Name: Washington IT Leadership Forum 2026
Start: 2026-04-07T08:00
Location: Marriott Tacoma Downtown

Overview

The Washington IT Leadership Forum is where tomorrow’s government leaders grow today.

This invitation-only gathering brings together state and local IT executives, emerging leaders, and visionary thinkers for candid conversations on the future of public-sector technology. Focused on leadership development, innovation, and strategy, the Forum goes beyond the tech to address the people, policies, and practices shaping digital government. Through peer exchange and practical sessions, participants gain the insights, relationships, and skills needed to lead their organizations and communities into the future.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Public sector technology leadership is essential if we are to improve and modernize government services. Enabling innovation and solving problems with technology is a strong expectation of our technology leaders. To meet that expectation, we must cultivate a strategic mindset in leaders who can build strong partnerships with business leaders, anticipate what’s ahead, and guide government through sustained transformation. The 2nd Annual Washington IT Leadership Forum gathers government and industry IT leaders to exchange ideas, learn from shared experiences, and reimagine how we lead in an era of constant change. This forum is a moment to step back, think strategically, and collectively shape the next chapter of government technology in Washington. I hope to see you there!

- Bill Kehoe, Director and State Chief Information Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Speakers

Bill Kehoe

Director and State Chief Information Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Bill Kehoe joined Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) as the director and state CIO for Washington on August 1, 2021. He has pursued an agenda focused on innovation, resident engagement, creating a data driven culture and service excellence collaborating with agencies to drive project success and improve the resident experience.
Prior to WaTech, Bill was the CIO for Los Angeles County in California from 2017-2021, where he managed enterprise security, information management, enterprise architecture and technology consulting services for 37 county departments. He also served as an advisor to the Board of Supervisors and the Chief Executive Officer regarding enterprise technology strategy, policy and governance.
Bill has a long history of managing information technology departments in local and state governments, including more than 15 years in Washington state agencies and counties. Before working as CIO for Los Angeles County, he was the CIO and Information Department director for King County in Washington from 2010-2017 and served as the first CIO for the Department of Licensing from 2002-2010.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Gonzaga University.

Dr. Julie Pham

Founder and CEO, CuriosityBased | Author, Speaker

Dr. Julie Pham founded CuriosityBased to help people practice curiosity in the world, starting in the workplace. She wrote the #1 Amazon New Release and Bestseller, 7 Forms of Respect: A Guide to Transforming Your Communication and Relationships at Work, and gave a TEDx talk on "Curiosity as a practice." She headed community engagement at the Washington Technology Industry Association and has worked as a tech marketer at Microsoft and Avidian Technologies. Dr. Pham earned a PhD in History at the University of Cambridge as a Gates Cambridge Scholar and gained her “real-life MBA” by running her family’s Vietnamese-language newspaper, Người Việt Tây Bắc in Seattle. Dr. Pham has been recognized with numerous awards for her community leadership, including Harvard Business School's Young American Leaders Program, German Marshall Memorial Fellow, and a Puget Sound Business Journal ’40 under 40’ honoree. She has applied her community building approach to building strong, collaborative and curious teams. She has served on the City of Seattle’s Economic Development Commission and Community Involvement Commission.

Christina Adams

Senior Manager, Digital Accessibility, Siteimprove

Christina has helped numerous organizations optimize their digital products and processes by combining technical expertise with user-centered design, all with the goal of creating accessible and innovative solutions that empower diverse audiences. Christina regularly provides accessibility education through lectures and workshops and consults with hundreds of organizations worldwide to guide designers and developers toward sustainable, inclusive practices.

Deanna Brocker

Deputy Director, Strategy and Management, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Deanna Brocker serves as the Deputy Director for Strategy and Management at Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech), where she leads enterprise strategic development and execution, major IT project oversight, and performance-driven initiatives. With a focus on transformational change, she champions continuous improvement and measurable outcomes while fostering collaboration across state agencies to advance business and technology alignment. Before joining WaTech, Deanna held leadership roles in higher education and the private sector, including Deputy CIO at Texas A&M University – San Antonio and Assistant Director of Business Affairs at Western Washington University. Her expertise spans strategic planning and execution, performance measurement, customer engagement, and leading cross-sector partnerships that drive innovation and operational excellence.

