Name: Utah Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit 2026
Start: 2026-09-22T08:00
Location: Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City

Overview

The Utah Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit is where government defends the future.

This public sector-focused event brings together IT security leaders, risk managers, and public officials to tackle the evolving cyber threats facing state and local government. Through expert-led sessions, peer exchange, and real-world case studies, attendees gain practical strategies to strengthen cyber resilience, protect critical infrastructure, and lead with confidence in an age of constant risk. Designed specifically for the public sector, this summit delivers insights you can act on and alliances you can trust!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

When it comes to keeping Utah safe online, we are always stronger together. That is why I am excited to welcome you to our very first Utah Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit. This isn't just another tech conference—it is a unique space for our state, local, and education leaders to connect face-to-face, swap real-world ideas, and build lasting alliances. By teaming up, we aren’t just protecting today’s systems; we are actively shaping a safer, brighter digital future for all of Utah. I invite you to join us so we can collaborate, learn, and lead our communities forward together.

- Phil Bates, Chief Information Security Officer, State of Utah

Speakers

Alan Fuller

Chief Information Officer, State of Utah

Alan Fuller was appointed Chief Information Officer for the state of Utah in March 2021. As CIO, he oversees all IT functions for executive branch agencies in Utah with the goal to improve innovation and improve government services through the use of technology. A resident of Lehi, Utah, Alan has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Phil Bates

Chief Information Security Officer, State of Utah

Phil Bates is the Chief Information Security Officer for the Division of Technology Services, State of Utah. He has been involved in cybersecurity for many years. As the IT Director for the Department of Public Safety, Phil aided in the creation of the Utah Cyber Task Force. Phil began his career in law enforcement, retiring as a Lieutenant from the West Jordan Police Department. While at West Jordan, Phil directed the deployment of the first large-scale use of Commercial Mobile Data for Public Safety in the U.S.

Bryce Austin

President, TCE Strategy

Bryce Austin started his technology career on a Commodore 64 computer and a cassette tape drive. Today he is a leading voice on technology and cybersecurity. Bryce holds a CISM certification, advises the boards of companies in a diverse array of industries, and has over 20 years of cybersecurity leadership experience. He is the named CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) for many companies, including one listed on the S&P 500.
Bryce speaks to audiences worldwide on how to stay safe from cybercriminals. The #1 goal of his presentation is for you to learn how to bring your cybersecurity risk to a level that is Secure Enough for you. His best-selling book is titled Secure Enough? 20 Questions on Cybersecurity for Business Owners and Executives.
In his free time, Bryce is a high-speed track driver and coach. He has driven cars from a 65 horsepower Mini Cooper to a 650 horsepower Porsche 911 Turbo. He has had over 100 students, none of whom have died while under his instruction.

Kristen Chevrier

State Representative, Utah House of Representatives

Brandon Amacher

Director of Emerging Tech Policy & Instructor of National Security, Utah Valley University

Brandon Amacher is the Director of the Emerging Tech Policy Program at Utah Valley University, where he leads applied research teams focused on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, disinformation, and emerging technology security.
Brandon and his team advise federal and state partners on complex national security challenges, shape cybersecurity and emerging technology policy, and produce actionable intelligence to identify malicious actors and emerging threats.
Academically, Brandon teaches cybersecurity policy, cyberwarfare, and emerging technology security, and his graduate work at Georgetown University focused extensively on AI security, disinformation, and other emerging national security threats.
His professional background includes roles with Mandiant and as a contractor supporting federal agencies and national security missions. Brandon is also a frequent media commentator on technology and national security, appearing on outlets including PBS, the BBC, and Dr. Phil Primetime.

Aaron Bentley

Deputy CIO- Agency Services, Division of Technology Services, Department of Government Operations, State of Utah.

With more than two decades of experience—including seven years as Salt Lake City’s Chief Information Officer—Aaron specializes in modernizing government and bridging the digital divide. An advocate for both civic engagement and global community, he holds credentials from BYU and the Harvard Kennedy School. Aaron is a father of nine and a dedicated supporter of Utah’s refugee community, blending a career in technology with a lifelong commitment to service.

