2026 Annual Conference Agenda
2026 TASSCC Annual Conference Working Agenda
Big Tex, Bigger Tech; The Future of Texas IT
Sunday, August 2 - Wednesday, August 5, 2026
The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center | Grapevine, Texas 76051
Sunday, August 2
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Dallas Cowboys Golf Club
Community Service: Golf Tournament
Sponsored by: Insight Public Sector
2:00 - 6:00 pm
Vineyard Pre-Function (Level 1)
Registration Hospitality
Sponsored by: Deloitte
2:00 - 7:00 pm
Vineyard Pre-Function (Level 1)
Attendee Registration
Sponsored by: Brooksource
5:00 - 5:30 pm
San Saba 1 (Level 1)
New Attendee Orientation
Sponsored by: Halcyon
5:30 - 8:00 pm
Free Time/Dinner on Your Own
8:00 - 11:00 pm
High Plains 1-3 (Level 1)
Hospitality Event Game Night
10:15 - 11:00 pm
High Plains 1-3 (Level 1)
Hospitality Event Late Night Snack
Sponsored by: ConvergeOne
Monday, August 3
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Vineyard Pre-Function (Level 1)
Registration
Sponsored by: Brooksource
8:00 - 9:00 am
Tate Ballroom A (Level 2)
Breakfast and Exhibits
Sponsored by: GDIT
9:00 - 9:30 am
Tate Ballroom B-C (Level 2)
Opening Welcome Session
Heather Hall - TASSCC President
9:30 - 10:30 am
Tate Ballroom B-C (Level 2)
Keynote Session
Opening Keynote Session
Rebecca Heiss - Stress Physiologist, Author, Keynote Speaker
Sponsored by: KPMG
10:30 - 11:00 am
Tate Ballroom A (Level 2)
Morning Break and Exhibits
Sponsored by: Smartsheet
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Multiple Rooms
Breakout Session
Breakout Session
- AccessibilitySantosh Kanumuri - Programmer Analyst III, Texas Tech UniversityCharles Squire - Section Manager, Texas Tech UniversityLocation: Mesilla 1 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Internal Data Resources, Inc. (IDR)
- AI and AutomationDavid Tucker, PMP, CRM and ITIL - Director of Strategic Digital Services, Texas Department of Information ResourcesMeredith Noel, CSM - Director of Applied AI, Texas Department of Information ResourcesLocation: Mesilla 2 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: TMDC
- Data and AnalyticsSierra Fischer - Director, Department of Family and Protective ServicesKelsey Lammons, LMSW - Manager, Department of Family and Protective ServicesLocation: San Saba 1 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: HPE
- Finance and ProcurementTien Brown - IT Programmer V, Texas Parks and WildlifeCassie Jordan - AI Business Process Specialist, MicrosoftLocation: San Saba 2 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Summus Industries
- Leadership and StrategyAman Thukral - Managing Director, DeloitteRuth Anne Thornton - Director of Child Support, Texas Office of the Attorney General, Child Support DivisionTina McLeod - Chief Information Officer, Texas Office of the Attorney GeneralLocation: San Saba 3 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Nutanix
- Security and RiskBill Carter, CISSP - National Director of Cyber Security, State and Local Government, FortinetLocation: San Saba 4 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Hyland Software
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Tate Ballroom B-C (Level 2)
Networking Lunch
Sponsored by: Oracle
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Escondido 3 (Level 1)
Featured Session
Featured Session
- David Tucker, PMP, CRM and ITIL - Director of Strategic Digital Services, Texas Department of Information ResourcesKieva Moore, MPA, CTCM, CTCD - Innovation Lab Manager, Texas Department of Information Resources
1:00 - 1:45 pm
Multiple Rooms
Solution Showcase
Solution Showcase
- Solution Showcase 1Rob Cohan - Managing Director, AccentureAndy Lindsey - Managing Director, AccentureBrian Stevenson - Accenture TSS Client Account Lead, AccentureLocation: San Saba 1 (Level 1)Presented by: Accenture
- Solution Showcase 2Tom Mrozovich - Senior Systems Engineer, CrowdStrikeLocation: San Saba 2 (Level 1)Presented by: CrowdStrike
- Solution Showcase 3George Schwartztrauber - Vice President, Consulting Expert, CGISean Lowry - Director, Consulting Expert, CGILocation: San Saba 3 (Level 1)Presented by: CGI
- Solution Showcase 4Safia Gourani - Field CTO, Public Sector, DynatraceLocation: San Saba 4 (Level 1)Presented by: Dynatrace
1:45 - 2:00 pm
Transition Break
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Tate Ballroom B-C (Level 2)
General Session
General Session
Scott Klososky - Enterprise Social Technology Expert and Start-Up Pioneer
Sponsored by: Appian
3:00 - 3:30 pm
Tate Ballroom A (Level 2)
Afternoon Break and Exhibits
Sponsored by: Rackspace Technology
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Multiple Rooms
Breakout Session
Breakout Session