Tamara Davis

Chief Technology Officer, King County

Tamara Davis is the Chief Technology Officer for King County, Washington, with a 30-year career in technology and geographic information systems (GIS). Her work encompasses business and IT transformations across all county departments, including operational support for complex business application portfolios, innovative rate methodologies for budgeting, and strategic GIS program development. Tamara holds a Master of Science in Information Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Washington.

Joanie Fadden

Business Operations & Support Manager, Snohomish County

With more than 25 years in Snohomish County government in leadership roles, Joanie Fadden currently serves as the IT Department Business Operations and Support Manager and was formerly a Bureau Chief with the Sheriff's Office. Affectionately described by coworkers as a “cheerleader strapped to the front of a freight train” – her style consistently reflects interest in helping teams move forward with clarity, energy, accountability, and enthusiasm.
Her work has spanned financial management, administrative operations, and strategy, with a strong focus on adopting systems that reduce friction and make work more effective. Over the past decade, she has focused on developing leaders, supporting high performing teams, and creating environments where colleagues grow and succeed. Passionate about making government beautiful, Joanie is committed to leaving behind guidance and tools that support colleagues across public service organizations.

Viggo Forde

Director of IT/CIO, Department of Information Technology, Snohomish County, Washington

Viggo Forde serves as the Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Technology for Snohomish County, WA, the third largest county in Washington State. Prior to joining Snohomish County he had a long career at Microsoft where his last job was as a Senior Director in Customer Service and Support. He also brings experience from Amazon and Boeing. In addition to his professional career Viggo is the Honorary Consul of Norway to the states of Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho. He has assisted multiple non-profit organizations with his leadership and business experience and is a current board member of the National Nordic Museum in Seattle. He has also held board roles at the University of Washington Scandinavian Studies Department, and UW Industrial and Systems Engineering Executive Advisory Board, as well as the Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce/NorCham. He holds a masters and bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington.

James Galvin

AI and Emerging Technology Manager, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

James Galvin is the AI and Emerging Technology Manager for Washington State, where he leads the state’s strategic approach to evaluating and adopting artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. He works across agencies to accelerate innovation and scale AI-driven solutions that improve public services, deliver measurable value for residents, and ensure responsible, trustworthy use of technology. Previously, James served as an Enterprise Architect at Accenture, leading AI initiatives for public sector clients, and held senior product roles at Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle.

Heidi Geathers

Sr Assistant Director, Administrative Services, Department of Revenue, State of Washington

I joined state service in 2013 as the CIO of the Liquor and Cannabis Board.  This was during the height of legalization of Marijuana. This was a huge shift in operational business models and subject matter for me. I spent the prior 20 years supporting and leading technology operations in the banking industry. I always thought my career in banking was rewarding, but being a part of something greater, such as public service, is one of my greatest achievements. My career path has shifted and grown over the years. I am currently part of Department of Revenue’s Executive Team where I get to lead administrative divisions such as Human Resources, Finance, and Information Services. I thoroughly enjoy my role and have the same excitement today, being part of this great organization, as I did on the day I started. 
My career journey has required grit, continuous learning, empathy and teamwork. I have been fortunate to work alongside many brilliant, service oriented, and genuine people along the way. The myriads of leadership styles, experiences, and growth mindsets I encountered helped me to see things more broadly and recognize that strengths in others comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes.

Callie Goldsby

Chief Information Officer, Department of Commerce, State of Washington

Callie Goldsby is the Chief Information Officer for the Washington State Department of Commerce. She leads enterprise technology strategy, modernization, and digital transformation to better serve communities and businesses across Washington. Known for her people-first leadership style, Callie focuses on building strong teams, fostering innovation, and advancing equity in technology. She is also a mentor and advocate for developing the next generation of IT leaders, and values collaboration across government, industry, and community partners.

