Massachusetts Digital Government Summit 2026 Banner

Overview

The Massachusetts 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

The Digital Government Summit continues to be one of the most energizing gatherings for public-sector innovation. Each year, I’m inspired by the depth of insight, the experience and lessons shared, and the spirit of collaboration that defines this event. From AI and cybersecurity, to the fundamentals of digital service delivery, the conversations held at the Digital Government Summit translate into real progress across our organizations. I look forward to seeing you all for another impactful summit!

– Jason Snyder, Secretary, Executive Office of Technology Services and Security, and Chief Information Officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Speakers

Jason Snyder

Jason Snyder

Secretary, Executive Office of Technology Services and Security, and Chief Information Officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Jason Snyder is the Secretary and Commonwealth CIO of the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security. He was previously the Chief Technology Officer at Harvard University. He has more than 30 years of information technology experience in government, higher education and the private sector.
He has worked at Harvard for almost ten years, as a Program Director for Identity & Access Management, as Managing Director of Architecture and Engineering, and as Chief Technology Officer since 2015. He served as Chief Technology Officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the duration of Governor Patrick’s tenure, and prior to that spent 13 years in the private sector at CSC Consulting Group. He's a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and lives in Reading.
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Noelle Russell

Noelle Russell

Leading AI Innovator and Practitioner, Founder and Chief AI Officer at AI Leadership Institute

Noelle Russell is one of the most recognized voices on the future of artificial intelligence and responsible innovation. A multi-award-winning TEDx presenter and best-selling author, she has become a go-to resource for organizations seeking to harness AI’s power to drive growth while managing risk. Named the #1 Agentic AI Leader in 2025, she has taught more than 3.4 million learners through LinkedIn, equipping leaders and teams with practical tools to thrive in an AI-powered economy. With her blend of technical expertise and business acumen, she helps organizations unlock AI’s full potential to achieve scalable, measurable outcomes.
Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Russell’s presentations deliver both inspiration and practical takeaways. She shows audiences how to seize opportunities with AI while safeguarding against unintended risks. By sharing real-world lessons from her work with top enterprises and her experience shaping emerging AI ecosystems, she helps leaders confidently navigate an AI-first future. Her keynotes empower decision-makers to identify immediate wins, build responsible strategies, and create lasting competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Across her career, Russell has led at some of the world’s most influential organizations, including NPR, Microsoft, IBM, AWS, and Amazon Alexa. She is a five-time Microsoft AI MVP and a respected authority on data and AI literacy. As the founder of the AI Leadership Institute, Russell works with leaders to design AI roadmaps that scale responsibly and sustainably. Her influence has been widely recognized with accolades including the AI and Cyber Leadership Award from DCALive, Trailblazer of the Year by Women in AI, a Top 10 Global Thought Leader in Generative AI by Thinkers360, and the #1 Thought Leader in Agentic AI.
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Agenda

Tuesday, September 22

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

9:00 am Eastern

Opening Remarks

Jason Snyder, Secretary, Executive Office of Technology Services and Security, and Chief Information Officer, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

9:30 am Eastern

General Session – Technology in Service of Mission: A Conversation with Agency Leaders

Technology exists to solve business problems – not create them. Agency secretaries and business executives discuss what they need from technology leaders, how successful partnerships are formed, and where innovation can have the greatest impact on constituent services.

10:00 am Eastern

Keynote – The Future of AI

How can your organization harness the power of artificial intelligence without sacrificing ethics, trust, or long-term value? Together we will explore how industries are evolving with generative and applied AI while spotlighting real-world case studies that move beyond the hype. Founder and Chief AI Officer at AI Leadership Institute, Noelle Russell, offers a clear, actionable framework to scale AI responsibly, mitigating bias, protecting privacy, and fostering innovation that complements human ingenuity. Discover how to translate excitement into execution and ensure your AI investments drive meaningful, sustainable growth.

