Agenda

Wed 09 Apr 2025

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7:50AM

Registration and Networking Breakfast

7:50 AM - 8:50 AM (60 mins)

8:50AM

Welcome from the Public Sector Network

8:50 AM - 9:00 AM (10 mins)

9:00AM

Welcome from the Chair

9:00 AM - 9:10 AM (10 mins)

9:10AM
Keynote

Advancing Digital Government in Virginia: AI, Data Integration, and Tools for Enhanced Citizen Services

9:10 AM - 9:30 AM (20 mins)

Robert (Bob) Osmond Commonwealth Chief Information Officer, Virginia IT Agency

Virginia is at the forefront of digital transformation, leveraging AI and cutting-edge tools to streamline government operations and improve outcomes for its citizens. These advancements are reshaping how services are delivered while addressing critical challenges like data integration and operational complexity.

This session will explore how you can transform public services through innovative technologies and create seamless, efficient, and transparent processes for citizens and businesses.

  • Discover how AI integration is optimizing processes and delivering measurable benefits across state agencies
  • Understand how Virginia is overcoming challenges in data management to drive better decision-making
  • Learn how the Central Permit Transparency initiative has simplified permitting for businesses and citizens
  • Explore how advanced tools and technologies are improving citizen services and user experiences across the state
9:30AM
Industry Insights

Improvement in Customer Experience

9:30 AM - 9:50 AM (20 mins)

Service providers play a pivotal role in helping governments reimagine customer experience to meet modern citizen expectations. By applying advanced technologies, data-driven insights, and design thinking, they empower public agencies to deliver seamless and user-centric services.

This session will share expertise from leading service providers on how to transform the customer experience in the public sector.

  • Explore cutting-edge tools and technologies that streamline and enhance service delivery
  • Learn how data and analytics can drive personalization and improve customer interactions
  • Discover proven approaches for aligning public services with evolving citizen expectations
  • Understand how to create scalable, sustainable improvements in customer experience outcomes
9:50AM
Keynote

Estonia’s Digital Revolution: Building a Secure, Inclusive, and Innovative Digital Society

9:50 AM - 10:10 AM (20 mins)

Nele Leosk Ambassador for Digital Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia

Estonia’s digital transformation is a global benchmark for secure, inclusive, and innovative governance. By focusing on equity, collaboration, and advanced technologies, Estonia has created a thriving digital society that balances innovation with strong privacy protections.

This session will provide actionable insights to help you strengthen your digital frameworks while fostering trust and inclusivity in your community.

  • Uncover the foundational steps Estonia took to build a secure and resilient digital society
  • Learn how Estonia ensures digital inclusivity and equitable access across diverse social groups
  • Explore how innovation in digital services is balanced with privacy and cybersecurity measures
  • Gain insights into public-private collaboration strategies that drive Estonia’s digital transformation
10:10AM
Panel discussion

TBC

10:10 AM - 10:40 AM (30 mins)

10:40AM

Morning Coffee Break

10:40 AM - 11:10 AM (30 mins)

11:10AM
DATA, AI, & IT Modernization Track

Welcome from the Track Chair

11:10 AM - 11:20 AM (10 mins)

11:10AM
Digital Services & Customer Experience Track

Welcome from the Track Chair

11:10 AM - 11:20 AM (10 mins)

11:20AM
Keynote DATA, AI, & IT Modernization Track

Transforming Policy through Data-Driven Decisions and Collaboration

11:20 AM - 11:40 AM (20 mins)

Marcus Thornton Deputy Chief Data Officer, Virginia Office of Data Governance and Analytics (ODGA)

Effective policy development requires harnessing data insights and fostering collaboration to address complex challenges. By integrating data-driven strategies, public sector leaders can create impactful policies that are both evidence-based and aligned with community needs.

This session will equip you with tools to optimize decision-making and enhance inter-agency cooperation for more effective outcomes.

