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!
The Washington Digital Government Summit offers a unique opportunity for state and local government IT leaders in Washington to experience the power of collaboration and innovation. In this time of reduced budgets, cybersecurity concerns, the desire to improve the government experience, incorporate AI in everything we do, and the overwhelming need to modernize our aging technology and business process, the Summit brings together government professionals and industry partners to share ideas and insights on how we can continue to move forward together. I hope you’ll join us!
- Bill Kehoe, Director and State Chief Information Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington
Thursday, November 13 |
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8:00 am Pacific |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area |
9:00 am Pacific |
Opening RemarksBill Kehoe, Director and State Chief Information Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington Rob Lloyd, Chief Technology Officer, City of Seattle |
9:20 am Pacific |
Keynote - Dynamic Modernization: Solving the Puzzle of People, Process, and TechnologyJust like puzzle pieces fit together in a specific way to form a complete picture, modern digital infrastructure systems are made up of interconnected components, hardware, software, data, networks, and people - that must align precisely to function properly. If even one piece is missing or misaligned, the whole system can falter. The opportunity to add a synthetic layer of intelligence on top of an already complicated puzzle presents challenges – but also, unprecedented opportunities. How does this reshape the dynamic between human behavior and technology? Can we utilize new tech to solve legacy problems? In this session, visionary Scott Klososky explores bold ideas and forward-looking concepts to help digital leaders anticipate and shape the next wave of transformation. Scott Klososky, Technologist, Futurist, Humanist, Author and Consultant |
10:20 am Pacific |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Area |
10:45 am Pacific |
Concurrent SessionsAI for Innovation: The Art of the Possible 2.0Artificial Intelligence is already reshaping government operations, from modernizing applications to streamlining services. This session explores how organizations can responsibly innovate with AI - balancing regulation with experimentation and adopting practical, low-risk use cases. Join us to discover real-world applications and strategies for moving from “crawl” to “walk” to “run” when it comes to innovative AI adoption. Washington: Redefining the Digital ExperienceResidents expect a digital experience as simple as Amazon or Uber, but often what they get from government is fragmented and frustrating. Building on the Governor’s Executive Order on Transforming Customer Experience and Service Delivery, this session shares the road from vision to release of Washington’s new WA.gov platform. This is the first step towards building a digital experience that truly puts people first. Join us to see a sneak peek of the new experience which will be launching in January 2026. Innovation On a Shoestring BudgetIn the history of humankind, challenges and constraints have been a catalyst for creativity and innovation. Now is no different! How can you continue to modernize systems, improve services and build resilience with limited resources? In this session we will share practical lessons, strategies, and inspiration for making innovation possible, even in the leanest times. Strategy in ActionA strong and effective IT strategy must drive real change. This session explores how to translate IT strategic plans into actionable steps, shift organizational culture, and engage teams beyond the tactical day-to-day. Join us to discover approaches for operationalizing strategy, aligning priorities across projects, and ensuring IT initiatives deliver measurable impact. Strategy is a team sport - learn how to make it real in your organization! |
11:45 am Pacific |
Lunch |
12:45 pm Pacific |
Bits and Bytes - Security and Data Privacy in the Age of AIAs AI adoption grows in government, so do the stakes for security and privacy. Building solid data foundations, protecting sensitive information, and embedding privacy into every project is imperative. In this session we examine practical approaches to balancing innovation with trust to safely harness AI while keeping constituents’ data secure. |
1:05 pm Pacific |
Short BreakPlease proceed to the concurrent sessions. |
1:20 pm Pacific |
