Ed Apalinski is a highly accomplished GIS professional with over 30 years of experience in the geospatial industry. As an ArcGIS Online Administrator, he specializes in designing and managing web GIS applications that facilitate seamless data sharing and collaboration. Ed is adept at developing mobile GIS workflows, enabling field teams to efficiently capture and analyze spatial data on the go. With expertise as a Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS) for incident management, he plays a pivotal role in delivering timely and accurate geospatial support during emergency situations. Ed's extensive experience and innovative approach to GIS technology make him an invaluable resource for organizations seeking to leverage spatial data for strategic decision-making.

Rob Bruder is the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for the State of New Jersey and the Bureau Chief for the Security Engineering and Cyber Operations bureau of the NJCCIC where he provides recommendations and improvements intended to enhance the State's cybersecurity posture. The NJCCIC is the State's one-stop shop for cybersecurity information sharing, threat analysis, and incident reporting. A component organization within the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), the NJCCIC works to make the State of NJ more resilient to cyber-attacks, to promote statewide awareness of local cyber threats and widespread adoption of best practices.

Brian Cohen is the vice president of the Center for Digital Government and Center for Digital Education, a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government and education. Prior to joining the Center, Brian was vice chancellor and University CIO for the City University of New York (CUNY).
As the vice chancellor and University CIO at CUNY, Brian directed the Office of Computing and Information Services (CIS), developed and managed the enterprise IT vision, strategy and day-to-day technology operations of the University. His areas of focus included academic and business systems, cloud strategies, IT policies and procedures, cybersecurity, project management, IT resiliency and disaster recovery and network and telecommunications.
Brian also served in leadership roles with the City of New York. Among his many accomplishments, Brian developed the City of New York’s e-Government strategy, implemented the City’s award-winning nyc.gov website and managed the City’s effort to address the Y2K technology challenge.

Joe DeLaTorre supports technology and policy implementation on an array of initiatives for the Office of Innovation. He leverages human-centered design skills to develop and implement UX/UI and content changes on Business.NJ.gov and investigates the use of new technologies and innovations to improve the experience of starting, operating, and growing a business in the Garden State. Joe also conducts policy research and formulates policy recommendations related to workforce development and the future of work.
Prior to joining the Office of Innovation, Joe was a member of a Washington D.C.-based consulting firm where he supported causes, philanthropies, and Fortune 100 companies on issues ranging from the opioid epidemic to expanding California’s EITC. Joe is a veteran of the United States Air Force where he worked as a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Technician and briefly worked as a high-rise land surveyor in Southern California during the housing crisis.
Joe received his master’s in public Affairs from Princeton University’s newly rebranded School of Public and International Affairs, and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. Joe likes spending his spare time maintaining his vintage cafe racer and building furniture, although his new favorite pastime is coaching his daughter, Evelyn, through baby bootcamp.

Jayson is public sector technology leader with over 25 years of state and local government experience. Prior to joining NVIDIA Jayson worked as an Executive Government Advisor with AWS and formerly served as the Chief Information Officer for the City of Cincinnati. As NVIDIA’s Sr. Business Manager for state and local government he works closely with agency leaders and NVIDIA partners to implement impactful AI solutions securely and responsibly.

Joe Forte brings with him over 25 years of experience in the U.S. Public Sector market. He has held leadership positions with AT&T, Cisco, WWT and VMware covering Federal, State and Local government as well as Education. Joe also has extensive experience leading business strategy relating to Cloud and AI platform transitioning. Joe is also an executive Board member of Operation Song, working to help veterans and their families cope with PTSD and related issues.

Walker is an AI research and management fellow working on the Data and Policy team at the Office of Innovation. He joins the Office as an Eagleton Science and Politics Fellow through the Eagleton Institute at Rutgers University. In this capacity, he brings his technical and policy expertise to help advance the responsible and effective use of AI-based tools.
Prior to joining the Office of Innovation, Walker earned his Ph.D. in engineering, studying artificial intelligence and robotics at the University of Pennsylvania. While working on his Ph.D., he led the Penn Science Policy and Diplomacy Group, a group of graduate students, post-docs, and faculty working to engage scientists in the societal impacts of their research, and bringing scientific expertise to policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels. In this capacity, he led research teams on projects related to equity in AI systems and algorithmic prevention of misinformation spread. He also worked at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, focusing on AI policy and federal research spending oversight.
Walker received his MS in Robotics from the University of Pennsylvania, and his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from SUNY Buffalo. Outside of work, Walker enjoys making music as a guitarist and member of the Chestnut Street Singers, and backpacking his way through public lands in New Jersey and across the country.