  • Discover how data analytics can inform and shape impactful public policy
  • Explore methods for enhancing collaboration across agencies and stakeholders
  • Learn strategies for overcoming challenges in integrating data into the policymaking process
  • Understand how to build frameworks that promote transparency and accountability through data-driven approaches
11:20AM
Keynote Digital Services & Customer Experience Track

Navigating Digital Transformation in Public Sector Healthcare

11:20 AM - 11:40 AM (20 mins)

Suresh Soundararajan Chief Information Officer, Virginia Department of Health

Digital transformation is redefining public healthcare, enabling better service delivery, patient outcomes, and operational efficiency. By adopting innovative technologies, healthcare leaders can address challenges such as data integration, service accessibility, and resource optimization.

This session will provide actionable strategies to help you modernize healthcare services and enhance patient-centered care.

  • Explore how digital tools are improving healthcare accessibility and delivery
  • Discover strategies for integrating data to support informed decision-making and patient outcomes
  • Learn how to overcome barriers to adopting innovative technologies in public healthcare systems
  • Understand how collaboration across stakeholders drives effective digital healthcare transformation
11:40AM
Industry Insights DATA, AI, & IT Modernization Track

AI for Enhanced Public Safety and Emergency Response

11:40 AM - 12:00 PM (20 mins)

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing public safety and emergency response, enabling faster, smarter, and more effective actions during critical incidents. Service providers are at the forefront of delivering AI-driven solutions that empower agencies to predict, prevent, and respond to emergencies with greater precision.

This session will explore how service providers are driving innovation in AI to support public safety efforts.

  • Learn how AI-powered tools are transforming emergency response operations and decision-making
  • Discover predictive analytics solutions that help agencies anticipate and mitigate safety risks
  • Explore the role of AI in improving communication, coordination, and resource allocation during crises
  • Understand how scalable AI solutions ensure resilience and adaptability for future public safety challenges
11:40AM
Industry Insights Digital Services & Customer Experience Track

Mobile Government Services: Enhancing Accessibility

11:40 AM - 12:00 PM (20 mins)

Mobile solutions are transforming how governments deliver services, ensuring accessibility and convenience for citizens. Service providers are driving this shift by creating user-friendly platforms that connect people to essential resources anytime, anywhere, while optimizing efficiency for agencies.

This session will highlight innovative approaches to mobile government services that prioritize citizen accessibility and engagement.

  • Explore how mobile platforms are expanding access to government services across diverse populations
  • Discover user-centric design strategies that simplify and enhance mobile interactions
  • Learn how mobile solutions improve service delivery while reducing administrative burdens
  • Understand how scalable and secure mobile technologies ensure equitable access and long-term sustainability
12:00PM
Keynote DATA, AI, & IT Modernization Track

Navigating Ethical Challenges in AI: Leadership Strategies for Managing Data, Organizational Change, and Team Preparedness in Public Services

12:00 PM - 12:20 PM (20 mins)

As AI adoption grows in public services, ethical considerations around data use, organizational readiness, and team alignment have become critical. Leaders must address these challenges to ensure AI initiatives are transparent, equitable, and effective.

This session will provide you with strategies to manage the ethical complexities of AI while fostering trust and accountability.

  • Explore approaches to ethical data management in AI-driven public services
  • Learn how to guide your organization through AI adoption and change management
  • Understand how to prepare teams for AI integration through training and capacity-building
  • Discover strategies to ensure transparency and equity in AI implementation

12:00PM
Keynote Digital Services & Customer Experience Track

Breaking Apart Bureaucracy: Agility, Innovation, and Transformation

12:00 PM - 12:20 PM (20 mins)

Mitch Melis Commissioner, Virginia Employment Commission (VEC)

Bureaucracy often stands as a barrier to the public sector’s ability to embrace digital transformation and meet evolving citizen expectations. By fostering a culture of innovation and leveraging emerging technologies, government agencies can modernize operations and deliver services with greater efficiency and impact.

This session will explore actionable strategies to overcome structural challenges and position your organization for long-term success.

