Wyoming Digital Government Summit 2023 Banner

Overview

The Digital Government Summit brings together technology focused public-sector professionals with leading industry partners to connect on innovative approaches, get inspired and discover new technologies. Join us and let’s improve the future of government together!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Information technology enables government operations. To be successful, we must ensure alignment with the needs of today and tomorrow. The Digital Government Summit is a conference that brings together IT professionals from all levels of government in Wyoming to share best practices and learn from each other. We hope to see you all at the Wyoming Digital Government Summit in 2023!

-Timothy "TR" Sheehan, State of Wyoming Interim CIO

Speakers

Governor Mark Gordon

Governor Mark Gordon

State of Wyoming

Mark Gordon grew up on the family ranch in Wyoming where he learned the values of hard work and integrity and the importance of working together. As Governor, he brings those values to the table, maintaining his commitment to a Wyoming where its citizens can pursue their dreams while the state retains its unique character. He is a strong believer that Wyoming must chart its own course, and a steadfast defender of its interests to do so.
As a conservative, Governor Gordon has worked tirelessly to set Wyoming on a sustainable fiscal path. He is committed to making government more transparent, accessible, productive and efficient. He believes government is best when it is closest to the people, and is committed to giving local communities the tools they need to thrive. He is a staunch advocate of quality education for all children from bottom to top, K-12 through all forms of post-secondary education, private and public.
Governor Gordon served as Wyoming State Treasurer from October 2012 until January 2019 when he was sworn in as Governor. He was ranked 57 th among the Sovereign Wealth Fund institute’s “most significant and impactful public investor executives” in 2013. During his time in office, he transformed and modernized the management of the state’s financial portfolio. In 2016 , Wyoming earned the No. 1 ranking in the United States and No. 3 in the world for "transparency and accountability" among all sovereign funds by the Peterson Institute.
Elected Governor in 2018, he has successfully led Wyoming through two of its most significant challenges in decades: the COVID-19 crisis and the most significant decline in mineral revenue in the state’s history. He has spearheaded efforts to diversify all sectors of Wyoming’s economy, including technology, finance, agriculture, energy, including carbon capture and sequestration, research, education and tourism. He is dedicated to continuing to make the state a darn good place to raise kids.
Governor Gordon and his wife Jennie have four grown children – Anne, Aaron, Bea with husband Austen and son Crawford; and Spencer with wife Sarah, their son Everett, and twin daughters Violet and Eloise.

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Timothy “TR” Sheehan

Timothy “TR” Sheehan

Interim Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology Services, State of Wyoming

Timothy “TR” Sheehan was appointed as interim Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the State of Wyoming on January 13, 2022 for the second time. As CIO, Sheehan is charged with the creation of strategic IT initiatives that align with Wyoming’s culture and long-term goals. He works closely with directors and partners throughout the state to deliver programs and services that enhance business activities.
Sheehan has over 20 years of experience in information technology, the last 12 with the State of Wyoming. Previously he served as Information Services Administrator and was also the state’s first cloud architect. He currently serves on the state’s Cyber Assistance Response Effort (CARE) team, helping coordinate planning, training, and public outreach efforts to critical infrastructure partners. He sits on multiple advisory boards and is an established public speaker who strives to provide practical insights into technology to drive engagement.
In 2022, Sheehan received a State Leadership of the Year award, selected for his creative overhaul of communication techniques with agencies and the legislature.

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Mary Kelly, PhD

Mary Kelly, PhD LinkedIn

Former Commander, US Navy

Mary Kelly is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and spent over twenty years on active duty in intelligence and logistics. She retired from the Navy as a commander. She has master’s degrees in history and economics, and a PhD in economics. Mary has more than twenty years combined teaching experience at the Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Hawaii Pacific University. She has extensive experience in business coaching, management, economics, government, organizational leadership, communication, organizational growth, teamwork, strategic planning, human resources, customer service, time management, and project development. Mary has written thirteen books on leadership, productivity, business planning, and personal finance to help people and organizations at all levels. Mary Kelly has published more than 500 articles and is a frequent guest on media programs. She was inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame in 2020.

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Phil Bertolini

Phil Bertolini

Senior Vice President, Government Technology

Phil Bertolini is a senior vice president for Government Technology, the premiere event and thought leadership content provider for state and local government technology professionals. Previously, he served as deputy county executive and CIO for Oakland County, Michigan. During his 31-year tenure, Phil built a world-class IT organization in the second-largest county in Michigan, just north of Detroit. As Oakland County CIO, he oversaw more than 150 employees serving over 1.2 million residents. In 2005, he was also promoted to deputy county executive, holding dual positions until his retirement. Phil’s efforts earned the county national attention, winning numerous awards for technology innovation and excellence. He was named Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year and Government Technology Magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers. He was also honored by the President Obama White House as a Champion of Change.

