Name: San Diego Digital Government Summit 2024
Start: 2024-06-27T08:00
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Mission Valley

Overview

The Digital Government Summit brings together technology focused public-sector professionals with leading industry partners to connect on innovative approaches, get inspired and discover new technologies. Join us and let’s improve the future of government together!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Jonathan Behnke

Chief Information Officer, City of San Diego

Jonathan Behnke is the Chief Information Officer for the City of San Diego. He has over 20 years of IT experience managing and implementing technology for a broad range of industries including public sector, contract services, oil, construction, automotive, distribution, consulting, and manufacturing.
In Jonathan’s current role he is responsible for the technology strategy and operations for America's eighth largest City including data center, network, voice, public safety wireless communications, web services, enterprise applications, portfolio management, cybersecurity, GIS, and data analytics in support of over 10,000 users and 1.4 million citizens.
He also serves on the Board of Directors for SanGIS, a joint powers authority between the City and County of San Diego responsible for maintaining a regional GIS land base and data warehouse. In support of CA Governor's Office of Emergency Services, he also serves on the California Cybersecurity Task Force.

Mary Kelly, PhD

Former Commander, US Navy

Mary Kelly is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and spent over twenty years on active duty in intelligence and logistics. She retired from the Navy as a commander. She has master’s degrees in history and economics, and a PhD in economics. Mary has more than twenty years combined teaching experience at the Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Hawaii Pacific University. She has extensive experience in business coaching, management, economics, government, organizational leadership, communication, organizational growth, teamwork, strategic planning, human resources, customer service, time management, and project development. Mary has written thirteen books on leadership, productivity, business planning, and personal finance to help people and organizations at all levels. Mary Kelly has published more than 500 articles and is a frequent guest on media programs. She was inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame in 2020.

Mike Driessen

Vice President, Government Technology

Mike Driessen is a Vice President for Government Technology and the Publisher for Industry Insider.  He is responsible for managing the strategy and operations for all recurring revenue services including GovTech Industry Navigator, a market and sales intelligence tool for private-sector SLED teams, and GovTech Industry Insider which provides daily news and insights into gov tech markets.   
Mike brings over 30 years of experience in IT consulting and systems integration with firms like Accenture, Grant Thornton and Hitachi Consulting.  His experience covers sales and marketing leadership, advising on digital strategies, and managing enterprise application alliances and implementations.  He has managed both large global teams and led start-ups. Mike lives in Los Angeles, although he grew up in the Midwest, and graduated from Marquette University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Business Administration.

Roger Billings

Director and Principal Architect, Emerging Technologies, Cradlepoint

As a Director and Principal Architect at Cradlepoint, the global leader in cloud-delivered wireless edge solutions, Roger leverages his 35+ years of experience in network architecture and design to help lead the technical strategy group for 5G and AI within the company. He develops multi-vendor business solutions with a focus on cellular technologies, and explores and evaluates new and emerging technologies, such as next-generation SD-WAN, SASE, Private Cellular, AI, and the upcoming 6G technologies that will be deployed by network operators around the world. Roger's mission is to enable and empower enterprises and organizations to leverage the power and potential of 5G and beyond, and to create innovative and impactful solutions that transform the wireless edge.

Ian Brazill

Assistant Deputy Director, Department of Information Technology, City of San Diego

Ian is an Assistant Deputy Director with the City of San Diego’s Department of Information Technology and has worked for the City for over eight years, with five years in IT. He has a Masters in Public Administration from San Diego State University and has led the San Diego regional cyber lab for several years. Ian has worked with regional stakeholders to grow a stronger cyber community. Over the past year he has engaged with academia and industry-leading experts in AI development to create an innovative public-facing AI chat bot, My eCISO (https://myeciso.com), designed to provide the general public, local small businesses, and other public sector agencies with quick, detailed cyber security evaluations based on the NIST framework to put actionable intelligence into the hands of those who need it most. Along with the Cyber Lab, Ian is responsible for the City’s PCI compliance program, various citywide IT budgets, digital equity operations, and more.

Brendan Daly

Chief Information Security Officer, Information Technology, City of San Diego

Brendan Michael Daly is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the City of San Diego, CA where he develops and implements security architecture, risk management, security policy and leads cross-functional teams in support of the City’s Strategic Plan. Brendan has 25 years of experience delivering IT services in the Public Sector. Additionally, Brendan serves as the Cyber Lead for the San Diego Regional Cyber Lab and Advisor to the Board of Directors for the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence. He holds a BS in Natural Resources Management and a MS in Information Technology from the University of Maryland. Brendan is an ISACA Certified Information Security Manager and holds professional certificates in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Insider Threat Management and Cybersecurity Awareness.

