Name: State of Technology - California Industry Forum 2026
Start: 2026-07-30T08:00
Location: Hilton Sacramento Arden West

Overview

State of Technology – California Industry Forum 2026 is the premier industry event focused on gov tech in the State of California. This half-day event is designed to provide sales and marking leaders with insights to help turbocharge business strategies and validate sales and marketing activities. Why attend?

Get exclusive insights from the state CIO and government tech leaders about the hottest opportunities, emerging trends and groundbreaking initiatives shaping California’s gov tech market.
Gain in-depth knowledge on the state’s IT priorities and plans based on the freshly released 2027 budget.
Take a deep dive into the technology trends disrupting the status quo and revolutionizing how California’s government serves the public.
Get insights into the driving forces behind government IT spending.
Network with fellow industry leaders, share ideas and forge partnerships.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Jared Johnson

Deputy State Chief Information Officer and Chief Deputy Director, Department of Technology, State of California

Jared Johnson’s career spans nearly 30 years of public technology service beginning as an IT analyst at the California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency. He devoted 15 years at FTB, holding various management positions. In 2021, Johnson brought his technical and administrative experience to CDT where he served as Deputy Director of Data Center Support Services before receiving his current appointment to help guide and optimize CDT programs and services.

Pete Cervinka

Director, California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Pete Cervinka has been the Director of the California Department of Developmental Services since December 2024. He has more than 27 years of leadership, program management, and policy development experience in various roles across state agencies. Pete wants government to do better for individuals and families, using data, information, and infrastructure to focus on goals and outcomes in a whole-person way, while considering economic, social, health, and environmental factors. Pete first joined the Department in January 2021 as Chief of Data Analytics and Strategy. Prior, he held several other positions, including Chief Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer for the California Department of Social Services, and Assistant Secretary with the California Health and Human Services Agency.  He also worked at the California Department of Finance and the State Water Resources Control Board. Pete holds two degrees from the University of California at Davis.

Shaw-chin Chiu

Managing Client Partner, IBM

Shaw-chin leads IBM's consulting portfolio for state, local, and education agencies in California. She brings 20 years of extensive experience in global business transformation, digital innovation with emerging technologies, including cloud, AI, and GenAI, process re-engineering, and organizational/change management. She has supported clients in the Government, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Consumer and Retail Industries spanning North America, Europe, APAC and Latin America. She had the pleasure of serving the state early on in her career as an HR Business Partner at the California Judicial Council. Some of her notable achievements at IBM included infusing enterprise design thinking methodologies to drive more human-centricity through “IBM Garages” and IBM’s blockchain-based COVID digital credential platform. She graduated with an MBA in Finance, Marketing, and Health Sector Management from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a BA in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of CA, Berkeley. Shaw-chin is also a published author of a book dedicated to the power of working mothers called, "Integrating Me in Motherhood: A Mom's Guide to Preventing Burnout and Unleashing Her True Essence."

Kimberly Crabtree

Agency Chief Enterprise Architect, California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS)

As CalHHS Agency’s Chief Enterprise Architect, Kimberly Crabtree leads the discipline of Enterprise Architecture for the Agency as well as co-sponsors investment and architecture assurance strategies that align to the goals and objectives of the agency IT and Data Strategy. With 28 years in IT for California government she’s spent the last 15 years in the Enterprise Architecture space at both California Department of Technology and now Health and Human Services. She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Management Information Systems and Economics and a Masters of Professional Studies degree in Enterprise Architecture & Business Transformation from Penn State.

Adam Dondro

Agency Information Officer, Health and Human Services Agency, State of California