Stephen Cannon

Information Security Officer, Management Services, City of Orem

Stephen Cannon is the Information Security Officer for the City of Orem, where he leads the city’s cybersecurity program, data privacy initiatives, and technology governance, risk, and compliance efforts. With a career in government IT spanning back to 2007, Stephen brings a practical, real-world perspective to cybersecurity and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the public sector.
He holds a master’s degree in cybersecurity and certifications including Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) and CompTIA Security+. In his role, Stephen regularly works across executive leadership, legal, operational, and technical teams to translate complex security, privacy, and emerging technology issues into practical organizational decisions. He also serves as the Local Agency Security Officer (LASO) for the city’s criminal justice agencies, supporting compliance with CJIS security requirements.
Stephen’s work increasingly focuses on the intersection of cybersecurity, privacy, governance, and AI—particularly how public-sector organizations can responsibly take advantage of new technologies while managing risk, protecting sensitive information, and maintaining public trust.

Andy Hanks

Executive Strategist, Tanium

Andy Hanks is a Chief Government Strategist at Tanium with more than 30 years of experience in information technology; including 17 years focused on information security, regulatory compliance, and data privacy. Prior to joining Tanium, Hanks served as Senior Director at the Center for Internet Security, Chief Information Security Officer at the State of Montana, and Global Security Program Manager at IBM. Hanks earned a Master of Science degree in information systems from Drexel University, holds multiple cybersecurity certifications, and is a graduate of the FBI CISO Academy. Andy Hanks is a cybersecurity thought leader driven by a passion for protecting citizens’ data and defending critical infrastructure.

Joshua Ihrig

Information Systems Division Director, City of Provo

Joshua Ihrig serves as the Information Systems Division Director for Provo City, Utah, where he leads the City’s information technology organization and oversees strategy, operations, cybersecurity, digital services, and responsible technology adoption. He brings more than 25 years of IT experience across the public and private sectors, with a practical focus on using technology to improve service delivery and organizational effectiveness.
Joshua chairs the Utah Local Government IT Leaders group, which brings together counties, cities, and special service districts to share resources, strengthen collaboration, and address common technology challenges. Through this work, he helped lead local government support for Utah’s all-of-state cybersecurity funding effort, representing more than 130 local governments in support of shared cybersecurity services for communities across Utah.
He is passionate about cross-jurisdictional partnerships, sustainable technology funding, and helping local governments deliver greater value to the public.

Keith M. Keller, MPA

IT Director, Box Elder County

Keith M. Keller is the I.T. Director for Box Elder County, holding a BS from Utah State University and an MPA from Southern Utah University. Over his 25-year career in public sector IT, he has seen it all—including leading his organization through a massive ransomware attack in August 2025. In his breakout session, "You Got Breached Anyway," Keith brings a unique, frontline perspective, providing a transparent look at exactly what happened, the mistakes made along the way, and the critical lessons learned to help others survive a cyber crisis.

James Longhurst

James Longhurst Information Systems Associate Director, Utah County

James Longhurst is the Information Systems Associate Director for Utah County Government. In this role, he provides strategic leadership for the county's information technology and cybersecurity programs. He has held technology leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. James holds a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and a master's degree in Computer Information Systems from Colorado State University.

Christian Napier

Director of AI, Division of Technology Services, Department of Government Operations, State of Utah 

Christian Napier serves as the Director of AI for the Utah Division of Technology Services (DTS) and currently oversees AI implementation throughout state executive branch agencies. He was recently selected as an inaugural AI 50 Award recipient by the Center for Public Sector AI, given to the nation's top 50 individuals and organizations advancing AI across government, education, nonprofit and industry. Prior to joining DTS in March 2024, Christian worked for 25 years in the major international sport event industry, with leadership roles in technology, workforce, planning, and knowledge management. He has advised multiple successful Olympic and Commonwealth Games bid cities and, since 2015, he has served as an International Olympic Committee Knowledge and Learning Advisor, helping future host cities learn lessons from previous Games editions.

Elliot Parks

Cybersecurity Manager – Mandiant, Google Public Sector Services

Elliot Parks is a Senior Manager in Google Public Sector Services, leading Mandiant cybersecurity consulting teams across the Western United States. A former Marine Corps Signals Intelligence Officer and veteran cybersecurity leader with experience across public and private sectors, Elliot works directly with public sector CISOs to translate frontline adversary intelligence and breach response data into proactive defense. He holds an MBA and MS in Business Analytics from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business.