Working with businesses to optimize their processes and delivering world class software solutions on time and on budget has been the career he has enjoyed for decades. John’s passion to stay ahead of the technology curve and to take government agency systems to the next level with the use of cutting-edge technology platforms is exemplary. John was among the early embracers of cloud native technology platforms like Microsoft Azure and is now a recognized leader in the State incorporating various types of AI (Document Intelligence, Generative AI, Agentic AI, etc.) into current systems. His efforts have resulted in glaringly positive business transformations. Varied systems delivered by John include Field Inspections, Unemployment Insurance, Motor Vehicles, and Utilities Benefits.
Communication and commitment are keys to all successful endeavors is a core value that John believes in and uses to guide projects to success.
John is the proud father of teenage son completing high school and on his way to college. John is an avid scuba diver and enjoys vacations with his son and other family and friends in the mountains, islands, or anywhere in between.

Laks Kattalai serves as the Chief Information Officer for the New Jersey Courts, where he plays a vital role in crafting and executing innovative strategies to elevate the Judiciary's information technology framework. With a strong focus on collaboration, Laks engages with a wonderful mix of internal teams and external partners, fostering a spirit of teamwork across the organizations. He is instrumental in guiding the Judiciary's progressive approaches to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, ensuring that strategies are innovative and adhere to the highest ethical standards.

Robert Kumapley is the Chief of Enterprise Asset Management at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. With over 35 years of experience in civil engineering, construction, and asset management, he has led the Agency’s Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Program since 2021.
Under his leadership, the program has established a unified governance framework, breaking down silos and standardizing data and system design to drive asset lifecycle performance. His work brings together Engineering, Technology, Finance, and Line Departments to support strategic planning, operational excellence, and long-term infrastructure resilience.

Monica Ladd’s career at Tyler, beginning in 1997, has been marked by a diverse exploration of the company's offerings, from marketing and sales to networking, support, implementation, and project management. For a decade, she spearheaded the leadership of Tyler’s Content Manager product, significantly contributing to its development and growth. In her current role as Director of Strategic Engagement, Monica works intimately with product groups across Tyler and its partners, crafting cutting-edge solutions that enhance resident engagement and foster community connections.

Andrea Levandowski is the Adult Services Specialist at the New Jersey State Library.  She consults with libraries across the state to build their capacity in the areas of economic development, workforce development, and digital inclusion.  Previously, she was the Reference Librarian for Training and Nonprofit Information at the New Jersey State Library.  She received her B.A. in Education and English at Georgian Court University and her Masters of Library and Information Science at Rutgers University.
Marc Pfeiffer, Associate Director, Bloustein Local, Center for Urban Policy Research, Rutgers University
Marc H. Pfeiffer retired in 2012 from a 37-year career in New Jersey local government administration, having served as a municipal administrator in several municipalities, and 26 years of service in the State’s local government oversight agency, the Division of Local Government Services. At DLGS he served as Deputy Director for 14 years, and periodically as Acting Director.
Marc has broad experience in many areas of local government policy and administration, including specific expertise in areas such as finance and property taxation, public procurement, shared services and consolidation, technology, energy, labor relations, and general government administration. He also has deep experience in the legislative process and as a regulatory officer. He is currently engaged in research concerning the use of technology in local government.
In addition to participating in Bloustein Local, Marc makes his extensive government experience available as a guest lecturer and other collaborative efforts. He is also assisting the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration with the State’s Certified Public Manager Program in curriculum development and instruction.

