Name: Missouri Digital Government Summit 2025
Start: 2025-06-12T08:00
Location: Capitol Plaza Hotel

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

It's an honor to host the 23rd Annual Missouri Digital Government Summit! Technology continues to play a critical role in driving the state's operations, helping us deliver exceptional services to Missourians. This year, we'll emphasize the power of collaboration with industry partners, working together to make it easier for citizens, agencies, and businesses to engage with the state. Join us for insightful discussions, innovative ideas, and valuable networking opportunities. I look forward to connecting with all of you and exploring ways to shape Missouri's digital future!

- John Laurent, Acting Chief Information Officer, State of Missouri

Speakers

John Laurent

Chief Information Officer, Office of Administration, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri

John Laurent is the Chief Information Officer for the State of Missouri. John is a technology executive with more than 20 years of experience in private industry, serving as Vice President of Application Development for Enterprise Holdings, Inc. In addition, he has spent 10 years in IT consulting, including 5 years at Accenture. John also enjoys being part of civic and charitable organizations such as Compassion International, Youth With A Mission and the SCC Economic Development Council.

Paula Peters

Deputy CIO for Digital Transformation, Information Technology Services Division, Office of Administration, State of Missouri

Paula came to work for the State of Missouri in 1995 and has devoted the past 30 years to excellence in information technology. She is a visionary with a diverse background in project management, contract negotiation, vendor management, technology planning, system procurements, legacy system modernization, business process re-design, and program leadership. Paula specializes in leading statewide transformation initiatives and was instrumental in establishing the Missouri’s EPMO and Cabinet Information Technology Governance Council. Paula’s current passion is leading Missouri’s Digital Transformation efforts including the new Citizen Portal and the MOVERS Project, which is Missouri’s statewide Budget, ERP and HCM implementation. In 2024, Paula received the NASCIO State Technology Innovator award for her outstanding leadership in promoting excellence in government through information technology.

Saby Waraich

Chief Information Officer/Chief Information Security Officer, Clackamas County Community College  

Recognized by Thinkers360 as a Global Thought Leader and Influencer in the Top 10 for Project Management and Business Strategy, and in the Top 50 for Leadership, Saby Waraich is not just a speaker—he's a practitioner in the trenches every single day. Delivering keynotes and workshops that are as inspiring as they are practical, Saby marries actionable insights with a captivating storytelling style. His mission is not just to inspire but to equip you with the strategies needed to excel personally and professionally.
A veteran in driving change and fostering innovation, Saby offers a unique perspective backed by real-world experience. Whether on stage or virtually, his energetic and engaging approach provides the tools you need to stand out as a leader, build trust, and ultimately drive better results. Don't just listen to a speech; gain a professional edge from someone who's living it.

Alex Colley

Co-Founder, dameSpeak

Alex Colley is the Co-Founder of dameSpeak, a digital marketing agency located in Kansas City, MO, pioneering AI-enhanced marketing strategies for clients nationwide. With over 20 years in marketing and creative services, she brings a thoughtful and innovative approach to integrating artificial intelligence into business solutions that drive growth and efficiency.
Alex holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Advertising from the University of Tampa and an MBA from the University of West Florida. As a co-host and moderator for the AI Roundtable and previous Social Media Chair for the Kansas City AI Steering Committee, she's passionate about integrating AI into her clients’ and employee’s  workflows. In addition, Alex was selected as a Women of Distinction in 2018 and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Kansas City Healthcare Communicators Society.
Beyond her professional achievements, Alex is a dedicated foster mom for rescue organizations, applying the same pattern-recognition skills she values in AI to match dogs with their perfect homes. She's a self-proclaimed crazy dog lady, fun aunt, wannabe foodie, and avid marathoner who's always ready for the next challenge—whether developing an AI-optimized marketing strategy or crossing another finish line.

