The Southern Florida 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!
Monday, December 15 |
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8:30 am Eastern |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit AreaIntracoastal Ballroom Foyer |
9:30 am Eastern |
Opening RemarksIntracoastal Ballroom |
9:45 am Eastern |
Keynote – Find Your Fight: Innovating When the Odds Are Against YouIntracoastal BallroomIn 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 |
10:45 am Eastern |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaIntracoastal Ballroom Foyer |
11:15 am Eastern |
Lightning Round Session – Strategies to Unify Data for Smarter AIIntracoastal BallroomAI is only as powerful as the data that fuels it, making data the proper foundation of every AI initiative. For governments, this means that data quality, governance, and accessibility directly shape the success of AI-driven services. This session will explore how treating data as AI unlocks more brilliant insights, better decisions, and more responsive public services. Moderator: Marilyn Hu, IT Specialist/PM, Broward County Aviation Department Cheriene Floyd, Chief Data Officer, City of Miami Alex Haber, Sales Director – State and Local Government and EDU, Schneider Electric Tony Montes de Oca, Chief Data Officer, Information Technology, City of Miami Beach Raimundo Rodulfo, Director of Innovation and Technology / Chief Innovation Officer, Innovation and Technology Department, City of Coral Gables |
11:50 am Eastern |
General Session – Protecting Your Network Together: How Emerging Tech Is Changing the IndustryIntracoastal BallroomIn today’s threat landscape, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and awareness is the first line of defense. This session will cover best practices for protecting your network, from proven strategies to practical steps agencies can implement right away. Attendees will also hear real stories from the edge, offering lessons learned and insights to strengthen resilience against evolving cyber threats. Moderator: Monique Scott, National Conference Director, Government Technology Mike Ascenio, Cyber Program Director, Florida International University Yaniel Corrales, Director, Innovation and Technology Department, City of Homestead Frank Quintana, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, Miami Beach |
12:30 pm Eastern |
Lunch BuffetIntracoastal Ballroom |
1:30 pm Eastern |
Lightning Round Session – Workforce Agility in a Digital FutureIntracoastal BallroomEmerging technologies like AI are reshaping the IT workforce, demanding new skills, roles, and approaches to service delivery. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities to modernize teams, invest in talent, and reimagine how technology supports communities. This session explores strategies for workforce transformation, upskilling, and leadership to ensure agencies stay agile and future-ready in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Moderator: Sukumar Ganapati, Professor & Chair, Department of Public Policy and Administration, PCA 269A, Steven J Green School of International and Public Affairs, Florida International University Terri-Ann Brown, Senior Director, Miami Tech Works Ana Chammas, Director of Innovation and AI, Miami-Dade County Carrie Mast, Chief Information Officer, St. Lucie County, Florida Exclusive Briefing for Industry PartnersDolphin Room (take hotel lobby Tower elevators to Second Floor) |
2:00 pm Eastern |
General Session – The Realities of Implementing Innovation: Real-Life Use CasesIntracoastal BallroomImplementing new technologies in the public sector comes with successes, challenges, and hard lessons—the good, the bad, and the ugly. This session will highlight how to design effective pilots, with a realistic view of what emerging technology can and cannot do for an organization. We’ll also explore how to set clear requirements, embrace innovation, and take the right risks without exposing your agency to unnecessary ones. Moderator: Carrie Mast, Chief Information Officer, St. Lucie County, Florida Kemarr Brown, Deputy City Manager, City of Homestead Maurice Jenkins, Head of Digital Strategy and Chief Innovation Officer at Miami International Airport Ed Therriault, Principal Digital Transformation Architect, Portage Cybertech Chris Trepte, Solutions Sales Director, Diligent |
2:45 pm Eastern |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaIntracoastal Ballroom Foyer |
3:05 pm Eastern |
General Session – Technology That Serves Everyone: Impact of AI on the PeopleIntracoastal BallroomEmerging technologies like AI are reshaping how governments serve their communities—offering new ways to address challenges, strengthen resilience, and promote equity. In this interactive session, participants will explore how to responsibly govern and deploy AI for social good, from smarter infrastructure to more connected public services. Bring your ideas and join fellow regional leaders for a hands-on brainstorming session focused on collaboration, policy, and innovation for a better future. Moderator: Ana Peralta Chammas, Director of Innovation and AI, Miami-Dade County Pedro Santos Acosta, Executive Director of Emerging Technologies, Miami Dade College Taruna Malhotra, Assistant Director, Department of Community Services, Palm Beach County Tamecka McKay, Chief Information Officer, Seminole Tribe of Florida Pedro Santos Acosta, Executive Director of Emerging Technologies, Miami Dade College Jorge Valens, Innovation Manager, Communications, Information and Technology, Miami-Dade County |
3:45 pm Eastern |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaIntracoastal Ballroom FoyerNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors. |
4:15 pm Eastern |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
1881 SE 17th Street Causeway
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 463-4000
Erica Alvarez
IT Community Engagement Manager
Miami-Dade County
Yaniel Corrales
IT Director
City of Homestead
Cheriene Floyd
Chief Data Officer
City of Miami
Carrie Mast
Chief Information Officer
Information Technology
St Lucie County
Tameka McKay
Chief Information Officer
Information Technology Department
Seminole Tribe of Florida
Ana Peralta Chammas
County Innovation Director
Information Technology
Miami-Dade County
Frank Quintana
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Information Technology
City of Miami Beach
Raimundo Rodulfo
Director of Innovation and Technology / Chief Innovation Officer
Information Technology
City of Coral Gables
Archie Satchell
Chief Information Officer
Palm Beach County
Jorge Valens
IT Innovation Manager
Information Technology
Miami-Dade County
Alex Haber
Public Sector Sales Leader
Schneider Electric IT Corp
Jim Lawson
Product Marketing Practice Leader
Product
Portage CyberTech
Chris VanDurmen
Senior Client Partner-Public Sector
Verizon
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.
Need help registering, or have general event questions? Contact:
Audrey Houser
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1420
E-mail: ahouser@erepublic.com
Already a sponsor, but need a hand? Reach out to:
Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
Phone:(916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@erepublic.com
Want to sponsor and stand out? Reach out to explore opportunities!
Heather Earney
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 365-2308
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com