Washington IT Leadership Forum 2025 Banner

Overview

The IT Leadership Forum is a premier event designed for current and emerging public sector IT leaders to explore technological advancements that drive government innovation. The forum emphasizes leadership development, offering participants valuable opportunities to enhance their professional skills, engage in peer networking, and collaborate on strategies to improve public services through technology. 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!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

In today’s fast-evolving and challenging tech landscape, we must invest in our current leaders and future leaders to ensure success in public sector IT. The inaugural Washington IT Leadership Forum is your chance to connect with your government and industry peers, share insights, and build leadership skills to navigate change and drive innovation. Whether you're an experienced leader or aspiring to grow, this event is essential for shaping the future of government technology in Washington.

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

Speakers

Anton Gunn

Anton Gunn

Keynote Speaker, Best-selling Author, Former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama

Anton Gunn elevates organizations through his innovative insights on leadership and workplace culture. With a distinguished career spanning college sports, healthcare, public service, and executive leadership, Anton is highly sought-after as a strategic advisor. As a former senior advisor to President Barack Obama and C-level healthcare executive, he delivers game-changing strategies that help audiences and organizations build exceptional leaders and unstoppable teams. A trailblazer from the start, Anton made history as the first African American elected to the South Carolina Legislature from his district. He also became the youngest CEO of a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization. His meteoric rise in healthcare leadership earned him recognition as one of the Ten Most Influential Minority Executives in Healthcare. His 25 years of service as Board Director and the current Chairman of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport Commission underscores his strategic leadership and corporate governance expertise. With his unique ability to combine academic rigor with real-world experience, global organizations like Pfizer, KPMG, Microsoft, T-Mobile, SHRM, HCA Healthcare, and Mercedes-Benz Vans turn to Anton for his motivating insights on leadership, organizational culture, and inclusion strategy. His keynote presentations combine magnetic stage presence with profound wisdom and unforgettable storytelling, leaving audiences both inspired and equipped with actionable solutions that drive measurable results. As a member of the prestigious Aspen Global Leadership Network and former Harvard University Resident Fellow, Anton's thought leadership reaches millions through his bestselling books, proprietary research, and features in major media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., TIME, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, NPR, CNN, and Good Morning America. When he's not transforming workplace cultures, Anton Gunn moonlights as an 80s and 90s hip-hop historian with a music and memorabilia collection that would make DJ Jazzy Jeff jealous.

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Bill Kehoe

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.

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Cathilea Robinett

Cathilea Robinett

Chief Executive Officer, e.Republic

Cathilea is Chief Executive Officer of e.Republic, where she oversees operations for the company’s award-winning media platforms: Governing, Government Technology and Emergency Management. Cathilea also oversees e.Republic’s websites, conferences and events, and its national research and advisory groups: the Center for Digital Government, the Center for Digital Education and the Governing Institute.
In 2014 Cathilea directed the launch of the Governing Institute’s Women in Government Leadership Program, an innovative initiative that encourages future generations of women to participate in public service.
Cathilea is a frequent speaker for government and education organizations worldwide, including the United Nations, Harvard University, the State Legislative Leaders' Foundation, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments, and the World Congress on Information Technology. She has been quoted frequently in publications including the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Forbes and others.
Cathilea is a recipient of NASCIO’s National Technology Champion Award for her outstanding contributions to advance public sector information technology innovation. She is also the winner of an Outstanding Women Leadership Award from the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners and is a Greater Sacramento Business Hall of Fame Laureate.


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Ginger Armbruster

Ginger Armbruster

Chief Privacy Officer, Seattle Information Technology, City of Seattle

As the City of Seattle’s Chief Privacy Officer, Ginger has responsibility for five citywide programs addressing data protection and government transparency. Prior to this role, she worked for Microsoft on an international team of privacy specialists to resolve issues associated with multi-million-dollar marketing initiatives. She spent the first 20 years of her career working in sales and marketing for Fortune 500 companies such as IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Johnson & Johnson, and several medical technology startup companies.
Ginger completed her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Barnard College, Columbia University. As a recipient of the National Science Foundation’s Scholarship for Service Program (CyberCorps), she earned her master’s degree in Infrastructure Planning and Management from the University of Washington, focusing on critical infrastructure cyber resiliency.