Todd Beers

IT Supervisor, Network, Telephony, Cabling, City of Kansas City

Todd spent nearly 20 years with Jack Henry & Associates, beginning with connecting community banks and credit unions to various ATM networks. He helped launch the Internet Banking division of Jack Henry, covering all customer-facing WAN connections. As a result, they were early adopters of DMVPN, and the service we developed from it is still in use today.
He currently is in his ninth year with the City of Kansas City Missouri, and is the IT Supervisor of Network, Telephony and Cabling. This covers all routing and switching, fiber and copper, from infrastructure to desktop. He likes to say that they connect the dots in the City of Fountains. He loves what he does, because there’s always something different going on, from preparing for the NFL Draft or Super Bowl parade to connecting an unmanned City site for something.
He is a Husker for life. He went to the University of Nebraska, joined Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and was a member of the Cornhusker marching band for four years, which back then meant going to two Orange Bowls, a Cotton Bowl, and a Sun Bowl.
He enjoys watching all sports, loves to play golf and loves to fish, even though that only happens once a year.

Elizabeth Brennan

Systems Specialist – Research and Development Lead, REJIS

Elizabeth Brennan brings emerging technology to the public safety end-user through her leadership of the Research & Development group at REJIS.  With over 15 years of IT experience in the fields of public safety, logistics, and education, Elizabeth has led implementations of AI, geospatial, Machine Learning, image recognition, and school safety technology.  In her current role, Elizabeth educates and evangelizes the use of AI for internal and external knowledge management .  To share her experience and continue learning, Elizabeth teaches Python for Data Science courses as an Adjunct Professor in the Sever Institute of the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in Saint Louis.  Elizabeth serves as Programs Chair for the Society for Information Management’s Saint Louis chapter and enjoys networking with IT leaders.  Elizabeth received a B.S. in Computer Science and Applied Math from Fontbonne University and a Masters of Science in Computer Engineering from Saint Louis University.

Jeff Nelson

Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Manager, Office of Administration, IT Services Division, State of Missouri

Jeff Nelson is the Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery (BCDR) Manager for the Office of Cyber Security in the Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) of the Missouri Office of Administration. Jeff is a technology professional with more than 40 years for IT experience. He joined ITSD in 2017 as the Supervisor for the Network Operation Center and later served as the Manager for the Network Operations Center, Data Center Operations, and IT Print Operations before joining the BCDR Team in 2023.
Prior to the State of Missouri, Jeff worked as a Programmer Analyst for 2 years, before spending 7 years working for an IT vendor specializing in sales and service to Missouri colleges, schools, and government agencies. He then spent 3 years working as the Middle School Technology Coordinator for Jefferson City Public Schools before serving 20 years as the Director of Technology at the South Callaway R-II School District.
Jeff is a graduate of the University of Missouri in Columbia. He enjoys spending with family, friends, fishing, boating, and serving with various ministries at church.

Michelle Nienhuis

Training and Exercise Program Manager, for Missouri state Emergency Management Agency

Michelle Nienhuis oversees the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency’s (SEMA) Training and Exercise Program, which offers free training to first responders, medical professionals and volunteer organizations throughout the State of Missouri. She has worked for the State of Missouri for 26 years, and currently in her 11th year with SEMA. She is a Master Exercise Practitioner and a Master Continuity Practitioner, facilitating training for exercises and continuity of operations for the last six years.

Jeana Bigham

VP, Content and Demand Generation, e.Republic

Elizabeth Brennon

Systems Specialist – Research and Development Lead, REJIS

Erin Egan

Tax System Modernization Leader, Amazon Web Services

Erin Egan is the Tax System Modernization Leader in the Finance, Administration, Cybersecurity and Tax team with Amazon Web Services. Prior to joining AWS, she worked for the State of Wisconsin for more than two decades. She spent twelve years as the Director of Tax Operations at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, overseeing the processing of millions of tax returns and collecting more than $15 billion annually. She won several national awards during her tenure for innovative technology projects in tax administration as well as unclaimed property.

Julian Erber

Director of Technology and Innovation, Parkway School District

Julian Erber is the Director of Technology and Innovation at Parkway School District in Chesterfield, MO, where he has served for 11 years in various roles. He began his career as a technician in a school building and progressively advanced through positions in programming, systems engineering, and operations management. A dedicated leader in the K-12 technology community, Julian is passionate about driving innovation, optimizing technology systems, and enhancing educational experiences through technology.