Charles Elliott

Field CTO and Practice Lead, Google

Charles Elliott is a Field CTO and Practice Lead within Google Cloud dedicated to empowering state, local, and education customers with cutting-edge AI solutions. His expertise lies in leveraging Google Cloud's vast capabilities to transform public services, accelerate research and scale development teams. With over 15 years of experience in Big Data, Analytics, and AI, Charles has a proven track record of helping clients design and implement innovative cloud-based solutions that streamline government operations, enhance community engagement, and optimize workloads.  Charles is also a trusted technical advisor to research institutions and actively champions the integration of cloud technologies in government and academic advisory boards.

Dennis Gakunga

Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Chula Vista

As the Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Chula Vista, Dennis leads the City’s Office of Sustainability and Smart City campaign. His responsibilities include managing the implementation of a wide range of sustainability programs and smart city initiatives. His previous experience includes serving as a department director and assistant director for multiple municipalities and public agencies in Texas and California. Dennis has also worked as a management consultant for Deloitte Consulting and PWC Consulting. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University and a B.S. in Information Systems and Management Sciences from the University of Texas, Arlington.

David Graham

Chief Innovation Officer, City of Carlsbad

David Graham is recognized as a global thought leader in government. His career includes working for two of the ten largest municipal governments in the country. Now, as the Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Carlsbad, he continues to drive innovative solutions to civic challenges.
His forward-thinking and pragmatic work have been used as a model to scale civic innovation in other cities.
Known for his action orientation, David creates shared understanding in public, private, and academic realms that lead to impactful outcomes. Co-chairing the Civic Innovation program at Harvard's Technology and Entrepreneurship Center, his influence is inspiring a generation of impact focused leaders.
Serving on the International Advisory Board for UC San Diego's Global Policy and Strategy School, David uniquely bridges the gap between public-sector realities and future-centric academic pursuits. His profound insights have been pivotal in shaping academic curricula designed to cultivate the next generation of global policy leaders. As a member of the Metro Lab GenAI Taskforce, David is collaborating with leaders around the country on the opportunities presented by AI.
His award-winning work has been featured by global media outlets including The New York Times, Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, BBC World Service, and network television.
His passion for getting things done while inspiring others continues to ignite impactful civic innovation and grow leaders who embrace technology for good.

Dr. Angela Hemingway

Senior Manager, K-12 Education, T-Mobile

Dr. Angela Hemingway spent 21 years teaching in STEM classrooms at the high school and collegiate levels. After winning numerous teaching awards, Governor Otter appointed her as the first Executive Director of the Idaho STEM Action Center, focusing on educator professional development, business and industry partnerships, and digital inclusion. She has been nominated for Idaho Woman of the Year for five years and was named the Idaho CEO of Influence in 2020. She recently transitioned to serve as an Education Advisor for T-Mobile, focusing on educational policies to scale digital inclusion on a national level. She serves as an expert on policies including the Affordable Connectivity Program, the Emergency Connectivity Fund, and campus security.

Nathan Short

Director of Information Technology, Encinitas Union School District

Nathan Short is a seasoned Information Technology professional with over 30 years of experience. Currently, he serves as the Director of Information Technology for Encinitas Union School District. Nathan has a proven track record in IT management and cybersecurity. His career includes roles in computer engineering, IT management, and academia as an adjunct faculty member at Woodbury University, as well as President of Cynetics, Inc. Nathan has led numerous successful projects, including a $2M network infrastructure overhaul, and has expertise in both educational and corporate IT environments. He has been recognized for his contributions to technology in education, earning awards such as the “2019 Top Tech Award” and being named among the “30 Most Influential Business Leaders in Tech” in CIO Look Magazine. Recently, he was honored in San Diego Business Journal’s “2024 Leaders of Influence in Technology” and EdTech Magazine’s “Technology-Powered Mental Health Initiatives Save Students’ Lives”.

