Oklahoma Digital Government Summit 2024 Banner

Overview

The Digital Government Summit brings together technology focused public-sector professionals with leading industry partners to connect on innovative approaches, get inspired and discover new technologies. Join us and let’s improve the future of government together!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Join us at the Oklahoma Digital Government Summit for a day of innovation and collaboration! This event will showcase the latest advancements, effective strategies, and creative solutions designed to enhance services for all Oklahomans. At the state, we understand that collaboration is key and we are dedicated to sharing our insights with non-state agencies. If you're an IT leader working in City, County, Education, or Tribal organizations, mark your calendar for December 9th and meet us in downtown Oklahoma City!

– Aleta Seaman, Interim Chief Information Officer, State of Oklahoma

Speakers

Aleta Seaman

Aleta Seaman

Interim CIO, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

John Register

John Register

Paralympic Games Silver Medalist, Persian Gulf War veteran, TEDx Motivational Speaker

John Register is a two-time Paralympian, Paralympic Games Silver Medalist, Persian Gulf War veteran, and TEDx Motivational Speaker. He embraced a “new normal mindset” in becoming an amputee following a misstep over a hurdle while training for the 1996 Olympic Games, after participation in two consecutive Olympic trials.
An Oak Park, Ill. native, Register discovered how to “amputate his fear of disability” and founded the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Military Sport Program in the early 2000s. He launched a book titled: 10 Stories to Impact Any Leader: Journal Your Way to Leadership Success, as business leaders return to work with their staff amid stressful circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic and the recent unrest in our urban cities.
Register teaches business professionals through his “Hurdling Adversity” speeches and podcasts to “amputate fear and embrace their new normal,” as they discover “stories within themselves.”
He finds that “it is the personal stories that inspire teams more profoundly with greater impact.”
Register is a four-time All-American graduate of University of Arkansas. He served six years in the U.S. Army—including in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and in active-duty with the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program—winning nine gold medals in the Armed Services Competition and two World Military Championships.
Register had his left leg amputated after a misstep over a hurdle changed his life. Register hyperextended his knee and severed the popliteal artery. He started swimming to aid in his recovery, made the U.S. Paralympic Team in 1996, and later won a silver medal in the long jump—as he set an American record—and sprinted to fifth in the 100 meters and 200 meters at the U.S. Paralympic Games in Sydney.
Register resides in Colorado Springs, CO with his wife Alice. The couple have three children - John Jr., Ashley, and Ronald.

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Sean McSpaden

Sean McSpaden

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Sean McSpaden is an executive level information technology professional with over 30 years of experience in the private, non-profit, and public sectors. His background includes the start-up and management of several small businesses and he has served on the Board of Directors or in Executive Director positions for several 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Sean’s public service experience includes progressively responsible positions as an IT analyst, and in statewide coordination, management and leadership positions within the Executive and Legislative branches of Oregon state government.
From June 2008 to September 2013, Sean served as the state of Oregon’s Deputy State Chief Information Officer. Since 2013, Sean has served as a Principal Legislative IT Analyst with the Oregon Legislative Fiscal Office and as the Committee Administrator for Oregon’s Joint Legislative Committee on Information Management and Technology. In addition, Sean serves as a member Oregon’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and as Oregon’s representative to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Taskforce on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Privacy.
Throughout his 26-year tenure in Oregon state government, Sean and the teams he has led have received several state, regional and national recognitions and awards. In addition, Sean has represented the state of Oregon on numerous state, regional and national project steering committees, task forces, governing boards, committees, commissions and associations, and has presented on various topics at local, state, regional, national, and international meetings and conferences.
Sean earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and Certificate of Public Management from the Willamette University, Atkinson Graduate School of Management. Sean is an ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and holds a PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

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Kim Baciles

Kim Baciles

Senior Security Engineer, Oklahoma Cyber Command, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

Kim Baciles is an experienced threat hunter and incident responder with five years of experience as a Senior Cyber Security Engineer for the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES). Dedicated to safeguarding the State of Oklahoma's cyberspace, Kim prioritizes continuous learning and professional development in the fields of Cybersecurity and Information Technology. Kim holds a bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems, along with several certifications, including the CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) and ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). In his free time, Kim enjoys playing pickleball.

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Kamna Bohra

Kamna Bohra LinkedIn

Public Sector AI Strategy and Enablement Lead, EY

Brandon Bowman

Brandon Bowman

State Programs Director, Oklahoma Rural Water Association

Brandon Bowman is the State Programs Director for the Oklahoma Rural Water Association, responsible for overseeing the Association’s Water and Wastewater System Sustainability Contracts. Two important program areas that his team tackles are improving cybersecurity at small water and wastewater systems and encouraging adaptation of technology that improves efficiency and effectiveness in operations at these systems.
Brandon is a fifth-generation Oklahoman and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and a Master's Degree in Public Administration, both from the University of Oklahoma. He lives in Moore, Oklahoma.