Theresa Frommel

Enterprise Cyber Risk Manager, OA-ITSD, State of Missouri

Theresa Frommel is the Enterprise Cyber Risk Manager for the Office of Administration, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri. Her primary duties involve overseeing cyber risk, audits, project and regulatory compliance, security awareness, and vulnerability management.  Theresa has a background in the security operations center, access controls, policy development, and end user education.  Her prior work experience includes the Missouri Research and Education Network and Missouri’s Office of State Courts Administrator.  Theresa has been in the information security field since 2002. 

Joe Goyette

Consultant and Customer Engineer, Google Public Sector

Joe has decades of experience in supporting public sector organizations with transformational technologies.   Joe is a Missouri native who suppports Agencies, Universities, and local Government with AI, Data & Analytics, and Cloud strategies, enabling better citizen services, reducing cyber risk, and driving more efficient  IT operations.  

Network Systems Manager, City of St. Louis ITSA-NSS

A 25 year technology veteran in the fields of networking, technology security, project management, data storage, and technology operations. Over the past 11 years with the City of St. Louis i've been part of many of the advancements in technology from increasing network security, implementing MultiFactor Authentication, expanding our reach into the public cloud systems, private network and server infrastructure, disaster recovery advancements, business continuity planning, and upgrading of our incident response plans. As the Network Manager, I oversee the workstation teams, email systems, public and private cloud systems, disaster recovery, SOC Team, NOC Team, assist with the budgetary constraints, keypoint team member for any cyber related incidents, and much more.

Applications Development Manager, Missouri Office of Administration

Pam Keep currently holds position as the Application Development Manager in the Office of Administration, Information Technology Services Division, Supporting the Department of Health and Senior Services.
Experienced Information Systems Professional with 40+ years of work experience. With IT knowledge across Retail, Manufacturing and State Government. Companies include the following: Seifert’s / Retail with focus on data conversions and application Development.
Unilever Home and Personal Care / Manufacturing with fucus on data conversions, application development and, managing plant systems & desktop support. Missouri State Government, OA /ITSD Supporting Application Development: Department of Social Services, Children’s Division, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Department of Health and Senior Services. Application Development Supervisory and Management.
Pam received her associate’s degree as a Systems Analyst from Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, Iowa, as well as a BS in Business with emphasis in Systems from Columbia College, Jefferson City, Missouri, and an MO Project Manager Certification, Jefferson City, Missouri
Born and raised in Oskaloosa, Iowa.  Happily married for 42 years with three children and three grandchildren.  Enjoys the outdoors camping and flower gardening, and crafting in spare time.

Chief Innovation Officer and Assistant City Manager, City of Kansas City

Melissa Kozakiewicz serves as Assistant City Manager and Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Kansas City, Missouri, where she leads initiatives focused on digital transformation, cross-sector collaboration, and modernizing public services. Her work spans data governance, AI integration, and community-centered innovation, with a strong emphasis on equity, transparency, and user-focused design. Melissa has overseen major civic projects, including Kansas City’s rebrand, citywide AI pilots, and the development of the Digital Equity Office, and brings a deep background in public-private partnerships, strategic communications, and operational reform.

Chris LaCour

Chief Technology Officer, Academy Bank

Chris LaCour is the Chief Technology Officer for Academy Bank and Armed Forces Bank. He has worked in the technology field for more than 30 years and spent the last 3 with a primary focus in the emerging technology of GenerativeAI, setting up Cener's of Excellence and R & D departments at enterprise companies. Chris's main area of expertise is in technology leadership, team building, and professional development. 

