The 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!
Last year's Digital Government Summit was so successful that we knew we needed to keep the conversation going. This event allows industry and public sector experts to come together and collaborate on the future of government technology. The discussions held here will help create more efficient, secure, and accessible services for the people of Vermont. I'm eager to see the ideas and partnerships that develop as we work together to drive innovation in state government.
– Denise Reilly-Hughes, Secretary & State Chief Information Officer, State of Vermont
Thursday, August 14 |
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8:00 am Eastern |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit AreaEmerald Promenade |
9:00 am Eastern |
Welcome and Opening RemarksEmerald III BallroomDenise Reilly-Hughes, Secretary and Chief Information Officer, State of Vermont Dr. Kellie B. Campbell, Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology Services, University of Vermont |
9:15 am Eastern |
Keynote – Find Your Fight: Innovating When the Odds Are Against YouEmerald III 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 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 |
10:15 am Eastern |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaEmerald Promenade |
10:45 am Eastern |
Concurrent SessionsYour Cybersecurity Playbook Starts HereEmerald I BallroomEvery government agency needs a strong cyber game plan - but where do you begin? This session explores the tools, frameworks, funding, and partnerships available to help you build or refine your cybersecurity playbook. From tabletop exercises to federal grants and threat intel resources, get actionable insights to strengthen your agency’s ability to prepare, respond, and recover. Moderator: Adam Gamelin, Cybersecurity Advisor, CISA, State of Vermont Scott Carbee, Information Security Officer, University of Vermont Bill Carter, Public Sector Cybersecurity Strategist, Fortinet Ryan McLiverty, Cyber Intelligence Analyst, Vermont Intelligence Center Managing AI Risk for Smarter GovernmentEmerald II BallroomAI holds great promise for transforming government, but with that promise comes real risk. How do you balance innovation with responsibility? This session will explore practical strategies for identifying, assessing, and managing AI-related risks while keeping your organization’s goals on track. Learn how to engage stakeholders, build trust, and ensure your AI initiatives are safe, effective, and aligned with public values. Moderator: Hansa Bernal, Senior National Conference Director, Government Technology Chad P. Brouillard, Esq, Partner, Foster & Eldridge, LLP Winston Chang, Global Public Sector Chief Technology Officer, Snowflake Adam Locklin, Executive Director, Vermont Technology Alliance Advancing Digital AccessibilityAmphitheatreAs digital services expand, governments must address challenges related to infrastructure, platform usability, and compliance with standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 to meet accessibility requirements. This session explores practical approaches to enhancing digital access, ensuring web and application accessibility, and promoting user success. We'll spotlight how Vermont is advancing these efforts through improved connectivity and user-centered technology design. Moderator: Rebecca Kelley, Chief Communications Officer, State of Vermont Scot Barker, Chief Innovation Officer, City of Burlington Patricia Martin, Data and Reporting Manager, Title VI and ADA Coordinator, State of Vermont Meg Walz, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Vermont State Colleges |
11:45 am Eastern |
LunchEmerald III Ballroom |
12:45 pm Eastern |
Peer Power Problem-Solving RoundtablesEmerald III BallroomNow it’s your turn. Join fellow attendees in a dynamic, peer-to-peer roundtable discussion where the morning’s insights turn into action. These small group conversations will focus on real challenges, shared strategies, and practical solutions drawn from the day’s sessions. Bring your questions, ideas, and lessons learned - then leave with fresh perspectives and tools you can take back to your team. |
1:15 pm Eastern |
Short BreakPlease proceed to the concurrent sessions. |
1:30 pm Eastern |
Concurrent SessionsWorking Together for Cyber ResilienceEmerald I BallroomCyber threats are evolving faster, brighter, and more dangerously than ever. No single agency can face them alone. This session dives into how state and local governments across Vermont are building unified defenses through collaboration. Discover how shared resources, strategic partnerships, and coordinated funding models are transforming cybersecurity into a collaborative effort. Walk away with practical examples, proven frameworks, and fresh insights into how your agency can contribute to a stronger, collective response. Moderator: Dr. Kristen Pedersen, Vice President of Cyber Operations and Chief Research Officer, Norwich University Applied Research Institute Leah Bogdanowicz, FBI Special Agent, Cybersecurity, Burlington Residence Agency Adam Gamelin, Cybersecurity Advisor, CISA, State of Vermont Ashley B. Lipton, Director of Cyber Outreach, Norwich University Applied Research Institute Joseph Paquin, Lead Cybersecurity, Vermont Judiciary Modernizing Vermont Government Through Emerging TechnologiesEmerald II BallroomVermont is