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Washington Digital Government Summit 2026
Overview
The Washington Digital Government Summit is where innovation meets impact!
Bringing together the brightest minds in state and local government, this summit empowers public-sector leaders to explore cutting-edge technologies, modernize operations, and solve pressing challenges. From cybersecurity and AI to data governance and digital service delivery, sessions are designed to spark insight, foster collaboration, and accelerate real-world results. Whether you're shaping strategy or implementing solutions, the Summit delivers valuable peer connections and actionable guidance to help move your mission forward.
Technology is evolving fast, and Washington government must adapt thoughtfully as we streamline government operations, strengthen cybersecurity, scale AI, modernize systems, and prepare our workforce for the future. The Washington Digital Government Summit gives state, local, and education leaders and our industry partners an important space to share experiences, exchange ideas, and focus on practical solutions together. I look forward to seeing you at the event.
- Bill Kehoe, Director and State Chief Information Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington
Speakers
Agenda
Thursday, November 12 |
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8:00 am Pacific |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area |
9:00 am Pacific |
Welcome and Opening RemarksBill Kehoe, Director and State Chief Information Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington |
9:15 am Pacific |
Keynote - EMBRACE THE SHAKE: Transforming Limitations into OpportunitiesSuccess, especially in today’s fast-changing business environment, depends on our ability to make creativity and innovation a continuous process. Leaders want to know how their teams can rise above any challenge and succeed no matter what comes their way. Whether the goal is to embrace change, overcome obstacles, sustain growth, or take your success to the next level, leaders and teams want to learn how to “Embrace the Shake.” The term “Embrace the Shake” is coined from artist Phil Hansen’s personal story of transformation.
Phil Hansen, Professional Artist, and Inspirational Public Speaker Sponsored by: Armis, Carahsoft | Adobe Inc. |
10:15 am Pacific |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Area |
10:45 am Pacific |
Concurrent SessionsChoose Your Own AI Adventure: Table TalksThere is no single AI challenge facing government - and no single conversation that covers them all! In this interactive session, following a brief overview of key AI trends by topic leaders, attendees will join facilitated table discussions on topics including AI Tools & Use Cases, Scaling & Operationalizing AI, Responsible AI, Governance & Risk, AI Workforce & Literacy, and AI in the Physical World. Come ready to share experiences, ask questions and learn from peers tackling similar challenges.
Beyond Cybersecurity: Managing the New Risk LandscapeAI is reshaping the risk landscape, introducing new considerations around cybersecurity, reputation, critical infrastructure and operational resilience. As frontier AI capabilities accelerate, public sector leaders must understand how the threat landscape is changing, determine what systems and services are truly critical, and prioritize limited security resources based on risk and potential impact. This session explores an all-risk approach to the AI era, including emerging threats, infrastructure and industrial control vulnerabilities, reputational risk, and strategies for protecting the systems and services constituents depend on.
Connecting the Dots: Turning Data into ActionGovernment has more data than ever, but creating value often depends on connecting information that was collected by different organizations, systems and for entirely different purposes. This session explores how data integration, GIS and AI can bring information together to generate new insights, improve services and support better decision-making - while recognizing the limitations, context and guardrails that aren't always visible in the data itself. Hear how organizations can move from simply possessing data to connecting and using it responsibly for meaningful outcomes.
Rethinking the Technology Playbook: More Choices, New RulesThe lines between building, buying and configuring technology are blurring as low-code tools, citizen development, and AI-assisted coding give agencies more ways to solve problems - and do it faster. But greater choice and speed also bring new questions: What should be built internally or sourced externally? Who should be empowered to create solutions, how will they be funded and maintained, and what standards and guardrails need to be in place? This session explores how IT and business leaders can rethink technology decision-making, enable experimentation and rapid proofs of concept, and balance flexibility with governance, security and long-term sustainability.
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11:45 am Pacific |
Lunch |
12:45 pm Pacific |
Bits & Bytes - Connecting Washington's Innovation EcosystemInnovation doesn't happen in isolation. Across Washington and the region, governments, communities and partners are finding new ways to connect, share ideas and tackle emerging technology challenges together. In this showcase, you will hear examples of collaboration in action - from cross-government exchanges and regional innovation networks to AI coalitions and resident-driven conversations about emerging technology. Discover what's working, what others can learn from these efforts and how stronger connections can help turn promising ideas into shared progress.
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1:15 pm Pacific |
Short BreakPlease proceed to the concurrent sessions.