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Terry Boedeker

Terry Boedeker

Executive, Pacific Northwest, Armis Public Sector

Terry Boedeker is a cybersecurity leader with over 20 years of experience protecting critical infrastructure and public sector environments. He specializes in enhancing asset visibility and security, empowering state and local governments to safeguard IT, IoT, and OT systems while optimizing limited resources.
A combat-decorated U.S. Marine, Terry’s leadership emphasizes operational resilience, inclusive teamwork, and reducing burnout among cybersecurity professionals. He challenges the “hypocrisy of security economics,” where ineffective investments create noise and overwhelm teams without improving security.
At Armis, Terry leads strategic initiatives across the Pacific Northwest, helping public sector leaders achieve stronger security outcomes and operational efficiency. A respected speaker, he is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and building resilient cybersecurity communities.

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Deanna Brocker

Deanna Brocker LinkedIn

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.

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Tamara Davis

Tamara Davis

Acting Chief Technology Officer, King County

Tamara Davis is the Interim 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.

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Soumam Debgupta

Soumam Debgupta

Assistant Secretary / Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, Department of Social & Health Services, State of Washington

Soumam Debgupta currently serves as the Assistant Secretary and Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. He is a seasoned executive specializing in product mindset, customer experience, and digital transformation. With extensive experience in building technology products, he excels in driving exceptional user experiences, product thinking, and operational excellence. 
Throughout his career, Soumam has demonstrated a remarkable ability to devise and implement dynamic business strategies, leading to exponential business growth and profitability. His expertise in understanding market dynamics and customer preferences has positioned him in achieving product-market fit. He excels in translating high-level strategic objectives into tangible product and technology solutions, consistently surpassing customer expectations and delivering long-term stakeholder value. His areas of expertise include product design and strategy, team building, market analysis, user experience design, agile development, and digital transformation. 
Key accomplishments include leading JLL Technologies to achieve a 2x growth in revenue and margin by 2025 and strengthening Amazon Prime's value proposition with an ultra-fast delivery program during the pandemic. He has a notable history of launching products that have generated significant revenue and user engagement across 18 different countries. Soumam holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and a bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Robotics from the University of Mumbai. He also engaged as an advisor to early stage and growth stage technology companies helping them scale profitably.  He is certified in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

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Viggo Forde

Viggo Forde LinkedIn

Chief Information Officer & Director of IT, Snohomish County

Viggo Forde serves as the Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Technology for Snohomish County, WA.  Prior to joining Snohomish County he had a long career at Microsoft and he also brings experience from Amazon as well as Boeing early in his career.   In addition to his professional career, Viggo is the Consul of Norway to the States of Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho where he serves as a conduit for connecting Norwegian business and government into local entities, as well as providing consular services in the Pacific Northwest.  He has provided assistance to multiple non-profit organizations, and is a current or former board member of the National Nordic Museum, the University of Washington Scandinavian Studies Department, the University of Washington Industrial and Systems Engineering Executive Advisory Board, and the Seattle chapter of the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in America.  He holds a masters and bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington.

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Cristie Fredrickson

Cristie Fredrickson

Executive Sponsor, One Washington, Office of Financial Management, State of Washington

Cristie Fredrickson is the Executive Sponsor for One Washington, the largest and most complex business and IT transformation program the state has undertaken. She has more than 28 years of public service, bringing continued commitment to ensuring One Washington brings business transformation for agencies across Washington. Throughout her career she has held roles including managing small teams and large organizations, served in roles including business analysis, project management, process architect, IT director managing syst

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Heidi Geathers

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.

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Stephen Heard

Stephen Heard

Interim Chief Information Officer/Director of Information Technology, King County, Washington

In his role as interim 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.

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Chris Lamb

Chris Lamb

Program Manager, Enterprise Cloud Computing Program / Architecture and Innovation, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Chris Lamb is currently the Program Manager for the WA State Enterprise Cloud Computing Program. Prior to this role, Chris also served in CIO/IT Director roles within the state at the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), the Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS), and most recently at the Office of Financial Management (OFM). Chris’ executive career has been defined by undertaking significant transformation initiatives, both technically and organizationally, with a strong focus on leadership accountability.
Chris’ career began in 1989, now spanning over 35 years in public sector. Chris is a graduate of Washington State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and is also a graduate of the University of Washington Executive Management Program.
Chris is currently the chair of the Information Professional Management Association (IPMA) where he additionally serves as chair for IPMA LeaderPath; a leadership development program lead by the IPMA.