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Scott Carr

Scott Carr

Director of Information Technology, City of Broken Arrow

Scott Carr is an accomplished public speaker on a variety of topics including team-building, technology, trends, and cyber security. With over 25 years of Information Technology management experience building world class technology teams and creating centers of excellence within corporate, non-profit, and city government environments, Scott’s experience also includes executive management of operations, marketing and corporate sales, as well as management of over one hundred different digital media brands. Scott has been a member of the Tulsa CIO Forum for over fifteen years, and has been recently focused on highlighting technology in Tulsa through Flywheel Tulsa, a non-profit organization he co-founded in 2022 that features Tulsa technology, music, art, and food through strategically planned events.
Today, Scott is the Director of Information Technology for the City of Broken Arrow. He has previously held the position of U.S. Chief Information Officer for Clarion Events, a global events company based in London. Prior to that he was the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at PennWell, a global media and events company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma which was acquired by Clarion Events. Scott has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, and a Master’s degree in Information Technology.

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Mark Davis

Mark Davis

Chief Innovation Officer, Employment Security Commission (OESC), State of Oklahoma

Mark Davis - A family man, a relationship builder and a technologist.  Over 35 years of combined experience building teams and helping companies succeed through the use of technology. Today, he is the Chief Innovation Officer for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, leading the technology, Unemployment Insurance, Adjudication and Appeals divisions of the Agency.
Formerly, Davis served as the VP of Cybersecurity for Sonic, a company with more than 3,500 franchised and company-operated drive-in restaurants.  He has also worked for many other organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.  His experience includes Cybersecurity, Information Technology Management, Data Center Management, IT Operations, Software Development, Information Security and Compliance, Contract Negotiation, Medical Research, Retail Service Management, Organizational Management and Project Management.

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Tim Davis

Tim Davis LinkedIn

Director of GTM, Data Security, Palo Alto Networks

Tim Davis has spent the last 20 years in the networking and security space, focusing for the last 10 years on data security and protection. Mr. Davis is currently Director of Data Security for Palo Alto Networks, where he works with their customers to design and deploy data security strategies to fit their organization's needs in an ever-evolving technological environment.  When not obsessing over data loss, Mr. Davis is most often found lifting weights or at the dojo dodging kicks and breaking boards.

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Erin Henry

Erin Henry

Director, Information Services, OK State Bureau of Investigation

Ms. Henry has worked for the OSBI for over 25 years, working in a variety of roles in the Criminalistics and Information Services Division. In the Criminalistics Division, Ms. Henry worked as a Forensic Biologist, CODIS State Administrator and Unit Supervisor, and as a Criminalistics Administrator and Quality Manager. Ms. Henry later oversaw the OSBI’s Office of Professional Standards before moving to her current role in the Information Services Division.
Over the years, Ms. Henry has overseen laboratory accreditation with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) and agency accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Ms. Henry is a former member of the Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers (AFQAM) and served on the Program Committee and as an Executive Board member. In addition, she served on the ASCLD/LAB Board of Directors and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Organization of Scientific Area Committees (NIST OSAC) Quality Infrastructure Committee.
Ms. Henry currently serves on the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact (Compact) Council and is an appointed member of SEARCH, the National Consortium for Justice Information and Statistics, where she serves on the Board.

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Dylan Higgs

Dylan Higgs LinkedIn

Government Sales Manager, OPSWAT

Dylan Higgs is the Government Sales Manager for OPSWAT, a global leader in critical infrastructure protection cybersecurity. With over 6 years of experience, Dylan has played a key role in helping public sector professionals meet and exceed their cybersecurity requirements. He specializes in delivering solutions that safeguard critical systems from evolving threats while ensuring compliance with stringent security standards. Focused on building robust partnerships, Dylan enhances the cybersecurity posture of government agencies, providing the tools and support necessary to protect their most valuable assets.

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Shawn Ingle

Shawn Ingle

Executive Director of Technology, Edmond School District

James Juarez

James Juarez

Chief Technology Officer, Department of Corrections, State of Oklahoma

Tristan Kilgore

Tristan Kilgore

State Data Strategy Manager, Enterprise Data Driven Services, State of Oklahoma

Tristan Kilgore, Oklahoma's State Data Strategy Manager, leads an interdisciplinary team that leverages data science and AI to drive innovation in public policy and government transparency. With over five years of experience, Tristan has pioneered impactful projects, like the first public sector generative AI chatbot and a generative AI application designed to help agency leaders stay up to date with Oklahoma executive orders. His team’s work transforms complex data into actionable insights, helping state agencies improve efficiency, transparency, and public service delivery across Oklahoma.