Concurrent SessionsStanding Up CX In Government IT: Lessons From the FrontlinesWashington’s Executive Order on customer experience codifies the state’s commitment to building a government that works for everyone. But how do you get from an Executive Order to delivering services that make it easier, faster, and less stressful for people to get things done with the state? Join us for lessons learned from the frontlines of WaTech’s Digital Experience Division. We’ll share how we’re measuring customer experience, what we’re doing with the data, and the lessons (there are many!) learned along the way. Building Together: State & Local CollaborationWhen state and local governments break down silos and share data, the possibilities are endless. This session inspires new ways to collaborate across jurisdictions and align efforts to create better constituent-focused experiences. Join us to spark ideas, uncover innovative approaches, and learn how intergovernmental teamwork can transform the way government serves its communities. Mastering Vendor PartnershipsVendors are essential partners in delivering modern government technology, but managing those partnerships takes strategy and skill. This government-led panel explores how Washington is professionalizing vendor management - negotiating smarter contracts, setting clear performance measures, and ensuring agencies get the “A Team” from their partners. Join us to uncover best practices, lessons learned, and practical approaches to building stronger, more productive vendor relationships. Exclusive Briefing for Industry PartnersBill Kehoe, Director and State Chief Information Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington Rob Lloyd, Chief Technology Officer, City of Seattle |
2:20 pm Pacific |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Area |
2:45 pm Pacific |
General Session - The Impact Live: The State of Washington ITJoin us for a special closing session featuring a live recording of TVW’s The Impact with host Mike McClanahan. This unique conversation brings together a panel of state and local IT leaders to explore the most pressing issues shaping government technology today. Be part of the audience as Washington’s public affairs network goes behind the headlines to examine how technology is reshaping government - and what it means for the future. |
3:30 pm Pacific |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors. |
4:00 pm Pacific |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
1500 Commerce
Tacoma, WA 98402
253.830.6601
Rob Allred
State Chief Architect
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Ginger Armbruster
Chief Privacy Officer
Seattle Information Technology
City of Seattle
Deanna Brocker
Deputy Director for Strategy and Management
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Bryce Carlen
Chief Information Officer
Department of Revenue
State of Washington
Tamara Davis
Acting Chief Technology Officer
King County - WA
Chris Fadden
IT Director
City of Everett
Viggo Forde
Chief Information Officer & Director of IT
Snohomish County
Heidi Geathers
Senior Assistant Director of Administrative Services
Department of Revenue
State of Washington
Callie Goldsby
Chief Information Officer
BitmapDepartment of Commerce
State of Washington
Ralph Johnson
Chief Information Security Officer
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Shalini Joshi
Chief Information Officer
Seattle Housing Authority
City of Seattle
Bill Kehoe
Director and State Chief Information Officer
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Daniel Key
Information Technology Director
City of Tacoma
Chris Lamb
Program Manager
Enterprise Cloud Computing Program / Architecture & Innovation Division, WaTech
State of Washington
Rob Lloyd
Chief Technology Officer
City of Seattle
Laz Martinez
Director
Information Technology
City of Spokane
Amy Pearson
Chief of Staff
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Gretchen Peri
Chief Technology Officer
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Mark Quimby
Deputy Director for Technology Operations
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Katy Ruckle
State Chief Privacy Officer
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Linda Schactler
Director, IT Public Policy
University of Washington
Vickie Sheehan
Communications Director
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Greg Tudor
Chief Informaton Officer
Recreation and Conservation Office
State of Washington
Shawn Ward
Chief Information Officer
City of Olympia
Scott West
Chief Information Officer
Department of Ecology
State of Washington
Wendy Wickstrom
Chief Digital Experience Officer
Digital Experience Division, Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Gary Hensley
Industry Segment Advisor
T-Mobile
Jill Leyden
Industry Advisory
Qualtrics
Wendy Rawlings
Account Director II - Public Sector
Lumen
Elise Sivilay
Technology Client Leader
SLED, State of WA
IBM
Jeff Willcut
Strategic Enterprise Account Executive
Comcast Business
Nate Wray
Account Exec
801) 374-6682
Qualtrics
Open to Public Sector only.
Registration - Free
If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.
This event is open to all individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.
Need help registering, or have general event questions? Contact:
Tabbie Pegoda
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1411
E-mail: tpegoda@erepublic.com
Already a sponsor, but need a hand? Reach out to:
Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
A Division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 296-2617
E-mail: mgaton@erepublic.com
Want to sponsor and stand out? Reach out to explore opportunities!
Heather Earney
Government Technology
A Division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 365-2308
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com