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Rob Lloyd

Rob Lloyd

Chief Technology Officer, City of Seattle, WA

Rob Lloyd is the CTO for the City of Seattle, WA, overseeing a $290 million technology portfolio and leading a team of over 640 employees. Seattle, the 17th largest U.S. city, operates with a $7.4 billion budget, employing more than 13,000 staff across 84 square miles next to the Puget Sound.
Previously, Rob was the deputy city manager for Transportation, Aviation and Technology in San Jose, CA, the 12th largest U.S. city, where he managed a $1.5 billion portfolio with over 1,000 employees. He served as CIO for six years prior to the role.
With over 25 years of experience in technology, government and utilities across California, Arizona, Oregon and Colorado, Rob has led teams that have earned over 40 national honors for customer engagement, operational excellence and innovation. He has been named among the nation’s GovTech 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers (twice), StateScoop City Executive of the Year (three times), ORBIEs Awards CIO of the Year for Silicon Valley, Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40, and is a Cybersecurity Genius Fellow grant recipient, among other honors.

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Matthew Modarelli

Matthew Modarelli

Chief Information Officer, Department of Transportation, State of Washington

Matt Modarelli is the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Principal Information Officer & Director of the Technology Services Division (TSD). The mission of TSD is to provide secure, reliable, and cost-effective technology solutions that enable transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality for people and businesses. TSD is comprised of 240 outstanding technology professionals located all throughout the state supporting over 7,500 employees and millions of Washington state travelers. Working closely with a strong leadership team, Matt directs, oversees, and supports business driven technology solutions enabling safe travel options for 20,000+ lane miles of roadway, 3,500+ vehicular bridges and structures, vehicle fleet operations, rail and freight services, tolling and revenue collections, 15 regional airports, and the nation’s largest ferry fleet operating out of 20 terminals with 200 sailings daily.
Prior to serving WSDOT, Matt was the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Washington State Military Department as well as the nation’s first state-level Cyber Security Manager for Emergency Management. Before joining state service, Matt was an IT and security professional in the Air Force (retired). He served in command and leadership positions globally including Europe, Africa, and throughout the Middle East.
Matt serves on multiple state, regional and national IT executive committees and working groups. He holds Master’s Degrees in Management Information Systems (MIS) and Operational Art and Design. He is a Certified Information Systems Analyst, and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

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Sabra Schneider

Sabra Schneider

Chief Information Officer, City of Bellevue, Washington

Sabra is the Chief Information Officer for the City of Bellevue, Washington, where she has served for the past eight years. Bellevue was honored in the 2022 Digital Cities Survey with a first-place award and has placed in the top five for more than 5 years. Sabra is passionate about advancing innovative technology for public good while supporting a diverse, engaged workforce. Previously Sabra led much of public facing technology for the city of Seattle and King County which included web sites, open data, social media, and municipal TV. Sabra has a Master’s from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

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Vickie Sheehan

Vickie Sheehan LinkedIn

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.
For the past six years, Vickie has served 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.

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Elizabeth Smith

Elizabeth Smith

Deputy Director, Department of Labor and Industries, State of Washington

Elizabeth (Liz) Smith was appointed L&I deputy director in March 2018. In this role, she oversees L&I divisions and programs to ensure consistent and effective operations, strategy and performance in service to the citizens of Washington.
Liz has served as the executive sponsor for the L&I Worker’s Compensation Systems Modernization effort since March 2021, the agency effort to modernize the agency’s technology infrastructure and business processes around worker’s comp.
Liz has worked for L&I for 21 years, she previously served as assistant director for L&I's Fraud Prevention & Labor Standards division. Liz's other positions at L&I include managing workers’ comp fraud prevention, wage and hour, and apprenticeship.
She graduated from Western Washington University and completed a Coro Leadership Fellowship in Public Affairs. Other training and certifications include the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Certified Diversity Executive, Luma Institute Human Centered Design, and Honsha International Certified Lean Leader.
She lives in Rochester, WA.