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Jun Kim

Jun Kim

Director of Technology, Moore School District

Jun Kim is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in education and technology. In his current role, he oversees the design and implementation of IT solutions for a district comprising 25,000 students, 2000 staff, and 36 instructional sites. Kim's journey in education began as a science teacher and coach, leading him back to Moore Public Schools in 2002, where he progressed from an assistant principal to his current position. His educational philosophy centers on the belief that "kids are kids, no matter where they call home," emphasizing a mindset to care, commitment, and create transformative connections to positively impact students' lives.
In addition to his educational career, Kim has served for over 30 years in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, imparting him with a profound understanding of the importance of prioritizing individuals in processes. This perspective influences his role as the senior enlisted leader, where he shares insights and mentors future military leaders. Kim extends this commitment to his civilian work, empowering individuals and teams to grow through meaningful connections. With a rich background in education and a dedication to both technological advancements and the well-being of people, Jun Kim continues to make a lasting impact in his multifaceted role.

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Jim Lawson

Jim Lawson

Product Marketing Practice Leader, CitizenOne SaaS Services, Portage CyberTech

Jim Lawson is the product marketing practice lead for CitizenOne, DXP and 1CRM at Portage CyberTech, he spearheads go to market strategy and leads voice of the customer activity for the company’s solutions tailored to public sector organizations. With a strong background in product management and market expansion, Jim brings over 15 years of experience in digital identity, cybersecurity, and registry technology.
Before joining Portage CyberTech, Jim spent 7 years as the Director of Product Management for a publicly traded registry software company. He was responsible for product management and product evolution across North America. He also played a key role in expanding the company into the global registry software space and fostered many strategic partnerships during that time.
At Portage, Jim’s efforts are centered on driving adoption of Portage solutions for public sector clients, with a focus on scalability, security, privacy, and compliance. His customer-first approach is a hallmark of his work, and he recently assisted in the launch of a Portage customer advisory board to ensure continuous feedback and alignment with public sector needs. Jim is also an active advocate for helping public sector agencies meet accessibility requirements with their customer facing web properties.

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James LeClair

James LeClair

Emergency Management/Safety Coordinator, Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians

James LeClair is the Emergency Management and Safety Coordinator for the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, where he has led numerous initiatives in emergency management, safety, and disaster preparedness. His tenure has been marked by extensive collaborations with agencies such as FEMA, Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training (OSUFST), and the Louisiana State University National Center for Biomedical Research and Training (LSU-NCBRT). James has achieved a Master Certification in Infrastructure Protection from TEEX and is a certified Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) instructor, providing CERT training to adults and teens within his community. He has also shared his expertise at the Inter-Tribal Emergency Management Coalition (ITEMC) Summit, where his presentations have been well received by various tribal affiliates and stakeholders. James’s role extends to wildland firefighting as a coordinator for the United States Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), where he conducts training programs and fire academies to ensure preparedness among tribal members.
With a career foundation in law enforcement, James has served as Chief of Police for multiple tribes, including the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, Tonkawa Tribe, and Ponca Tribe, where he led teams in emergency response, law enforcement training, and community policing. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through his numerous certifications, including as a Certified Floodplain Manager and Certified Storm Water Inspector, and his bachelor’s degree in political science with a focus on emergency management from Oklahoma State University. James is also certified as a CPR/First Aid/AED instructor and an OSHA instructor through TEEX, allowing him to offer critical safety training for both emergency and general industry contexts. His work continues to emphasize the importance of emergency preparedness within Indian Country, bridging the gap between emergency management protocols and tribal community awareness.

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Greg Lee

Greg Lee

Incident Manager, IT Operations, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

Gregory Lee is an accomplished IT Incident Manager with a diverse background that uniquely blends technology and media. With over a decade of experience in broadcast television, he directed newscasts for CBS and Fox affiliates before transitioning to the tech industry. His journey continued at Dell, where he spent over six years managing escalations as a Technical Solutions Consultant and SkyTech.
Currently, he leads an Incident Response Team for the State of Oklahoma through the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), ensuring swift and effective resolution of statewide IT incidents. Gregory holds several industry certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and ITIL Foundation 4, which reflect his commitment to professional development and excellence in IT service management.
In a fun twist, Gregory learned to fly an airplane before getting behind the wheel of a car, showcasing his adventurous spirit. Additionally, he is an avid cruiser, having embarked on over 11 sailings with his wife Sarah. Gregory graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, bringing a well-rounded and local perspective to the tech industry.
He is excited to share unique insights and strategies from his experience at the upcoming Oklahoma Digital Government Summit.

