2026 Annual Conference Speakers
2026 TASSCC Annual Conference Speakers
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
Speakers
Explore keynote, general session, educational session, and solution showcase speakers from the 2026 TASSCC Annual Conference.
Keynote and General Session Speakers
Fear(less) Leadership: Leading with Awe
Rebecca understands the threat of change. As a stress physiologist, Dr. Rebecca Heiss is dedicated to helping us overcome our instinctual limitations - the ancient, often subconscious fears that hold us back from our optimal performance and our happiest
lives. Her research has been designated "transformative" by the National Science Foundation and it is waking up audiences around the world.
As the author of two books, Springboard and Instinct, founder and CEO of the leadership 360-review mobile application, icueity, and highly sought-after professional speaker, Rebecca has found her calling in helping others
recognize the power of transforming stress into the fuel that serves us. A former educator, Dr. Heiss spent much of her earlier career in the classroom at both the high school and college levels and was recruited to be a founding
member of an innovative charter school with a focus on entrepreneurial thinking and impact-based learning. Today she shares her Fear[less] Stress formula to transform fear to fuel from stages around the world as a full-time
speaker, facilitator of her Fear[less] Masterclass and Fellow at Furman University's Center for Innovative Leadership. She continues her research on how we can turn trauma into Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) rather than PTSD.
Rebecca's "Fear[less]" message inspires hope and actionable insights to train our brains to work for us, rather than against us in times of change and uncertainty. With surprising humor and palpable energy, no matter
if Dr. Heiss is delivering virtually or on stage, she wins over her audiences with interactive, inspiring, and timely takeaways.
Rebecca lives in South Carolina with her spoiled rotten dogs named Guinness & Murphy and every day tries to live her life motto: Spread Happy
Abstract
In this engaging keynote, Dr. Rebecca leverages decades of research into stress and human behavior to share simple, science-backed techniques for transforming fear (AI disruption, economic uncertainty, talent wars) into the fuel that will propel leaders and their teams to greater confidence, focus, and performance.
Future Proofing You and Your Organization
#1 bestselling author and keynote speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 55 countries, reaching millions of people.
Erik Qualman is the author of six bestselling books. Socialnomics has been featured in publications and on programs worldwide, including 60 Minutes and the Wall Street Journal, and it is used by a wide range of organizations,
from the National Guard to NBC, Nordstrom and NASA. His book Digital Leader propelled him to be voted the 2nd Most Likeable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling.
What Happens in Vegas Stays on YouTube prompted Forbes and Fortune to include Erik on their list of Top 100 Digital Influencers. How to Sell on LinkedIn is becoming mandatory reading for sales teams. His newest book
is titled The Focus Project: The Not So Simple Art of Doing Less.
Qualman was formerly a sitting professor at Harvard and MIT’s edX labs. He holds an MBA from the University of Texas, and he received an honorary doctorate for his groundbreaking work. He hosts the popular weekly podcast,
“Super U,” and is the chairman of Equalman Studios, which has done film and animation work for the likes of Disney, Cartier, IBM and many other global brands.
Abstract
Leaders this digital decade are made—not born. We don’t have a choice on whether we transform, the choice is how well we do it. The key is understanding & never forge?ng the powerful harmony between the offline and online. While technology changes every
second; human nature never does.
Based on profound and pracDcal research, Qualman showcases the 5 Habits that drive success & happiness for employees, partners, and customers. Qualman reveals new techniques including PosDng-It- Forward, Being Flawsome™,
Socialnomics™, 1 to 10, and other insights that will transform your audience & organizaDon. Learn how to stay a year ahead of your compeDDon but never a year ahead of your market
Synthetic Intelligence: The Future of AI
Scott Klososky is the founder of Future Point of View and has spent more than two decades advising C-suite leaders on digital strategy, emerging technology, and the future of business. A recognized futurist, entrepreneur, and speaker, Scott is known for
helping organizations identify transformational opportunities and navigate rapid technological change with confidence.
Over the course of his career, Scott has successfully built and exited three technology startups, including one company that sold for more than $115 million and another that achieved a public valuation exceeding $3 billion.
He has earned a reputation for identifying “white space” opportunities — uncovering business ideas and market gaps others often overlook. Early in his entrepreneurial journey, Scott also helped build one of the first American
companies co-owned by the Soviet government, demonstrating his ability to innovate in unconventional environments.
Based in Oklahoma, Scott shares life with his wife, Annette, who keeps him busy helping manage a growing herd of deer that consume bags and bags of corn each week. His adventurous spirit extends beyond business — he
once rode a bull named Terminator in front of 7,000 people at a rodeo and lived to tell the story.
Driven by a deep belief that technology should serve humanity, Scott is passionate about helping the world learn to coexist with and leverage technology in ways that become a blessing for the human race. Although he
never imagined becoming a professional speaker growing up, he still reminds himself before taking the stage that he has been doing it successfully for more than 20 years.
Abstract
The wave of synthetic intelligences like AI is a seminal time for humanity. Digital tools not only aid our ability to learn and make decisions, they can replace us with doing these. This raises many important questions such as, the potential for AI to
be sentient and conscious, and how advanced synthetic intelligences will impact humanity and the economy.
Scott has been addressing these questions and more for many years and brings thought leading ideas and advice to leaders so they can make good strategic decisions today.
Society has spent years reading books and watching movies that paint a dark picture of the impact machine intelligence. We have also hold onto the thought that human intelligence is unique and more advanced than anything
computers could ever accomplish.
Scott believes there is a much more positive AI future in front of us and this keynote provides both thought leading and practical content that often reframes how audiences see the future of synthetic intelligence.