Adam Dondro was appointed Director of the Office of Technology and Solutions Integration (OTSI) of the California Health and Human Services Agency on May 18, 2022. He also continues to serve as the Agency’s Chief Information Officer (AIO) to which he was appointed in 2017.
Adam has spent the last 15 years in a variety of roles across California government. Prior to his current roles, Adam served as the first Assistant Director of Horizontal Integration for the California Department of Social Services where he focused on integrating all health and human service programs to provide the best overall experience for the people of California and providing whole person care. Prior to that, Adam was the Assistant Secretary for External Affairs at the California Department of Technology. Before joining the Executive Branch, Adam spent 5 years working for the California State Assembly, both as a policy consultant as well as a consultant for the Assembly Budget Committee.
While in the legislature Adam realized his passion for improving government operations. He has spent his career since then driving efforts to help programs across the state meet people where they are, provide them with the services they need, and create better outcomes for all Californian’s. And in the California Health and Human Services Agency he found his home in using that passion to support California’s most vulnerable people and families and striving to make California a healthy, vibrant, inclusive place to live, play, work, and learn.
Adam has undergraduate degrees in psychology and political science from the California State University, Chico, and a master’s in public administration from the University of Southern California (USC).
Outside the office, Adam is supported by his amazing wife and two daughters. He loves playing soccer, running, hiking and generally anything outdoors.

Veronica Gilliard

Chief Information Officer, Information Services, Department of Justice, State of California

Veronica has 30 years experience within Information Technology for the State of California. She is among the 2022 Gov Tech Magazine’s “Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers”, a graduate of the Leadership Program for Government Executives, and a California Public Sector CIO Academy IT Leadership Award recipient.

Fredrick Gomez

Agency Chief Information Officer/Director, Information Technology Services, Department of Food and Agriculture, State of California

Fredrick is a proud Air Force veteran who attended the Community College of the Air Force, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Arizona State University, where he completed his studies in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology before beginning his IT career. His IT experience and educational background, which support his 24-year career, include earning his Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification, Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) certification, Networking+, Computer Associates A+, and Computer Systems/Applications certifications.
His IT career began in 2000 in the private sector, where he held various positions of increasing responsibility for several companies, including Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Army Corps of Engineers, Dunmore Homes, and Verizon, before joining the state as a consultant with the Office of Systems Integration in 2007. He was recruited as the Infrastructure Lead and Supervisor at the California Employment Development Department. Subsequently, he served as the Infrastructure Chief at Caltrans before being appointed CIO and IT Director for the California Public Utilities Commission. He later returned to Caltrans as the IT Strategy Management Office Chief.
In June 2024, he joined the California Department of Food & Agriculture and was appointed to the Agency Chief Information Officer and Director over the Information Technology Services Division (ITSD). Fredrick is a State’s IT Leadership Academy graduate and a recipient of the Outstanding Leadership award. He feels honored to have worked in both the public and private sectors. His journey has provided him with valuable experience and fostered strong working relationships. He finds fulfillment in collaborating with stakeholders, building strategic partnerships, delivering exceptional customer service, providing innovative solutions, and cultivating a one IT concept of cohesive and productive teams.

Crystal Holcomb

Deputy Director, Office of Professional Development, Department of Technology, State of California

Crystal Holcomb is the Deputy Director for the Office of Professional Development at the CA Department of Technology (CDT). With 25 years of state government experience, and more than 20 years in technology, Crystal has led multiple high performing teams always focused on providing top notch customer service. Her leadership experience includes workforce development, customer engagement, change management, project management, application development, Service Desk, and IT procurement. She is passionate about making a positive impact and serving others.
Crystal has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the CA State University, Sacramento. She is also a proud graduate of ITLA Class 22. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family at sporting events, or anything outdoors.

Danny Johnson

Sales Manager, AT&T Business California Public Sector & FirstNet

Mike Marshall

Agency Information Officer, Environmental Protection Agency, State of California

Mike Marshall assumed the role of CalEPA’s Agency Information Officer (AIO) in January of 2024, following his tenure as the Agency Information Security Officer (AISO) beginning in December 2017. With a wealth of experience in information security, Mike significantly contributed to CalEPA’s cyber resilience during his time as AISO.
Prior to his role at CalEPA, Mike dedicated nearly a decade to various information security roles at the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) from 2008 to 2017. His extensive experience at CalPERS equipped him with a deep understanding of information security principles and practices, which he has applied effectively in his leadership roles at CalEPA.
With his proven track record of leadership and expertise in information security, Mike continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding CalEPA’s information assets and advancing its technological capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the agency and its stakeholders.
Mike earned his Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Joseph Morris

Chief Innovation Officer, Center for Digital Government

Joseph Morris is the chief innovation officer for the Center for Digital Government and a national keynote speaker on issues, trends and drivers impacting state and local government and education. He has authored publications and reports on funding streams, technology investment areas and public-sector priorities, and has led roundtables, projects and initiatives focused on issues within the public sector. Joe has conducted state and local government research with e.Republic since 2007 and knows the ins and outs of government on all levels. He received his Bachelor of Arts in government and international relations from the California State University, Sacramento.

