DuWayne Aikins joined the AT&T Advanced Enterprise Solutions organization (now part of the AT&T Growth Platforms organization) to serve as the Cyber Security Sales Overlay representative to the US Federal/Government market. DuWayne served as AT&T Director of Information Assurance Programs within the National Information Systems organization and had dual responsibilities providing oversight to a number of programs for some of our Government customers as well as the Senior Program Manager for the Managed Trusted Internet Protocol Service (MTIPS). He was responsible for helping to set strategy for our Cyber Security business line, partnering with the Chief Security Office for developing Managed Security Services for the Government market, and being the team lead for Trusted Internet Connection (TIC).

DuWayne has been with AT&T for eight years, serving in Business Development and Program Management and Sales Overlay. In October 2008, DuWayne accepted the role as Senior Program Manager for the Managed Trusted Internet Protocol Service (MTIPS) and was promoted to a Director position in 2010 to help develop business opportunities in support of the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative. As Senior Program Manager for MTIPS, DuWayne’s focus was to create a partnership with the AT&T Chief Security Organization to design, create, and deploy a TIC compliant infrastructure that includes multiple TIC Portals and Watch Operations Centers throughout the continental U.S.

Jared Allen is Chief Technology Officer at GWAVA and an expert in enterprise software development. Mr. Allen is an experienced software executive with over 25 years in the software industry. Mr. Allen has experience developing software solutions for both small and large software corporations. He has built and led software engineering organizations in a multitude of international locations and is an expert in delivering enterprise software solutions to customers across the globe. At GWAVA, Mr. Allen is responsible for product strategy, development and delivering solutions to enterprise customers in a variety of industries. Jared Allen holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and an MBA from Brigham Young University.

David Couch has served as the K-12 Chief Information Officer and Associate Commissioner of KIDS for the Kentucky Department of Education since July of 2010. In this role, David has had an opportunity to enhance the educational the educational experience for all students and prepare them for future opportunities, provide policy and decision makers with data, information and knowledge, provide equity of access to educational content, tools and data for all teachers and students, and empower administrators, teachers and students to use education technology anytime, anywhere, always on teaching and learning.

Gerard Coughlan is the Managing Director of End User Services at Pomeroy. He has more than 20 years experience selling, designing and implementing IT infrastructure services across multiple industry verticals. He is an ITIL v3-certified professional, specializing in end user services including service desk, desktop support and mobility solutions. In his Managing Director role, Gerard is responsible for thought leadership, go to market strategy and sales enablement for Pomeroy’s End User Services portfolio.

Al Early is currently the Vice President of IT Solutions and Sales for CBTS (Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions) a wholly owned subsidiary of Cincinnati Bell, INC. CBTS generated $348 Million in revenue in 2015 and caters to mostly large enterprise and mid market Information Technology customers targeting Virtual Data Center, Managed Services, Value Added Reseller and Professional Services and staffing initiatives. Beginning with CBTS in January of 2007, Al has grown the Professional Services business from $3.5 Million in annual revenue in 2006 to $48 Million in 2015. Upon joining, he was charged with starting a Professional Services sales and recruiting practice to compliment some of the other core CBTS offerings. The strategic staffing practice alone has grown from nothing in 2006 to $33 Million annually in 2015. Last year, his team successfully recruited over 600 people. His responsibilities have also expanded since then to include oversight of: the Value Added Reseller business ($200 Million annually), the Project Management Office, the infrastructure and application development services practices as well as out of territory responsibilities in Columbus, Louisville, Indianapolis, Charlotte/Raleigh and Dallas.
Before joining, CBTS Al spearheaded a similar IT sales and recruiting practice at Definitive Solutions Company (a wholly owned subsidiary of Toys R US at the time) that targeted strategic customers in the retail, insurance and financial verticals. In all, he has over 17 years of experience in the recruiting and IT solutions sector. He also stays very active in the local community serving on the Board of Cancer Free Kids (and also as the Chairman of its Corporate Committee), on the Cincinnati IT Cluster Council, Chairman of the Annual Greater Cincinnati IT Circuit golf outing as well as mentoring underprivileged adults who are looking to create successful, sustaining careers via the Job Works organization. He graduated from Miami University in 1992 with a BA in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs and currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife and three daughters.