Stephen Heard

Chief Information Officer, King County, Washington

In his role as CIO, Stephen oversees a biennium budget of $377 million and leads a talented team of over 450 technology professionals who deliver core I.T. services to more than 15,000 King County employees across all departments.
Stephen joined KCIT in 2007 and has served in many positions, most recently as Chief Technology Officer. In this role, Stephen partnered with county business leaders to target cost-effective and innovative technology solutions. His teams successfully executed key technology improvements that strengthened the resiliency of platforms that are foundational to King County's digital public services; these enhancements have resulted in the reduction of major incidents by 50% across a three-year period. Stephen is particularly pleased to have increased the diversity of his leadership team by 93% over a two-year period through a combination of strategic recruiting and intentional power sharing.
Prior to coming to the County, Stephen worked in the private tech sector. Stephen has over 20 years of information technology experience including technical and leadership roles within financial services, consumer products, and local government organizations.

Nikki Kloepfer

Senior Executive Business Partner and Learning Lead, City of Seattle

Nichole (Nikki) Kloepfer is an Organizational Development & Workforce Learning Lead for Seattle IT, where she leads initiatives to strengthen workforce capability, leadership development, and talent pipelines across the department. She partners with executive leadership to align workforce strategy with organizational priorities, with a focus on preparing teams for emerging technologies and the evolving demands of public service.
Nikki’s work includes advancing AI workforce readiness, building cross-sector partnerships, and designing programs that create accessible pathways into civic technology careers. She is passionate about developing the next generation of tech talent and helping organizations navigate change with clarity and purpose.

Sean McSpaden

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Sean McSpaden is an executive level information technology professional with over 30 years of experience in the private, non-profit, and public sectors. His background includes the start-up and management of several small businesses and he has served on the Board of Directors or in Executive Director positions for several 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Sean’s public service experience includes progressively responsible positions as an IT analyst, and in statewide coordination, management and leadership positions within the Executive and Legislative branches of Oregon state government.
From June 2008 to September 2013, Sean served as the state of Oregon’s Deputy State Chief Information Officer. Since 2013, Sean has served as a Principal Legislative IT Analyst with the Oregon Legislative Fiscal Office and as the Committee Administrator for Oregon’s Joint Legislative Committee on Information Management and Technology. In addition, Sean serves as a member Oregon’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and as Oregon’s representative to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Taskforce on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Privacy.
Throughout his 26-year tenure in Oregon state government, Sean and the teams he has led have received several state, regional and national recognitions and awards. In addition, Sean has represented the state of Oregon on numerous state, regional and national project steering committees, task forces, governing boards, committees, commissions and associations, and has presented on various topics at local, state, regional, national, and international meetings and conferences.
Sean earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and Certificate of Public Management from the Willamette University, Atkinson Graduate School of Management. Sean is an ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and holds a PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

David Mendel

Assistant Director, Enterprise Strategy & Oversight Strategy & Management Division, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

David Mendel has over 44 years of experience working in IT. He is the Washington Technical Solutions (WaTech) Assistant Director for Enterprise Strategy & Oversight, where he oversees the development of the state’s and WaTech’s strategic plans, tracks goals and initiatives related to those plans and is responsible for major IT project oversight for agencies across the state. Additionally, his team is responsible for managing the IT Governance meeting process and for customer engagement with state agencies.