Shera Mui

Deputy Director, Platform Services, Department of Technology, State of California

Shera Mui is the Deputy Director of Platform Services at the California Department of Technology, bringing 25+ years of public-sector IT leadership in technology platforms, infrastructure, and enterprise operations. She oversees statewide mission-critical systems, leads and directs teams delivering secure, scalable enterprise AI solutions.

Sam Silva

Chief Information Officer, California Department of Toxic Substances Control

Sam Silva joined DTSC as the Chief Information Officer in March 2026. Prior to this role, he served as the Chief Information Officer for the Department of Pesticide Regulation for three years, where he previously held several information technology positions, including IT Operations Chief. He has led multiple enterprise projects, including launching a first-of-its-kind pesticide notification system, sponsoring a registration system implementation that retired more than 20 legacy applications, overseeing accessibility compliance efforts, deploying enterprise software, and coordinating large-scale office moves.
Sam has worked for the state since 2013, when he began as an assistant web developer. He has also held roles in local government public works and marketing and developed video games as a side project — before having kids.
He is a graduate of San Diego State University and the State of California’s Information Technology Leadership Academy.
When he’s not chasing his two young children, Sam enjoys gardening, golfing, and cooking.

Brian Wong

Agency Information Officer & Deputy Secretary, California Department of Labor and Workforce

Brian Wong serves as the Deputy Secretary of Innovation and Technology / Agency Information Officer of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency. With over 18 years of state government experience, he has been both a Chief Deputy Director and Chief Information Officer providing operational leadership and strategic direction of large state organizations and a multi- billion-dollar technology project portfolio. In his current role, he is focused on leveraging technology to enable new business models and transform service delivery to innovate and enhance department programs. Brian has a bachelor’s degree in finance from California State University, Long Beach and is a member of ITLA 22.

Thursday, July 30
12:30 pm Pacific	Registration Check-in, Networking and Refreshments Atrium
1:00 pm Pacific	Welcome and Opening Remarks Grand Ballroom Jared Johnson, Deputy State Chief Information Officer and Chief Deputy Director, California Department of Technology (CDT)
1:15 pm Pacific	California Budget Breakdown Grand Ballroom Joseph Morris, Chief Innovation Officer, Center for Digital Government
1:45 pm Pacific	Building a More Connected Health and Human Services Ecosystem Grand Ballroom Understanding the needs of Californians and placing them at the center of health and human services delivery is essential to achieving California Health and Human Services’ (CalHHS) vision of a healthy California for all. As CalHHS departments modernize technology and service delivery, they are working together to break down longstanding data silos and to advance a more connected, enterprise approach both within and across departments. Leaders from CalHHS will discuss the agency’s strategy, priorities, and emerging partnerships to advance interoperability, system integration, and cross-department data sharing. They will explore how these efforts will strengthen operations, improve decision-making, and enable better outcomes for the Californians they serve. Moderator: Danny Johnson, Sales Manager, AT&T Business California Public Sector & FirstNet Pete Cervinka, Director, California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Kimberly Crabtree, Agency Chief Enterprise Architect, California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) Adam Dondro, Agency Chief Information Officer, California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS)
2:30 pm Pacific	Networking Break and Refreshments Atrium
3:00 pm Pacific	Building the Workforce of the Future Grand Ballroom Tomorrow's government workforce will look different from today’s. It will be shaped by evolving employee expectations, digital-first operations, AI-enabled workflows, and increasing demands for efficiency and innovation. At the same time, agencies and departments are navigating retirements, institutional knowledge loss, skills gaps, and the need to prepare employees for rapidly changing technologies and ways of working. This session will explore how public-sector leaders are modernizing workforce strategies through training, hiring innovation, knowledge transfer, operational transformation, and AI-enabled productivity initiatives. Panelists will discuss how organizations are preparing employees for the future of work while building more agile, resilient, and adaptable teams capable of meeting changing service demands. Moderator: Fredrick Gomez, Agency Chief Information Officer/Director, Information Technology Services, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Veronica Gilliard, Chief Information Officer, Office of the Attorney General, California Department of Justice Mike Marshall, Agency Information Officer, California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) Sam Silva, Chief Information Officer, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Brian Wong, Agency Information Officer & Deputy Secretary, California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA)
3:45 pm Pacific	AI at Work: Reinventing Government Operations Grand Ballroom Generative AI is creating new opportunities for government agencies and departments to modernize operations, streamline administrative work, improve workforce productivity, and enhance public service delivery. This session explores how organizations are evaluating and leveraging generative AI to support enterprise operations, knowledge sharing, communications, project delivery, and decision-making. The discussion will highlight practical public-sector use cases that can help agencies reduce manual effort, improve access to information, accelerate business processes, and enable employees to focus on higher-value work while maintaining responsible governance, security, and human oversight. Moderator: Shaw-chin Chiu, Managing Client Partner, IBM Crystal Holcomb, Deputy Director, Office of Professional Development, California Department of Technology (CDT) Shirin Madani, Enterprise IT Portfolio Manager, California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Shera Mui, Deputy Director, Platform Services, California Department of Technology (CDT)
4:30 pm Pacific	Networking Reception Atrium
5:15 pm Pacific	End of Event Event times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Hilton Sacramento Arden West