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Lloyd Levine

Lloyd Levine LinkedIn

National Senior Executive, State Government Strategy, T-Mobile

Lloyd Levine is a former member of the California State Legislature where he served as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce. Currently, Mr. Levine serves as T-Mobile for Government’s National Senior Executive for State Government Strategy and is a Senior Policy Fellow at the University of California, Riverside School of Public Policy.
As a Legislator, Mr. Levine established himself as one of California’s leading experts in energy, telecommunications, and technology policy. Mr. Levine’s desire to accelerate the deployment of broadband technology led him to author and pass the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act (DIVCA), which changed the way video and telecommunications companies were regulated, bringing statutes into par with the current technologies. He also successfully authored legislation streamlining and expediting the process of siting high-speed communications equipment on state property, and legislation changing the way school districts can procure technology.
Mr. Levine served as a member of Governor Schwarzenegger’s Broadband Taskforce and was a Founding Member of the Board of Directors of the California Emerging Technology Fund. Mr. Levine currently serves as a Founding Member of the Advisory Board for the UC Riverside School of Public Policy, where he and the school’s Dean, Anil Deolalikar, co-founded the Center for Technology, Policy and Society.
Through his work and academic publications, Mr. Levine has earned a reputation as a nationally recognized leader in government technology and policy, including recently being named “one of the 40 most thought-provoking innovators in New York city and state” by the prestigious New York City & State magazine. Mr. Levine has appeared on television and radio programs across the country and has been published and cited widely in print media, with articles published in everything from daily newspapers to legal publications. Mr. Levine has also served as a panelist and keynote speaker at energy, and technology conferences around the world, and been a guest lecturer in many universities and law schools.
As a Senior Policy Fellow, Mr. Levine has multiple peer reviewed articles and book chapters on technology, utiliites, broadband and the digital divide and the intersection with government. Currently, Mr. Levine working on an edited book volume on the intersection of technology and government. Titled, “Technology vs. Government: The Irresistible Force Meets the Immovable Object it will be out later this year.
Mr. Levine currently resides in Sacramento with his wife, Emmy award winning KCRA Anchorwoman Edie Lambert and their two children.

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Jeff Maxwell

Jeff Maxwell

Director, Computer Science and Mathematics, Oklahoma City University

Jeff Maxwell has been doing software development for over 30 years in many different roles. He has worked as a Developer, Technical Lead, Architect, Leader and Security Architect for a variety of industries. Some include Fortune 500 companies, big-brand food and beverage companies and more.
Over the last 7 years, Maxwell has focused on Secure Coding and Secure Development topics and best practices while earning his Masters of Science-Computer Science with a Cybersecurity focus at Oklahoma Christian University.

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Stephen W. Miller

Stephen W. Miller

Chief Technology Officer & State Coordinator for Health Information Exchange

Career senior healthcare executive with extensive experience in executive/client relationships, information management, health information applications / infrastructure, and IT governance & operations. Mr. Miller oversees all technology strategy for the Health Care Authority while also serving as the State Coordinator for the Health Information Exchange. He has previously held the positions of Chief Information Officer at Baptist Health, Alabama, and served as CIO at Oklahoma Heart Hospital locally. He has additionally held senior IT positions at Chesapeake Energy, Kerr-McGee and Cerner Corporations. Mr. Miller has led the governance, evaluation and implementation of healthcare technologies and their operations and implementation through-out his career. Additionally, Mr. Miller has been involved in the start-up, operations, and governance of multiple HIE’s both here in Oklahoma as well as in Alabama. Steve holds degrees from Oklahoma State and Southern Nazarene Universities, as well as carries the designation of certified Chief Information Officer (CHCIO) from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME).

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Amanda Otis

Amanda Otis

State Purchasing Director, Central Purchasing Division, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

Amanda became the State Purchasing Director in July 2023 after serving as Deputy General Counsel at the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) for 3 years. Prior to OMES, she served as the Assistant Attorney General. Amanda earned her J.D. from Oklahoma City University, graduating summa cum laude in 2016 and her B.A. in Philosophy from University of Texas in 2010. Amanda’s primary goals as State Purchasing Director are to increase the velocity of procurements, increase the efficiency of Central Purchasing systems and processes, and improve the quality of service provided to state suppliers.  

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Dan Pease

Dan Pease LinkedIn

Chief Information Officer, Tulsa County

Dan Pease has over 40 years of experience aligning IT teams and technologies with organizational business goals. His expertise spans management, leadership, communication, technology, business, and finance, giving him a well-rounded perspective and the ability to adapt to evolving organizational needs. Dan has successfully applied his skills across a diverse range of industries, including aviation, architecture, manufacturing, construction, and energy, before transitioning to the public sector. His versatile approach to innovation and problem-solving enables him to tackle challenges directly while mentoring the next generation of IT leaders.