Amy Pearson

Chief of Staff, WaTech, State of Washington

Amy Pearson serves as the Chief of Staff to the State CIO and WaTech Director of Legislative and External Affairs. In this executive leadership role, she provides strategic and operational support to the agency’s director and executive team, helping to drive organizational success through coordination, leadership, and strategic insight.
As the WaTech Director of Legislative and External Affairs, Amy plays a key role in shaping IT policy and ensuring WaTech remains a trusted leader in technology policy and execution across Washington State.
She also leads Strategic Advisory Services, where she collaborates across state agencies to support high-visibility, complex projects, offering expert consulting and mobilizing resources to ensure project success.
Amy is a proud public servant with over 20 years of public sector experience across various state agencies she has also been honored to be a foster parent for teen boys and a mental health counselor for foster youth in crisis.

Gretchen Peri

State Chief Technology Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Gretchen Peri has served as the Washington State Chief Technology Officer since September 2025. Prior to joining the State, she led the global government, education, and nonprofit business for Slalom Consulting. Peri began her career working at the US Immigration and Naturalization Service and the US Mission to the United Nations. Her early experiences in public sector inspired in her a passion for helping government agencies deliver the best public services to their communities. After completing her MPA, Peri spent several years consulting justice and public safety agencies on how to best leverage technology to improve operations and integrated justice data sharing. She joined Slalom in 2011 where she started the firm’s inaugural Public Sector practice.
Nationally recognized for her contributions to technology innovation, Peri has received multiple honors, including a 2023 Consulting Magazine award for excellence in innovation. She also serves on the King County Strategic Advisory Council and the 30x30 Initiative Advisory Board, helping public institutions improve equity, safety, and strategic direction.

Mark Quimby

Deputy Director for Technology and Operations, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Mark Quimby is the Deputy Director of Technology & Operations at WaTech, leading the development and implementation of enterprise technology services for Washington state. Since 2014, he has held key leadership roles, including Assistant Director for Network Services, shaping IT strategy and infrastructure.
In 2021, Mark served as Acting State CIO and WaTech Director, guiding the agency through a critical transition with a focus on collaboration, resilience, and innovation. With expertise in IT governance, cybersecurity, and network management, he ensures technology aligns with business needs and enhances service delivery.
Previously, Mark spent 15 years modernizing technology infrastructure at the Washington State Department of Corrections. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and business management from The Evergreen State College, along with four associate degrees in IT disciplines. His leadership is defined by transparency, collaboration, and a commitment to leveraging technology for operational excellence.

Vickie Sheehan

Communications Director, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

A problem solver by nature, Vickie Sheehan is a dedicated “solutionist” who thrives on transforming complex challenges into clear, impactful strategies. With over 35 years of experience, she is a seasoned communications, marketing and public affairs leader spanning multiple industries across public and private sectors.
Vickie serves as the Communications Director for Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech), the state’s IT agency. In this role, she has honed the ability to translate intricate technical concepts into accessible, engaging messaging, ensuring clarity and impact for diverse audiences.
Throughout her career, Vickie has led high-profile initiatives, including directing strategic communications for the University of Washington, advancing enrollment and brand strategies at Green River College, and spearheading statewide media outreach campaigns for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). These experiences highlight her ability to drive results, inspire collaboration, and lead with vision in dynamic environments.
She holds a BA in Business Management and an MBA, bringing a strategic, solution-driven approach to every challenge.

