West Virginia Digital Government Summit 2025 Banner

Overview

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!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting the 8th West Virginia Digital Government Summit this October! The Summit gets bigger and better every year and is a great opportunity for us to come together as one team, share ideas, and explore innovative solutions that will shape the future of digital government in our state. I hope you will join us as we share knowledge, collaborate, and come up with ideas to improve constituent services while increasing efficiencies within state government.

– Heather Abbott, Chief Information Officer, Department of Administration, Office of Technology, State of West Virginia

Speakers

Shawnee Delaney

Shawnee Delaney

Founder and CEO, Vaillance Group

Shawnee Delaney is the founder and CEO of Vaillance Group and a globally recognized expert in human risk management, insider threat, and security investigations. As a decorated former Clandestine Services Officer with nearly a decade at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), she conducted human intelligence (HUMINT) operations worldwide, including four combat zone tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, ultimately serving as both Detachment Chief and Supervisory Branch Chief. After leaving DIA, Shawnee supported the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in protecting U.S. critical infrastructure with the Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) before leading the creation of insider threat programs at Fortune 500 companies such as Uber and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Shawnee has advised nation-states, multinational corporations, and startups alike on preventing, detecting, and managing insider threats and continues to be a highly sought-after keynote speaker and consultant on insider threat, cybersecurity, and risk management. Her insights have been featured by The Financial Times, Fox Business, The Hill, USA Today, The Cipher Brief, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance and numerous international outlets. She holds master’s degrees in Counter-Terrorism & Counter-Proliferation and Cybersecurity and is currently completing a third in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.

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Tim Conzett

Tim Conzett

Assistant Superintendent, West Virginia Department of Education 

Tim has 30 years of educational data experience, the last eight at the West Virginia Department of Education. His office oversees the West Virgina Education Information System, a comprehensive data management system for PK-12 public schools, ZOOMWV, a statewide longitudinal data system and the West Virginia K12 Network which connects 700+ facilities to the internet.

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Jessica Napier Eagle

Jessica Napier Eagle

Intelligence Analyst, West Virginia Fusion Center

Marvin Davis

Marvin Davis

Geospatial Services Manager, City of Morgantown 

Marvin has worked extensively in local government, building and promoting geospatial technology for municipalities in West Virginia with over ten years of experience with stints in Oak Hill and Morgantown. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Geography, as well as a Master’s Degree in Geography, from West Virginia University. His experience is in GIS implementation, data management, project management, and GIS education. He has maintained a strong Geospatial Services Division with one full time staff, as well as a GIS internship program with the City of Morgantown and has provided real world experience and guidance to local GIS students since starting the program in 2020.

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Georgia Hughes-Webb

Georgia Hughes-Webb

Director of Data Analysis & Research, West Virginia Department of Education 

Georgia Hughes-Webb, the WVDE Director of Data Analysis and Research, has more than two decades of experience collecting, analyzing, reporting, and protecting data in various contexts. In her current role, she provides information and guidance to WVDE colleagues, district- and school-level staff, and education partners about each party’s responsibilities and opportunities in the collection, maintenance, use, and protection of student data. As the daughter of two high school teachers, she is proud to work with educators and administrators in the Mountain State to improve the quality, utility, and utilization of education data. Georgia holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from West Virginia Wesleyan College and a master's degree in applied psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

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Michael Lloyd

Michael Lloyd

IT Director, City of Wheeling 

Michael “Mike” Lloyd has over three decades of technology and management experience.  He spent 30 years as a CIO and CISO for a regional, half a billion-dollar bank before moving on to the State of Ohio as its IT Audit Chief.  HE later returned to his home area in the Wheeling Metropolitan area to become the Director of Information Technology for the City of Wheeling.  Most of his career has been spent working on cyber initiatives from policies to protections.

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Vincent Smith

Vincent Smith

Assistant Professor, University of Charleston 

Vincent Smith is the Program Director of Computer and Data Science at University of Charleston. He holds a Doctorate in Data Science from Northcentral University, along with graduate degrees in Mathematics and Psychology from Marshall University.
Dr. Smith has taught a wide range of courses in mathematics, statistics, and data science, including machine learning, natural language processing, and data visualization. His research primarily focuses on AI with a recent publication analyzing the accuracy and bias of generative AI models.
Beyond academia, Dr. Smith is an entrepreneur and consultant. He owns Horse Creek AI, a small business providing AI training, workshops, and solutions for schools, government agencies, and WV businesses. He has presented at multiple conferences, mentored undergraduate research showcased at the West Virginia State Capitol, and was a 2025 i3 Competition winner for his work on translator apps and AI.
Passionate about bridging education, business, and technology, Dr. Smith focuses on building strong data foundations and preparing the workforce for an AI-driven future."