Noelle Russell, Leading AI Innovator & Practitioner, Founder & Chief AI Officer at AI Leadership Institute

11:00 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

11:30 am Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

The Future of Government IT – Preparing for What's Next

As technology, cybersecurity threats, and service delivery expectations continue to evolve, government IT leaders must rethink how their organizations are structured and operated. This session explores the trends shaping the next generation of public-sector IT, including organizational models, critical skills, emerging technologies such as quantum computing, proactive risk management, and strategies for collaborating with industry to navigate transformation. Attendees will gain practical insights into preparing for future technology shifts, strengthening IT resilience, and building a roadmap for long-term success.

Don Chamberlain, Chief Operating Officer & Assistant Secretary for Security and Operations, Executive Office of Technology Services and Security, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

AI in Action: Practical Applications for Government (Interactive)

After two years of rapid AI adoption, public-sector leaders are separating promise from reality. Designed for both technical and non-technical attendees, this interactive session explores where AI is delivering measurable value, where expectations have outpaced capabilities, and how agencies are identifying the right use cases for AI. Through hands-on demonstrations and practical prompting techniques, attendees will gain practical skills and strategies to safely and effectively leverage AI within their organizations.

Modern Government for Everyone: Digital Equity, Accessibility & Shared Services

Digital transformation only succeeds when it reaches every resident. This session explores how governments can expand access through digital accessibility, shared services, enterprise mobility, and resident-centered design to create more inclusive, efficient, and connected public services.

Workforce Readiness for Today and Tomorrow

Technology is changing faster than hiring models. As emerging technologies continue to reshape government operations, public-sector organizations must prepare employees for evolving roles and responsibilities. This session explores practical strategies for assessing workforce readiness, identifying critical skill gaps, and developing effective reskilling and upskilling programs. Learn how these tools can improve efficiency, strengthen workforce capabilities, and empower employees to deliver better outcomes for the communities they serve.

Bing Chen, Secretariat Chief Information Officer, Executive Office of Veterans Services, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Government + Industry: Building Better Partnerships for Innovation

Technology evolves at startup speed while government moves deliberately. This discussion explores how agencies and vendors can become better partners by improving procurement, communication, and shared expectations to accelerate outcomes.

12:30 pm Eastern

Lunch

1:30 pm Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Data Management in the Modern World

Data is one of government's most valuable assets, but unlocking its full potential requires more than collecting information. This session explores practical strategies for improving data management, strengthening cross-agency collaboration, and establishing effective data governance, sharing, and digital identity practices, including privacy-preserving digital credentials that give constituents greater control over their personal data. Attendees will learn how to make data more accessible, secure, and actionable to improve decision-making, enhance service delivery, and deliver better outcomes for the communities they serve.

When IT Goes Offline: Planning for Government Continuity (Interactive)

What happens when employees arrive at work and critical systems are unavailable? Whether caused by a cyberattack, natural disaster, or major technology outage, agencies must be prepared to continue delivering essential services when IT infrastructure is compromised. In this interactive workshop led by emergency management and continuity planning experts, participants will work through real-world scenarios to assess risks, identify critical functions, and begin building or strengthening their Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and actionable steps to improve organizational resilience before a crisis occurs.

The Next Phase of Cloud Optimization

Cloud migration is no longer the finish line. As governments move beyond migration, the focus shifts to optimizing cloud environments, modernizing applications, managing costs, and maximizing long-term value. Learn how to optimize cloud environments, balance innovation with operational realities, modernize applications, and strengthen collaboration between business and IT to maximize value and prepare for the next phase of cloud transformation.

Smart Procurement Strategies for Massachusetts

As Massachusetts modernizes its statewide IT contract, agencies and municipalities have new opportunities to procure technology more efficiently while supporting innovation, security, and value. This session explores what's new in the statewide contract, procurement best practices, evaluating technology and vendor partnerships, managing risk, and making informed decisions about SaaS, outsourcing, and security. Attendees will gain practical guidance for navigating today's procurement landscape and leveraging available state resources to maximize successful technology investments.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Jason Snyder, Secretary, Executive Office of Technology Services and Security, and Chief Information Officer, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

2:30 pm Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

3:00 pm Eastern

The Massachusetts Excellence in Technology Awards

3:20 pm Eastern

General Session – AI Innovation Showcase: Explore, Experiment, Discover

Move beyond the discussion and experience AI in action. This interactive showcase combines rapid-fire lightning talks from public-sector IT leaders with hands-on demonstrations of AI solutions being used across government today. Explore real-world use cases, lessons learned, and emerging opportunities while testing tools, watching live demonstrations, and engaging directly with technology experts and public-sector practitioners.

Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or looking to expand existing initiatives, the showcase is designed to help you better understand what's possible, ask questions in an informal setting, and leave with practical ideas you can bring back to your organization. From productivity assistants and document automation to customer service, data analysis, and responsible AI practices, this session offers a "science fair" experience focused on education, exploration, and peer learning.

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.

Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center

415 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
(877) 393-3393

Get Directions To
Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Eric Belford
Deputy CIO
City of Cambridge

Erin Botelho
Chief Information Officer
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Erica Bradshaw
Deputy Secretary
Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Tom Caputo
Secretariat Chief Information Officer
Executive Office of Economic Development
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Donald Chamberlain
COO, Assistant Secretary for Security and Operations
Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Adam Chapdelaine
Executive Director and CEO
Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

Bing Chen
Secretariat Chief Information Officer
Executive Office of Veterans Services
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

William Cole
Commonwealth Chief Technology Officer
Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Steven Duncan
Chief Information Officer
Judiciary
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Paul Franzese
Undersecretary and Chief Operating Officer
Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Santiago Garces
Chief Information Officer
Department of Innovation and Technology
City of Boston

Ramon Garcia
Chief Information Officer
Information Technologies
City of Chelsea

Anu Goutham
Chief Information and Technology Officer
Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Michael Hamel
Chief Information Officer
Department of Innovation and Technology
City of Worcester

Mehreen Hassan
Deputy Chief Technology Officer
Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Robin Healey
Chief Information Officer
Executive Office for Administration and Finance
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Kerry Jordan
Chief of Staff
Innovation and Technology
City of Boston

Josh Macneil
Director of Technology
Technology Services
Town of Whitman

Greg Martin
Chief Information Officer
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Thomas Meier
Chief Information Officer
Office of the State Auditor
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Maria Michalski
Chief Information Officer
Executive Office of Public Safety & Security
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Michael Milligan
Vice President and Chief Information Officer
University of Massachusetts

Matthew Moran
Assistant Secretary and Chief Engagement Officer
Executive Office of Technology Services & Security
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Peter Murphy
Chief Information Officer
Office of the Comptroller
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Thomas Myers
Chief Privacy Officer and General Counsel
Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Anthony O'Neill
CISO & Chief Risk Officer
Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Devyn Paros
Chief Digital Officer
Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Jorge Pazos
Director
Information Technology
City of Revere

Jessica Powers
Director of Internal Communications
Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Cheri Rolfes
Chief of Staff
Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Dan Sionkiewicz
Secretariat Chief Information Officer
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Jason Snyder
Secretary and Commonwealth CIO
Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Michelle Vaughn
Assistant Secretary of Strategy and Planning
Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Feng Yang
Chief Information Officer
Information Technology Department
Town of Brookline

Industry Representatives

Brandon Brin
Sr. Client Executive
State & Local Government
Microsoft

Mike Cherry
Technology Sales Leader
IBM

Sean Connolly
Senior Associate Account Executive
US Public Sector
Salesforce

Greg Fishbein
Director, Business Development
Sales
SMX

Kiran Mantha
Principal
Deloitte

Sam Martin
Account Executive, SLED
Snowflake

Vedran Ruzic
Senior Account Executive, State Government
T-Mobile for Government

Sean Tynan
Account Executive
Dell Technologies

Stephanie Weber
Senior Industry Lead
Appian

Jason Whittet
Client Relationship Executive
KPMG

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: September 22, 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:

Audrey Houser
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1345
E-mail: ahouser@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

Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center

415 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
(877) 393-3393