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

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.

Todd Beers

IT Supervisor - Network, Telephony, Cabling, Kansas City, Missouri

Jeana Bigham

VP, Content and Demand Generation, e.Republic

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. 

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.

Al Martin

Vice President, IBM

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

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.

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

Leidy Quitián Varón

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, OA-ITSD, State of Missouri Elizabeth Brennon, 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, 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, VP, 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 & 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, Kansas City, Missouri 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: Pam Keep, Applications Development Manager, Missouri Office of Administration 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 at 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, Information Technology 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 at Voss AL Consulting, Amy Foresee, Senior Enterprise Architect, Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, State of Missouri Al Martin, Vice President, IBM Steven White, Assistant Director, Information Technology & 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. Pamela Keep, Applications Development Manager, Missouri Office of Administration Leidy Quitián Varón, Kansas City’s 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, VP, Content and Demand Generation, e.Republic Tara Dampf, Director of Finance, Administration & Engagement, State of Missouri, OA – ITSD Cory Fischer, Applications Manager, Information Technology, City of Columbia 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, Kansas City, Missouri Michelle Nienhuis, Training and Exercise Program Manager, for 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.