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Ohio's public sector is leveraging technology to transform citizen services, and we're here to share insights on how to build on that innovation. We'll present frameworks to keep in mind throughout the day for increasing citizen engagement, tackling process automation, and maximizing the impact of technology investments to ensure that digital initiatives continue to deliver value for Ohioans at pace!

Cybersecurity is often seen as a barrier to innovation—but in reality, it’s the backbone of bold, future-ready transformation. This keynote will outline how the state’s strategic vision to “explore solution and service innovation through emerging technologies” is being realized through a strong cyber foundation that enables progress across AI, data, and digital platforms.

• Reframe cybersecurity from a constraint to an enabler of emerging technologies
• Explore how Ohio is accelerating innovation through a secure-by-design strategy
• Unpack how proactive risk management builds trust across agencies and with the public
• Hear real stories of cross-sector innovation powered by strong cyber foundations
• Apply new approaches on how you can align innovation goals with security imperatives

Cyber Incidents, Resilience & Recovery, are top of mind with Public Sector leaders. The impact to services for constituents, financial loss, and degradation of trust are just a few impacts points. Gain insights revealed by the 25', Resilience Risk Index, a perspective across millions of devices, as well as a path to help avoid incidents and recover quickly when they do occur.

As public sector organizations strive to deliver more connected, citizen-focused services, collaboration has become a critical driver of innovation. From city governments to industry partners, bringing people together under a shared vision is helping agencies rethink how they design, deploy, and scale technology. This session will explore how the convergence of emerging technologies like IoT, AI, and virtual reality—paired with strong inter-agency and cross-sector collaboration—is transforming operations in diverse areas such as parks, zoos, golf, retail, and natural resources.

This session will equip you with real-world strategies to apply new approaches on how you can foster collaboration, enhance service delivery, and build more resilient, future-ready operations.

• Improve operational outcomes by aligning departments and partners under shared digital goals
• Advance innovation by leveraging technologies like AI and IoT in unconventional sectors
• Optimize public experiences with tools that create immersive, personalized engagement
• Achieve sustainable outcomes through cross-sector pilot programs and partnerships
• Enrich team culture and stakeholder buy-in through collaborative planning and delivery models

Governments face the challenge of balancing digital transformation, data-led decision making, and service delivery while maintaining digital trust. Prioritizing these interconnected goals is key to delivering accessible, efficient services for both employees and citizens. This session will help you navigate these competing priorities to drive modernization and build trust.

• Manage competing priorities between internal modernization and external service delivery
• Explore how data and metrics accelerate digital transformation initiatives
• Unlock opportunities for enhanced service delivery through internal digital transformation
• Assess the role of digital trust in advancing government modernization efforts

Mike Baca

Chief Information Officer, New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department

Brittaney Carter

Chief Information Officer, Ohio Department of Children and Youth

Joe Naberhaus

VP Public Sector Alliances, NICE

Christopher Mende

Head of Customer Engineering, Google Public Sector, US

Building a data-driven culture can be complex, but it is a powerful catalyst for advancing continuous improvement initiatives. Explore how the Colorado Department of Revenue harnessed data-driven strategies to elevate their programs and learn how these approaches can be tailored to drive success in Ohio.

• Understand the steps Colorado took to embed a data-driven culture within their organization
• Explore the impact of data-driven strategies on continuous improvement initiatives
• Learn how to adapt Colorado's approach to address Ohio’s unique challenges
• Identify actionable methods to leverage data for sustained organizational growth

Governments worldwide are embracing change to streamline service delivery. Discover valuable insights from New Mexico’s journey to grow and enhance its services in both Revenue, and in Driver and Vehicle services.

• Explore New Mexico's journey in winning FTA, AAMVA, and StateScoop 50 awards for out of the box innovations in Revenue and Motor Vehicles administration
• Gain actionable ideas and valuable culture hacks that can make your team more innovative
• Sharpen your skills as a leader to foster continuous innovation
• Identify strategies for overcoming challenges in transitioning digital programs

Cyberattacks against state and local government agencies and critical public infrastructure have soared over the past few years. Is your cybersecurity strategy ready for today’s threats?

