Wyoming Digital Government Summit 2026 Banner

Overview

The Wyoming Digital Government Summit is where innovation meets impact!

Bringing together the brightest minds in state and local government, this summit empowers public-sector leaders to explore cutting-edge technologies, modernize operations, and solve pressing challenges. From cybersecurity and AI to data governance and digital service delivery, sessions are designed to spark insight, foster collaboration, and accelerate real-world results. Whether you're shaping strategy or implementing solutions, the Summit delivers valuable peer connections and actionable guidance to help move your mission forward.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

My experiences at Digital Government Summits have been consistently excellent. These summits provide a unique space for genuine collaboration where public sector professionals and vendor partners can align on a shared vision. Sharing insights and exploring best practices with such a passionate, dedicated community helps us bring the best of technology innovations to Wyoming. It is well worth the time to pause the daily chaos, connect with peers, and bring home ideas, new connections, and proven strategies that elevate our work.

- Jeff Clines, Chief Information Officer, State of Wyoming

Speakers

Jeff Clines

Jeff Clines

Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology Services, State of Wyoming

Jeff Clines has dedicated his career to leveraging technology for positive impact. With over 25 years in IT, he's navigated diverse roles across various sectors, from infrastructure and help desk support to enterprise applications and leadership positions. A passion for mission-driven organizations led him to the non-profit world, where he spent 13 years making a difference.
His journey then took him to the public sector, serving as CIO/Director of Information Technology for the Illinois Secretary of State. There, he spearheaded a major modernization of their mainframe systems, focusing on driver and motor vehicle licensing.
After two years, Jeff was appointed CIO for the State of South Dakota under Governor Kristi Noem. During his four-and-a-half-year tenure, he led significant modernization initiatives, including securing funding for and launching a massive upgrade of the state's 25-year-old financial system. His vision transformed this project from a technical necessity into a comprehensive business transformation.
In 2024, Jeff accepted the role of CIO for the State of Wyoming, joining Governor Mark Gordon's cabinet.
Beyond his professional life, Jeff cherishes time with his family, actively supporting his five children's many activities. He also finds joy in exploring the natural beauty of Wyoming.

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Agenda

Wednesday, May 20

8:00 am Mountain

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

9:00 am Mountain

Opening Remarks

Jeff Clines, Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology Services, State of Wyoming

9:15 am Mountain

Keynote – Debrief to Win: Building Teams that Succeed in Disruption

In times of turbulence and disruption, even the best teams can struggle to stay focused, aligned, and accountable. Overcoming these challenges requires a shift in mindset and the right leadership tools to create resilient, high-performing teams. Learn from a former U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School ("Top Gun") instructor how elite military teams succeed by centering on a shared mission, driving purpose, and embracing accountability as a path to growth, not blame. Walk away with actionable strategies and inspiring insights to help your teams thrive under pressure and achieve lasting success.

Robert “Shark” Garland, Speaker, Author, Elite Fighter Pilot, Inventor, Vmax Group

10:15 am Mountain

Bits and Bytes – Cybersecurity Everywhere: The Thread That Connects It All

Cybersecurity is not a standalone topic but a critical foundation across every part of today’s program. From AI and data governance to privacy, compliance, and business continuity, security plays a role in every technology decision. As threats evolve, the focus is on building resilience, protecting services, and fostering shared responsibility across government. This session will highlight how cybersecurity connects the day’s key themes and why it must remain top of mind in every conversation.

10:35 am Mountain

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

11:00 am Mountain

Concurrent Sessions

AI in Government: The Do’s, Don’ts and Guardrails That Matter

AI is rapidly moving from hype to implementation across government, but success depends on getting the guardrails right. This session focuses on the do’s and don’ts of responsible AI, including where it can safely accelerate operations and where human judgment must remain in the loop. We’ll explore practical governance strategies such as policy frameworks, acceptable use, data protection, and vendor risk. Walk away with clear, actionable guidance to help your organization adopt AI confidently, securely, and responsibly.

Rethinking Business Continuity in the Face of Disruption

When disruption hits, whether from a cyberattack, system failure or natural event, can your organization continue to serve? This session explores how state and local leaders are shifting from traditional disaster recovery to true business continuity by aligning technology, operations and leadership to keep critical services running. Learn how to define essential functions, build practical continuity plans, navigate vendor and supply chain risks, and strengthen resilience with cybersecurity practices such as ransomware preparedness and coordinated response efforts.

A Practical Guide to ADA Compliance

Ensure your digital services are accessible to all before compliance becomes a risk. As Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards take hold, Wyoming state and local agencies are working to meet ADA requirements across websites, documents, and third-party platforms. This session offers a practical look at what compliance requires and how to close gaps in decentralized, resource-constrained environments. Learn how to assess your current posture, use tools including AI for remediation, strengthen vendor accountability, and build sustainable accessibility practices that support security, data governance, and digital trust.