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Jennifer Chavez

Jennifer Chavez

Deputy Chief Information Officer, University of Wyoming 

 

Jen Chavez is the Deputy, Chief Information Officer for the University of Wyoming Information Technology (IT). She has a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and has over 20 years of experience working in IT. Over those 20 years, she has served in various Director roles, which has provided her with a solid foundation for leading and serving the university. Currently she oversees the enterprise networking, security, and infrastructure units and serves on various committees for the university and with external partners. Jen was instrumental in leading the universities modernization project between 2016-2019 with the implementation of a new cloud-based ERP and HR solution. As an IT leader, Jen is engaged, listens, and adapts to the ever-changing environment of higher education. It is her job to ensure IT is strategically aligning their services to meet the changing demands of the university.

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Robin Cooley

Robin Cooley

Director, Department of Workforce Services, State of Wyoming

In March 2019, Governor Mark Gordon appointed Robin Sessions Cooley as Director of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services. Previous to her current position, Ms. Cooley received gubernatorial appointments to the Public Service Commission (2017-2019) as a public utility regulator helping to ensure the public utilities operating in Wyoming provide safe and reliable service to customers at just and reasonable rates, and to the State Board of Equalization (2015-2017) to hear and decide mineral and property tax disputes.
Before these appointments, Ms. Cooley enjoyed an 18-year career with the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, beginning in the Criminal Division in 1997, writing criminal appellate briefs and litigating state and federal post-conviction cases. She later became the Deputy Attorney General of the newly-formed Human Services Division, representing numerous state agencies, including the Departments of Workforce Services, Health, Family Services, Education, Transportation, the Community College Commission, and various State Boards. Ms. Cooley also served as Special Counsel to Governor Mead (2013–2014) and was in private practice in Cheyenne for five years before entering government service.
As an adjunct professor at Laramie County Community College, Ms. Cooley taught Business Law I and II and Legal Research and Writing. She also taught Public Health Law as an adjunct professor at the University of Wyoming College of Law. Ms. Cooley is pursuing her LL.M. in Healthcare Law and Compliance to expand her interest in healthcare, as well.

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Eileen Hill

Eileen Hill

IT Director, Natrona County

Eileen is a Wyoming native and graduate of the University of Wyoming. Most of her experience is in local government, however, she has worked in retail sales, for the State of Wyoming Unemployment and Job Training programs and for the uranium mining industry. Her tenure at Natrona County began as a network administrator, then project manager and in 2005 acquired her position as IT Director.

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Jeff Jennings

Jeff Jennings LinkedIn

Senior SLED Practice Director, Fortinet

Jennings has over 23 years of experience in the K-20 sector, as well as 21 years of experience in the FCC E-rate program. He is an accomplished leader of sales, marketing & compliance/support teams. He brings to Fortinet extensive expertise in SLED, EDU, K-12, Education technology, funding, purchasing practices, e-rate federal funding consulting/compliance and strategic planning. He has proven to be successful in providing consultative services to local government & local education agencies (LEA’s) as well as school districts and state agencies.

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Erica Legerski

Erica Legerski

Senior Policy Advisor, Governor's Office, State of Wyoming

Jenny McCalla

Jenny McCalla

Chief of Customer Support Services, Department of Enterprise Technology Services, State of Wyoming

Jenny has 24 years of experience in Wyoming state government and has been an IT leader for the last 14 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Bellevue University with a concentration in Management Information Systems. Jenny currently leads the Customer Support Services team and is currently focused on delivering value to our customer agencies through customer engagement and the delivery of services. Jenny is a proud Wyoming native and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

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Mikkijo Munson

Mikkijo Munson

Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure Protection Program Manager, Protected Critical Infrastructure Information Officer (PCII), Office of Homeland Security, State of Wyoming

Michelle Nolan

Michelle Nolan

Regional Engagement Manager and Leadership Mentoring Program Co-Chair, Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC)

Michelle Nolan is a Regional Engagement Manager for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center™ (MS-ISAC®), a division of the Center for Internet Security, Inc.®. She is a member of the Stakeholder Engagement team, which works with our nation’s State, Local, Territorial, and Tribal (SLTT) governments and public education institutions to provide free cybersecurity resources and services. Michelle manages the accounts of hundreds of MS-ISAC® members throughout the Pacific Northwest region, supporting their overall cybersecurity posture.