- AccessibilityPatrick McSorley - Assistant Deputy Director, Information Resources Division, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)Location: Mesilla 1 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Internal Data Resources, Inc. (IDR)
- AI and AutomationPrarthana Basireddy - Chief Technology Officer (CTO), State of Texas/DFPSAshraf Ismail - IAM Enterprise Architect, State of Texas/DFPSSwamy Patsa - Enterprise Architecture Manager, State of Texas/DFPSLocation: Mesilla 2 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: TMDC
- Data and AnalyticsAmberle Carter - Data Management Officer, Texas Comptroller of Public AccountsSid Atkinson - Co-Founder and CEO, Applied CuriosityLocation: San Saba 1 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: HPE
- Finance and ProcurementLaura Hopkins, CPACC, CAPM, CTCD, CTCM - EIR Accessibility Coordinator, The University of Texas at ArlingtonJoe White, CTCD & CTCM - Director, Procurement and Strategic Sourcing, The University of Texas at ArlingtonLocation: San Saba 2 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Summus Industries
- Leadership and StrategyMark Schulz - Deputy Chief Information Officer and IT Enterprise Architect, Texas A&M University SystemChris Abernathy - Associate Director of Applications and Infrastructure, AccentureChi Hoang - Manager of Applications and Infrastructure, AccentureZach Baker - Software Enterprise Architect, Texas A&M University SystemLocation: San Saba 3 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Nutanix
- Security and RiskWendy Barron - Chief Information Officer, Texas Department of Motor VehiclesJeffrey Armstrong - Applications Services Director, Texas Department of Motor VehiclesLocation: San Saba 4 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Hyland Software
4:30 - 8:00 pm
Free Time/Dinner on Your Own
4:45 - 6:00 pm
Tate Ballroom A (Level 2)
Hands-On Community Service Project
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Escondido 3 (Level 1)
Higher Education Attendee Reception
8:00 - 11:00 pm
Glass Cactus Event Center
Evening Event
Denim and Diamonds Hospitality Event
9:00 - 11:00 pm
Glass Cactus Event Center
Hospitality Event Snack
Sponsored by: BuzzClan
Tuesday, August 4
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Vineyard Pre-Function (Level 1)
Registration
Sponsored by: Brooksource
8:00 - 9:00 am
Tate Ballroom A (Level 2)
Breakfast and Exhibits
Sponsored by: Texas GovLink, Inc.
9:00 - 9:30 am
Tate Ballroom B-C (Level 2)
Business Meeting
State of TASSCC
9:30 - 10:30 am
Tate Ballroom B-C (Level 2)
Keynote Session
Keynote Session
Erik Qualman - Technology and Digital Leadership Expert, Author of Socialnomics
Sponsored by: NTT DATA
10:30 - 10:45 am
Tate Ballroom A (Level 2)
Morning Break and Exhibits
Sponsored by: OnData, Inc.
10:45 - 11:45 am
Multiple Rooms
Breakout Session
Breakout Session
- AccessibilityDawn Watkins, CPACC, PMP - Digital Accessibility Officer, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment StationLocation: Mesilla 1 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Internal Data Resources, Inc. (IDR)
- AI and AutomationKeith Nelson, MBA, PMP - Senior Strategist for Public Sector, Global Public Sector at OpenTextGirish Ramachandran - Chief Technology Officer, Harris County Universal ServicesLocation: Mesilla 2 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: TMDC
- Data and AnalyticsJamie Selander - BI Analyst, University of Texas SystemSailaja Akkaraju - ODI Developer II, University of Texas SystemLocation: San Saba 1 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: HPE
- Finance and ProcurementEmily Faber - Information Management and Analytics Supervisor, Texas Comptroller of Public AccountsChelsa Vinklarek - Assistant Director of Fiscal Management Division, Texas Comptroller of Public AccountsLocation: San Saba 2 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Summus Industries
- Leadership and StrategyJamie McClanahan - Chief Information Officer, Texas Parks and WildlifeWendy Barron - Chief Information Officer, Texas Department of Motor VehiclesAnh Selissen - Chief Information Officer, Texas Department of TransportationLocation: San Saba 3 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Nutanix
- Security and RiskPrashanth Manukonda - Chief Information Officer, Texas Facilities CommissionKat Rector - Strategic Alliances Manager, ZohoGeorge Rios - Chief Information Officer (Ret), Texas Parks and WildlifeLocation: San Saba 4 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Hyland Software
11:45 - 1:00 pm
Tate Ballroom B-C (Level 2)
Awards Luncheon
Sponsored by: Google
1:00 - 1:15 pm
Transition Break
1:15 - 2:00 pm
Multiple Rooms
Solution Showcase
Solution Showcase
- Solution Showcase 5Kevin Stremsterfer - Senior Solution Sales Executive – SLED State of Texas, Everforth Apex SystemsAndrew Pyle - Full Stack Engineer, Everforth – ECSLocation: San Saba 1 (Level 1)Presented by: Apex Systems, Inc.