Jacque Lee

Director of Government Vertical Strategy and Accessibility, T-Mobile USA

As a Director for T-Mobile Accessibility (32 Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) states plus US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico), her primary responsibilities are overseeing T-Mobile Accessibility to ensure State and FCC compliance for TRS, iTRS and other accessibility service offerings. Most importantly, Jacque has a passion for connecting people, digital equity, and accessibility where people live, work and play.
Jacque Lee has sequentially held the following positions with T-Mobile since 1996:
Public Sector Experience with T-Mobile
T-Mobile’s Project 10 Million
T-Mobile’s Connecting Heroes
Government, GSA, NASPO, Sourcewell NPP State and Local Contracts
State and Local Government Voice and Mobile Broadband Solutions
Education Connectivity Solutions K-12 and Higher Education
Public Safety and Emergency Management Vertical
T-Mobile Accessibility
T-Mobile Accessibility offers a wide range of telecommunication products and services for consumers who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, blind/low vision or have a speech disability.  Jacque empowers her team to work closely with the community and business customers on how to enhance connectivity and communication.

Al Martin

Vice President, IBM

Al brings 25 years of deep technical experience in IT development, support, services, and technical sales.

Director of Enterprise Architecture and IT Accessibility, University of Missouri

Abbie O’Sullivan is the Enterprise Architect for the University of Missouri and has over 25 years of higher-ed IT leadership experience including IT support, Infrastructure, software licensing, IT compliance, strategic planning and innovation, creating policy, educating, building relationships, and creating an accessible digital campus for persons with disabilities.
Abbie directs the work of the Enterprise Architecture and IT Accessibility programs and services which include information technology compliance for purchase and reviewing technology, proactive consulting, architectural diagram reviews, and provides leadership to drive future state technologies that support the business processes, regulations and align with the strategic goals of the University.

Brad Pritchett

AI Professional Services Practice Lead, AT&T

Brad is a distinguished business technology leader with over 20 years of experience at leading companies including AT&T, Microsoft, Verizon, and Avaya. In his current role as AI Practice Lead for AT&T's Connected Solutions business unit, Brad heads AT&T's Connected AI initiative where he is creating an integrated platform combining IoT analytics, conversational AI, and AI-assisted code generation. Brad holds a Master of Science in Applied Computational Math & Statistics from The University of Notre Dame, equipping him with the analytical rigor and computational expertise necessary to push the boundaries of AI and IoT applications in business.

Christine Quinn

Director, Digital Strategy, Salesforce

Melissa Randol, Esq.,

Executive Director, Missouri School Board Association

Melissa Randol serves as the Executive Director of the Missouri School Boards' Association (MSBA). She was appointed to this role in 2015 after more than 20 years with the association in various leadership positions, including General Counsel, Deputy Executive Director, and state and federal lobbyist. She also serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Missouri Center for Education Safety and the MSBA FutureBuilders Foundation.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting from Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has contributed to the education community through a variety of statewide leadership roles, including as a member of the Governor’s School Safety Task Force, a board member for Jobs for America’s Graduates, an officer of the Missouri Securities Investment Program, and Co-Chair of the Local Leaders Partnership. She is also a former chair of both the Education Roundtable and the Missouri Bar Committee on Civics Education.

Kansas City’s Language Access Manager, City of Kansas City

Leidy Quitian Varon, a Colombian immigrant, has resided in Kansas City, MO, for the past 12 years. She possesses a teaching license, a law degree, and a master’s degree in Human Rights and Democratization. Over the last decade, Leidy has been employed by the City of Kansas City. She began her career as a Civil Rights Investigator in the Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity (CREO) Department, progressed to an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Investigator in Human Resources, and currently serves as the Language Access Manager for the Office of Language Access, a role she assumed in October 2024. Throughout her tenure with the City, Leidy has hosted both Spanish and English language radio shows and Spanish language television infomercials to engage with diverse communities. Her collaborations with various organizations and City departments aim to implement policies and enforce anti-discrimination laws to ensure inclusiveness and equity within the city.
Having personally experienced language barriers before achieving proficiency in English, Leidy understands that language complexity and limited linguistic resources may prevent some individuals from accessing available services. She is committed to implementing the office's Comprehensive and Equitable Language Access Plan and investing in solutions to ensure language accessibility for all.
Leidy leads a team of two Language Services Specialists who are dedicated to providing translation, interpretation, and plain language services to all City departments and Kansas City residents. A third team member will be focused on bridging language accessibility gaps for individuals with disabilities.