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Leif Olson

Leif Olson LinkedIn

Distinguished Technologist, HP

Leif is a proud 8 year Veteran of the United States Navy and an HP Distinguished Technologist in Client Technologies, Lifecycle Management, Endpoint Security and Systems Management. His experience includes over 25 years in the industry and spans Architecture, Design, Engineering, Software Integration, Hardware Imaging, and Implementation of Client Technologies including mobile devices as well as fixed assets. Leif’s role also includes the Modern Workplace strategy with HP Inc. to assist companies in reaching their strategic technology goals as well as enhancing the user experience through innovative solutions and strategy discussions. Prior to his current role at HP, Leif worked at Intel as an Enterprise Technology Specialist for Client and Server Architecture including Storage.

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Ryan Smith

Ryan Smith LinkedIn

Vice President, Customer Success, Mastek Digital

Ryan Smith is Vice President, Customer Success at Mastek’s Salesforce Business Unit and has spent the past 15 years architecting and leading transformational engagements in the Public Sector and Higher Education industries. Ryan is passionate about solving industry challenges through people, process and technology and a collaborative, customer-focused approach. Ryan is project management certified, holds four Salesforce certifications and earned a BA in public relations from Arizona State University and a masters in organizational psychology from University of Phoenix. Beyond solving problems for his customers, Ryan loves to spend time with his family, travel the world and stay active via the great outdoors.

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Mark Weatherford

Mark Weatherford

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Mark Weatherford is a globally recognized information security professional with experience at some of the world’s largest public- and private-sector organizations. He was appointed as the first deputy undersecretary for cybersecurity at DHS in the Obama administration and was chief information security officer for the state of Colorado and for the state of California under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. In the energy industry, he was VP and chief security officer at the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, where he worked daily with Congress and electric utilities across North America on cybersecurity standards, regulations, and policy issues. He also served as a principal at The Chertoff Group and was VP and chief cybersecurity strategist at vArmour. Most recently, he was the VP and global information security strategist at Booking Holdings, the world’s largest online travel business with offices and employees in almost every country in the world and whose major companies include Booking, Priceline, Kayak, OpenTable and Agoda.

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John Wood

John Wood

Chief Information Officer, Central Wyoming College

John Wood was named the college's inaugural Chief Information Officer in 2005. He is the founding member of the Wyoming CIO Council. He held a Faculty position at the college from 2001 to 2005, and taught mathematics and computers at Wyoming Indian High School (FCSD #14) from 1991-2001. He holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and Bachelor degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy from Carroll College, Helena, MT.

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Kayla Woods

Kayla Woods

Interim Deputy CIO & Deputy Director, Chief of Communications and Government Affairs, Enterprise Technology Services, State of Wyoming

Kayla Woods was appointed as interim Deputy Director on January 26, 2022. Kayla is an energetic leader with more than 15 years experience of impactful communications strategy, planning, and execution. Her experience includes media relations, contributed articles, event planning, speaking opportunities, website management, and social media. Her wide range of experience from the public and private sectors is instrumental in bringing together business strategy and communications for enhanced stakeholder alignment.
Prior to joining ETS, Kayla was the Director of Artist Relations for a worldwide tradeshow and media publication. Under Kayla's leadership, an integrated customer engagement program, Artistry Unlocked, was launched. She worked to achieve overall company goals through Artistry Unlocked and other departmental initiatives, focusing on data driven decisions, operational effectiveness and efficiency, and a culture of creative innovation.
Kayla is a northwest native, drawn to Wyoming's kind people, wild areas, and plethora of outdoor activities. She graduated with honors from the University of Arizona and is a local community advocate, serving on the board for the Cheyenne Civic Center. She enjoys cooking, spending time watching her two kids play sports, and hiking with her husband.

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Agenda

Wednesday, May 31

8:00 am Mountain

Registration and Morning Refreshments

Grand Ballroom Reception

9:00 am Mountain

Opening Remarks

Grand Ballroom ABD

Timothy “TR” Sheehan, Interim Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology Services, State of Wyoming

9:10 am Mountain

Keynote – Master Your World!

Grand Ballroom ABD

Leadership is a lot simpler when circumstances are easy. But we are not living in easy times. Global and local issues challenge us daily. Maintaining focus – and our teams’ focus – is a constant struggle. Regardless of our titles or positions, we need to find ways to inspire those around us to be supportive, communicative, and productive. To be at the top of your game requires accurately and actively assessing both strengths and blind spots. This timely keynote address, by renowned leadership coach and author Mary Kelly, provides actionable takeaways for mastering your world during extraordinary times.

