• Why is Cyber so Hard? – Common Barriers many public agencies face (Budget, talent gaps, internal bureaucracy, etc.)
• What do we do with the information we get from shared sources (MS-ISAC, various other ISACs, Fusion Centers)
• Why don’t we share successes and what we learn on the road to success (Is it our own egos or ambitions that we don’t share solutions)
• Why don’t we share information about our failures and what led to our failures (our own egos and ambitions again?)
• How do we get better?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as both a powerful ally and potential target in cybersecurity. We'll explore how AI can enhance security operations and, conversely, how cybersecurity measures can protect AI systems. Learn how AI-driven tools can empower security teams to stay one step ahead of evolving threats, and as AI models become more integral to business operations, safeguarding them from adversarial attacks, data poisoning, and exploitation. Join us to discover actionable insights on leveraging AI for proactive cybersecurity while safeguarding the AI tools that will shape the future of security.

• How can tools like AI, IoT, and GIS improve risk assessment and enable proactive measures during utility emergencies?
• What role does real-time data play in optimizing response strategies and minimizing service disruptions?
• How can digital platforms enhance communication with customers, ensuring timely updates and prioritizing critical needs?
• Successful examples that demonstrate the impact of digital transformation on utility emergency preparedness and response.

• What technological tools or systems have you implemented to improve the efficiency and transparency of your procurement processes?
• What strategies do you use to promote and ensure the adoption of environmentally sustainable products and services in your procurement practices?
• How do you manage and maintain collaborative purchasing agreements to maximize value for all participating entities?
• What steps have you taken to increase procurement opportunities for diverse suppliers, such as small businesses and minority-owned enterprises?
• Can you share your experience with using innovative bidding processes, like reverse auctions, and how do you determine which procurement categories are best suited for these methods?

• What should we do to plan our technology strategy and develop digital services with the customer in mind?
• What is the role of IT versus the business when it comes to the customer experience?

• How can the government streamline the procurement process to facilitate faster adoption of AI solutions while ensuring compliance with state regulations and standards?
• What measures should be taken to ensure that AI procurement aligns with California’s goals for sustainability and equity?
• How can partnerships between government agencies and AI vendors be enhanced to foster innovation and maximize the benefits of AI implementations?

• How can the government ensure equitable access to digital government services across diverse populations, including underserved communities and rural areas?
• What strategies should the government prioritize to enhance cybersecurity measures and data protection in the implementation of digital government services?
• How can the government leverage user feedback and data analytics to continuously improve the usability and effectiveness of e-government platforms and services?

• What is the current state and future direction of IT modernization and stabilization in the public sector?
• What are the critical success factors for implementing large-scale IT modernization and stabilization projects in government, and how can agencies mitigate risks associated with such initiatives?
• In what ways can cloud computing and AI technologies transform government service delivery and improve citizen engagement? What are the key considerations for adopting these technologies?
• How can Robotic Process Automation (RPA) enhance IT modernization efforts to build a future-ready government infrastructure?
• What is your advice on working with business partners to best meet their business needs while still ensuring the safety and security of the technology infrastructure?

Jennifer Chan

Assistant Chief, California Justice Information Services

Stephenson Loveson

Chief Information Officer, California Public Employees' Retirement System

David Noronha

Chief Information Officer, California Department of Insurance

Brent Cox

Principal Strategic Architect - PUBSEC, Elastic

Shaw-chin Chiu Facilitator

Managing Client Partner, State of California, IBM

• What are the key challenges and opportunities in integrating data to support digital inclusion efforts across diverse communities, and how can various stakeholders collaborate to address these challenges?
• How can enterprise architecture be designed to accommodate the diverse needs of users and ensure that digital services are accessible and effective for everyone?
• What are the current trends and best practices in identity management that can help bridge the digital divide, and how can these practices be scaled to benefit a broader audience?
• How can cross-agency collaboration in California be enhanced to effectively leverage resources and initiatives for bridging the digital divide, and ensuring equitable access to technology and digital services across all communities?

John Roussel

Chief Information Officer, Assistant Deputy Director, California Department of Public Health

Serenity Thompson

Deputy Director, Digital Services Division, California Department of Motor Vehicles

Ajit Girn

Chief Information Officer, Employment Development Department

Todd Timmerman

Vice President of Sales US SLED, ID.Me

Dr. Aaron King Facilitator

Senior Solutions Engineer, Anthology, Inc.