Zach Posner

Chief Information Officer, Salt Lake City Corporation

Zach has 25+ years of technology leadership across public, private, and non-profit organizations. He recently moved from Salt Lake County to Salt Lake City after an autocorrect mistake and is hoping no one notices before he can establish squatters rights. As the new CIO, he's focused on AI strategy, technology governance, and building a relentlessly customer-focused team—while learning to proofread AI suggestions.

Jodi Shegrud

Director of Privacy, Department of Government Operations, State of Utah

Jodi Shegrud, MLS, CIGO, CIPP/US is the Director of Privacy for the Utah Department of Government Operations, where she leads privacy, electronic records management, and data lifecycle governance initiatives. Her work is dedicated to transforming complex legal and retention mandates into practical, scalable processes that balance data accessibility and transparency with strict security and public trust.
With a background in the private sector implementing programs aligned with ISO, NIST, and HITRUST frameworks, Jodi brings a pragmatic, "ROI-focused" lens to state government data management. She holds a Master of Legal Studies in Privacy Law and Cybersecurity Policy, is a Certified Information Governance Officer (CIGO), and maintains the IAPP CIPM, CIPT, AIGP, and CIPP/US certifications.
Jodi is dedicated to helping organizations move past compliance checklists to build defensible, resource-aligned roadmaps that optimize storage, reduce data risk, and improve operational efficiency.

Micah Vorwaller

Deputy Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Government Operations, Utah Office of Data Privacy

Micah Vorwaller is the Deputy Chief Privacy Officer for the State of Utah and a Governor-appointed Commissioner on the Utah Privacy Commission. Micah plays a key role in shaping the legal strategy behind the state’s data privacy and digital identity ecosystems. He worked closely with the Legislature to help create the State Endorsed Digital Identity (SEDI) legislation and the landmark Utah Government Data Privacy Act. His strategic approach draws on a rich legal background, combining experience as an Assistant Attorney General advising state agencies with private practice representing healthcare entities on complex privacy matters.

Ken Wheeler

Information Security and Compliance Manager, Division of Technology Services, Utah Department of Government Operations

Ken Wheeler is the Information Security and Compliance Manager for the State of Utah, where he oversees the Local Government outreach program and manages compliance for executive branch agencies. Over his 32-year tenure with the State of Utah, Ken has served in a variety of IT capacities, dedicating the last 19 years specifically to cybersecurity. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from the University of Utah.

Brandon Wong

Information Security Manager, Utah County Information Systems

Brandon Wong is the Information Security Manager for Utah County, where he leads enterprise cybersecurity strategy protecting county operations spanning law enforcement, public health, and civil services for nearly 700,000 residents. Brandon specializes in building security culture — transforming security from a compliance obligation into an organizational mindset. He holds an MBA from the University of Utah and a Master's in Cybersecurity Information and Assurance, as well as the CISM certification. His work focuses on navigating the unique demands of public sector security and earning the executive buy-in that makes strong security possible.