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Sheryl Webb

Sheryl Webb

Director, West Virginia Division of Personnel 

Sheryl Webb was appointed as the Director of the Division of Personnel in 2017. Since her time at the DOP, she has worked to maximize customer relations, streamline processes, and be a resource for applicants and agencies that we serve. Prior to her time at the DOP, Sheryl was the Deputy Secretary of State/Chief of Staff with the Secretary of State’s Office. She also served in the Communications Department with the State Treasurer’s Office. Sheryl has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Organizational Communications from Marshall University.

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Agenda

Tuesday, October 21

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

9:00 am Eastern

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Heather Abbott, Chief Information Officer, Office of Technology, State of West Virginia

9:15 am Eastern

Keynote – The Art of Espionage: Understanding the Fundamentals of Spycraft

Espionage isn't just a plot in thrillers; it's a real and present danger. Could you be enticed into the world of spying? Think again. Our speaker, a former Case Officer (spy), will unveil her methods for identifying and recruiting individuals across various industries, revealing tactics from casual conversations at airport lounges to sophisticated surveillance operations. This insightful presentation dives deep into the clandestine world of espionage and its implications for your organization. Discover the espionage toolkit, which combines traditional human intelligence methods with advanced cybersecurity techniques. This talk will illuminate how today's adversaries, including hackers, nation-states, and organized crime rings, employ espionage techniques reminiscent of those used by spies. Equip yourself with the knowledge to detect and defend against espionage, whether facing a human operative or a cyber threat. 

Shawnee Delaney, CEO, Vaillance Group and Former Spy

10:15 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

10:45 am Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Smarter Cybersecurity for Stronger Protection

With cyber threats growing and budgets tightening, agencies must find smarter ways to stay secure. This session explores cost-effective strategies to protect systems, from leveraging open-source tools to maximizing existing technologies. We’ll examine the trade-offs between subscription services and in-house solutions and share how organizations are rethinking funding models. Discover how to stretch your cybersecurity dollars, optimize your team’s skills, and make the most of the resources you already have without compromising protection, compliance, or resilience in today’s threat landscape.

Moderator: Jody Ogle, CISSP, CISM, Supervisory Cybersecurity Advisor, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Lee Ayers, Director, West Virginia Office of Attorney General

Jon B. Cutler, Chief Information Security Officer, Associate CIO, Marshall University

Leroy Amos, Acting Chief Information Security Officer, West Virginia Department of Administration

Getting the Most Out of Your Data

Data analytics shouldn't be done to check a box; it should drive better decisions, more innovative resource use, and improved constituent experiences. Join us as we explore how to identify what data you need, how to ask the right questions, and how to use analytics to uncover meaningful insights. Hear real-world success stories and practical steps to get started. Whether you're just beginning or looking to improve, learn how to make your data work for you, not the other way around.

Moderator: Steven Patterson, Deputy Director, West Virginia Fusion Center, West Virginia Department of Homeland Security

Jessica Napier Eagle, Intelligence Analyst, West Virginia Fusion Center

Georgia Hughes Webb, Director of Data Analysis & Research, West Virginia Department of Education

Andrew Neely, Chief Information Officer, Office of Shared Administration, West Virginia Departments of Health, Human Resources and Health Facilities

Maximizing Impact Through Cloud Solutions

In the face of significant economic and social challenges, government organizations are looking for ways to improve their scalability, agility, accessibility, and cost efficiency. The cloud is increasingly becoming a key part of their strategic planning, so it's crucial to stay up to date with the latest cloud trends and technologies to make the most of it. Is your organization fully leveraging the cloud to solve real problems and deliver better services? The cloud offers a flexible foundation to solve complex problems and drive innovation across state and local government.

Moderator: Tom Allen, Info Systems Manager III, West Virginia Office of Technology

Corey Foster, Chief Technology Officer, West Virginia Secretary of State

Steven White, Executive Director, West Virginia Network

Jenny Harmon, PA3- Cloud Architect, WV Office of Technology

Coexisting with Technology: Optimizing the Workforce for a New Era

Emerging technologies are transforming the public sector workforce by streamlining operations, enhancing decision-making, and redefining job roles. As government agencies adopt new tools and automation, the challenge lies in balancing technological innovation with workforce optimization. How can IT leaders ensure a smooth transition, empower employees with new skills, and foster effective collaboration? This session will delve into strategies for seamlessly integrating emerging technologies into government operations while cultivating a culture that is resilient.

Moderator: Sheryl Webb, Director, West Virginia Division of Personnel

Marvin Davis, Geospatial Services Manager, City of Morgantown

Dr. Mark E. Sarver, Professor of Business, Workforce Learning Experience Manager, Glenville State University

James Dixon, Office of Technology Director of Professional Development

11:45 am Eastern

Lunch

12:45 pm Eastern

General Session - Building a Strong Data Foundation for AI Success

Before agencies can harness AI’s full potential, they must first prepare their data through strong governance, classification, and tagging critical steps for secure and effective use. This session combines foundational strategies with forward-looking insights, featuring West Virginia’s AI roadmap, real-world use cases, and future-ready skill sets. Learn how organized, trusted data powers intelligent systems, supports responsible policies, and safeguards security. Hear from state and local leaders on blueprint strategies and practical applications to help agencies at all levels better serve constituents in the evolving AI landscape.