12:00 pm Mountain

Lunch

1:00 pm Mountain

Bits and Bytes – Privacy, Policy, and Practice: Wyoming’s Next Chapter

Wyoming’s newly passed Data Privacy Bill (Senate File 20) marks a turning point in how government manages, protects and uses data and it impacts everyone in the room. This session breaks down what the law means in practice, from statewide implementation and data classification standards to governance, templates and accountability across agencies and local governments. Learn how Wyoming is approaching privacy alongside data quality, security and utilization and why this effort matters for the future of digital government.

1:30 pm Mountain

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:45 pm Mountain

Concurrent Sessions

Beyond the Buzz: How Government is Actually Using AI Today

AI is moving beyond experimentation into real, everyday use across government. This session highlights practical use cases that are driving value today, from streamlining service delivery and analyzing large data sets, to improving response times and enhancing decision-making. Hear how agencies are applying tools already at their fingertips to solve real problems, increase efficiency and better serve constituents. We’ll also explore what successful implementation looks like, including lessons learned, workforce impacts, and how to move from ideas to action. Walk away with tangible examples and inspiration you can apply in your own organization.

Relationships First: Strengthening IT’s Voice and Value

In today’s environment of constrained resources, rapid innovation and rising expectations, IT leaders must do more than deliver technology, they must build trust and shared understanding across agencies, legislatures and elected officials. This session explores how to strengthen relationships and elevate IT from a support function to a strategic partner by clearly communicating value and aligning with business needs. Learn practical approaches to break down silos and translate complex initiatives like AI, cybersecurity, and digital services into stories that resonate with non-technical audiences. Walk away with strategies to keep IT top of mind and positioned to help shape decisions, not just support them.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: IT Leaders from the Wyoming Enterprise Technology Services Department

2:45 pm Mountain

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

3:10 pm Mountain

General Session – WyNOT? Rethinking State & Local Partnership

Close out the day with a forward-looking conversation on partnership, possibility and progress - WyNOT? This session explores how state, county, city, and education leaders can move beyond silos to build practical, trusted collaborations that deliver real results for residents. From shared services and cybersecurity coordination to data, transportation and digital identity initiatives, panelists will spotlight what’s working today, what’s still theoretical and what it will take to turn ideas into action. Expect candid insights, cross-jurisdiction perspectives and a call to action: if the opportunity is there — WyNOT partner?

4:00 pm Mountain

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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

4:30 pm Mountain

End of Conference

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

Little America Hotel & Resort Cheyenne

2800 West Lincolnway
Cheyenne, WY 82009
(307) 775-8400

Get Directions To
Little America Hotel & Resort Cheyenne

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Kent Brooks
IT Director
Casper College

Kristin Burkart
Chief Financial Officer
Enterprise Technology Services
State of Wyoming

Chris Caskey
Technical Services Director
Technical Services
Converse County

Jeff Clines
Chief Information Officer
Enterprise Technology Services
State of Wyoming

Dominic Davis
Director
Information Technology
Laramie County

Drew Dilly
Chief Data Officer
Enterprise Technology Services
State of Wyoming

Jeff Dockter
Chief, Business Management Office
Enterprise Technology Services
State of Wyoming

Paris Edeburn
Chief Technology Officer
Community College Commission
State of Wyoming

Julie Freese
County Clerk
Fremont County Board of Commissioners

Eileen Hill
IT Director
Natrona County

Anna Jacknitsky
Chief of Communications and Public Relations
Enterprise Technology Services
State of Wyoming

Erica Legerski
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Enterprise Technology Services
State of Wyoming

Jenny McCalla
Chief of Customer Service
Enterprise Technology Services
State of Wyoming

Amy McLaughlin
Chief Information Officer
University of Wyoming

Miguel Penaranda
Chief Information Security Officer
Enterprise Technology Services
State of Wyoming

Ken Reynolds
Director
Information Management, Department of Education
State of Wyoming

Jonathan Rhoades
Director
Information Technology
City of Laramie

Nate Smolinksi
Chief Technology Officer
Department of Transportation
State of Wyoming

Adam Wales
IT Infrastructure Manager
Information Technology
Wyoming Judicial Branch

Timothy Walsh
Cybersecurity State Advisor
Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
U.S. Deparatment of Homeland Security

Matt Webster
Director
Information Technology
Carbon County

Nicholas Wignall
Enterprise Architect
Enterprise Technology Services
State of Wyoming

John Wood
Chief Information Officer
Central Wyoming College

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: May 20, 2026

Open to Public Sector only.

Registration - Free

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

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

Contact Information

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

Lauren Schoenberger
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1408
E-mail:lschoenberger@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

Little America Hotel & Resort Cheyenne

2800 West Lincolnway
Cheyenne, WY 82009
(307) 775-8400

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Room Block

Room Rate: $159 per night, single or double.
Rate Cut-Off Date: Monday, April 19, 2026.
To Make a Reservation:
  Phone: (800) 235-6396 and reference Wyoming DGS 2026
  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

The Little America Hotel - Cheyenne | Official Hotel Website | Wyomingt

Event Parking

Parking is Complimentary

 

 

Parking fees subject to change without notice.