Registration and Morning Refreshments

Opening Remarks

Brian Tardiff, Chief Digital Officer/Chief Information Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

General Session – IT State of the State

Join 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

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

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Organizational Transformation: Driving Culture, Security, and Change

Successful 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

Laurie Schaeffer, Interim Chief Information Officer, Rhode Island College

Strategic and Operational Optimization: Maximizing IT Partnerships for Government Efficiency

An 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.

Lunch

Interactive Session –Real-World Cyber Attack Simulation: Preparing Defenders for the Frontline

There’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

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Hype vs. Value: Understanding Usefulness and Managing Risks

As 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

Future-Ready Workforce

As 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.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted 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

Nathan Loura, Chief Information Security Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Bits and Bytes – The Art of Incidence Response

Rhode 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

General Session – The New Data Paradigm – Revamping the Government Data Infrastructure for the Future

The 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

Closing Remarks

Brian Tardiff, Chief Digital Officer/Chief Information Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

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.