View Speakers

Agenda

Thursday, June 27
8:00 am Pacific	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area South and West Foyer
9:00 am Pacific	Opening Remarks Great Room IV/V Jonathan Behnke, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, City of San Diego
9:15 am Pacific	Keynote – Charting Your Course: A Global Perspective on Team Development and Leadership Great Room IV/V 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 Pacific	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area South and West Foyer
10:45 am Pacific	Concurrent Sessions Pioneering Smart AI Integration in Government Great Room VI/VII The integration of AI into the public sector poses both opportunities and challenges. How can public agencies harness the benefits of AI while ensuring robust governance and security? Discuss the development of smart AI policies and practical use cases that enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. Explore frameworks for seamlessly adopting AI, with a focus on real-life applications from cybersecurity to enhanced digital services for residents. Learn to think strategically and deploy AI effectively, maximizing its potential across various public sector functions. Moderator: Ian Brazill, Assistant Deputy Director, Department of Information Technology, City of San Diego Jonathan Behnke, Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Technology, City of San Diego Roger Billings, Director and Principal Architect, Emerging Technologies, Cradlepoint, Inc. Brendan Daly, Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Information Technology, City of San Diego Charles Elliot, Field CTO and Practice Lead, Google Jiri Rutner, Homelessness Solutions Enterprise Manager, City of San Jose Strategies for Mastering Digital Transformation Great Room II/III Digital transformation presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for modernizing public sector IT infrastructure. How do organizations adapt legacy systems to new technologies while maintaining security and efficiency? Explore strategies for integrating innovative solutions into existing frameworks, highlighting key considerations in both technical execution and policy formulation. Gain insights into effective digital transformation practices and understand how to strategically navigate the complexities of upgrading and securing digital infrastructures in a connected world. Moderator: Mike Driessen, Vice President, Government Technology Chris Bennett, Deputy Director, Public Utilities, City of San Diego Serena Blanks, Assistant Deputy Director, Department of Information Technology, City of San Diego David Graham, Chief Innovation Officer, City of Carlsbad Unlocking the Power of Regional Data Collaboration Great Room I Regional data sharing initiatives are transforming how public agencies operate, enhancing decision-making and service delivery through collaborative efforts. How can diverse agencies leverage shared data resources to improve regional outcomes? Explore the impact of pooling resources like aerial imagery and GIS data across multiple entities and delve into the technical and strategic aspects of establishing and maintaining robust data-sharing agreements. Together, we can harness the collective power of shared data. Moderator: Corey Bruins, National Conference Director, Government Technology Todd Chee, Program Manager, San Diego Geographic Information Source Scott Daeschner, GIS Manager, Department of Information Technology, City of San Diego Andy Gordon, GIS Manager, San Diego Geographic Information Source
11:45 am Pacific	Lunch Great Room IV/V
12:45 pm Pacific	Bits and Bytes – Fortifying San Diego: Insights from the Regional Cyber Lab Great Room IV/V The San Diego Regional Cyber Lab stands as a cornerstone of cybersecurity in the region, driven by a collaborative mission to enhance security awareness and preparedness. How was this pioneering initiative established, and what impact has it had on the local community and beyond? This panel discussion will bring together the leaders who play key roles in the Cyber Lab, sharing the compelling story of its inception and the strategic partnerships that have shaped its success. Explore how the lab is bolstering regional cybersecurity resilience through shared intelligence, tools, and cutting-edge training environments designed to simulate and defend against cyberattacks. Ian Brazill, Assistant Deputy Director, Department of Information Technology, City of San Diego Brendan Daly, Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Information Technology, City of San Diego Nathan Short, Director of Information Technology, Encinitas Union School District
1:05 pm Pacific	Short Break Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.
1:15 pm Pacific	Concurrent Sessions Bridging the Divide: Advancing Digital Equity Great Room VI/VII Digital equity is a critical priority as technology increasingly shapes every aspect of public life. What are the key barriers to digital access and how can we effectively address them to ensure equitable opportunities for all San Diegans? Explore the strategies and initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide and learn about successful partnerships and programs that have made significant impacts across the region, as well as the role of policy in fostering an inclusive digital environment. By focusing on both the challenges and solutions, attendees will leave equipped with the tools and insights needed to promote digital equity in our region. Moderator: Kelsey Baird, Digital Equity Coordinator, Department of Information Technology, City of San Diego Dennis Gakunga, Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Chula Vista Angela Hemingway, Sr. Manager, K-12 Education, T-Mobile for Government Terry Loftus, Assistant Superintendent & Chief Information Officer, San Diego County Office of Education Maiten Mowreader-Utreras, SD Access 4 All Coordinator, Department of Information Technology, City of San Diego Empowering Resident Engagement through Open Data Great Room II/III As government data becomes increasingly accessible, the challenge shifts to effectively leveraging open data for enhanced transparency and access. What systems and supports are necessary to not only host data but also encourage its active use for civic engagement? By exploring real-life examples, this session will highlight the transformative potential of open data, illustrating how it enables faster access to information and empowers residents to make informed decisions. This discussion aims to envision the future of public governance, promoting efficiency and public participation. Moderator: Corey Bruins, National Conference Director, Government Technology Bryan Olsen, Open Data Program Coordinator, Performance and Analytics, City of San Diego Matt Wood, Short-Term Residential Occupancy Program Manager, City Treasurer, City of San Diego Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners Great Room I Hosted by: Jonathan Behnke, Chief Information Officer, City of San Diego and Brendan Daly, Chief Information Security Officer, City of San Diego
2:15 pm Pacific	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area South and West Foyer
2:35 pm Pacific	General Session – The State of AI in GovTech: Exploring the Future Great Room IV/V Presented by the Center for Public Sector AI, this keynote presentation delves into the present status of Artificial Intelligence in the GovTech sector, offering a detailed examination of AI's applications within state and local governments. We will explore AI's potential future paths in GovTech, highlighting emerging trends and discussing how technology and policy leaders can prepare for AI's impact on service delivery. We will address starting points for AI implementation, stressing the importance of collaboration, ethical considerations, and equitable technology access. This forward-looking talk will equip attendees with a thorough understanding of AI's trajectory in GovTech, providing practical insights to effectively leverage AI for public sector innovation and advancement. Mike Driessen, Vice President, Government Technology
3:45 pm Pacific	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area South and West Foyer Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
4:15 pm Pacific	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.