Vincent Smith, Assistant Professor, University of Charleston

1:30 pm Eastern

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:45 pm Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Building Your AI Safety Net

As AI adoption accelerates across government, agencies are under pressure to balance innovation with responsibility. How do we empower teams to use AI tools effectively, while ensuring security, privacy, and compliance remain intact? Hear practical strategies for building a strong AI safety net, including data protection practices, secure deployment models like air-gapped systems, and guidelines for using AI tools the right way. Explore AI's journey as it becomes a transformative force. Attendees will also learn what it takes to deploy AI effectively and guide their organizations towards a meaningful and safe adoption.

Unlocking Grant Opportunities

Grants can be a game-changer but only if agencies know how to access, apply for, and use them effectively. We will focus on demystifying the grant process, with tips on identifying opportunities, completing applications, and aligning resources to maximize impact. Given the state's limited capacity for funding, local governments and higher education institutions must step in. Hear how partners are supporting this effort. Are you missing out on funding that could help advance your agency's goals? Let's make sure you're not.

Moderator: Dr. Elizabeth Vitullo, Assistant Vice President, Economic Innovation, West Virginia University

Michael Lloyd, IT Director, City of Wheeling

Tim Conzett, Assistant Superintendent, West Virginia Department of Education

Robyn Hess, City Grant Writer, City of Morgantown, West Virginia

Navigating WVOT Services

Join senior leadership from the West Virginia Office of Technology (WVOT) for an updated conversation tailored to state agencies that rely on WVOT services. Our leadership team will provide insights into available tools, processes, and best practices to help agencies streamline requests, enhance collaboration, and better align with statewide tech initiatives. Attendees will also be introduced to the new "Meet Your Welcome Packet," designed to simplify onboarding and service navigation. This session is exclusively for SLED members.

Moderator: Donald P. Patterson, Chief Operations Officer, West Virginia Office of Technology

Deidre "Dee" Rainwater, Information Systems Manager, West Virginia Office of Technology

Patricia "Patty" Ebert, Info Systems Manager, West Virginia Office of Technology

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by:

Heather Abbott, Chief Information Officer, Office of Technology, State of West Virginia

3:00 pm Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

3:15 pm Eastern

General Session - The Digital Government Challenge

Join us for a fun and engaging change of pace where we’ll put your knowledge to the test with an interactive trivia game! Our panel of experts will be on stage, not just to weigh in on the answers, but to share their insights, experiences, and wisdom along the way. This perfect blend of learning and laughter, highlighting key themes from the event while maintaining a lighthearted and engaging tone. Don’t miss this chance to reflect and gain new perspectives.

4:00 pm Eastern

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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

4:30 pm Eastern

End of Conference

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

Charleston Convention Center

200 Civic Center Drive
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 345-1500

Get Directions To
Charleston Convention Center

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Heather Abbott
Chief Information Officer
Office of Technology
State of West Virginia

Lee Ayers
Director
Office of the Attorney General
State of West Virginia

JT Bowers
Director of Information Technology
Pierpont Community and Technical College

Tim Conzett
Assistant Superintendent
Data Management & Information Systems, Department of Education
State of West Virginia

Rex Crouser
Assistant Treasurer, Chief Information Officer
State Treasurer's Office
State of West Virginia

Jon Cutler
Associate CIO, Chief Info Security Officer
Marshall University

James Dixon
Director, Staff Development
Office of Technology
State of West Virginia

Hussein El-Khansa
Chief Technology Officer
IT & Performance Management, Department of Transportation
State of West Virginia

Christine Fernandes
Chief Information Officer
Consolidated Public Retirement Board
State of West Virginia

Corey Foster
Chief Technology Officer
Secretary of State
State of West Virginia

William Kelly
IT Director
Innovation & Technology
City of Beckley

Emily Muzzarelli
Assistant City Manager
City of Morgantown

Andrew Neely
Acting Chief Information Officer
Office of Shared Administration
State of West Virginia

Jonathan Oquinn
IT Director
Department of Revenue
State of West Virginia

Donnie Patterson
Chief Operations Officer
Office of Technology
State of West Virginia

Steve Patterson
Deputy Director
Homeland Security
State of West Virginia

Jodie Penrod
Chief Information Officer
Marshall University

Meghan Shears
Chief Financial Officer
Office of Technology
State of West Virginia

Scott Terry
Chief Information Officer
University of Charleston

Paul White
Chief Technology Officer
wvOASIS (WV Enterprise Resource Planning Board)
State of West Virginia

Industry Representatives

Beth Copfer
Account Manager
Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Liam Wenk
Artificial Intelligence Strategist
IBM Technology

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: October 21, 2025

Open to Public Sector only.

Registration - Free

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

This event is open to all individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

Contact Information

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

Sherri Tidwell
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1382
E-mail: stildwell@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

Venue

Charleston Convention Center

200 Civic Center Drive
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 345-1500