Mary Kelly, PhD, Former Commander, US Navy

10:10 am Mountain

Bits and Bytes – Home Field Advantage: How the MS-ISAC Can Help Strengthen Cyber Posture and Resilience

Grand Ballroom ABD

This session will provide an overview of how state, local and education organizations in Wyoming can get a “home field advantage” on today’s cyber threats. Michelle Nolan from the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) will highlight some of the no cost, high impact services the MS-ISAC offers to strengthen cyber posture and resilience.

Michelle Nolan, Regional Engagement Manager and Leadership Mentoring Program Co-Chair, Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC)

10:30 am Mountain

Networking Break

Grand Ballroom Reception

11:00 am Mountain

Concurrent Sessions

Closing the Skills Gap

Wyoming Ballroom B

The balance between bringing in the right talent and developing your existing team can be a struggle. However, growing the right skillsets is imperative to the success of your organization. How do we train to meet the needs of an ever-evolving tech environment? How do we assess where to start and what to expect? This session shares creative tactics and strategies for establishing a future-ready workforce.

Moderator: Sean Moore, Chief Technology & Cybersecurity Officer, Albany County School District #1

Robin Cooley, Director, Department of Workforce Services, State of Wyoming

Raya Hegeman-Davis, Director of Engagement, School of Computing, University of Wyoming

Adam Wales, Director, Information Technology, Albany County

My Data + Your Data = Our Data

Wyoming Ballroom C

There’s one thing government has plenty of… DATA! But it’s often siloed, protected, and unusable to anyone but the owner. Your environment may be inundated with disparate systems that include redundant information which makes data-driven decisions difficult, if not impossible. Are you getting the most out of your data? This session explores best practices for breaking down silos to make data more manageable, discoverable, and useful.

Moderator: Mark Weatherford, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Steve Girt, IT Manager, Department of Environmental Quality, State of Wyoming

Leif Olson, Distinguished Technologist, HP

Cybersecurity Grant Funding: Show Us the Money!

Wyoming Ballroom D

There are millions of dollars in grant funding available for cybersecurity risk assessment, training and programs within the State of Wyoming. How will these dollars make a difference? This session will highlight the purpose of the statewide cybersecurity grant while exploring the opportunities for partnerships that Wyoming state, local, and education organizations should not miss out on!

Moderator: Phil Bertolini,  Senior Vice President, Government Technology

Jeff Jennings, Senior SLED Practice Director, Fortinet

Aaron Roberts, Chief Information Security Officer, Enterprise Technology Services, State of Wyoming

Timothy Walsh, Cybersecurity State Advisor, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), US Department of Homeland Security

12:00 pm Mountain

Lunch

Grand Ballroom ABD

12:45 pm Mountain

Bits and Bytes – Why You Should CARE about Cyber Incident Response

Grand Ballroom ABD

In 2019, Wyoming created its Cyber Assistance Response Effort (CARE) Team, which has been assisting critical infrastructure entities in cyber response ever since. The CARE Team developed the Cyber Disruption Response Plan which provides stakeholders with a management framework to coordinate prevention, response and recovery activities related to cyber events within the state system. In this session you will learn more about the CARE Team’s Cyber Disruption Response Plan and how it may help your organization!

Timothy “TR” Sheehan, Interim Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology Services, State of Wyoming

Mikki Munson, Cybersecurity Advisor for Wyoming, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), US Department of Homeland Security

1:15 pm Mountain

Concurrent Sessions

Finding Your Path Through the Clouds

Wyoming Ballroom B

Governments have struggled for years to find the most efficient way to deliver technologies to their users. Cloud transformation is an evolutionary move to ensure governments manage technical debt while providing modern tools to deliver services. As-a-Service offerings are changing the path forward and lessening the burden on keeping systems current. Are you consuming or owning your tech? This session will illustrate the ways using a cloud approach to technology that can help governments manage their futures.

Moderator: Mark Weatherford, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Paris Edeburn, Chief Technology Officer, Community College Commission, State of Wyoming

Storm Knight, Software Engineer/Programmer II, National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Wyoming Supercomputing Center

Ryan Smith, Vice President, Customer Success, Mastek Digital

Readiness, Responsiveness and Resilience

Wyoming Ballroom C

The pandemic laid bare the need for robust continuity plans. We witnessed heroic work and along the way, learned some valuable lessons, one of which is that the next virus, fire, freeze, flood, or cyber-disruption is just around the corner. How do we ensure continuity of operations if an incident occurs? This session looks at current and future trends impacting incident response.