Tuesday, September 22
8:00 am Mountain	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Salt Lake Ballroom Foyer
9:00 am Mountain	Opening Remarks Salt Lake Ballroom C Alan Fuller, Chief Information Officer, State of Utah
9:30 am Mountain	Keynote – Keep Your Head Out of the Cyber Sand: Using Superior Communications to Get the Job Done! Salt Lake Ballroom C Risk can take on many forms and governments must understand how to accept it, mitigate it, or insure against it while not sticking their head in the sand to ignore it. How will you assess your cyber risks and balance them against your needs? How will you make the rational decisions needed to be successful? How will you navigate the road to recovery? This session will answer these questions with a focus on ideas that will help you engage your leaders with real-world examples. Bryce Austin, President, TCE Strategy
10:30 am Mountain	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Salt Lake Ballroom Foyer
11:00 am Mountain	Concurrent Sessions AI vs. AI: Preparing for the Next Cyber Arms Race Salt Lake Ballroom A Artificial intelligence is reshaping both cyber offense and defense. As frontier AI models accelerate attacks and expose vulnerabilities faster than ever before, organizations must evolve their security strategies to keep pace. This session will examine AI readiness, automation for cyber defense, emerging tools and technologies, and practical approaches for preparing organizations for the next generation of AI-driven threats. Moderator: Aaron Bentley, Deputy CIO - Agency Services, Division of Technology Services, Department of Government Operations, State of Utah Andy Hanks, Executive Strategist, Tanium You Got Breached Anyway Salt Lake Ballroom D You have invested in security tools, implemented best practices, and strengthened your defenses – but a cyber incident still occurred. Now what? This session will examine the critical actions organizations should take following a breach, including incident response, recovery, communications, and lessons learned to improve resilience and prepare for future attacks. Moderator: Joshua Ihrig, Information Systems Division Director, City of Provo Keith M. Keller, MPA, IT Director, Box Elder County Elliot Parks, Cybersecurity Manager – Mandiant, Google Public Sector From Reactive to Resilient: Securing Executive Buy-In to Scale Local Government Cybersecurity Salt Lake Ballroom B This case study explores the journey of transforming a reactive security posture into a fully funded, proactive program within a county government. The session pulls back the curtain on specific strategies used to secure executive buy-in for a 300% increase in staffing and the budget for a modernized security stack, covering how to speak the language of elected officials, leverage strategic partnerships, and navigate the local government budget cycle. James Longhurst, Information Systems Associate Director, Utah County Brandon Wong, Information Security Manager, Utah County
12:00 pm Mountain	Lunch Salt Lake Ballroom C
1:00 pm Mountain	General Session – The Deepfake Dilemma: How AI Media Can Impact Public Security Salt Lake Ballroom C Brandon Amacher, Director of Emerging Tech Policy & Instructor of National Security, Utah Valley University
1:30 pm Mountain	Short Break Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.
1:45 pm Mountain	Concurrent Sessions AI Literacy and Secure Implementation Salt Lake Ballroom A AI is rapidly becoming a part of everyday government operations, but many organizations are still developing the knowledge and practices needed to use it securely. Join this session for practical guidance on secure AI implementation, data protection, emerging risks, and the foundational AI literacy needed to support responsible adoption across the public sector. Moderator: Stephen Cannon, Information Security Officer, Management Services, City of Orem Brandon Amacher, Director of Emerging Tech Policy & Instructor of National Security, Utah Valley University Christian Napier, Director of AI, Division of Technology Services, Department of Government Operations, State of Utah Effective Security Awareness: Modern Phishing Training That Works Salt Lake Ballroom D As phishing attacks continue to evolve, government organizations must rethink how they train and engage users. This session will explore practical approaches to cybersecurity awareness, including more sophisticated phishing simulations, immediate user feedback, leadership reporting, and lessons learned on what strategies are delivering meaningful improvements in employee awareness and resilience. Panelists will share experiences with implementing modern training tools and discuss what is proving the most effective in today’s threat landscape. Moderator: Aaron Bentley, Deputy CIO - Agency Services, Division of Technology Services, Department of Government Operations, State of Utah Zach Posner, Chief Information Officer, Salt Lake City Corporation Travis Scott, Information Security Analyst, Utah Division of Technology Services Brandon Wong, Information Security Manager, Utah County Third-Party Risk and Data Privacy: Navigating Shared Responsibility Salt Lake Ballroom B Third party providers play a critical role in delivering government services, but they also introduce unique cybersecurity and data privacy challenges. This session will examine third-party risk management, contractual and regulatory considerations, shared responsibility models, and best practices for responding when third-party incidents impact government organizations. Moderator: Kristen Chevrier, State Representative, Utah House of Representatives Ken Wheeler, Information Security and Compliance Manager, Division of Technology Services, Utah Department of Government Operations Jodi Shegrud, Director of Privacy, Utah Dept of Government Operations Micah Vorwaller, Deputy Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Government Operations, Utah Office of Data Privacy
2:45 pm Mountain	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Salt Lake Ballroom Foyer
3:15 pm Mountain	General Session – Inside Utah’s Modern Cyber Defense Strategy Salt Lake Ballroom C Explore how Utah has transformed its statewide cybersecurity posture over the last four years, highlighting key initiatives and collaborative efforts that have built a more resilient defense. This session provides a critical update on the modern strategies being deployed to protect Utah’s digital infrastructure and resident data. Phil Bates, Chief Information Security Officer, State of Utah
3:45 pm Mountain	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area Salt Lake Ballroom Foyer Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
4:15 pm Mountain	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City