Travis Rehagen

Manager of Employee Engagement and Operational Excellence, State of Missouri

Travis currently serves as the Manager of Employee Engagement and Operational Excellence for ITSD. He started his career with the State of Missouri as a member of the Call Center and has also served as a Business Analyst as well as a Business Relationship Manager with ITSD. In 2019, Travis graduated from the ITSD-U Leadership Program and during that same year he earned his Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma from The Ohio St. University. In 2024 Travis graduated from the Missouri Leadership Academy. Travis has a passion in helping  ITSD employees succeed at each stage of the Employee Lifecycle based on their current needs.

Rob Voss

Associate Professor, Northwest Missouri State University, and Lead Consultant at Voss AI Consulting

Dr. Robert Voss is the founder of Voss AI Consulting and Associate Professor of History at Northwest Missouri State University, where he leads the development of the Applied AI minor program and serves as Faculty Senate President. As the recipient of both the prestigious Tower Service Award and a Teaching and Learning Grant to study AI’s impact on humanities majors, Dr. Voss brings academic rigor to practical AI implementation challenges.
With a unique background in Digital Humanities, Dr. Voss specializes in developing AI governance frameworks and implementation strategies for CPA firms and educational institutions. His methodology emphasizes human-centered design while ensuring compliance with ethical standards, translating complex AI concepts into practical tools that enhance operational efficiency and strategic decision-making.

Joshua Watson

Systems Manager, REJIS

Joshua is a United States Air Force Veteran with 15+ years of experience in government and law enforcement data/software management. He started his career as a Signals Intelligence Analyst in the USAF in 2006. He completed two tours in Iraq during his five years with the Air Force. Since then, he has grown his skills in data analytics, data management/migration, and ultimately project/program management. He has had the opportunity to work at the National Security Agency, Drug Enforcement Agency, and various state governmental agencies. His time with the DEA afforded him the opportunity to complete a yearlong tour in Afghanistan where he was training local government officials and acted as the implementation specialist for new data projects.
After a year in Afghanistan, he was in need of a break and took the time to complete a Bachelors program in Culinary Arts at Auguste Escoffier in Austin, TX. His first Bachelors is in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland and most recent is in Applied Science from Tarleton State University. While his retirement is still a long way off, the plan for retirement is to return to school and complete a PHD in Clinical Psychology. Hoping to always be a lifelong student.
In 2015, he helped start a consulting company, DNA Solutions and Consulting, in Baltimore, Maryland. They focus on federal and state data driven contracts and IT support services. After 5 years and 26 unique applications, he decided to step away from contracting and seek the stability of a permanent position again. While he is still an active member of the advisory board at DNA Solutions, he currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri and manages a software development program of 13 different applications for REJIS (Regional Justice Information Services) Commission. He grew up in rural Southern Illinois, so St Louis was the closest metropolitan area he could get to coming home.
He is an avid adventurer and enjoys backpacking, camping, and hiking. He travels every chance he gets and has been fortunate enough to have visited 18 countries and 21 National Parks so far. While the sightseeing is always a draw, the real reason he travels is food. His love of food is what inspired him to get a degree in culinary arts, and he firmly believes that nothing brings people together quite like food!