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Carlos Rivero

Carlos Rivero LinkedIn

Executive Government Advisor, Amazon Web Services

As an executive government advisor, Carlos is a public sector data practice subject matter expert who specializes in helping organizations leverage data to make informed, actionable decisions. He also works with Chief Data Officers, Geospatial Information Officers, and other data leaders to develop mission-driven data programs.
Prior to joining Amazon Web Services (AWS), Carlos gained 27 years of experience in federal and state government and higher education. Carlos was the first Chief Data Officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia. During his tenure, he helped former-Governor Northam, his executive team, and public health and emergency management professionals respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging data-driven intelligence products to help keep Virginians safe.
In Virginia, Carlos developed a statewide data program that leveraged the data trust as the legal framework to facilitate data sharing across public and private entities. The data program featured a secure cloud-based data sharing platform as the technical implementation of the data trust. He also established a centralized entity resolution service mapping individuals across multiple data systems supporting longitudinal studies. Carlos also provided an enterprise reporting system to facilitate the development and delivery of data-driven intelligence products to internal and external stakeholders. Lastly, he implemented the governance structure which facilitated engagement among leaders across the organization from agency data stewards to state senators in the data conversation.
Carlos also served as Chief Data Officer and Chief Enterprise Architect for the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration in Washington, D.C. Prior to these roles, Rivero worked at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center in Miami, Florida, as a physical scientist and as a research associate at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. This is where he developed a passion for geospatial information systems, ecological modeling, and data.
Carlos earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Florida International University. He received a Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Analytics from Saint Joseph’s University, focusing on database design, data management, business intelligence, big data, and data analytics.
Carlos enjoys traveling the US with his wife, daughter, and dogs in their RV and participates in outdoor activities everywhere he goes.

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Adam Rogers

Adam Rogers

Director of Technology Services, Oklahoma State School Boards Association

Adam Rogers holds a Bachelor of Science from Mid-America Christian University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University. He began his educational career over 13 years ago as a licensed teacher, and his journey in the Oklahoma City Public Schools has been marked by various impactful roles. From serving as the lead technology educator at Capitol Hill High School to working as a CTE Technology Coordinator, he has been at the forefront of integrating technology into educational settings, ensuring effective communication and curriculum development.
Currently, as the Director of Technology Services at the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA), Adam has been instrumental in managing and coordinating technology services. This role involves overseeing system analysis, programming, and hardware configuration for OSSBA staff. He is also involved in Technology Assessments for Oklahoma’s public schools, which range from infrastructure needs to cybersecurity assessments. Additionally, he works with public schools on professional development.
Adam is committed to working with schools to develop plans that align with their vision for instruction, providing students and staff with the necessary infrastructure and devices for success.

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Matt Runkle

Matt Runkle

Data Engineering Manager, Office of Management & Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

Bailey Siber

Bailey Siber

Senior Program Manager, Office of Innovation, City of Oklahoma City

Bailey Siber is a Senior Program Manager and Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellow in the City of Oklahoma City's Office of Innovation. In her role, Bailey leads City-wide data governance and data stewardship efforts, amongst other initiatives. Bailey recently graduated from the Harvard Kennedy School, earning a Master of Public Policy and a certificate in Management, Leadership, and Decision Sciences. She previously worked on the City of Boston’s innovation and design team, MONUM, and as a technologist at several rapid scale startups.

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Paula Starr

Paula Starr LinkedIn

Chief Information Officer, Cherokee Nation Government

Paula Starr is a Cherokee citizen leading technology delivery at the Cherokee Nation, the United States’ largest federally-recognized tribe. She leads an IT department that supports 5,000 employees across the 7,000 square mile Cherokee reservation and provides service to over 460,000 citizens across the United States and the globe. Paula’s team takes pride in upholding Cherokee community values while striving to transform technology service delivery to help Cherokee citizens live better.
Paula is the 2024 American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Professional of the Year. She has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Technology by Technology Magazine, was named by Constellation Research as one of the top 150 executives leading the way for digital transformation, and by HR Executive as a Top 100 HR Tech Influencer.

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Michael Toland

Michael Toland

Chief Information Security Officer, State of Oklahoma

Michael Toland joined OMES in May 2023 as the Chief Information Security Officer. In this role, he is charged with leading all information security efforts and compliance and privacy practices.
He brings over 20 years of experience as an information technology professional. Toland specializes in IT security operations and providing proactive defense, and he prides himself in promoting an outstanding IT security culture by facilitating training, testing and coaching.

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Nathan Wald

Nathan Wald

CAM Administrator, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

Mr. Wald was born in Oklahoma.  Raised in the western part of the state he grew up cutting wheat and stripping cotton on his family’s farms.  He brings 15 years of experience in operations and project, process and change management, Wald has a proven track record of delivering successful outcomes for complex and diverse projects and initiatives, leveraging his skills in data analysis, business intelligence and cloud computing. He applies the principles and practices of Lean Six Sigma, SCRUM and Business Intelligence to optimize performance, productivity and customer satisfaction.  Mr. Wald served honorably in the USMC and after time in service, Wald went on to earn two Bachelor’s degrees in Business and Accounting and a MBA.

