Modernization moves quickly, and stakeholders need to feel prepared and confident as new systems and processes roll out. This session shows how Communications and Organizational Change Management work together to support clear understanding, steady adoption, and stronger public service. Speakers will share practical lessons from recent modernization and award-winning efforts at the Ohio Department of Commerce and offer simple ways to bring people, processes, and messaging together, so change takes hold and delivers value.

Takeaways

• Recognize how to effectively put people first and understand their needs before choosing tools or building systems.
• Strengthen processes early so technology can truly solve problems and support adoption.
• Strategically plan communications clearly from the start so staff and the public feel informed and supported, especially during periods of change.
• Evolve communications and organizational change management as new AI and project‑management tools, expectations, and ways of working emerge.

As counties modernize infrastructure, adopt cloud services, and expand digital platforms, cybersecurity leaders must protect increasingly complex environments that support essential public services. This keynote will explore how county security leaders are strengthening cyber resilience by aligning local cybersecurity strategies with priorities outlined in Ohio House Bill 96 while operationalizing best practices from the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Drawing from real-world experience securing technology environments that support dozens of agencies and thousands of users, the session will highlight practical strategies for managing cyber risk, modernizing security operations, and safeguarding critical county services in an evolving threat landscape.

• Aligning county cybersecurity strategies with priorities in Ohio House Bill 96 and evolving state technology investments
• Operationalizing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to strengthen risk management and cyber resilience across county agencies
• Managing cybersecurity risk across cloud, hybrid infrastructure, and county data center environments
• Strengthening defenses against ransomware and emerging threats while maintaining continuity of critical public services

Citizens and government employees alike expect modern, reliable, and secure digital experiences. This session will explore how leading agencies are modernizing applications, processes, and service delivery through process management and automation to:

• Identify, map, and improve processes in secure environments
• Reduce bottlenecks by connecting systems and automating workflows
• Improve digital experiences, such as licensing and permitting, to ensure citizens get what they need when they need it
  

Ransomware has evolved from a smash-and-grab crime into a human-led operation, with attackers using AI to move faster, evade detection longer, and hit backups before encryption even starts. For state agencies driving toward a more connected, AI-enabled future, that shift raises the stakes: a single successful attack doesn't just cost money; it can stall the digital services residents now depend on.

In this session, we will discuss:

• How AI is changing both sides of the ransomware fight — for attackers and defenders alike
• How government agencies have been impacted by ransomware, and what we learned from those attacks
• What ransomware intelligence and policy trends mean for state cybersecurity strategy
• Practical steps for building resilience that keeps critical services running through an attack

Drawing on frontline ransomware intelligence and policy work, Cynthia Kaiser will offer state leaders a clear-eyed view of where the threat is headed — and what "leading with AI and cybersecurity" requires in practice.

Ohio agencies face increasing demand for timely, efficient public services, yet many systems remain reactive and fragmented. This session will help you apply new approaches on how you can anticipate citizen needs, streamline service delivery, and transform Ohio’s digital public services to be more responsive and future-ready.

• Advance predictive analytics to anticipate citizen demands
• Optimize workflows to reduce delays and improve efficiency
• Increase collaboration across agencies to deliver seamless services
• Transform service delivery with proactive, data-driven strategies
  

Government agencies are facing talent turnover while cyber threats continue to grow in complexity. This session will help you apply new approaches on how you can preserve institutional knowledge, strengthen workforce capabilities, and transform your agency’s cyber resilience despite staffing shifts.

• Improve knowledge transfer through structured documentation and training
• Advance mentorship and skill-building programs for new staff
• Optimize retention strategies to keep critical cyber talent
• Strengthen succession planning to maintain operational security continuity

Digital transformation in the public sector doesn't have to choose between speed, security, and quality. In this session, learn how to bridge the gap using specialized Agentic AI tools designed for complex enterprise environments.

Description: Government security teams face increasing threats while operating under tight budgets and limited staffing. This session explores practical strategies backed by real client data for prioritizing cybersecurity investments, improving operational efficiency, and communicating cyber risk to government executive leadership and budget decision-makers.

What we'll cover

• A practical framework for prioritizing cybersecurity investments based on organizational risk
• Where automation and AI can improve security operations and where human expertise remains essential with proven client metrics
• Considerations for evaluating in-house, co-managed, and fully managed SOC operating models and the what the difference has been for government organizations like yours
• Strategies for communicating cyber risk and investment priorities to executives, finance leaders, and elected officials