Lucas Marxen is Executive Director of the Environmental Analysis and Communications Group at the Rutgers University Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and Co-Director of the New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center, a statutorily established and academically housed service center providing support to communities, state and local decision-makers and the private sector to advance equitable and science-informed climate change solutions. Lucas leads a talented research team with expertise in planning, policy, data analysis, and public informatics development. Lucas leads applied research projects focused on supporting state and local planning and policy making across various aspects of climate change, environmental policy, and resource development/management. He manages a team leading the development of digital informatics systems that combine computer science and data visualization techniques into platforms that bring research and data to a broad set of stakeholders to support decision-making across a diverse range of subject and research areas. Lucas also has expertise in developing geographic information systems (GIS), enabling spatial analysis and modeling for research initiatives in a variety of disciplines.
Lucas also leads the NJADAPT Program at the New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center, developing a suite of data-visualization and mapping tools designed to assist planners, community leaders, businesses, and residents to understand and adapt to the impacts of climate change on people, assets, and communities in New Jersey. Prior to joining the Center for Urban Policy Research in 2024, he led the development of the SEBS/NJAES Office of Research Analytics at Rutgers University where he provided leadership and direction on the development of analytical capabilities and services to meet the ongoing demand of stakeholders both within and outside the university. Lucas earned a Master in City and Regional Planning from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, a Master of Science in Computer Science from Rutgers University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Planning and Public Policy from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.

Aaron Meyerson is the Chief Innovation Economy Officer and Director of Broadband at Invest Newark, the City of Newark’s economic development agency. He works closely with the City of Newark and the Newark Alliance to progress broadband and innovation work citywide. He supports the Newark Fiber initiative, a public-private partnership to bring high-speed affordable broadband to all Newark residents, along with attracting, retaining, and expanding high-growth businesses in Newark. Prior to joining Invest Newark, Aaron served as the Deputy Chief Technology Officer for Broadband for the City of New York. Meyerson also served as founding employee and Senior Director of Operations for WiredScore, a venture backed global broadband and real estate technology company. He earned a B.A. in Anthropology from Syracuse University, and a master’s in urban planning from New York University.

Lee Micai is an energetic, and focused Information Technology (IT) professional and thought leader with over 25 years of professional experience in public sector IT. Lee is the Management Information Systems (MIS) Department Head for Mercer County Board of Social Services responsible for the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards. Lee currently serves as NJ-GMIS Foundation President, a professional association of New Jersey government technology professionals and Conference Director for GMIS International.

Dan Oliva is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialist with a Bachelor of Science degree in GIS from Rowan University. Since joining the Bureau in 2014, Dan has worked on metadata development, data publication, and various Python projects. As one of the Bureau’s Open Data administrators, Dan plays a key role in ensuring accessibility and transparency of data resources.

Erica joined AWS in September 2020 and has over 25 years’ experience in customer experience in solutions, data, and analytics. She has designed, sold, implemented and operated multiple global contact centers, software, and business process outsourcing solutions. Her passion is building and leading high performing teams and utilizing technology to improve human experience.
While at AWS, Erica built the Customer Experience Engagement (CXE) Sales and GTM team, starting in US SLG EDU and expanding to Worldwide Public Sector & Healthcare. Within AWS, Erica is an active participate in Women@AWS and outside of AWS with the AnitaB organization for Women in Tech and Fortune’s Most Powerful Women.
Most of Erica’s career prior to AWS was spent at Conduent (formerly Xerox Business Services) where she held various leadership roles in Sales, Operations, Reporting & Analytics, and Shared Services. Prior to Xerox, she worked for a large global media company and in the public sector. Erica graduated from the College of William & Mary and lives in Ashburn, VA with her husband and three children.

Deiva Ramachandran is a Partner at IBM Consulting, leading the Generative AI Analytics Automation practice across Life Sciences, Healthcare, Government, and Education sectors. With over 20 years of experience in Life Sciences, he has successfully led transformative programs for global Bio-Pharma, Medical Device, and Healthcare companies. His work includes AI solutions for contact center transformation, regulatory submissions, marketing content automation, adverse event processing, safety signal prediction, and more.
Deiva has partnered with companies to develop AI-powered solutions for clinical trials, population health, care management, and medical devices, enabling new business models and revenue streams. He has also led AI-driven innovations in drug discovery, medical imaging, and intelligent workflows to accelerate product development.