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1:35 pm Pacific |
Concurrent SessionsTrust by Design: Data, Privacy and Governance for Emerging TechnologyAs AI and emerging technologies become more embedded, they are putting new pressure on existing approaches to data governance, privacy and technology oversight. How can organizations adapt their governance structures to keep pace, protect sensitive information and maintain trust while still creating room for innovation? This session explores evolving approaches to data, privacy, governance and security - and how getting these foundations right can support the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
Future Ready: Workforce Table TalksAs emerging technologies reshape government work, the skills, roles and career paths of today's workforce are evolving just as quickly. How can organizations prepare for skills they may need a year or two from now, build adaptability alongside technical expertise, and create learning opportunities that keep pace with change? In this interactive session, following brief insights from topic leaders, attendees will join facilitated table discussions exploring Skills for the Future, Closing Today's Skills Gap, Learning & Upskilling That Works, and Evolving Roles & Career Paths. Come ready to share experiences, ask questions and learn from peers tackling similar challenges.
Reimagining How Government Works: Technology as a Catalyst for TransformationGovernment operations have grown increasingly complex over time, with business processes, organizational structures and technology often evolving independently of one another. Today, we have an opportunity to rethink how those pieces come together - streamlining and integrating processes, breaking down organizational and technology silos, and using technology to enable new ways of working. Product thinking, new delivery approaches and emerging technologies can help organizations become more responsive, innovative and focused on the work that delivers the greatest value. This interactive session explores how government can modernize not just its technology, but how it operates - and the cultural and organizational shifts needed to make that transformation successful.
Exclusive Briefing for Industry PartnersHosted by: Bill Kehoe, Director and State Chief Information Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington |
2:35 pm Pacific |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Area |
3:00 pm Pacific |
General Session – 25 Years of Digital Government 'The Eras Tour': How Technology, Policy and Public Service Evolved - and What Comes NextIn 2001, "digital government" meant moving paper forms to static PDF downloads. Today, it means real-time, AI-driven resident services, "whole-of-state" cybersecurity, and cloud-native infrastructure that never sleeps. As the Center for Digital Government (CDG) celebrates its 25th anniversary, we invite you to a high-energy retrospective and a forward-looking strategy session that tracks the evolution of the public sector’s digital DNA. We will walk through the "waves" of transformation we’ve navigated together and will provide a roadmap for the next quarter-century of innovation.
Rob Lloyd, Executive Director, Center for Digital Government |
3:45 pm Pacific |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
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4:15 pm Pacific |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.
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Greater Tacoma Convention Center
1500 Commerce
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-830-6601
Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Advisory Board
Government Representatives
Rob Allred
State Chief Architect
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Ginger Armbruster
Chief Privacy Officer
City of Seattle
Deanna Brocker
Deputy Director for Strategy and Management
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Tamara Davis
Chief Technology Officer
King County
Chris Fadden
IT Director
City of Everett
Viggo Forde
Chief Information Officer and Director of IT
Snohomish County
Heidi Geathers
Senior Assistant Director of Administrative Services
Department of Revenue
State of Washington
Callie Goldsby
Chief Information Officer
Department of Commerce
State of Washington
Jake Hammock
Chief Information Security Officer
City of Seattle
Bill Kehoe
Director and State Chief Information Officer
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Ryan Leisinger
Chief Information Officer
Department of Health
State of Washington
Laz Martinez
Chief Information and Technology Officer
City of Spokane
Clint Mitchels
Deputy Chief Technology Innovation Officer
Department of Social and Health Services
State of Washington
Matthew Modarelli
Chief Information Officer
Department of Transportation
State of Washington
Amy Pearson
Chief of Staff to the State Chief Information Officer and Director of IT
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Gretchen Peri
Chief Technology Officer
Washington Technology Solutions
State of Washington
Grace Preyapongpisan
Deputy Chief Information Officer
King County
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
Sabra Schneider
Chief Information Officer
City of Bellevue
Shannon Smith
Chief Technology Officer
City of Seattle
Greg Tudor
Chief Informaton Officer
Recreation and Conservation Office
State of Washington
Scott West
Chief Information Officer
Pierce County
Industry Representatives
Jim Lawson
Product Marketing Practice Leader
Product
Portage CyberTech
Ben Mead
Named Account Executive
Salesforce
Jay Nath
Account Director
OpenAI
Elise Sivilay
Technology Client Leader
SLED, State of WA
IBM
Registration Information / Contact Us
Event Date: November 12, 2026
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.
Contact Information
Need help registering, or have general event questions? Contact:
Lee Vang
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (800) 940-6039
E-mail: lvang@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