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Sonya Watkins

Sonya Watkins

Chief Information Officer, University of Central Oklahoma

Leslie Weaver

Leslie Weaver

Chief Technology Officer, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Office of Management & Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma 

Leslie Weaver has been recognized as a pioneer across the public and private sectors. As a Chief Technology Officer for OMES, Leslie brings over 20 years of experience managing modernization, migration, and business transformation for organizations such as Oracle, Sonic, and the Federal Aviation Administration. From strategy to execution, Leslie's breadth of technology experience has enabled the state of Oklahoma to implement innovative, holistic solutions that transform the way we work to deliver business value and tangible results. An expert in enabling, empowering, and informing customers through technology and data, Leslie’s goal is to implement holistic solutions that accelerate business delivery, drive citizen-centered services, and continually improve technology systems.
Leslie has served as CTO for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, the Oklahoma Pandemic Center for Innovation and Excellence, the Public Health Lab, and Oklahoma Department of Health. At the Public Health Lab, she played a pivotal role in modernizing the lab’s infrastructure and tools to increase efficiency, expand testing capability, and enhance data integration. Passionate about serving those who lead Oklahoma to prosperity through health, she is currently partnering and collaborating to modernize and innovate the Department of Health technology service.

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Sam Woodfork

Sam Woodfork

Chief Information Officer, Cleveland County

Sam Woodfork brings over 30 years of IT expertise, including 20+ years in leadership roles, with the Cleveland County Assessor’s Office. He specializes in systems design, development, implementation, and support, driving organizational efficiency through strategic technology solutions. As CIO, Sam leads all aspects of long-term technology strategy, ensuring solutions are cost-effective, secure, and aligned with the county’s strategic goals.
A results-oriented leader, Sam fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation. He manages IT teams, oversees budgets, and prioritizes professional development to empower his staff. With deep insight into the business impact of technology, he aligns systems and procedures to maximize returns on investments while reducing costs. His expertise extends to vendor negotiations, network security, and deploying reliable infrastructure tailored to organizational needs.
Sam’s vision and strategic planning capabilities enable him to articulate clear objectives and unify teams toward achieving shared goals. Through his dedication to innovation and operational excellence, he continues to deliver impactful technology solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Cleveland County’s operations.

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Agenda

Monday, December 9

8:00 am Central

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Oklahoma Station Prefunction

9:00 am Central

Opening Remarks

Oklahoma Station Ballrooms 4/5

Aleta Seaman, Interim CIO, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

9:10 am Central

Keynote – Transform Adversity into Advantage: How to Conquer Life's Hurdles

Oklahoma Station Ballrooms 4/5

The world has become more difficult, and the challenges are bigger than ever. Adopting a “new normal mindset” is necessary to empower your team to navigate the challenges and opportunities through a contextual model to overcome adversity. How will you manage uncertainty? Is your team ready to embrace change? This session will provide a powerful and interactive message of resilience and perseverance that will inspire you to see change as an opportunity for growth.

John Register, Inspirational and Motivational Speaker, Author, and Two-Time Paralympic Silver Medalist

10:10 am Central

General Session – The Great Debate: Convenience vs. Security

Oklahoma Station Ballrooms 4/5

The intersection between end user workflow and cybersecurity is often left out of the conversation about how to create a more secure environment. Authentication and authorization are tied hand in hand with zero trust architecture. How do we help support identity management when teams need to move laterally between networks? How do we make this easier for our teams, but harder for hackers? This session identifies ways to help design the human element of cybersecurity strategy.

Moderator: Sean McSpaden, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Brandon Bowman, State Programs Director, Oklahoma Rural Water Association

James Juarez, Chief Technology Officer, Department of Corrections, State of Oklahoma

Jun Kim, Director of Technology, Moore School District

Leslie Weaver, Chief Technology Officer, Office of Management & Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

10:45 am Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Oklahoma Station Prefunction

11:15 am Central

Concurrent Sessions

The Balancing Act for AI: Possibility and Responsibility

Oklahoma Station Ballroom 3

As AI advances in the public sector, it promises to enhance services, drive innovation, and boost efficiency. As stewards of public trust, government organizations must prioritize responsible AI deployment, considering cyber risks, such as social engineering, deepfakes, and more sophisticated threats. This session explores realistic perspectives on AI's evolving role in government, focusing on harnessing its potential safely while mitigating emerging threats, and ensuring successful outcomes.

Moderator: Jeff Maxwell, Director of Computer Science and Mathematics, Oklahoma City University

Paula Starr, Chief Information Officer, Cherokee Nation Government

Kamna Bohra, Public Sector AI Strategy and Enablement Lead, EY

Carlos Rivero, Executive Government Advisor, Amazon Web Services

Guardians of the Data Galaxy: Mastering Data Stewardship

Oklahoma Station Ballroom 6

In today's world of data reliance, governments face escalating challenges in managing, protecting, and effectively leveraging their data. The convergence of data governance, risk management, and compliance is paramount as organizations strive to harness the full potential of their data for public service. Discover best practices, key responsibilities, and strategies to ensure sensitive information is properly managed, validated, and protected, while providing the right intelligence necessary to move the mission forward.