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William Smith

William Smith

Chief of Staff, Information Technology, City of Seattle 

William started his Seattle IT journey in August 2018, initially taking on the roles of Senior HR Manager and Director of HR. Today, he is the Chief of Staff at Seattle IT, spearheading the Chief of Staff division. He optimizes the department's staffing budget while maintaining diligent oversight over its entire spectrum of work and services.
With over two decades in human resources, Will has played pivotal roles, including director of human resources at organizations such as Plymouth Housing Group and Lifelong AIDS Alliance and a leadership position at Microsoft. His diverse expertise encompasses organizational development, expertly managing employee and labor relations, risk management, strategic workforce planning, crafting employment strategies, adeptly handling union negotiations, and architecting comprehensive Human Resources strategies.
Will's academic accomplishments stand as tall as his professional achievements, with a bachelor's degree in information technology from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Jurisprudence in Labor and Employment Law from Tulane Law School. He is actively pursuing his doctorate at Grand Canyon University.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Will is the President of the Seattle Management Association board and of D.A.D.S (Divine Alternatives for Dads Services), an organization committed to empowering fathers to nurture healthy relationships with their children.

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Nick Stowe

Nick Stowe

Chief Technology Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Nick Stowe was appointed as the State Chief Technology Officer in March 2023. As the State CTO, Nick is responsible for setting the technological vision for the state of Washington and driving forward transformational technology initiatives to improve the delivery of services to residents. In recognition of his contributions to technology and innovation in Washington state, Nick received the 2024 Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award and the NASCIO State Technology Innovator Award.
Nick oversees the Architecture and Innovation Division (AID) at WaTech, which is comprised of enterprise architecture, enterprise cloud computing, geospatial information systems, and data management programs. He also co-chairs Washington state’s AI Community of Practice. All the programs within AID are focused on enabling agencies to improve information sharing and using technology to improve the way the state delivers services to Washingtonians. Nick, who joined WaTech in June 2021 as the state’s Chief Enterprise Architect, brings 15 years of architecture and technology IT experience to his role. Prior to working at WaTech, Nick served as the CIO for both the Department of Commerce and the Employment Security Department.

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Steve Towns

Steve Towns

Vice President of Content Strategy, e.Republic

Steve Towns is vice president of content strategy for e.Republic, parent company of Government Technology and the Center for Digital Government. He is the former editor of Government Technology and has spent more than 25 years covering technology in the state and local government market.
Steve joined e.Republic in 1996. During his tenure, e.Republic’s print and electronic media have received many awards for editorial excellence, including “Magazine of the Year” from ASBPE for Emergency Management in 2013, “Best New Web Site” from ASBPE for emergencymgmt.com in 2009, ”Best Overall Publication” at the Maggie awards for Government Technology in 2008 and “Magazine of the Year” from ASBPE for Public CIO in 2007.

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Scott West

Scott West

Chief Information Officer, Department of Ecology, State of Washington

Scott West serves as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Washington State Department of Ecology, where his leadership has catalyzed significant advancements in digital transformation. Prior, Scott partnered with agencies and staff at WaTech to finalize the State of Washingtons Shared Microsoft 365 Tenant and pioneering the funding for the enterprise cloud highway with Mark Quimby. Scott has been instrumental in fostering a tech-forward, environmentally conscious operational framework.
His career is marked by a profound commitment to innovation, notably through his advocacy for Artificial Intelligence. His expertise has made him a prominent voice at conferences, shedding light on AI's transformative impact on IT and business landscapes alike.
Prior to his public service, Scott's tenure in the private sector was distinguished by his development of modern applications that revolutionized procurement processes and streamlined accounting operations, underscoring his capability to blend technology with functional efficiency seamlessly.
Scott's is a graduate of the University of Washington and holds a master’s degree in business which has assisted in enriching his technological and environmental endeavors.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Scott is a horror novelist, weaving tales that explore the depths of human emotion and the darker facets of nature. His literary work adds a creative dimension to his persona, revealing his ability to navigate complex narratives.
An avid enthusiast of home automation, Scott's personal life mirrors his professional passion for technology. His continuous experimentation with smart home technologies exemplifies his belief in technology's power to enhance and simplify everyday life.

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Agenda

Thursday, April 3

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 - Leading with Vision

Chambers Bay II-III

Being in charge isn’t easy, but in an era of rapid change and disruption brought on by incredible innovation, “the right” leadership is paramount to driving government and education forward. Leaders must achieve results, but that can be difficult if you are not also garnering respect and admiration. In this compelling keynote address, Anton Gunn delves into the strategies you can use to cultivate and hone essential leadership qualities, inspire your teams, and foster positive change within your organization.

