Wisconsin Digital Government Summit 2024
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!
We are excited to host the Wisconsin Digital Government Summit again this year! This event is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for government and industry staff to come together to learn and share. Working collaboratively has been a powerful way to align ourselves, develop solutions to problems, introduce new strategies, and fuel collaboration within Wisconsin. Please join us as we meet for a day of thought-provoking discussions and networking.
– Trina Zanow, Chief Information Officer, State of Wisconsin
Speakers
Anna Christenson
PII Manager, Information and Data Security, Department of Natural Resources, State of Wisconsin
Anna serves as the PII Manager for the Department of Natural Resources. She earned her degree in Industrial Engineering and a certificate in Risk Management from Kansas State University. Anna began her career as a Technical Solutions Engineer at Epic, before moving to a Senior Implementation Lead role at an ERP software start-up. She joined the DNR in August 2023 and is currently leading the implementation of a data governance program.
Brian Kreklau
Chief Technical Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin
Brian Kreklau is the Chief Technical Officer for the State of Wisconsin within the Department of Administration in the Division of Enterprise Technology (DET). He focuses on ensuring initiatives meet business requirements and align with enterprise strategy. Brian has over 20 years of public service experience serving multiple roles in both Wisconsin and Arizona and began this role in July of 2023. He is well respected for his technical knowledge, his dedication to his work, and for his desire to make the organization successful. Brian has been involved in strategy and implementation of key initiatives like Generative AI, NG911, FirstNet, Enterprise Multi-Factor Authentication, and Application Modernization efforts.
Christopher Mende
Head of Customer Engineering Google Public Sector, SLED Central
Christopher leads a team of public sector technologists across the central US who leverage Cloud capabilities to tackle government, education and citizen challenges. He actively engages with state local organizations, guiding them on their journey to the Cloud and AI.
As a facilitator within the Google Cloud Innovation Labs team, Christopher employs a customer-centric methodology to help bring innovative concepts to life. Combining cutting-edge Google technologies with an organization’s mission, he drives meaningful advancements.
An advocate for the responsible use of AI, he serves as a Google Principles Pioneer, whose responsibility is to ensure products are free of bias. He has served on several governmental AI advisory teams, including currently on Wisconsin’s 2024 Legislative AI Council Study Committee to help enable a prosperous and thriving future for all.
Carlos Rivero
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.
Niko Ruud
Division Administrator, Professional Credential Processing Department of Safety and Professional Services, State of Wisconsin
Niko Ruud was appointed Division Administrator for the Division of Professional Credential Processing in January 2023. In this capacity, Niko leads a team responsible for managing initial and renewal applications for health, business, and trades professionals; providing legal support to the division; and overseeing the agency’s call center operations.
In 2022, the Division of Professional Credential Processing launched LicensE, an online, self-guided occupational license application platform initially focused on health credentials. Under Niko’s leadership, the division fully adopted this platform for health credentials and subsequently expanded it to include business and trade credentials.
Prior to his current role, Niko served as State Director for the Comprehensive Health and Wellness Program at the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs. Earlier in his career, he was on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, where he led maintenance teams across three assignments. His final active-duty role was as an International Programs Officer and French Instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Antariksh Sharma
IT System Analyst, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Antariksh Sharma is an IT Systems Analyst at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), where he leads initiatives to modernize digital infrastructure and integrate AI for real-world impact. With expertise in emerging technologies, Antariksh drives projects across business development, compliance, and marketing, focusing on using Generative AI to improve public services.
As lead of WEDC’s AI Early Adopters Group, he collaborates with teams to prioritize AI workflows and provide impactful training. Antariksh is committed to the ethical application of AI in government, championing solutions that enhance data quality and service efficiency for Wisconsin’s communities.
Troy Stairwalt
Chief Information Security Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin
Troy is currently the Chief Information Security Officer for the State of WI and adjunct at Akron University. With more than 25 years of information security experience, Troy’s experience has included all roles from cybersecurity analyst, engineer, cyber forensic investigator, architect, manager, Director, VP and CISO.
