College
Jim Silveria
Chief Information Officer
City of Providence
Brian Tardiff
Chief Digital Officer/Chief Information Officer
Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services
State of Rhode Island
R. Mike Tetreault
Interim Chief of Cyber for Region 1 – New England and Cybersecurity Advisor for Rhode Island
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Beth Tyler
Deputy Chief of Health Applications
Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services
State of Rhode Island
Eric Yelle
Det. Lieutenant
Computer Crimes Unit / JCTF
Rhode Island State Police
Carlos Zambrano
Director of Information Technology
City of East Providence
Joe Colangelo
Named Account Manager
Fortinet
Open to Public Sector only.
Registration - Free
If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.
For registration and general assistance contact:
Sherri Tidwell
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1382
E-mail: stidwell@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