View Speakers

Agenda

Thursday, June 12
8:00 am Central	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Atrium
9:00 am Central	Welcome and Opening Remarks Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom John Laurent, Chief Information Officer, Office of Administration, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Ken Zellers, Commissioner, Office of Administration, State of Missouri
9:20 am Central	Keynote – Leading Beyond Our Limits Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom We’re pressed to the edge of our comfort zone daily. Sticking to the familiar and avoiding risk when faced with evolving challenges, unforeseen obstacles, and constant change can be tempting. Yet, there’s an opportunity on the other side of discomfort, and standing out as a leader willing to embrace uncharted territories is a remarkable way to inspire innovation and drive transformation. Join Saby Waraich as he draws on his real-life experience as a trailblazing guide in leadership. Learn to step into the uncomfortable to expand your impact, conquer complex challenges, and build a legacy of resilient leadership. Saby Waraich, Chief Information Officer/Chief Information Security Officer, Clackamas Community College
10:20 am Central	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Atrium
10:50 am Central	Concurrent Sessions Practical AI for the Public Sector Lincoln Room Exploring AI in the public sector can be challenging, especially when balancing policies and governance. This session features panelists roleplaying how to handle an AI request—evaluating the feasibility, costs, and ROI with stakeholders. We’ll share real-world examples of how AI can boost efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver measurable results. You will also learn how strategic planning and creativity can drive AI innovation while ensuring financial responsibility and policy compliance. Moderator: Theresa Frommel, Enterprise Cyber Risk Manager, Office of Administration, IT Services Division, State of Missouri Elizabeth Brennan, Systems Specialist, Research and Development Lead, REJIS Erin Egan, Tax System Modernization Leader, Amazon Web Services Melissa Kozakiewicz, Chief Innovation Officer and Assistant City Manager, City of Kansas City Christine Quinn, Director, Digital Strategy, Salesforce Melissa Randol, Esq., Executive Director, Missouri School Board Association Enterprise Architecture: Powering Projects, People & AI Jefferson BC Ballroom Enterprise Architecture (EA) provides the strategic foundation for effective project management, workforce upskilling, and responsible AI integration. How can EA support adopting Large Language Models (LLMs) and other emerging technologies, helping agencies modernize systems, streamline decision-making, and future-proof services? Learn how project management practices, AI-ready talent, and EA principles can work together to create a more agile, resilient government. Experts will share practical insights, implementation strategies, and success stories tailored to Missouri’s needs. Moderator: Jeana Bigham, Vice President, Content and Demand Generation, e.Republic Dan Jones, Network Systems Manager, City of St. Louis, ITSA-NSS Brad Pritchett, AI Professional Services Practice Lead, AT&T Steven White, Assistant Director, Information Technology and Communications, Missouri State Highway Patrol Leading Transformative IT Projects: Strategies for Success Carnegies Room In today's fast-paced digital landscape, leading transformative IT initiatives successfully is crucial for driving innovation and maintaining a competitive edge. How do we engage efficiently with the correct stakeholders? Are there challenges or potential pitfalls that we should be aware of? What about known tools that could assist the team with timelines and action items? Join our expert panel of IT leaders who have done it – and gain valuable insights into getting tech projects across the finish line. Moderator: Paula Peters, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Office of Administration, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Todd Beers, IT Supervisor, Network, Telephony, Cabling, City of Kansas City Julian Erber, Director of Technology and Innovation, Parkway School District Joshua Watson, Systems Manager, REJIS Future-Ready Leadership: Building Soft Skills for the New Era Jefferson A Ballroom Emerging technologies are transforming the public sector—but technical skills alone won't ensure success. Strong leadership, adaptability, and communication are essential to navigating this shift. This session goes beyond tech, focusing on soft skills that empower future leaders. Learn upskilling, retraining, and change management strategies to help teams thrive in a Technology-driven workplace. Explore redefining roles, fostering continuous learning, and confidently leading in a rapidly evolving landscape. HR leaders, CIOs, and future leaders will leave with actionable insights to build resilient, adaptable teams ready for the future. Moderator: Pamela Keep, Applications Development Manager, Office of Administration, State of Missouri Alex Colley, Co-Founder of dameSpeak Chris LaCour, Chief Technology Officer, Academy Bank Travis Rehagen, Manager of Employee Engagement and Operational Excellence, State of Missouri Rob Voss, Associate Professor, Northwest Missouri State University, and Lead Consultant, Voss AI Consulting
11:50 am Central	Lunch Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom
12:50 pm Central	Bits and Bytes – Citizen Portal: Progress, Innovations, and the Road Ahead Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom Missouri's my.mo.gov Citizen Portal is changing how residents access government services — making it more straightforward and user-friendly. What’s worked? What’s been challenging? What’s next? Hear from key stakeholders about early adoption, user feedback, security, and accessibility updates, and upcoming features to improve the citizen experience. Paula Peters, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Office of Administration, IT Services Division, State of Missouri
1:20 pm Central	Short Break Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.
1:30 pm Central	Concurrent Sessions AI Governance & Public Trust Lincoln Room AI rapidly transforms government operations—streamlining services, improving decision-making, and driving innovation. However, as these technologies become more powerful, they introduce new risks, including a broader attack surface for cyber threats. Without public trust, even the most promising AI initiatives can falter. Explore Missouri’s approach to responsible AI adoption, focusing on ethical governance and cybersecurity. We'll examine how the state is building policy frameworks emphasizing accountability, fairness, and transparency while protecting sensitive data and ensuring system resilience. Moderator: Rob Voss, Associate Professor, Northwest Missouri State University, and Lead Consultant, Voss AI Consulting Amy Forsee, Senior Enterprise Architect, Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, State of Missouri Al Martin, Vice President, IBM Steven White, Assistant Director, Information Technology and Communications, Missouri State Highway Patrol Policy to Practice: Implementing Inclusive Design in Public Services Jefferson BC Ballroom The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II mandate presents unique challenges and opportunities for public sector IT, requiring agencies to ensure digital accessibility across all services. This session will examine ADA compliance's strategic, operational, and budgetary impacts of ADA compliance. It will offer insights into how organizations can effectively implement inclusive design for all. Topics will include key frameworks for accessibility, best practices for integrating assistive technologies, and strategies to accommodate diverse user needs. Attendees will gain practical guidance on building digital services that are not only compliant but genuinely inclusive. Moderator: Abbie O’Sullivan, Director of Enterprise Architecture, University of Missouri Pamela Keep, Applications Development Manager, Office of Administration, State of Missouri Jacque Lee, Director of Government Vertical Strategy and Accessibility, T-Mobile Leidy Quitián Varón, Language Access Manager, City of Kansas City Smart Procurement, AI Investments & Funding Strategies Carnegies Room With tight budgets and growing demands, Missouri agencies must maximize resources through strategic procurement, efficient supply chains, and smart AI investments. How can agencies navigate government purchasing processes, optimize vendor selection, and mitigate risks when adopting emerging technologies? As AI becomes more embedded in government operations, understanding the differences between enterprise-grade and consumer AI is critical to ensuring security, compliance, and long-term value. Join procurement and technology experts to learn how Missouri agencies can buy smarter, collaborate effectively, and stretch every dollar further. Moderator: Jeana Bigham, Vice President, Content and Demand Generation, e.Republic Tara Dampf, Director of Finance, Administration and Engagement, Office of Administration, IT Services Division, State of Missouri Cory Fischer, Applications Manager, Information Technology, City of Columbia Joe Goyette, Consultant and Customer Engineer, Google Public Sector Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners Jefferson A Ballroom Hosted by: John Laurent, Chief Information Officer, Office of Administration, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri Paula Peters, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Office of Administration, Information Technology Services Division, State of Missouri
2:30 pm Central	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Atrium
3:00 pm Central	General Session – You Must Plan It: Ensuring Continuity of Operations in the Face of Storms, Earthquakes, and Fires Missouri/Capital/Truman Ballroom Missouri's severe storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires pose serious risks to public safety and government operations. Running essential services requires proactive planning, cross-agency collaboration, and resilient infrastructure. This session will explore best practices for disaster preparedness, emergency response coordination, and IT disaster recovery to maintain stability in a crisis. Learn how Missouri agencies are strengthening their continuity of operations (COOP) plans, leveraging technology for real-time response, and ensuring critical services remain accessible when needed. Moderator: Alex Colley, Co-Founder of dameSpeak Todd Beers, IT Supervisor, Network, Telephony, Cabling, City of Kansas City Jeff Nelson, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Manager, Office of Administration, IT Services Division, State of Missouri Michelle Nienhuis, Training and Exercise Program Manager, Missouri State Emergency Management Agency
4:00 pm Central	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area Atrium Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
4:35 pm Central	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.