Looking for ways to empower others and give back by sharing his knowledge, Troy spent several years volunteering with a group of internationally recognized experts to write, review and revise both the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification exam questions, answers, and plausible distractors to help the next generation of experts remain current with industry best practices. As these exams are administered internationally the questions and answers had to maintain technology, cultural and regulatory independence. In addition, Troy was asked to provide mentorship for SANS 504 course, Hacking Techniques, Exploits and Incident Handling.
Troy currently teaches 554 & 454 level courses on Cybersecurity and auditing information systems at the University of Akron. These courses were accredited as part of the University's STEM program.
Troy’s professional credentials include:
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Insider Threat Program Manager (ITPM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
• Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)
Nick Winston
Senior Director Product Strategy, Tyler Technologies
Nick Winston is Senior Director of Product Strategy for the Digital Solutions Division of Tyler Technologies. Nick has a deep understanding of the industry trends and user demands for the Resident Engagement Platform. In his role he serves as Tyler’s subject matter expert on resident engagement, defines the business strategy and guides product roadmaps. Nick joined Tyler in 2019 and primarily works for the division headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas.
Michael Yeganeh
VP Solutions State and Local Government, Salesforce
Mike leads the national Solution Engineering team for Salesforce Public Sector supporting US State and local government organizations. He has over 30 years of enterprise software pre-sales consulting and management experience including CRM and ERP applications as well as Database and Middleware technologies.
After 22 years at Oracle Corporation, Mike joined Salesforce in August 2013. With Salesforce's Industry leading AI CRM, Industry Applications and Application Platform, Mike's team is helping US State and Local government agencies realize the speed, innovation, time-to-value, and lower cost of ownership of cloud-based platform solutions.
Most of Mike's experience has been spent in the Public Sector with specific vertical focus areas including Public Health, Human Services Benefits management, Licensing and Permitting and many other use cases utilizing complex Case Management and Contact Center technologies.
Most recently, Mike has been focused on working with States and Local Governments on their AI strategies and use case development.
Agenda
Thursday, December 5 |
|
8:00 am Central |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit AreaGrand Terrace |
9:00 am Central |
Opening RemarksMadison BallroomTrina Zanow, Chief Information Officer/Division Administrator, Division of Enterprise Technology, State of Wisconsin |
9:15 am Central |
Keynote – The Age of Digital Disruption: Moving Forward, FasterMadison BallroomTechnology advancements continue to disrupt at a swifter pace than ever before. 2023 witnessed the impact of AI in all sectors, and this year the public sector is required to adapt and adopt at a speed unheard of in the past. For the rest of our careers, intelligence will be built into all devices, applications, and processes. This changes how we must think about the use of data and the integration of humans and machines. What are the crucial strategies for adapting to and maximizing the benefits of these advancements? This session will have you ready to move forward at high speed as it paints a vibrant picture showing how synthetic intelligence can amplify current systems and our workforce. Scott Klososky, Technologist, Futurist, Humanist, Author and Consultant |
10:15 am Central |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaGrand Terrace |
10:45 am Central |
Concurrent SessionsBeyond the Hype: GenAI for Real-World ImpactHall of Ideas E/HBy leveraging GenAI, the public sector can improve efficiency, personalize services, and make data-driven decisions. However, implementing GenAI requires careful consideration of data, privacy, ethical use, and establishing clear guidelines along with governance to ensure responsible deployment. This session will provide practical takeaways, showcasing real-world success stories and actionable steps including successes in using GenAI to enhance public services. Moderator: Franz Mussared Varga, Software Development Director, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Christopher Mende, Head of Customer Engineering, SLED Central, Google Cloud Antariksh Sharma, IT System Analyst, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Michael