Anton Gunn, Keynote Speaker, Best-selling Author, Former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama

10:15 am Pacific

General Session - Leading Beyond the Firewall: Strengthening Cybersecurity by Putting People First

Chambers Bay II-III

The greatest asset in public sector IT is not technology—it’s people. Yet cybersecurity and IT professionals are burning out at unprecedented rates, threatening operational resilience. This session will explore how the “hypocrisy of security economics” leads organizations to misallocate limited public funds, overwhelming teams with tools that create more noise than security. We’ll discuss how a shift in mindset—prioritizing human sustainability alongside risk reduction—can transform security outcomes. By focusing on meaningful relationships, better workflows, and smarter investments, we can protect our people, our organizations, and our communities.

Terry Boedeker, Executive, SLED, Armis Public Sector

10:45 am Pacific

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Chambers Bay Foyer

11:15 am Pacific

Concurrent Sessions

Modernization and Transformation: Leading Gnarly Enterprise Projects to Success

Chambers Bay I

Successful IT modernization goes beyond technology — it requires strong leadership, executive sponsorship, and a customer-centric approach. What critical skills are needed to champion enterprise projects, drive stakeholder alignment, and ensure seamless service delivery? This session explores how to transition from managing projects to leading transformation, build organizational buy-in, and navigate complex change with confidence. Join us and discover practical strategies to push modernization efforts to success!

Moderator: Matthew Modarelli, Chief Information Officer, Department of Transportation, State of Washington

Cristie Fredrickson, Executive Sponsor, One Washington, Office of Financial Management, State of Washington

Amy Pearson, Chief of Staff, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Elizabeth Smith, Deputy Director, Department of Labor and Industries, State of Washington

Mentorship in Action: Developing the Next Generation of IT Leaders

Point Defiance Meeting Room

Great leadership isn’t just about managing teams, it’s about cultivating the next wave of leaders. How can you identify and nurture leadership potential, provide meaningful feedback, and create a culture that fosters professional growth? In this session we examine the critical role of mentorship and highlight the key best practices to develop high-performing teams and future IT leaders.

Moderator: Steve Towns, Vice President of Content Strategy, Government Technology

Tamara Davis, Acting Chief Technology Officer, King County

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

Scott West, Chief Information Officer, Department of Ecology, State of Washington

Leadership in Uncertain Times

Union Meeting Room

Change is inevitable and uncertainty seems to be around every corner. Stable, strong leadership is key to navigating uncertainty while keeping your team supported, focused, and able to continue delivering services to constituents. This session will cover the leadership values and principles that are important for managing resistance, fostering adaptability, and setting a clear direction during times of transition. Learn how to build resilience, leverage emerging tools, and create a culture that embraces change with confidence.

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

Ginger Armbruster, Chief Privacy Officer, Seattle Information Technology, City of Seattle

Soumam Debgupta, Assistant Secretary / Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, Department of Social & Health Services, State of Washington

Sabra Schneider, Chief Information Officer, City of Bellevue

12:15 pm Pacific

Lunch

Chambers Bay II-III

1:00 pm Pacific

General Session – Trailblazing: Inspiring the Next Wave of Women Leaders

Chambers Bay II-III

Cathilea Robinett, CEO of e.Republic, will share her journey and insights on driving innovation, building strong teams, and navigating challenges in leadership. Join us to gain valuable strategies for success and be inspired to empower the next generation of women leaders.

Cathilea Robinett, Chief Executive Officer, e.Republic

1:30 pm Pacific

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:50 pm Pacific

Concurrent Sessions

From Colleague to Manager: Thriving in Your New Leadership Role

Chambers Bay I

Transitioning to a C-level role means shifting from hands-on operations to strategic leadership. How do you move beyond daily tasks to focus on long-term priorities, innovation, and organizational transformation? This session dives into how you can step out of the day-to-day, focus on the big-picture, and empower your team to succeed. Join us for practical strategies to delegate effectively, build influence, and foster a culture of innovation to ensure your leadership makes a lasting impact.

Moderator: Nick Stowe, Chief Technology Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

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

Stephen Heard, Interim Chief Information Officer/Director of Information Technology, King County

Mark Quimby, Deputy Director for Technology Operations, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Building and Sustaining a High-Performing IT Workforce

Point Defiance Meeting Room

Attracting, developing, and retaining top IT talent is more challenging than ever, especially in a hybrid or remote environment. This session will explore strategies for recruiting and retaining skilled professionals, succession planning, and creating pathways for career growth—from intern to leadership. Discover how to build a high-performing, resilient team that supports both individual and organizational success.