Moderator: Tristan Kilgore, State Data Strategy Manager, Enterprise Data Driven Services, State of Oklahoma

Jun Kim, Director of Technology, Moore School District

Bailey Siber, Senior Program Manager, Office of Innovation, City of Oklahoma City

Tim Davis, Director of GTM, Data Security, Palo Alto Networks

Optimizing Partner Relationships

Oklahoma Station Ballroom 7

To ensure the delivery of successful, consistent services and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars, cooperative, mutually beneficial IT partnerships are crucial for state and local governments. Skill and experience are needed to align the right IT solutions to fit current and future business strategies, functional requirements, technical specifications and budgets. Hear benchmarking strategies on optimizing partner relationships and outsourcing agreements, focusing on key aspects such as contract negotiation, performance monitoring, compliance, and risk mitigation.

Moderator: Ayana Wilkins, Senior Director of Enterprise Systems, Office of Management & Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

Shawn Ingle, Executive Director of Technology, Edmond School District

Dan Pease, Chief Information Officer, Tulsa County

Lloyd Levine, National Sr. Executive, State Government Strategy, T-Mobile

The Future to Be: Inter-Government Collaborations and Resources

Oklahoma Station Ballroom 8

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving citizen expectations, the need for seamless cooperation among different government entities has never been more crucial. But what does that actually look like? How can we better leverage the combined power of federal, state and local thought leadership and opportunities to address common challenges? This session will dive into the challenges we face as public sector leaders, such as mandates, compliance, resources, and more – and further explore best practices and practical tactics to help you succeed.

Moderator: Sean McSpaden, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Adam Rogers, Director of Technology Services, Oklahoma State School Boards Association

Matt Runkle, Data Engineering Manager, Office of Management & Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

Nathan Wald, CAM Administrator, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

12:15 pm Central

Lunch

Oklahoma Station Ballrooms 4/5

1:00 pm Central

Bits and Bytes – Resilience in Action: OMES's Response to the CrowdStrike Incident

Oklahoma Station Ballrooms 4/5

The Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) is set to share critical insights into effective incident response, communication strategies, and the vital role of resilience in the wake of the CrowdStrike incident earlier this year. This case study presentation will outline OMES's approach to incident management, detail the strategies employed to expedite service restoration and provide insight into how the State of Oklahoma responded to the unprecedented circumstances.

Greg Lee, Incident Manager, IT Operations, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

Kim Baciles, Senior Security Engineer, Oklahoma Cyber Command, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

1:30 pm Central

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:35 pm Central

Concurrent Sessions

Future-Proofing IT: Strategies for Resilience and Continuity

Oklahoma Station Ballroom 3

In today’s unpredictable world, the continued operation of government services in a disaster is critical, and safeguarding digital infrastructure and data has never been more important. Public sector organizations must collaborate to build resilience against diverse disruptions such as natural disasters and cyber threats. What lessons have we learned from past incidents that could be applied to future preparedness? This session provides an in-depth exploration of continuity of operation plans and highlights best practices in IT continuity and recovery.

Moderator: Michael Toland, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Management & Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

Sara Cobb, Director of Information Technology, City of Edmond

James LeClair, Emergency Management/Safety Coordinator, Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians

Dylan Higgs, Government Sales Manager, OPSWAT

The Citizen Experience: Enhancing Data-Sharing Interoperability

Oklahoma Station Ballroom 6

In an increasingly interconnected world, the seamless sharing of data and promoting interoperability across different systems and platforms is crucial for enhancing the constituent experience. Interoperability creates the opportunity for diverse systems and organizations to work together to ensure maximum accessibility. This session will focus on the importance of data-sharing interoperability, highlight strategies and initiatives, and explore how effective data integration can improve public services and their impact on citizens.

Moderator: Stephen Miller, Chief Technology Officer & State Coordinator for Health Information Exchange, OK Health Care Authority

Scott Carr, Director of Information Technology, City of Broken Arrow

Erin Henry, Director, Information Services, OK State Bureau of Investigation

Sam Woodfork, Chief Information Officer, Cleveland County

Jim Lawson, Director, Product Management, Portage CyberTech

Finding, Keeping, and Growing Today’s IT Workforce

Oklahoma Station Ballroom 7

As the workforce landscape evolves, attracting and retaining top talent has become a critical challenge for organizations, especially the public sector. The modern workforce values flexibility, purpose-driven work, and opportunities for growth more than ever before. Where can the public sector find new talent to fill critical roles? What are the collaborative opportunities for educational institutions and government agencies to bridge the workforce gap? How do we motivate and upskill our existing teams to meet the needs of an ever-evolving tech environment? This session shares creative tactics and strategies for establishing, retaining, and fostering a diverse, future-ready workforce.