Robert Hackworth is the Chief (Data) Security Officer for the Kentucky Department of Education. In his over 20 years with Department, he has been fortunate to be at the fore of many transformational education technology programs, all bound by the common thread of empowering people to find success along their own paths. He is an advocate of using just the right amount of security, no more; no less, and in the right place and the right time. Anything else will simply end up creating more problems.
In addition to being a visual artist, practicing musician, and accomplished traveler, Robert is a devoted son, a proud father of an epic 5 year-old daughter, and a loving, supportive husband for his ethno-musicologist wife. You can reach him at Robert.hackworth@education.ky.gov .

Julie Johnson has over 20 years of business and technical experience gained from account management and technical support roles at Unisys, Cisco and Avaya. As a Consulting Solutions Engineer at Avaya – Julie helps customers identify technology solutions that automate or enhance customer interactions and that help organizations manage employee performance. Her work with state and local governments has included design and rollout of statewide networks to support local social services offices, support of data and telephony networks for state, local and campus police departments and automated solutions for unemployment verification and benefits. Julie has an MBA from Mercer University in Atlanta and an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan Business School in Ann Arbor.

Systems engineer and writer, Wesley Kennedy architects and manages hyperconverged infrastructure environments for his clients, then presents the technology behind his unique solutions to other engineers through his industry-focused blog, whiskykilo.com.
Known for helping engineers understand the technical ramifications of large-scale deployments, Kennedy’s experi¬ence in presenting and explaining complex installations in terms that his various audiences understand makes him a valuable facilitator between technical staff and C-level execu¬tives. Specializing in the changing datacenter environment, Kennedy focuses on improving accessibility and up-time.
Kennedy’s understanding of both business needs and industry standards makes him a trusted voice for those con¬sidering or working with hyperconvergence and integrated computing platforms. His ability to fine-tune solutions ben¬efits his clients through reduced infrastructure and manage¬ment costs, and increased performance.

Katrina LeMay is the Chief Information Security Officer for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In her role, she is responsible for IT security functions. Her office works with the enterprise to establish the best security practices and risk management processes, and deploys strategies aimed at protecting and securing the Commonwealth's data. The agency also plays a major role in promoting security awareness.

Tim Lonsway leverages over 20 years of successful cloud and managed services experience in executing his current role as Public Sector Business Director for CBTS in the tri-state region (KY, OH and IN). In addition to his current domestic role, Tim was responsible for the EMEA region of a multi-national managed service provider organization. Specializing in life cycle management of bespoke cloud services designed around the achievement of business objectives, Tim drives sustainable alliances with and for customers and partners.

Kay Meyer is a Principal Industry Consultant working with SAS’ State and Local Government practice. She brings experience, best practices and strategies to help states establish Centers for Analytics for Government Advancement. Kay has over 25 years of experience in information systems development and implementation across a variety of industries. Prior to joining SAS, Kay spent 18 years in state government and led the efforts in North Carolina to set the strategic vision, definition and implementation for the North Carolina Government Data Analytics Center. Prior to the GDAC, Kay led in the formation of NC’s first enterprise fraud, waste, and improper payment detection program, as well as the implementation of NC’s first integrated criminal justice system, CJLEADS, which supports over 27,000 criminal justice professionals statewide. Kay holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Virginia and a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University.

Ed Merkler is an IT professional with 30 years of experience in the industry providing strategic leadership of IT teams, programs and projects; managing business relationships, and problem solving regarding technology and infrastructure enhancements. He has worked closely with a diverse client base of corporations and governments in Kentucky, Indiana, and West Virginia to analyze IT system requirements, client information technology needs and their resources in order to plan IT projects and fulfill client expectations.