Moderator: Rob Allred, State Chief Enterprise Architect, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

James Galvin, AI & Emerging Tech PM, Architecture and Innovation Div, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Chris Lamb, Program Manager, Enterprise Cloud Computing Program / Architecture and Innovation, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

William Smith, Chief of Staff, Information Technology, City of Seattle

Influence and Impact: Mastering Communication in IT Leadership

Union Meeting Room

Effective leadership is built on influence, and strong communication skills are key to inspiring, motivating, and driving change. How can storytelling be used to navigate challenging situations and build trust? Do you have what it takes to foster collaboration and move initiatives forward in high pressure environments? This session covers practical strategies for effective communication, relationship-building, and gaining buy-in to lead with impact…no matter the challenge!

Moderator: Steve Towns, Vice President of Content Strategy, Government Technology

Viggo Forde, Chief Information Officer & Director of IT, Snohomish County

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

Vickie Sheehan, Communications Director, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Terry Boedeker, Executive, SLED, Armis Public Sector

2:50 pm Pacific

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Chambers Bay Foyer

3:10 pm Pacific

General Session - The Leadership Challenge: A Public Sector Trivia Showdown

Chambers Bay II-III

Curious to see how your knowledge stacks up? Can you effectively collaborate under pressure? Dive into this lively, team-based trivia game where attendees join forces to answer questions on governance, policy, emerging tech, and the pressing issues shaping government today. This isn’t just about winning - it’s about networking, sharing expertise and maybe…just maybe - you might learn something new. Whether you’re looking to meet new people or strengthen existing partnerships, this session offers a unique chance to learn and engage with peers from across the public sector. Are you ready to challenge yourself and lead your team to victory?

Hosted by: Scott West, Chief Information Officer, Department of Ecology, State of Washington

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

Kathy Costello, Innovation & Modernization Program Manager, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Viggo Forde, Chief Information Officer & Director of IT, Snohomish County

Rob Lloyd, Chief Technology Officer, City of Seattle, WA

4:00 pm Pacific

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

Chambers Bay Foyer

Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.

4:30 pm Pacific

End of Conference

Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

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1538 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402
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Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Robert Allred
State Chief Architect
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington

Ginger Armbruster
Chief Privacy Officer
Seattle Information Technology
City of Seattle

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

Bryce Carlen
Chief Information Officer
Information Services Division, Department of Revenue
State of Washington

Tamara Davis
Acting Chief Technology Officer
King County

Soumam Debgupta
Assistant Secretary / Chief Technology Innovation Officer
Department of Social & Health Services
State of Washington

Chris Fadden
IT Director
City of Everett

Viggo Forde
Chief Information Officer & Director of IT
Snohomish County

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

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

Shalini Joshi
Chief Information Officer
Office of Financial Management
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

Jim Loter
Deputy Chief Technology Officer
City of Seattle

Brett Mello
Chief Information Officer
Health Care Authority
State of Washington

Matthew Modarelli
Chief Information Officer
Department of Transportation
State of Washington

Brian Moore
Information Technology Director
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department

Amy Pearson
Chief of Staff
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington

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

Sabra Schneider
Chief Information Officer
City of Bellevue

Vickie Sheehan
Communications Director
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington

Greg Tudor
Chief Information Officer
Recreation and Conservation Office
State of Washington

Scott West
Chief Information Officer
Department of Ecology
State of Washington

Industry Representatives

Terry Boedeker
Account Executive
Armis

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: April 3, 2025

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

If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.

Contact Information

To RSVP and for general assistance contact:

Tabbie Pegoda
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1411
E-mail: tpegoda@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) 932-1339
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

Venue

Marriott Tacoma Downtown

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

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Room Block

Room Rate: $159/night, single or double
Rate Cut-Off Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025

To Make a Reservation:
Phone: (800) 927-1927 and reference "Washington ITL Event".
Online: Group Reservation Link
If you experience issues booking online, call the hotel directly for assistance.

Rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, once the room block is full, you will need to make other arrangements for your accommodations with the hotel directly or at a nearby hotel.

Map and Directions

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/seaom-marriott-tacoma-downtown/overview

 

Event Parking

Self-parking: $16/night for event attendees
Instructions:  Park on floor 2 or 3. Parking fees can be paid at the kiosks on each floor.
Note: Motorcycles can use self-parking. No RV parking is available.

Parking fees subject to change without notice.

Parking at the Marriott is limited. Please consider utilizing Tacoma Light Rail, which has a station located within walking distance.
https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us