Will Smith

Assistant CTO and Chief of Staff, City of Seattle

View Speakers

Agenda

Tuesday, April 7
8:00 am Pacific	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Chambers Bay Foyer
9:00 am Pacific	Opening Remarks Chambers Bay II-III Bill Kehoe, Director and State Chief Information Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington
9:15 am Pacific	Keynote – From Scarcity to Strength: Reimagining Help, Collaboration, and Innovation Chambers Bay II-III In an era of tightening budgets, shifting priorities, and relentless change, government is often expected to do more with less. Yet scarcity can be a powerful catalyst for creativity and collaboration. In this insightful keynote, Dr. Julie Pham shares real-world stories of innovation born from constraint - illustrating how challenges can inspire new ways of thinking, working, and leading. Through live polling, interactive storytelling, and practical skill-building exercises, attendees will explore the reciprocal nature of help. Together, the audience will crowdsource solutions, benchmark shared challenges, and reimagine support as a collective strength - discovering how asking for help can fuel resilience, foster innovation, and build stronger, more connected public-sector communities. Dr. Julie Pham, Founder and CEO, CuriosityBased \| Author, Speaker
10:15 am Pacific	Bits and Bytes - Guiding Through Uncertainty: Maintaining Culture and Morale Chambers Bay II-III Change is inevitable, and keeping teams motivated and engaged - through both challenges and successes - is critical. This session explores how to build trust, foster a positive culture, and sustain morale through all kinds of transitions. Join us for insights and lessons learned on meaningful connection with teams, reinforcing resilience, and creating an environment where staff can thrive, no matter what lies ahead. Moderator: Megan Erb, Communications Manager, City of Seattle Ana LaNasa-Selvidge, Change Management Lead, City of Seattle IT Mark Quimby, Deputy Director, Enterprise Technology Services, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington
10:35 am Pacific	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Chambers Bay Foyer Refuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsors: Darwin AI, ISG
11:05 am Pacific	Concurrent Sessions AI Governance: Driving Innovation with Trust and Accountability Chambers Bay I AI can help transform public services, but with innovation comes some risk. How can leaders move quickly while maintaining public confidence, make informed governance decisions, and foster a culture that balances experimentation with accountability? In this session we will discover strategies to navigate uncertainty, assess risk, and maximize the value of AI responsibly in government. Moderator: Sean McSpaden, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government James Galvin, AI and Emerging Technology Manager, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington Angela Kleis, Deputy Chief Information Officer/Chief Data Privacy Officer, Innovation and Technology Division, Dept of Commerce, State of Washington Lisa Qian, City AI Officer, City of Seattle IT The Transition Survival Guide: Strategies for Changing Leadership Point Defiance Meeting Room Whether it is a new governor, commissioner, mayor, or otherwise – when new leadership takes the helm, shifting priorities and evolving policies can create uncertainty. How can IT leaders proactively maintain continuity, align strategies with incoming priorities, and build rapport? This session offers practical approaches for engaging new leaders, safeguarding critical services, and turning transition into an opportunity to advance modernization and organizational agility. Join us and learn actionable strategies for keeping IT efforts on track while adapting to a changing administrative landscape. Moderator: Deanna Brocker, Deputy Director for Strategy & Management, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington Tracye Cantrell, Interim Chief Technology Officer, City of Seattle IT Viggo Forde, Chief Information Officer & Director of Information Technology, Snohomish County Bill Kehoe, Director and State Chief Information Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington If You Build IT, They Will Come: Successful Business Partnerships Union Meeting Room In addition to delivering services, IT leaders are increasingly expected to shape outcomes. But how do you move from a transactional relationship to a true partnership with business and operations teams - whether or not IT is invited to the table? This session explores practical ways to initiate and strengthen IT–business partnerships, navigate resistance, and foster productive two-way conversations. Attendees will examine how to connect, align around shared goals, and keep people and communities at the center of the work - positioning IT as a valued partner in achieving mission-driven results. Moderator: Gretchen Peri, State Chief Technology Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington Harvey Arnone, Director of Data Enablement, City of Seattle IT Heidi Geathers, Senior Assistant Director of Administrative Services, Department of Revenue, State of Washington Callie Goldsby, Chief Information Officer, Department of Commerce, State of Washington David Mendel, Assistant Director for Strategy and Oversight, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington
12:05 pm Pacific	Lunch Chambers Bay II-III
1:00 pm Pacific	General Session – Taking Accessibility from Policy to Practice: Transforming Culture for Sustainable Compliance Chambers Bay II-III By July 1st, Washington State will adopt WCAG 2.2 AA standards, raising the bar beyond ADA requirements. How can you ensure accessibility becomes more than a one-time effort and that progress isn’t undone over time? This session focuses on how leaders can turn compliance into a sustainable, agency-wide commitment. Learn how to build a culture of ownership that drives accessibility agency-wide, align it with organizational priorities, and establish the accountability, metrics, and practices needed to sustain progress - while leveraging AI and emerging technologies to enable and amplify outcomes. You’ll walk away with practical insights on leading long-term accessibility efforts that evolve with your organization and better serve your community. Christina Adams, Senior Manager, Digital Accessibility, Siteimprove
1:30 pm Pacific	Short Break Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.
1:45 pm Pacific	Concurrent Sessions Powering the Future: Developing the Next Generation of Tech Talent Chambers Bay I As technology evolves, governments must rethink how they develop and position their IT workforce for what’s next. This session highlights innovative approaches to IT workforce development, from education and training programs to partnerships that expand and diversify the talent pipeline. Attendees will gain practical insights into how they can prepare teams for emerging and high-demand technology roles to build a resilient, future-ready IT workforce. Moderator: Nikki Kloepfer, Senior Executive Business Partner and Learning Lead, City of Seattle Joanie Fadden, Business Operations & Support Manager, Snohomish County Cathleen Overmiller, Human Resources Director, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington Will Smith, Assistant CTO and Chief of Staff, City of Seattle Change that Matters: Leading Transformation Point Defiance Meeting Room How can IT leaders modernize services while keeping both residents and internal teams at the center? Effective change management ensures new technologies and processes are adopted successfully, while a focus on customer experience ensures these changes truly improve outcomes. In this session, explore how shared technology and enterprise services can break down silos, align teams, and prioritize initiatives around customer value. Join us to learn strategies for leading transformation that delivers measurable results and strengthens trust with the communities you serve. Moderator: Rob Allred, State Chief Architect, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington Anja Canfield-Budde, Deputy Chief Information Officer, University of Washington Tamara Davis, Chief Technology Officer, King County Amy Pearson, Chief of Staff to the State CIO and Director, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington Sean McSpaden, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government Strategic Planning and Communication for Maximum Impact Union Meeting Room Leading IT isn’t just about managing systems - it’s about guiding people, shaping strategy, and planning for the future. This session explores how to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders, frame technology in terms of business outcomes, and integrate IT initiatives into broader organizational goals. Learn when to step into a strategic leadership role versus when to focus on operational management, and discover practical approaches for strategic planning that align technology with enterprise priorities. Strengthen your ability to lead with vision, influence, and measurable impact! Moderator: Vickie Sheehan, Communications Director, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington Deanna Brocker, Deputy Director for Strategy and Management, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington Stephen Heard, Chief Information Officer, King County Jade Redfield, Portfolio, Products and Projects Manager, City of Seattle IT
2:45 pm Pacific	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Chambers Bay Foyer Refuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsors: Darwin AI, ISG
3:15 pm Pacific	General Session – Coffee with Kehoe: Voices at the Table - Empowering Diverse Leaders Chambers Bay II-III What does it take to build inclusive IT leadership teams? In this episode of Coffee with Kehoe, Washington State CIO and WaTech Director Bill Kehoe sits down with experts who will share stories, strategies, and practical tips for supporting women and diverse talent to learn how all leaders can foster equity, innovation, and growth in their organizations. Hosted by: Bill Kehoe, Director and State Chief Information Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington Callie Goldsby, Chief Information Officer, Department of Commerce, State of Washington Shalini Joshi, Chief Information Officer, Seattle Housing Authority Amy Pearson, Chief of Staff to the State CIO and WaTech Director, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington
4:05 pm Pacific	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area Chambers Bay Foyer Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
4:35 pm Pacific	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Marriott Tacoma Downtown