Yeganeh, Vice President Solution Engineering, Salesforce Real-World Modernization One Step at a TimeHall of Ideas F/IModernization in the public sector encompasses various strategies, from adopting cloud services, AI, automation, and containers to making subtle process improvements for long-term gains. The goal is to transform operations and enhance public services while keeping everything accessible! This session will delve into practical approaches to modernization, showcasing how continuous improvement can drive both efficiency and innovation within government operations. Moderator: Srinivas Gadi, Section Chief, Converged and Cloud Provisioning Services Section, Division of Enterprise Technology, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin Branden Bellanca, Vice President, CGI Jeff Darby, Veterans Program Supervisor, Division of Veteran Benefits, Bureau of Program Services, State of Wisconsin Jayson Dunn, Executive Government Advisor, Amazon Web Services Niko Ruud, Division Administrator, Professional Credential Processing Department of Safety and Professional Services, State of Wisconsin Maintaining Balance with Privacy and SecurityHall of Ideas G/JIn the public sector, ensuring both privacy and security is a delicate balancing act oftentimes handled by different roles in the organization. As governments handle vast amounts of sensitive data, the challenge lies in protecting that data from breaches while respecting the privacy rights of citizens. This session will examine the intersection of privacy and security, discussing best practices for managing sensitive information, implementing robust security measures, while navigating the ethical/legal implications. Moderator: Barry West, IT Director, Waushara County Stacie Ashby, Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Revenue, State of Wisconsin Anna Christenson, PII Manager, Information and Data Security, Department of Natural Resources, State of Wisconsin Sarah K. Larson, Esq., Legal Counsel, Division of Legal Services, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin Today’s Talent, Tomorrow’s Opportunity for GrowthMeeting Room M/NPositioning staff (or yourself!) for growth and development within the public sector is key to building a resilient and dynamic workforce. Upskilling and ‘stretch assignments’ to build confidence are only the beginning when creating an environment that prioritizes growth and helps individuals expand their comfort zone. Offering mentorship and creating a clear pathway for career progression also ensures sustained engagement and long-term success. This session will focus on tools to explore new roles, develop skills, and thrive in an evolving workforce landscape. Moderator: Greg Vanevenhoven, Vendor Management, Division of Enterprise Technology, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin Sarah Edgerton, Chief Information Officer, City of Madison Vaishnavi Mannar, Mainframe Transaction and Application Tools Supervisor, Division of Enterprise Technology, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin Natalie Sisto, Managing Director, Accenture Amy Voliva, Human Resources Director, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin Tech Wisdom: Best Practices for Local and Tribal GovernmentsMeeting Room L/KLocal governments face unique challenges when implementing and adopting new technologies. This session will provide best practices for effectively integrating technology to enhance operations, improve constituent services, and ensure data security. Topics will include leveraging state contracts and services, cloud solutions, implementing cybersecurity measures, utilizing data analytics for informed decision-making, and fostering a culture of innovation. Learn strategies for managing limited budgets, engaging stakeholders, and navigating the complexities of digital transformation. Moderator: Lance Spranger, Chief Information Officer, Waukesha County Michael Bastianelli, Chief Information Officer, Kenosha County Becky Hoefs, Enterprise IT Sourcing Section Chief, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin Jason Neilitz, Chief Information Officer, Sokaogon Chippewa Community |
11:45 am Central |
LunchMadison Ballroom |
12:45 pm Central |
Bits and Bytes – Simplifying Digital Identity with MyWisconsin IDMadison BallroomAs digital interactions grow, ensuring secure and seamless access to government services is essential. This session covers MyWisconsin ID, the state’s single sign-on solution designed to streamline access to the State’s digital services. Learn how this secure identity verification system enables citizens to manage multiple government services with one login, reducing complexity while enhancing security. MyWisconsin ID is also used for organizations doing business with the state. Explore its implementation process, benefits for user experience, and how it is positioning Wisconsin at the forefront of digital account identity solutions. Christopher Stotesbery, Section Chief, Network Access Management, Division of Enterprise Technology, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin Britny Williams, Director of Infrastructure Support Bureau, Division of Enterprise Technology, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin |
1:05 pm Central |
Short BreakPlease proceed to the concurrent sessions. |
1:20 pm Central |
Concurrent SessionsThe Evolution of Constituent EngagementHall of Ideas E/HCitizen engagement is evolving rapidly with advancements in technology and communication strategies. Technologies such as telephony innovations, chatbots, and digital portals can be pivotal in facilitating more efficient, accessible, and ongoing communication with constituents. This session will cover current and future trends for improving constituent engagement, ensuring that governments can meet the needs of their communities in an ever-changing landscape. Moderator: Brian Kreklau, Director of Technical Architecture Bureau, Division of Enterprise Technology, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin Amanda Mosel, Customer Service Bureau Director, Department of Revenue, State of Wisconsin Joe Patterson, Director, Bureau of Publishing and Distribution, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin Nick Winston, Senior Director Product Strategy, Tyler Technologies Connecting the IoT Dots for GovernmentHall of Ideas F/IWith the increasing complexity and variety of IoT devices, it's essential to stay ahead of potential threats and vulnerabilities. How do you manage these devices wisely while ensuring a secure government environment? Where do fiber, connectivity, and BEAD money come into play? This session will study the challenges of managing and securing IoT devices, from smart home integrations to biomedical equipment. Learn how to balance limited resources and implement cost-effective controls while managing the total cost of ownership. Moderator: David Faust, Assistant Information Technology Director, City of Madison David Aspinall, Director, GM IoT Security, Palo Alto Networks Omid Karbassi, Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Transportation, State of Wisconsin Mike Norton, Systems Engineer, Fortinet Troy Stairwalt, Chief Information Security Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin Data Strategy DecodedHall of Ideas G/JData is at the heart of every organization’s digital strategy and getting it in order is crucial for success. How do you build a robust data strategy on a limited budget while translating these practices into future success? This session will investigate the key components of an enterprise data strategy, focusing on data management/records management, literacy, governance, privacy, classification, and protection. We'll discuss how to get everyone on the same page regarding data practices and what steps to take next. Moderator: Alex Fortney, IT Director, Public Service Commission, State of Wisconsin Kristin Eschenfelder, Associate Dean for Computer, Data and Information Science in the College of Letters & Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison Lessons in Business Continuity and ResilienceMeeting Room M/NIn today’s interconnected landscape, ensuring business continuity is critical, especially with the reliance on complex supply chains and multiple vendors. How do you restore services efficiently and maintain continuity in the face of unforeseen challenges? This session will explore how to manage supply chain risks, strengthen vendor relationships, and implement effective patch management. Learn from real-world incidents as we delve into strategies for improving resilience, establishing robust incident response teams, and minimizing the negative impacts of disruptions. Moderator: Matthew Crampton, Director, Continuity of Government, Department of Administration, Division of Enterprise Operations, State of Wisconsin Jennifer Mueller, Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Health Services, State of Wisconsin Paul Neff, Chief Information Security Officer, Division of Libraries and Technology, Department of Public Instruction, State of Wisconsin Tim Neubeck, IT Director, City of Whitewater Steve Ranis, Chief Information Security Officer, University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire Exclusive Briefing for Industry PartnersMeeting Room L/KHosted by: Monty Cordell, Deputy Division Administrator for Enterprise Services, Division of Enterprise Technology, State of Wisconsin Neeraj Kulkarni, Chief Information Officer & IT Director, Dept. of Workforce Development, State of Wisconsin James Sylla, Deputy Division Administrator for Enterprise Operations, Division of Enterprise Technology, State of Wisconsin Trina Zanow, Chief Information Officer/Division Administrator, Division of Enterprise Technology, State of Wisconsin |