Elwyn has over 10 years of broad-based experience in the IT industry. He currently serves as the Information Systems Branch Manager of the Risk and Compliance Management Branch within the Commonwealth Office of Technology (COT) as part of the Office of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). He oversees day to day operations of providing security guidance on risk management and coordination of all IT audits, which include the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration (SSA), and other State and Special audits.
Prior to working within the CISO office, Elwyn was an Information Systems Supervisor for the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. He served in multiple technical roles and assisted in the implementation of an electronic filing system for help Kentucky Veterans file their claims in a secure and faster way.

Sherelle Roberts is a journalist and public relations professional, from Columbus, Ohio. Sherelle attended the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in Athens, OH. During her career Roberts has worked in radio, television, new media, and as a public relations operative. She is currently the Public Information Officer for the city of Lexington’s Division of Public Safety. Her job includes public relations duties, social media content creation, advertising, print journalism and television production.

As Director of Flight Operations for USI, Chris oversees daily flight services and customer support. He has over 12 years of global experience in Unmanned Systems (drones) operations to include flight instruction, safety and standardization program development, maintenance, sensor operations, special programs operations, system and sensor research & development and joint operations. Mr. Stiles has spanned all sectors of the drone market from active duty service in the Army, DoD contractor support, academia and public/civil agency support to commercial sector operations. He is a qualified operator on over a dozen unmanned aircraft platforms with 8,400+ mishap free flight hours. Mr. Stiles is also a key adviser for three other drone startup companies, Air ZaAr (online marketplace platform) out of St. Louis, MO, Mobile Recon Systems (drone manufacturer) out of Lexington, KY and AeroLift eXpress (package delivery) out of Houston, TX. He actively promotes drone education, adoption as well as proper legislation for the technology. To accomplish these goals, he regularly interacts with key leadership in public/civil agencies, academic institutions, non-profit organizations as well as presenting at conferences. Chris maintains dual residency between San Antonio, TX where his 2 young children live, and Lexington, KY where his love for horse country resides.

As Executive Director for ConnectKentucky, René provides primary direction and management for the company’s broadband related projects in the Commonwealth. In addition, René serves as Project Manager on selected projects for Connected Nation (parent corporation for ConnectKentucky), where he also provides corporate real estate asset management services. He currently provides business development support for Digital Works, a tech-based job training and placement program of Connected Nation.
Before joining ConnectKentucky, René served as Executive Director of the Office of Research and Information Technology in the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. His responsibilities included coordinating the agency’s strategic planning efforts, providing business recruitment support services, managing the inventory of the state’s industrial site and building database, representing the agency on multiple committees & taskforces, primary contact on Kentucky’s business tax structure, and overseeing the Cabinet’s IT functions.
Previously, René served over three years as Deputy Secretary of the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet, where he helped develop and implement the Cabinet’s first strategic plan, lead the agency legislative efforts, handled media communications, and coordinated a statewide re-assessment program. He was twice elected Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) in Lexington, Kentucky. As PVA (assessor), René implemented one of the first Geographic Information Systems for a PVA office and implemented a Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal system.

Originally from Hebron, Kentucky, Sam moved to Louisville in 2008 to pursue her collegiate studies at the University of Louisville. Her interest in city government led her to Louisville Metro’s Office of Performance Improvement & Innovation, where she now holds the role as a Senior Performance Coach.
Sam graduated summa cum laude from the University of Louisville with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. In 2014, she received a Master of Public Administration, a Master of Urban Planning, and a Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development from the University of Louisville’s School of Urban and Public Affairs. Sam is also a certified Project Management Professional. Sam’s interests include community development, organizational leadership, and city management. Sam is a Louisville Cardinals fan who enjoys hiking, yoga, Louisville’s local restaurants, playing the piano, and spending time with Phineas, her Australian Shepherd.