1538 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 294-9200

Get Directions To
Marriott Tacoma Downtown

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Rob Allred
State Chief Architect
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington

Deanna Brocker
Deputy Director for Strategy & Management
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington

Tamara Davis
Chief Technology Officer
King County

Chris Fadden
Information Technology Director
City of Everett

Viggo Forde
Chief Information Officer & Director of Information Technology
Snohomish County

Heidi Geathers
Senior Assistant Director of Administrative Services
Department of Revenue
State of Washington

Callie Goldsby
Chief Information Officer
Department of Commerce
State of Washington

Stephen Heard
Chief Information Officer
King County

Ralph Johnson
Chief Information Security Officer
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington

Bill Kehoe
Director and State Chief Information Officer
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington

Chris Lamb
Program Manager
Enterprise Cloud Computing Program/Architecture & Innovation Division WaTech
State of Washington

Rob Lloyd
Chief Technology Officer
City of Seattle

Matthew Modarelli
Chief Information Officer
Department of Transportation
State of Washington

Amy Pearson
Chief of Staff
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington

Gretchen Peri
State Chief Technology Officer
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington

Mark Quimby
Deputy Director for Enterprise Service
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington

Katy Ruckle
State Chief Privacy Officer
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington

Linda Schactler
Director, Information Technology Public Policy
University of Washington

Vickie Sheehan
Communications Director
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington

Irene Vidyanti
State Chief Data Officer
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington

Scott West
Chief Information Officer
Department of Ecology
State of Washington

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: April 7, 2026

This is an invitation-only event, open to Public Sector only. For more information or to request an invitation, please contact Timiko Watkins.

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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Washington IT Leadership Forum 2026

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Bill Kehoe

Director and State Chief Information Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Dr. Julie Pham

Founder and CEO, CuriosityBased | Author, Speaker

Christina Adams

Senior Manager, Digital Accessibility, Siteimprove

Deanna Brocker

Deputy Director, Strategy and Management, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Tamara Davis

Chief Technology Officer, King County

Joanie Fadden

Business Operations & Support Manager, Snohomish County

Viggo Forde

Director of IT/CIO, Department of Information Technology, Snohomish County, Washington

James Galvin

AI and Emerging Technology Manager, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Heidi Geathers

Sr Assistant Director, Administrative Services, Department of Revenue, State of Washington

Callie Goldsby

Chief Information Officer, Department of Commerce, State of Washington

Stephen Heard

Chief Information Officer, King County, Washington

Nikki Kloepfer

Senior Executive Business Partner and Learning Lead, City of Seattle

Sean McSpaden

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

David Mendel

Assistant Director, Enterprise Strategy & Oversight Strategy & Management Division, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Amy Pearson

Chief of Staff, WaTech, State of Washington

Gretchen Peri

State Chief Technology Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Mark Quimby

Deputy Director for Technology and Operations, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Vickie Sheehan

Communications Director, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Will Smith

Assistant CTO and Chief of Staff, City of Seattle

Agenda

Tuesday, April 7

8:00 am Pacific

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Chambers Bay Foyer

9:00 am Pacific

Opening Remarks

Chambers Bay II-III

9:15 am Pacific

Keynote – From Scarcity to Strength: Reimagining Help, Collaboration, and Innovation

Chambers Bay II-III

10:15 am Pacific

Bits and Bytes - Guiding Through Uncertainty: Maintaining Culture and Morale

Chambers Bay II-III

10:35 am Pacific

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Chambers Bay Foyer

11:05 am Pacific

Concurrent Sessions

AI Governance: Driving Innovation with Trust and Accountability

Chambers Bay I

The Transition Survival Guide: Strategies for Changing Leadership

Point Defiance Meeting Room

If You Build IT, They Will Come: Successful Business Partnerships

Union Meeting Room

12:05 pm Pacific

Lunch

Chambers Bay II-III

1:00 pm Pacific

General Session – Taking Accessibility from Policy to Practice: Transforming Culture for Sustainable Compliance

Chambers Bay II-III

1:30 pm Pacific

Short Break

1:45 pm Pacific

Concurrent Sessions

Powering the Future: Developing the Next Generation of Tech Talent

Chambers Bay I

Change that Matters: Leading Transformation