Moderator: Adam Rogers, Director of Technology Services, State School Boards Association, State of Oklahoma

Mark Davis, Chief Innovation Officer, Employment Security Commission (OESC), State of Oklahoma

Emily Gise, Grow with Oklahoma Program Director, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

Sonya Watkins, Chief Information Officer, University of Central Oklahoma

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Oklahoma Station Ballroom 8

Hosted by:

Amanda Otis, State Purchasing Director, Central Purchasing Division, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

Nathan Wald, CAM Administrator, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, State of Oklahoma

2:35 pm Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Oklahoma Station Prefunction

3:05 pm Central

General Session – The State of AI in GovTech: Exploring the Future

Oklahoma Station Ballrooms 4/5

Presented by the Center for Public Sector AI, this keynote presentation delves into the present status of Artificial Intelligence in the GovTech sector, offering a detailed examination of AI's applications within state and local governments. We will explore AI's potential future paths in GovTech, highlighting emerging trends and discussing how technology and policy leaders can prepare for AI's impact on service delivery. We will address starting points for AI implementation, stressing the importance of collaboration, ethical considerations, and equitable technology access. This forward-looking talk will equip attendees with a thorough understanding of AI's trajectory in GovTech, providing practical insights to effectively leverage AI for public sector innovation and advancement.

Sean McSpaden, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

4:00 pm Central

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

Oklahoma Station Prefunction

Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.

4:30 pm Central

End of Conference

Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Omni Oklahoma City Hotel

100 Oklahoma City Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
(405) 438-6500

Get Directions To
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Paul Caesar
Chief Information Security Officer
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority

Bonnie Campo
Director of Outreach and Account Management
Office of Management & Enterprise Services
State of Oklahoma

Scott Carr
Director of Information Technology
City of Broken Arrow

Sara Cobb
Director of Information Technology
Information Technology Department
City of Edmond

Dayne Coffey
Director, Information Technology
Oklahoma County

Linda Drink
Director of Technology Service Assurance
Tulsa Public Schools

Judy Franco
Information Technology Director
City of Lawton

Darren Fritz
Director of Information Technology Operations
City of Tulsa

Chad Fuston
Assistant Director of IT
State Regents for Higher Education, OneNet
State of Oklahoma

Jessica Gateff
Deputy Director of Data Services
Office of Management & Enterprise Services
State of Oklahoma

John Hennessey
Chief Information Officer and Executive Director, OneNet
State Regents for Higher Education, OneNet
State of Oklahoma

Erin Henry
Director, Information Services
Bureau of Investigation
State of Oklahoma

Eric Hileman
Executive Director
Information Technology Services
Oklahoma City Public Schools

Shawn Ingle
Executive Director of Technology
Edmond School District

Kyle Janzen
Chief of Business Enterprises
Healthcare Authority
State of Oklahoma

Chris Keller
Executive Officer and Chief Information Officer
Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma

Jun Kim
Director of Technology
Moore School District

James LeClair
Emergency Management/Safety Coordinator
Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians

Jeff Maxwell
Director of Computer Science and Mathematics
Oklahoma City University

Jebessa Mosisa
Technology Division Director
District Attorney's Council
State of Oklahoma

Dan Pease
Chief Information Officer
Tulsa County

Tab Pierce
Chief Technology Officer
Transportation Cabinet
State of Oklahoma

Adam Rogers
Director of Technology Services
State School Boards Association
State of Oklahoma

Paula Starr
Chief Information Officer
Cherokee Nation

Michael Toland
Chief Information Security Officer
Office of Management & Enterprise Services
State of Oklahoma

Destiny Washington
Digital Content Coordinator and Outreach
Office of Management & Enterprise Services
State of Oklahoma

Sonya Watkins
Chief Information Officer
University of Central Oklahoma

Leslie Weaver
Chief Technology Officer
Office of Management & Enterprise Services
State of Oklahoma

Ayana Wilkins
Senior Director of Enterprise Systems
Office of Management & Enterprise Services
State of Oklahoma

Industry Representatives

Daniel Nicolotti
Managing Director
EY

Brad Stone
Enterprise Account Manager
Amazon Web Services

Sean Welsh
Account Executive
T-Mobile for Government

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: December 9, 2024

Open to Public Sector only.

Registration - Free

If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.

Contact Information

For registration and general assistance contact:

Lindsay Anthis
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1495
E-mail: lanthis@erepublic.com

For assistance or questions concerning Sponsor Logos or Logistics please contact:

Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@govtech.com

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:

Heather Earney
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1339
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

Venue

Omni Oklahoma City Hotel

100 Oklahoma City Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
(405) 438-6500

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Parking

The Omni offers discounted Event Valet Parking for $16/day. On-site parking is not available but there are public parking garages within walking distance of the hotel.

 

Accommodations

Government Technology has a group block established at the host hotel. Please reference the “Oklahoma Digital Government Summit” when making your room reservations to receive our group rate over the phone or click on the Group Reservation Link. 
Rate: $189.00 single/double  
Cut-off Date: 11/8/24 

Rooms are on a first come, first served basis. Please note, once the room block is full, you will need to make other arrangements for your accommodation with the hotel directly or a nearby hotel.