The IT Leadership Forum brings together current and emerging technology leaders with the industry partners that support them. This invitation-only event provides a space for leaders to collaborate while addressing the most important policy, management and leadership issues surrounding the future of digital government. Contact us if you’d like to join the conversation!
The Texas IT Leadership Forum is a fantastic opportunity to come together and learn. I encourage Texas' government technology professionals to attend, connect with their fellow leaders, and collaborate to improve how we serve the Lone Star State.
- Amanda Crawford, Executive Director and State Chief Information Officer
Thursday, November 21 |
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8:00 am Central |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit AreaJW Grand Ballroom Foyer and Salon 5 |
9:00 am Central |
Opening RemarksJW Grand Ballroom Salon 6/7/8Amanda Crawford, Executive Director and State Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Resources, State of Texas |
9:15 am Central |
Keynote – The Age of Digital Disruption: Moving Forward, FasterJW Grand Ballroom Salon 6/7/8Technology advancements continue to disrupt at a swifter pace than ever before. 2023 witnessed the impact of AI in all sectors, and this year the public sector is required to adapt and adopt at a speed unheard of in the past. For the rest of our careers, intelligence will be built into all devices, applications, and processes. This changes how we must think about the use of data and the integration of humans and machines. What are the crucial strategies for adapting to and maximizing the benefits of these advancements? This session will have you ready to move forward at high speed as it paints a vibrant picture showing how synthetic intelligence can amplify current systems and our workforce. Scott Klososky, Technologist, Futurist, Humanist, Author and Consultant |
10:15 am Central |
Bits and Bytes – Strategies for SuccessJW Grand Ballroom Salon 6/7/8In today's fast-paced digital landscape, leading transformative IT initiatives successfully is crucial for driving innovation and maintaining a competitive edge. How do we engage efficiently with the correct stakeholders? Are there challenges or potential pitfalls that we should be aware of? Join our expert panel of IT leaders who have done it – and gain valuable insights into getting tech projects across the finish line. Moderator: Dustin Haisler, President, e.Republic Chris Bunton, Chief Information Officer, Department of Agriculture, State of Texas Jamie McClanahan, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Division Director, Department of Parks and Wildlife, State of Texas Cory Wilburn, Chief Information Officer, The University of Texas Austin |
10:45 am Central |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaJW Grand Ballroom Salon 5 |
11:15 am Central |
Concurrent SessionsAI and Automation in Practice: Turning Vision into ActionJW Grand Ballroom Salon 2As AI and automation become integral to the future of government, leaders must navigate the complexities of transforming cutting-edge technology into practical, implemented solutions. How can IT leaders overcome the barriers to adoption and help guide projects through critical milestones? What strategic decisions, visionary thinking and collaborative approaches are necessary to drive successful outcomes? This session dives into what we as leaders need to be thinking of now and into the future as we look to elevate our services through automation. Moderator: Casey Kennedy, Director of Information Services, Office of Court Administration, State of Texas Amina Al Sherif, SLED Practice Lead, AI & ML, Google Cloud Dave Tucker, Director of Strategic Digital Services, Department of Information Resources, State of Texas George Stolard, Chief Information Officer, Innovation & Technology Division, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, State of Texas Let’s Get to Work! Addressing Challenges and Solutions for Texas’ Future WorkforceJW Grand Ballroom Salon 3As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, agencies are facing unique hiring challenges and seeking innovative solutions to build and retain a skilled IT workforce. From competition with the private sector to the complexities of government hiring processes, we'll first uncover the root causes behind these challenges. But what’s next? How can organizations overcome those obstacles to create an effective team? Are there unique internship or hiring opportunities that we can replicate? Our expert panel will look to answer those questions and will explore how they are tackling one of the biggest challenges we face as leaders today. Moderator: Jerry White, Director of Human Resources, Texas Workforce Commission Jessica Ballew, Chief Information Officer, Department of Public Safety, State of Texas Chris Shuster, Principal, Human Capital, SLED, KPMG Ben Straub, Head of Public Sector, Atlassian Navigating Change: Aligning Internal and External Strategies for Effective IT LeadershipJW Grand Ballroom Salon 4Public sector IT leaders must successfully navigate the complex landscape of change management, balancing internal dynamics with external pressures. How can we overcome resistance, communicate effectively across departments, and ensure smooth transitions? Can we foster a culture of adaptability? This session explores how you can drive change that not only meets internal objectives but also resonates with the broader demands of the organization’s ecosystem. Moderator: Brian Cohen, Vice President, Center for Digital Government Joseph Janecka, CEO, PARSOLVO Tracy Prater, Manager, Business Process Outsourcing, Access Sciences Corporation Sally Ward, Deputy Chief Operations Officer for Shared Technology Services (STS), Department of Information Resources, State of Texas |
12:15 pm Central |
LunchJW Grand Ballroom Salon 6/7/8 |
1:15 pm Central |