  • Identify barriers to digital transformation and strategies to overcome them in bureaucratic environments
  • Learn how to align organizational strategy with performance frameworks to drive sustainable outcomes
  • Explore how emerging technologies like AI and RPA can modernize systems and close operational gaps
  • Discover lessons from the private sector to accelerate adaptability and meet citizen expectations
12:20PM
Industry Insights DATA, AI, & IT Modernization Track

Innovations in Government Procurement of AI Solutions

12:20 PM - 12:40 PM (20 mins)

As governments increasingly adopt AI to enhance services, the procurement process must evolve to match the pace of innovation. Service providers play a critical role in bridging this gap, offering expertise and scalable solutions to ensure agencies can integrate AI effectively and responsibly.

This session will delve into how service providers are transforming the procurement of AI solutions for public sector success.

  • Explore innovative procurement strategies that accelerate AI adoption in government
  • Learn how service providers are addressing challenges like scalability, ethics, and compliance in AI deployment
  • Discover approaches to fostering collaboration between governments and vendors for seamless solution delivery
  • Understand how to align AI solutions with specific agency needs and long-term public sector goals
12:20PM
Industry Insights Digital Services & Customer Experience Track

Digital Transformation and e-Government Services

12:20 PM - 12:40 PM (20 mins)

Digital transformation is reshaping how governments interact with citizens, offering streamlined, accessible, and efficient e-government services. Service providers are at the forefront of this transformation, delivering innovative solutions to modernize systems and improve user experiences across the public sector.

This session will explore how service providers are driving e-government advancements to meet the demands of the digital age.

  • Discover strategies to modernize legacy systems for seamless e-government service delivery
  • Learn how to leverage cloud platforms, AI, and automation to enhance efficiency and scalability
  • Explore user-focused approaches to ensure e-government services are accessible and intuitive
  • Understand how to foster innovation while addressing security, compliance, and sustainability challenges
12:40PM
Panel discussion DATA, AI, & IT Modernization Track

IT Modernization: Building a Future-Ready Government Infrastructure

12:40 PM - 1:10 PM (30 mins)

Brian Wolford Director, Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation
Ronnie Levine Chief of Technology and Innovation, Virginia Department of Emergency Management

As the pace of technological change accelerates, modernizing IT infrastructure is essential for governments to remain resilient, agile, and responsive. A future-ready infrastructure ensures seamless service delivery, robust cybersecurity, and the ability to adapt to evolving citizen needs.

This panel will delve into strategies and best practices for transforming legacy systems into modern, efficient, and secure government frameworks.

  • Examine the challenges and opportunities of modernizing legacy IT systems
  • Explore strategies for integrating cloud solutions and emerging technologies
  • Discuss how to strengthen cybersecurity while scaling infrastructure capabilities
  • Learn how future-ready IT systems enhance service delivery and inter-agency collaboration
12:40PM
Panel discussion Digital Services & Customer Experience Track

Fostering Strategies for Digital Inclusion and Bridging the Digital Divide

12:40 PM - 1:10 PM (30 mins)

Tamarah Holmes Director and Program Manager, Virginia Appalachian Regional Commission Program (ARC) and Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Sylvester Hubbard III Application Development & Support Manager, Virginia Department of Corrections
1:10PM

Lunch and Networking

1:10 PM - 2:10 PM (60 mins)

2:10PM
Keynote

Connecting the Commonwealth: Innovations and Partnerships to Expand Broadband Access Across Virginia

2:10 PM - 2:30 PM (20 mins)

Tamarah Holmes Director and Program Manager, Virginia Appalachian Regional Commission Program (ARC) and Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

Expanding broadband access is critical to bridging the digital divide and fostering equitable opportunities across Virginia’s diverse communities. By leveraging public-private partnerships, innovative technologies, and strategic investments, the state is working to ensure reliable connectivity reaches even the most underserved areas.

This session will explore the collaborative strategies and innovations driving broadband expansion to create a more inclusive digital future.

