Wendy Barron, Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), is dedicated to modernizing and improving motor vehicle services across Texas.
With more than 20 years of experience in Texas government, Wendy has built a reputation as an accomplished technology leader. Before becoming CIO, she served as Deputy CIO at TxDMV and led technology divisions at the State Office of Administrative Hearings and the Texas Water Development Board. Her career has included roles such as data analyst, systems analyst, and project manager, each contributing to her deep expertise in technology and public service.
Wendy’s academic achievements include a BBA in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Public Administration, both from Texas State University. She is also a certified Project Management Professional, underscoring her ability to deliver results in complex, high-stakes projects.
Outside of work, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband and their elementary-aged son. She has a strong connection to the Texas Hill Country, where she helps manage her family’s cattle ranch. An outdoor enthusiast, she finds balance and inspiration in nature.
Through her leadership and focus on building strategic partnerships, Wendy is driving meaningful change at TxDMV, paving the way for more efficient and accessible motor vehicle services across the state.

President, e.Republic

Dustin Haisler is the President of e.Republic - the nation's leading state and local government data, media, and events company - and the parent company of Government Technology, Governing, and the Center for Digital Government. He is also active in the academic and research community, serving as co-lead of the Center for Public Sector AI, an Eisenhower Fellow (2019 Zhi-Xing Program), board member of the Good Governance Worldwide Academic Journal, and Program Faculty for the Certified Public Management Program (CPM) at Texas State University.
As the former Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Assistant City Manager for the City of Manor, Texas, Dustin quickly built a reputation as an early innovator in civic tech. He pioneered government use of commercial technologies not previously used in the public sector, including open innovation, Quick-Response (QR) barcodes, crowdsourcing, and gamification. Recognized as one of the nation’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, and Drivers for government technology, he was also named a Business Transformation 150 Leader by Constellation Research. His work has been featured in Wired, Fast Company, the Wall Street Journal, Inc. Magazine, the Today Show on NBC, The Economist, CNN, Fortune, and Citizenville by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Most recently, Dustin has led initiatives to help public sector agencies safely adopt and integrate artificial intelligence technologies through public speaking, research, training, expert testimonies, and the development of AI tools.
Dustin graduated Magna Cum Laude from LeTourneau University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and has conducted research with universities around the globe on incubating next-generation technologies in government, including the Persuasive Technology Lab at Stanford University and the University of Trento, Italy. He is a frequent speaker and expert advisor who collaborates with Fortune 500 companies, investors, government agencies, academia, startups, and non-profits worldwide on the global govtech market, public sector technology trends, and artificial intelligence development.