IT Leadership AwardsJW Grand Ballroom Salon 6/7/8Applaud the winners of the IT Leadership Awards. This award program honors outstanding public sector IT leaders. |
1:30 pm Central |
Short BreakPlease proceed to the concurrent sessions. |
1:45 pm Central |
Concurrent SessionsLeadership in the Era of Emerging TechnologiesJW Grand Ballroom Salon 2True leadership in the fast-paced realm of IT leadership extends beyond mere awareness – it requires the ability to guide your teams adeptly through transformative periods. Are you equipped with the necessary skill sets to lead effectively amidst emerging technological challenges? This session offers unique perspectives on how to lead in this rapidly evolving technological landscape, balance risk with strategic decision making, and drive transformative change within your organization ensuring its readiness for tomorrow. Moderator: Brian Cohen, Vice President, Center for Digital Government Frank Feagans, Vice President of IT and Chief Information Officer, University of Texas at Dallas Kerrica Laake, Chief Information Officer, Communications and Technology Management, City of Austin Savita Raghunathan, Principal, Deloitte Bala Vaithyalingam, Worldwide Leader for Data & AI Solutions, IBM Mastering the Dual Roles: When to Lead, When to ManageJW Grand Ballroom Salon 3As IT leaders, understanding when to lead with vision and inspiration, and when to manage with structure and efficiency is paramount for driving organizational success. What are some nuanced distinctions between leadership and management? Can you effectively unravel the key roles and responsibilities associated with each? Join this session where we’ll dissect the roles of leadership and management, examining how they synergize to drive efficiency. Moderator: Dustin Haisler, President, e.Republic Sylvia Kauffman, Chief Information Officer, Health and Human Services Commission, State of Texas Steve Pier, Deputy Executive Director, Department of Information Resources, State of Texas |
2:45 pm Central |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaJW Grand Ballroom Salon 5 |
3:15 pm Central |
Featured Speakers – Navigating Leadership with CLARITYJW Grand Ballroom Salon 6/7/8It’s no secret that work in the public sector is rewarding. It’s also no secret that conditions to get this rewarding work done can be difficult with teams feeling like there’s never enough money, people, or time. How do current and future leaders cultivate skill sets that allow them to withstand and recover from the daily challenges presented? In this engaging workshop, you’ll enhance your leadership toolkit with the CLARITY framework. You’ll leave with an action plan to implement for immediate results all while enhancing your capacity for resilience! Stacey Caster, CEO and Founder, North Executive Advisor Tracy-Ann Palmer, CEO and Founder, Corporate Athlete Academy |
4:15 pm Central |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaJW Grand Ballroom Salon 5Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors. |
4:45 pm Central |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
110 E 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-4777
Tanya Acevedo
Chief Information Officer & Senior Vice President
Capital Metro
Fuat Aki
Director of Development
Texas Education Agency
State of Texas
Patricia Avitia
Chief Information Officer
Water Development Board
State of Texas
Jessica Ballew
Chief Information Officer
Department of Public Safety
State of Texas
Wendy Barron
Chief Information Officer
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
State of Texas
Chris Bunton
Chief Information Officer
Department of Agriculture
State of Texas
Amanda Crawford
Executive Director & State Chief Information Officer
Texas Department of Information Resources
State of Texas
Carl Drescher
VP of Technology Operations
Lower Colorado River Authority
State of Texas
Daniel Drumm
Chief Information Security Officer
Department of Banking
State of Texas
Mark Gager
Chief Information Officer
Department of Information Services
Bexar County
Tony Gonzalez
Director of Information Technology
Information Technology
City of New Braunfels
Heather Hall
Chief Information Officer
Texas Workforce Commission
State of Texas
Ann Hallam
Chief Information Officer
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
State of Texas
Keith Halman
Associate Vice Chancellor and System Chief Information Officer
Information Technology
Texas Tech University System
Bruce Hermes
IT Director
Austin Transit Partnership
John Hoffman
Deputy State Chief Information Officer
Department of Information Resources
State of Texas
Sylvia Kauffman
Deputy Executive Commissioner, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer
Health and Human Services Commission
State of Texas
Casey Kennedy
Director, Information Services Division
Office of Court Administration
State of Texas
Kerrica Laake
Chief Information Officer
Communications and Technology Management
City of Austin
Enrique Martinez
Chief Technology Officer
Information Technology
City of Arlington
Jamie McClanahan
Director of IT
Department of Parks and Wildlife
State of Texas
Drew McGrath
Chief Information Officer
Department of Family and Protective Services
State of Texas
Anh Selissen
Chief Information Officer
Department of Transportation
State of Texas
George Stolard
Chief Information Officer
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
State of Texas
Ralph Warren
Director of Information Technology Services
Information Technology Services
Travis County
Cory Wilburn
Chief Information Officer
Texas McCombs School of Business
Kindra Allen
Client Relationship Executive
Deloitte
Mark Dennis
Technology Sales Leader
IBM
Joseph Janecka
CEO
Parsolvo
Jack O'Connell
Senior Account Executive
Google Public Sector
Ashley Schilling
Director, Technology Capabilities
Access Sciences
2025 Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:
Heather Earney
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1339
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com