  • Examine the role of public-private partnerships in bringing broadband to rural communities
  • Learn how Virginia is utilizing state and federal funding to bridge the digital divide
  • Explore the latest technologies addressing infrastructure challenges in underserved areas
  • Understand how broadband access is being translated into meaningful digital inclusion for all Virginians
2:30PM
Roundtables

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

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM (60 mins)

3:30PM
Keynote

Data as a Strategic Asset: Driving Innovation Through Cross-Agency Data Collaboration

3:30 PM - 3:50 PM (20 mins)

Ken Pfeil Chief Data Officer, Commonwealth of Virginia

Harnessing data as a strategic asset requires breaking down silos, fostering collaboration, and ensuring ethical data use. By leveraging advanced technologies and establishing strong governance frameworks, agencies can unlock the full potential of data to improve public services and policy outcomes.

This session will explore strategies to build integrated data ecosystems that drive innovation and enhance decision-making.

  • Discover steps to transition from siloed systems to collaborative, cross-agency data ecosystems
  • Learn how to balance data sharing with privacy protection and ethical considerations
  • Explore the role of AI, machine learning, and cloud platforms in enabling effective data collaboration
  • Gain insights into successful examples of cross-agency data solutions that transformed public services
3:50PM
Industry Insights

Enhancing Citizen Engagement through Digital Platforms

3:50 PM - 4:10 PM (20 mins)

Digital platforms are revolutionizing how governments engage with citizens, creating opportunities for real-time communication, transparency, and participation. Service providers enable this transformation by delivering innovative, user-friendly solutions that strengthen connections between public agencies and their communities.

This session will showcase how service providers are driving enhanced citizen engagement through cutting-edge digital platforms.

  • Explore digital tools that facilitate real-time interaction and improve public feedback mechanisms
  • Discover strategies to design platforms that are inclusive, accessible, and intuitive for all users
  • Learn how service providers integrate data and analytics to personalize and optimize citizen engagement
  • Understand how digital platforms foster trust, transparency, and active community participation
4:10PM
Panel discussion

Building a Resilient and Innovative Public Service Workforce

4:10 PM - 4:40 PM (30 mins)

Paul Corbett Cormal
Chief Technology Officer, Assistant Superintendent – Data, Research, and Technology, Virginia Department of Education
Antonio Villafana
Chief Information Officer, Department of Human Resource Management
Melinda Stewart
Chief Information Officer, Virginia State Corporation Commission
4:40PM
Keynote

Agile Procurement in Public Sector IT: How VITA is Shaping Flexible Frameworks for a Fast-Moving Future

4:40 PM - 5:00 PM (20 mins)

Shabeen Vijayan Director of Enterprise Sourcing & Risk Management, Virginia Information Technologies Agency

As the demands on public services evolve, building a workforce that is both adaptable and forward-thinking is essential. Fostering resilience and innovation among public sector employees ensures they can effectively meet challenges, embrace change, and deliver impactful solutions to communities.

This session will explore strategies to empower your workforce, promote agility, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement.

  • Discover how to attract, retain, and develop talent equipped for future challenges
  • Explore strategies for fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability in the public sector
  • Learn how to upskill employees to meet the demands of emerging technologies and digital transformation
  • Understand how resilience and well-being initiatives drive long-term workforce sustainability and success
5:00PM
Keynote

Building a Digital Future: Insights from London's Digital Transformation

5:00 PM - 5:20 PM (20 mins)

Theo Blackwell Chief Digital Officer, Greater London Authority

London’s digital transformation highlights how technology, data, and collaboration can create smarter, more inclusive public services. By focusing on accessibility, innovation, and citizen engagement, the city has established itself as a leader in modern governance.

This session will explore London’s journey, offering practical strategies to help governments accelerate their digital evolution.

  • Discover the key lessons learned from London’s transformative digital initiatives
  • Explore how data analytics has enhanced public services and decision-making
  • Learn strategies for ensuring digital services are accessible and equitable for all communities
  • Understand how partnerships and citizen feedback drive innovation and shape impactful digital projects
5:20PM

Closing Remarks from the Chair & Networking

5:20 PM - 5:40 PM (20 mins)

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