2200 Harvard Street
Sacramento, CA 95815

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Hilton Sacramento Arden West

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Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: July 30 2026

Registration Fee per person: $150 for members for Industry Insider — California, $250 for non-members*; $25 discount if registering by 6/30/2026.

Registration by credit card only; no billing.

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:

Brad Loebs
Industry Insider — California
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1409
Email: bloebs@erepublic.com

*To learn more about becoming an Industry Insider — California member
visit this page or reach out to our team at hello@industryinsider.govtech.com

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State of Technology - California Industry Forum 2026

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Jared Johnson

Deputy State Chief Information Officer and Chief Deputy Director, Department of Technology, State of California

Pete Cervinka

Director, California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Shaw-chin Chiu

Managing Client Partner, IBM

Kimberly Crabtree

Agency Chief Enterprise Architect, California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS)

Adam Dondro

Agency Information Officer, Health and Human Services Agency, State of California

Veronica Gilliard

Chief Information Officer, Information Services, Department of Justice, State of California

Fredrick Gomez

Agency Chief Information Officer/Director, Information Technology Services, Department of Food and Agriculture, State of California

Crystal Holcomb

Deputy Director, Office of Professional Development, Department of Technology, State of California

Danny Johnson

Sales Manager, AT&T Business California Public Sector & FirstNet

Mike Marshall

Agency Information Officer, Environmental Protection Agency, State of California

Joseph Morris

Chief Innovation Officer, Center for Digital Government

Shera Mui

Deputy Director, Platform Services, Department of Technology, State of California

Sam Silva

Chief Information Officer, California Department of Toxic Substances Control

Brian Wong

Agency Information Officer & Deputy Secretary, California Department of Labor and Workforce

Agenda

Thursday, July 30

12:30 pm Pacific

Registration Check-in, Networking and Refreshments

Atrium

1:00 pm Pacific

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Grand Ballroom

1:15 pm Pacific

California Budget Breakdown

Grand Ballroom

1:45 pm Pacific

Building a More Connected Health and Human Services Ecosystem

Grand Ballroom

2:30 pm Pacific

Networking Break and Refreshments

Atrium

3:00 pm Pacific

Building the Workforce of the Future

Grand Ballroom

3:45 pm Pacific

AI at Work: Reinventing Government Operations

Grand Ballroom

4:30 pm Pacific

Networking Reception

Atrium

5:15 pm Pacific

End of Event

Hilton Sacramento Arden West

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: July 30 2026

Contact Information

Venue

Hilton Sacramento Arden West

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