Moderators:

Timothy Walsh, Cybersecurity State Advisor, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), US Department of Homeland Security

Mikki Munson, Cybersecurity Advisor for Wyoming, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), US Department of Homeland Security

Erica Legerski, Senior Policy Advisor, Governor's Office, State of Wyoming

Aaron Roberts, Chief Information Security Officer, Enterprise Technology Services, State of Wyoming

It’s Not What You Say, It’s What They Hear

Wyoming Ballroom D

IT is front and center in virtually everything that government does. Success – and survival – depends on being adept at winning friends and influencing people. Not just your immediate colleagues, but upper leadership, budget directors, legislators and service providers. It’s all for naught if you can’t convey things in the right way. This session dives into the vital subject of communication and why it must be the cornerstone of your role as an IT leader.

Moderator: Michael Kercher, Cheyenne Operations Section Manager, National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Wyoming Supercomputing Center

Eileen Hill, IT Director, Natrona County

Sean Moore, Chief Technology & Cybersecurity Officer, Albany County School District #1

Kayla Woods, Interim Deputy CIO & Deputy Director, Chief of Communications and Government Affairs, Enterprise Technology Services, State of Wyoming

Executive Briefing

Wyoming Ballroom A

(Industry sponsors only) Hosted by:

Timothy “TR” Sheehan, Interim Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology Services, State of Wyoming

2:15 pm Mountain

Networking Break

Grand Ballroom Reception

2:35 pm Mountain

General Session – The Modern Tech Leader Playbook

Grand Ballroom ABD

Just like winning sports teams, an IT Leader needs a playbook to be effective. Learn the plays that the best leaders use in today's dynamic environment. This session features a series of experienced technologists who will discuss how they lead an effective team, drive transformation, cope with expectations, master the art of prioritization and strategically align with changing business needs.

Moderator: Phil Bertolini,  Senior Vice President, Government Technology

Jennifer Chavez, Deputy Chief Information Officer, University of Wyoming

Jenny McCalla, Chief of Customer Support Services, Department of Enterprise Technology Services, State of Wyoming

John Wood, Chief Information Officer, Central Wyoming College

3:35 pm Mountain

Closing Remarks

Grand Ballroom ABD

Governor Mark Gordon, State of Wyoming

3:45 pm Mountain

Networking Reception

Grand Ballroom Reception

4:30 pm Mountain

End of Conference

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

Little America Hotel

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

Get Directions To
Little America Hotel

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Elisa Butler
IT Administrator
Wyoming Supreme Court
State of Wyoming

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

David Fraser
Executive Director
Wyoming Association of Municipalities

Nathaniel Goddard
Chief Technology Officer
Judicial Branch
State of Wyoming

Jeff Hamerlinck
Director, Senior Research Scientist
WYGISC
University of Wyoming

Eileen Hill
IT Director
Natrona County

Michael Kercher
Cheyenne Operations Section Manager
National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
Wyoming Supercomputing Center

Erica Legerski
Budget & Military Policy
Governor's Office
State of Wyoming

Chad Marley
Chief Information Officer
Laramie County Community College

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

Keven McGill
IT Infrastructure Manager
Administrative Office of the Courts
Wyoming Judicial Branch

Justin Miller
Chief of IT Operations
Enterprise Technology Services
State of Wyoming

Sean Moore
Chief Information Officer
Albany County SD1

Jerimiah Rieman
Executive Director
Wyoming County Commissioners Association

Aaron Roberts
Chief Information Security Officer
Enterprise Technology Services
State of Wyoming

Timothy "TR" Sheehan
Interim Chief Information Officer
Enterprise Technology Services
State of Wyoming

Nate Smolinksi
Chief Technology Officer
Department of Transportation
State of Wyoming

Adam Wales
IT Director
Albany County

Timothy Walsh
Cybersecurity State Advisor
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
US Department of Homeland Security

Matt Webster
IT Director
Carbon County

Tony Witbrod
Technology Director
Converse County SD1

John Wood
Chief Information Officer
Central Wyoming College

Kayla Woods
Interim Deputy CIO & Deputy Director, Chief of Communications and Government Affairs
Enterprise Technology Services
State of Wyoming

Industry Representatives

Srikanth Balusani
Chief Technology Officer
Salesforce Business Unit
Mastek

Cleve Burr
Public Sector Account Manager
HP, Inc.

Michael Williams
Systems Engineer
Fortinet

Registration Information / Contact Us

Contact Information

2024 Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:

Heather Earney
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1339
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

Venue

Little America Hotel

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