170 South West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 596-1234

Get Directions To
Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City

Planning Committee

Representatives

Brandon Amacher
Director
Utah Valley University

Phil Bates
Chief Information Security Officer
Division of Technology Services
State of Utah

Alan Fuller
Chief Information Officer
Division of Technology Services
State of Utah

Jared Jensen
IT Director
Division of Technology Services
State of Utah

Troy Jessop
Associate Director
Utah Education and Telehealth Network

Debbie Johnson
Project Manager
Division of Technology Services
State of Utah

Keith Keller
IT Director
Box Elder County

James Longhurst
Associate Director
Utah County

Tom McOmie
Environmental Scientist
Division of Drinking Water
State of Utah

Zach Posner
Chief Information Officer
Salt Lake City

Travis Scott
Information Security Analyst
Division of Technology Services
State of Utah

Derrek Spencer
SOC Manager
Division of Technology Services
State of Utah

Ken Wheeler
IT Manager
Division of Technology Services
State of Utah

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: September 22, 2026

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.

Contact Information

Need help registering, or have general event questions? Contact:

Timiko Watkins
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1314
E-mail: twatkins@erepublic.com

Already a sponsor, but need a hand? Reach out to:

Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone:(916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@erepublic.com

Want to sponsor and stand out? Reach out to explore opportunities!

Heather Earney
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 365-2308
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

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Utah Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit 2026

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Alan Fuller

Chief Information Officer, State of Utah

Phil Bates

Chief Information Security Officer, State of Utah

Bryce Austin

President, TCE Strategy

Kristen Chevrier

State Representative, Utah House of Representatives

Brandon Amacher

Director of Emerging Tech Policy & Instructor of National Security, Utah Valley University

Aaron Bentley

Deputy CIO- Agency Services, Division of Technology Services, Department of Government Operations, State of Utah.

Stephen Cannon

Information Security Officer, Management Services, City of Orem

Andy Hanks

Executive Strategist, Tanium

Joshua Ihrig

Information Systems Division Director, City of Provo

Keith M. Keller, MPA

IT Director, Box Elder County

James Longhurst

James Longhurst Information Systems Associate Director, Utah County

Christian Napier

Director of AI, Division of Technology Services, Department of Government Operations, State of Utah

Elliot Parks

Cybersecurity Manager – Mandiant, Google Public Sector Services

Zach Posner

Chief Information Officer, Salt Lake City Corporation

Jodi Shegrud

Director of Privacy, Department of Government Operations, State of Utah

Micah Vorwaller

Deputy Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Government Operations, Utah Office of Data Privacy

Ken Wheeler

Information Security and Compliance Manager, Division of Technology Services, Utah Department of Government Operations

Brandon Wong

Information Security Manager, Utah County Information Systems

Agenda

Tuesday, September 22

8:00 am Mountain

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Salt Lake Ballroom Foyer

9:00 am Mountain

Opening Remarks

Salt Lake Ballroom C

9:30 am Mountain

Keynote – Keep Your Head Out of the Cyber Sand: Using Superior Communications to Get the Job Done!

Salt Lake Ballroom C

10:30 am Mountain

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Salt Lake Ballroom Foyer

11:00 am Mountain

Concurrent Sessions

AI vs. AI: Preparing for the Next Cyber Arms Race

Salt Lake Ballroom A

You Got Breached Anyway

Salt Lake Ballroom D

From Reactive to Resilient: Securing Executive Buy-In to Scale Local Government Cybersecurity

Salt Lake Ballroom B

12:00 pm Mountain

Lunch

Salt Lake Ballroom C

1:00 pm Mountain

General Session – The Deepfake Dilemma: How AI Media Can Impact Public Security

Salt Lake Ballroom C

1:30 pm Mountain

Short Break

1:45 pm Mountain

Concurrent Sessions

AI Literacy and Secure Implementation

Salt Lake Ballroom A

Effective Security Awareness: Modern Phishing Training That Works

Salt Lake Ballroom D

Third-Party Risk and Data Privacy: Navigating Shared Responsibility

Salt Lake Ballroom B

2:45 pm Mountain

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Director of AI, Division of Technology Services, Department of Government Operations, State of Utah 