2:20 pm Central |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaGrand Terrace |
2:40 pm Central |
General Session – The State of AI in GovTech: Exploring the Future and Charting the CourseMadison BallroomPresented 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. Dan Lohrman, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government |
3:40 pm Central |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaGrand TerraceNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors. |
4:15 pm Central |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change. |
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
1 John Nolen Drive
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 261-4000
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Advisory Board
Government Representatives
Karen Arriola
Chief Information Officer
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
State of Wisconsin
Herb Britsch
Chief Information Officer
Department of Justice
State of Wisconsin
Dean Butler
IT Director
Department of Health Services
State of Wisconsin
Monty Cordell
Deputy Division Administrator, Enterprise Services
Department of Administration
State of Wisconsin
Chris Diller
GIS Administrator
Department of Military Affairs
State of Wisconsin
Sarah Edgerton
Chief Information Officer
City of Madison
Tom Flitter
Chief Information Officer
Wisconsin Court System
State of Wisconsin
Alex Fortney
IT Director
Public Service Commission
State of Wisconsin
Jennifer Grinder
Communications Specialist, DET
Department of Administration
State of Wisconsin
David Henke
Chief Information Officer
Information & Technology Management Division
City of Milwaukee
Steven Hopper
Associate Vice President, Chief Information Officer
University of Wisconsin
Jeannie Jeanetta
JFHQ, Chief of Staff J5
WI Airforce National Guard
State of Wisconsin
Amy Kaup
Director
Information Technology
Wood County
Mike Kessenich
Chief Information Officer
Department of Transportation
State of Wisconsin
Gerard Klein
Director, Information Technology
City County Information Technology Commission
City of Wausau/Marathon County
Ricki Koinig
Chief Information Officer
Department of Natural Resources
State of Wisconsin
Brian Kreklau
Director of Technical Architecture Bureau, DET
Department of Administration
State of Wisconsin
Neeraj Kulkarni
Chief Information Officer
Dept. of Workforce Development
State of Wisconsin
Keene Marin
IT Director
Housing & Economic Development Authority
State of Wisconsin
Andrea Middleton
Project Coordinator
League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Lucas Munz
Chief Information Officer
Department of Public Instruction
State of Wisconsin
Ed Murphy
Associate VP & CISO
Office of Information Security
University of Wisconsin System
Jason Neilitz
Chief Information Officer
Sokaogon Chippewa Community
Rick Offenbecher
Chief Information Officer
Department of Revenue
State of Wisconsin
John Parshall
Information Technology Director
La Crosse County
Joe Patterson
Director, Bureau of Publishing and Distribution
Department of Administration
State of Wisconsin
Joshua Robbins
Information Technology Director
Economic Development
State of Wisconsin
Jim Schumann
Section Chief, IT Governance
Department of Corrections
State of Wisconsin
Lance Spranger
Chief Information Officer
Waukesha County
Troy Stairwalt
Chief Information Security Officer/Director of Security Bureau
Department of Administration
State of Wisconsin
James Sylla
Deputy Administrator, DET Enterprise Operations
Department of Administration
State of Wisconsin
Steve Van Der Weide
Director of District Attorney IT Bureau, DET
Department of Administration
State of Wisconsin
Aaron Vanden Heuvel
IT Director
Office of State Public Defenders
State of Wisconsin
Greg Vanevenhoven
Supervisor, Vendor Management
Division of Enterprise Technology
WI Dept of Administration
Barry West
IT Director
Waushara County
Britny Williams
Director of Infrastructure Support Bureau, DET
Department of Administration
State of Wisconsin
Trina Zanow
Chief Information Officer/Division Administrator, DET
Department of Administration
State of Wisconsin
Industry Representatives
Amy Amegashie
Senior Account Manager
Amazon Web Services
Chris Bradley
Wisconsin Account Lead
Accenture
Brad Johnson
Major Account Manager
Fortinet
Kristin Storhoff
Account Executive, State and Local Government
Google Cloud
Chelsey Wolfstor
Director of Operations
Tyler Technologies
Registration Information / Contact Us
Event Date: December 5, 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:
Jasmin Tetzlaff
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1308
E-mail: jtetzlaff@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