- Solution Showcase 6Thomas Beck - Senior Technical Leader and Principal, DeloitteLocation: San Saba 2 (Level 1)Presented by: Deloitte
- Solution Showcase 7Chad Vos - Managing Director, Agentic Managed Services, SlalomLocation: San Saba 3 (Level 1)Presented by: Slalom
- Solution Showcase 8Derek Bruun - AI and Modernization Engineer, MicrosoftAnik Bindra - Azure Solutions Specialist, MicrosoftLocation: San Saba 4 (Level 1)Presented by: Microsoft Corporation
2:00 - 2:15 pm
Tate Ballroom A (Level 2)
Afternoon Break and Exhibits
Sponsored by: Genius Road
2:15 - 3:15 pm
Tate Ballroom B-C (Level 2)
General Session
General Session
Manley Feinberg - Author and Professional Speaker, Vertical Lessons, LLC
Sponsored by: Logitech
3:15 - 3:30 pm
Transition Break
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Multiple Rooms
Breakout Session
Breakout Session
- AccessibilityLaura Hopkins, CPACC, CAPM, CTCD, CTCM - EIR Accessibility Coordinator, The University of Texas at ArlingtonLocation: Mesilla 1 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Internal Data Resources, Inc. (IDR)
- AI and AutomationJohn Kelley - Deputy Chief Information Officer, Texas Department of Public SafetyAndrew Molacek - Senior CX Specialist, Amazon Web Services (AWS)Prasath Ramachandran - Manager Director, DeloitteLocation: Mesilla 2 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: TMDC
- Data and AnalyticsDarryl Martin - Dallas County Administrator, Dallas CountyChris Newport - Principal Director, AccentureLocation: San Saba 1 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: HPE
- Finance and ProcurementGreg Gomel, PMP, PMI PMO-CP, PMI-ACP, ASQ CMQ/OE, ASQ CSQE - PMO Director, University of Texas SystemLocation: San Saba 2 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Summus Industries
- Leadership and StrategyMark Kenneth, VP, Executive Partner, Gartner Research & Advisory, State and Local Government, GartnerBill Zielinski - Executive Partner, Gartner Research & Advisory, State and Local Government, GartnerDiana Woronuk - Managing Partner, Gartner ConsultingLocation: San Saba 3 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Nutanix
- Security and RiskJames Imanian - US Public Sector Technology Office, Palo Alto NetworksLocation: San Saba 4 (Level 1)Education Track Sponsored by: Hyland Software
4:30 - 8:00 pm
Free Time/Dinner on Your Own
8:00 - 11:00 pm
Tate Ballroom A (Level 2)
Hospitality Event - Casino Night
10:15 - 11:00 pm
Tate Ballroom A (Level 2)
Hospitality Event Snack
Sponsored by: Dynamic Computing Services
Wednesday, August 5
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Tate Ballroom A (Level 2)
Registration and Luggage Storage
Registraton Sponsored by: Brooksource |
Luggage Storage Sponsored by: The Greentree Group
9:00 - 10:00 am
Tate Ballroom B-C (Level 2)
General Session
General Session
Breakfast Roundtables: Real Conversations on AI, Analytics, Leadership, and Risk
Start the day with engaging peer-to-peer discussions on the issues driving enterprise transformation. Participants will share successes, lessons learned, and emerging strategies across AI & Automation, Data & Analytics, Accessibility, Leadership & Strategy, Security & Risk, and Finance & Procurement. These collaborative roundtables provide a forum for networking, knowledge sharing, and practical problem-solving with industry peers.
Session Sponsored by: Carahsoft |
Breakfast Sponsored by: KWR Strategies
10:00 - 10:30 am
Tate Ballroom B-C (Level 2)
General Session
General Session
Big Texas Heart, Bigger Tech Impact: Big Check Presentation & Prize Drawings
10:30 - 11:30 am
Tate Ballroom B-C (Level 2)
General Session
General Session
Moderator: Jonathan Joshua - Chief Information Security Officer, Office of the Governor
Timothy James “TJ” White - Chief, Texas Cyber Command
Tony Sauerhoff - Executive Director, State Chief Information Officer, and the Chief AI and Innovation Officer, Texas Department of Information Resources
Sponsored by: SAP
11:30 am
Tate Ballroom B-C (Level 2)
Adjourn