embracing digital transformation, but where can emerging technologies make the most significant impact? This session examines how tools such as AI, automation, and advanced data analytics can modernize services, streamline operations, and enhance citizen experiences. Learn how to identify high-impact opportunities, prioritize initiatives, and build a roadmap for a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused government. Moderator: Hansa Bernal, Senior National Conference Director, Government Technology, hansa.bernal@govtech.com Paul Hochanadel, Director of Operations, Vermont Department of Health Sergio Ortega, Sales and Business Development Lead, AI/ML SLG US, Amazon Web Services Alexa Woodward, JD, Executive Director, Vermont Complex Systems Institute, University of Vermont Exclusive Briefing for Industry PartnersAmphitheatreHosted by: Denise Reilly-Hughes, Secretary and Chief Information Officer, State of Vermont |
2:30 pm Eastern |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaEmerald Promenade |
2:50 pm Eastern |
Vermont Innovation ShowcaseEmerald III BallroomSee real solutions in motion. This rapid-fire demo session features live showcases of technology already transforming government across Vermont. From digital services to cybersecurity tools and data platforms, you’ll get a firsthand look at how agencies are using tech to solve problems, improve operations, and better serve Vermonters. It’s proof that innovation is happening right here, right now. Sam Barrows, Cybersecurity Analyst, City of Burlington Ellie de Villiers, Chair, Vermont CUD Association |
3:15 pm Eastern |
Be Brave Together: Building Cyber Resilience That LastsEmerald III BallroomInspired by the Governor’s call to ‘Be Brave Together,’ this closing session challenges us to move beyond mere survival to lead with purpose, unity, and resilience. How do we tackle big problems when the stakes are high, and the solutions aren’t simple? How do we protect our critical infrastructure, secure our data, and move forward even when perspectives differ? This conversation will focus on how Vermont can thrive through collaboration, bold thinking, and a shared commitment to cybersecurity and digital strength. Let’s talk about what it takes and how we make it happen. Moderator: Jessica Byerly, National Conference Director, Government Technology Lori Boisjoli, Chief Information Officer, The University of Vermont Health Network Dr. Kellie B. Campbell, Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology Services, University of Vermont Denise Reilly-Hughes, Secretary and Chief Information Officer, State of Vermont |
4:00 pm Eastern |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaEmerald PromenadeNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors. |
4:30 pm Eastern |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
870 Williston Road
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 865-6600
Richard Adams
Technology Director
Windham Northeast Supervisory Union School District
Chip Bacon
Associate VP, Information Security & Chief Information Security Officer
Information Technology
Norwich University
Scot Barker
Chief Innovation Officer
City of Burlington
Kellie Campbell
Chief Information Officer
Information Technology
University of Vermont
Andrea DeLaBruere
Deputy CIO
Agency of Digital Services
State of Vermont
Tracey Delphia
Director, Digital Services
Agency of Digital Services
State of Vermont
Stacy Gibson-Grandfield
Director of Enterprise Project Manaement
Agency of Digital Services
State of Vermont
Christopher Irish
Technology Coordinator
River Valley Technical District
Jonathan Kelley
Chief of Staff
Agency of Digital Services
State of Vermont
Jim Lipinski
Director of Shared Services
Agency of Digital Services
State of Vermont
Ashley Lipton
Grants & Partnerships Manager
Norwich University Applied Research Institutes
Mike Mott
Director of Technology
Colchester School District
Michael Nagle
IT Director
Agency of Digital Services
State of Vermont
Robert Paluba
Director of Information Technoology
Town of Essex
Brad Portlance
Enterprise Engineer
Vermont Supreme Court
Josiah Raiche
Chief Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer
State of Vermont
Denise Reilly-Hughes
Secretary & State Chief Information Officer
Agency of Digital Services
State of Vermont
Marcia Schels
Chief Innovation Tech Officer
Judiciary
Vermont Judiciary
Kate Slocum
Chief Financial Officer
Information Technology
Vermont Agency of Digital Services
Rebecca White
Risk Management Director of Operations
Office of Risk Management
State of Vermont
Steve Cunha
Named Account Manager
Fortinet
Sam Martin
Account Executive
Snowflake
Jenny Phelps
Senior Account Manager
Presidio
Craig Schena
Enterprise Account Manager
Amazon Web Services
Rosalba Schino
Client Relationship Executive
Deloitte
Open to Public Sector only.
Registration - Free
If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.
For registration and general assistance contact:
Lauren Schoenberger
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1408
E-mail: lschoenberger@erepublic.com
For assistance or questions concerning Sponsor Logos or Logistics please contact:
Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@erepublic.com
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:
Heather Earney
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 365-2308
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com