Identity threat detection and response (ITDR) is key to preventing, responding, and recovering from cyberattacks and protecting services and the public. In this session, you'll hear:

• Why your identity systems—primarily Active Directory (AD) and Entra ID for most organizations—are the foundation of operational resilience
• How to minimize your hybrid AD/Entra ID attack surface
• What you need to know about effective cyber incident response
• Why fast recovery of AD to a trustworthy state can help you survive your “worst day ever”

Leaders face the challenge of addressing immediate priorities while investing in systems that ensure long-term success for the end customer. Balancing innovation with practicality is critical to making the most of technology investments and ensuring successful citizen and patient outcomes. 

This panel will explore how leaders evaluate and select the right technology, data, and AI tools for specific needs, and share strategies for optimizing their use to achieve meaningful outcomes, while managing other important resources, like people. 

• Learn how to assess technology and AI solutions for targeted applications 
• Discover strategies for balancing short-term needs with long-term goals 
• Explore methods to optimize the performance of existing systems and tools while maintaining an knowledgeable workforce 
• Gain insights into overcoming common challenges in adopting advanced applications

Sophia Mohr

Chief Innovation and Technology Officer, Central Ohio Transit Authority

Thomas Bentley

Chief Information and Digital Transformation Officer, The Ohio State University

Anthony Fisher

Data Governance Program Manager, Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT)

Jason Roberts

Solutions Engineer, Nintex

Christopher Mende

Head of Customer Engineering, Google Public Sector, US

Explore how modernizing government services for both citizens and businesses can create faster more secure and inclusive digital experiences.  

• Learn key strategies to build seamless, user-friendly services
• Discover real-world examples where digitation modernization reduces wait times and boost satisfaction
• Get a practical roadmap for launching pilots that drive big innovation

Split into specialized conversation areas and join engaging discussions to dive deeper into your innovation priorities.

Roundtable 1: Technology Solutions to Navigate the Data Driven Landscape Facilitated by: Keith Nelson, Head of Public Sector Marketing, OpenText

Roundtable 2: Strengthening Security in the Age of Digital Transformation with a Layered Defense Approach to Active Directory Facilitated by: Val Vasquesz, VP Technical Pre-Sales, Semperis

Roundtable 3: Harnessing the Next Wave of AI: Smarter Public Services through Intelligent Automation Facilitated by: Jason Roberts, Solutions Engineer, Nintex

Roundtable 4: How Artificial Intelligence is Enhancing Service Delivery Facilitated by: MP Salinas, Account Executive Public Sector, NICE & Michael Fritz, Senior Solution Engineer, NICE

Roundtable 5: AI & Cloud Innovation for Mission Impact: Secure, Scalable Solutions for the Public Sector Facilitated by: Christopher Mende, Head of Customer Engineering, Google Public Sector, US

Roundtable 6: Securing the Future: Leveraging AI-Driven Data Management in the Public Sector Facilitated by: Shane Brandy, Sr. Account Executive, SLED Ohio Valley, Cohesity

Roundtable 7: Proactively Defending a Technology World, Constantly Under Attack Facilitated by: Josh Sizemore, Public Sector Account Executive: North Central U.S., Absolute Security

Strong leadership drives successful transformation, but many public sector leaders struggle to inspire action in complex, high-pressure environments. This session will give you practical strategies to apply new approaches on how you can lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose across teams and departments.

• Increase your ability to lead through uncertainty and change
• Improve decision-making with clarity and confidence
• Adapt leadership styles to foster high-performing, cross-functional teams
• Amplify your influence by mastering communication that motivates and aligns

State leaders often face different operational landscapes than their city-level counterparts, yet understanding the unique challenges and innovative solutions at the city level can provide fresh perspectives. Ohio’s local governments are navigating resource constraints, citizen demands, and technological disruption in ways that can inform state-level strategies for innovation and service delivery.

This session will help you explore the distinctions between city and state government priorities, uncover transferable solutions, and foster stronger alignment to improve outcomes for all Ohioans.

• Examine how city-level challenges in Ohio differ from those at the state level
• Explore innovative approaches cities are taking to modernize services and adopt new technologies
• Identify opportunities for state and city governments to collaborate and share resources
• Gain actionable insights to enhance your strategies for state-level innovation and policy implementation

Kimberly Roy Wilson

Director of the Office of Information Technology & Services, City of Cleveland

Adam Frumkin

Chief Information Officer, Franklin County Data Center

Keith Nelson

Head of Public Sector Marketing, OpenText

Christopher Mende

Head of Customer Engineering, Google Public Sector, US