Aparna Shah is a dynamic technology leader who serves as both the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender. Driven by her passion for leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes, she brings over two decades of experience in the tech industry and has cultivated a robust skill set that encompasses digital transformation, systems integration, and process optimization. Her strategic focus on establishing standards and ensuring consistency has been instrumental in delivering high-quality services to the residents of New Jersey. Aparna's innovative approach and commitment to excellence have consistently resulted in solutions that align technology with organizational goals, leading to measurable improvements in service delivery and user satisfaction.
Aparna’s leadership is characterized by a collaborative spirit and a dedication to fostering a culture of innovation. She empowers her teams to think creatively and proactively address challenges, driving continuous improvement across all facets of the organization. Holding a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, cum laude, from New Jersey City University, Aparna combines her technical experience with strategic acumen to create impactful change. Aparna is passionate about community service and is matched by her pride in contributing to the state’s technological advancement, ensuring that its resident receive efficient and effective services. Additionally, Aparna serves as a Certified Public Manager Instructor at Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration. She is also a State Member of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, an Advisory Board Member at Government Technology, and serves on Axon’s Justice Customer Advisory Board (CAB) for Public Defenders.

Sarah Shively (she/her) serves as a product designer for the Office of Innovation’s Resident Experience Initiative team. She is working to elevate experience, accessibility, and ease of use for New Jersey residents when accessing government services and benefits through research, prototyping, and creating designs for web and mobile.
Before joining the Office, Sarah worked at a variety of private sector companies, developing the user experience of complex data cleaning, enterprise service management, and IT operation software. Her work has taken her from Raleigh, to Budapest, New York, and now to New Jersey. She has worked for a Fortune 50 company, as well as small design studios and agencies. Her design practices center around co-creation, accessibility, human-centered design, and making the complex simple and beautiful.
Sarah graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelors in Graphic Design. Beyond work, Sarah enjoys bouldering, third wave coffee, travel, and illustration.

Carrie is known for her out of the box creative thinking, problem solving skills, being an advocate for customer success & driving sales to enable Cities & States to operate more efficiently. As a Breast Cancer Survivor, she never shy’s away from a challenge & focuses on the specific goals of the agencies to provide holistic solutions to prove Dell is the best Technology Partner in the business.

Ms. Troutman oversees and provides strategic direction and system methodology for information technology and services including architecture, applications, PMO,  infrastructure, IT security,  contract management, budget and the statewide data health exchange, NJ Health Information Network (NJ HIN), supporting over 7,000 employees in central office an the state psychiatric facilities.
During the Covid Pandemic, Eileen and her team successfully established work from home policy, and equipment, expanded the use of electronic workflows, modernized the communicable disease reporting platform and the statewide immunization registry and electronic lab reporting platforms to seamlessly integrate Covid response, created the state of NJ’s first data lake analytics platform in the cloud.
Prior to joining NJDOH, Ms. Troutman spent fifteen years in the private industry as an employee or consultant for Fortune 100 Manufacturing and Communications companies, leading standardized electronic data exchange, supply chain, CRM, and manufacturing software strategy and  implementation.
Ms. Troutman received a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Computer Science from Rider University with Summa Cum Laude honors.  She enjoys international travel and long walks with her canine companion, Macy Mae.

Julie Veffer serves as the Director of Communications and Digital Services for the State of New Jersey Office of Information Technology, leading a team of 15.
Under Julie's leadership the Digital Services' team plays a pivotal role in shaping the visual and functional aspects of the state's digital and print communications. Key responsibilities include designing and building web sites for state agencies, setting the standards for the state’s web presence guidelines, ensuring that all digital platforms are branded, user-friendly and accessible for all citizens, livestreaming event coverage, developing multimedia presentations and graphic design of print materials.
Before transitioning to IT in 2001 Julie was the Executive Director of the New Jersey Israel Commission. She also served as a Foreign Trade Representative in the New Jersey Department of Commerce before it became a Commission.
Julie holds a degree in International Relations and Economics from Syracuse University and has over two decades of IT experience.