Exponential Commitment
Manley is recognized as an award-winning international keynote speaker, business leader, best-selling author, published outdoor adventure photographer, and professional musician. He served two terms as the President of the National Speakers Association,
St. Louis chapter.
Leveraging more than thirty years of business, professional speaking, and adventure experience, he helps professionals develop Exponential Commitment™ & Breakthrough Momentum™ to Step Up and Reach Your Next Summit. As
a result of his work, people have more Commitment, Connection, and Momentum. He wrote a book titled Reaching Your Next Summit! 9 Vertical Lessons for Leading with More Impact.
He shares this expertise by applying lessons learned in business and adventures to life's daily challenges. Manley's authentic, sincere, and deep interpersonal connection with your audience enables him to deliver practical
and proven content to help organizations maximize their opportunities and develop their most valuable asset, their employees. Through custom-developed programs and support ranging from 60 minutes to 12 months, he will leave
you with many actionable techniques, frameworks, and insights.
Manley's inspirational keynotes come to life through his National Geographic photography and riveting stories culminating from a lifetime of adventure through 25 countries to over 500 outdoor destinations.
Abstract
This dynamic keynote inspires participants to step up in a new way to overcome resistance and reach higher than ever by cultivating Exponential Commitment™ in themselves and those around them. Participants will learn essential Vertical Lessons for deepening their commitment, building momentum, and achieving breakthroughs in even the most challenging circumstances.
Securing Texas Together: How Texas Cyber Command and DIR Are Building the Future of Cybersecurity and Innovation
Timothy James “TJ” White, of Boerne, is a retired vice admiral in the U.S. Navy and founder of OneNetworkConnection, LLC. He is a Professor-of-Practice at the Naval Postgraduate School, affiliated with the Military Cyber Professionals Association and the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, and a trustee of the Southwest Research Institute. Joining the Navy in 1983 from Spring, Texas, he was honorably discharged in 2020 after 37 years of service. During his time in the Navy, he served as the Commander, United States Fleet Cyber Command/United States TENTH Fleet/United States Navy Space Command and previously as the Commander, United States Cyber National Mission Force/USCYBERCOM. He is the former Director of Intelligence for United States Indo-Pacific Command. White received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, a Master of Science in Systems Technology from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Master of Science in Strategic Resource Management from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
TWith more than 30 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity across the public and private sectors, Tony has held senior leadership roles with the U.S. Department of Defense and the federal judiciary, and previously served as Chief Information Security
Officer for the State of Texas.
Tony currently serves as President of the GovRAMP Board of Directors, where he helps guide national strategy for secure, consistent, and risk-based cloud adoption across state, local, tribal, and territorial governments,
strengthening collaboration between the public sector and cloud service providers nationwide.
He began his career as a communications specialist in the U.S. Air Force. Tony holds a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Champlain College, a Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy from The University
of Texas at Austin, and maintains CISSP and GSLC cybersecurity certifications.
Abstract
Join leaders from Texas Cyber Command and the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) for an engaging fireside chat on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the collaborative efforts shaping the future of cyber resilience across Texas. This conversation will explore how state agencies are strengthening defenses, advancing innovation, developing cyber talent, and fostering partnerships to address emerging threats. Attendees will gain insights into Texas' vision for cybersecurity, lessons learned from the front lines, and the strategies helping secure the state's digital future.
Educational Session Speakers
Beyond Automated Scans: Creating an Evidence-Driven Accessibility Workflow
Santosh Kanumuri is a Programmer Analyst III at Texas Tech University's Enterprise Applications team, where he builds AI-powered applications that improve operational workflows, customer experience, and digital accessibility.
Charles "Danny" Squire, Section Manager of the TTU IT Division. Employed at Texas Tech for 28 years and recently a founding member of the newly minted AI Development Team.
Abstract
Accessibility compliance isn't just a scanning problem; it's a workflow problem. Most teams have tools to find issues. What they lack is a structured way to collect evidence, coordinate manual review, track remediation, and prepare
formal reports on a repeatable cycle. This problem grows exponentially when multiple applications and websites are factored in.
This session introduces A11y Agent, an AI-assisted platform that brings this workflow into one place, combining a browser extension, a web portal, and a backend workflow engine to support automated scanning, human
review, and automated VPAT generation.
AI Resources in the Public Sector: Strategy, Tactics, and Implementation
Dave Tucker is the Director of Strategic Digital Services in the Chief Technology Office of the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR). Strategic Digital Services assists agencies in adopting digital technology, transforming manual processes with digital processes, and replacing legacy technology with modern technology. Dave has managed or supported state government programs for 25 years as a project manager, vendor manager, business analyst and grant manager.
Meredith Noel serves as the Director of Applied AI in the Chief AI and Innovation Office at DIR. The AI Division was created pursuant to House Bill 2818 (89R) to assist state agencies and other public entities with using generative
AI technologies.
Meredith has been with DIR since 2016. Prior to her current role, she worked as a Project Manager in the Project Management Office and as a Cybersecurity Program Manager in the Office of the Chief
Information Security Officer. Before DIR, Meredith worked for the Texas Department of Agriculture for 11 years in the Food and Nutrition Division and the IT Division.
Meredith has a bachelors degree in Business Systems,
Analysis and Technology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification.
Abstract
As state governments move from exploring to implementing artificial intelligence at scale, the need for coordinated, end-to-end support is critical. This session highlights DIR’s approach for delivering both strategic guidance and tactical support through
a partnership between two complementary divisions within a state agency.
The Strategic Digital Services section focuses on building awareness and readiness across government by offering conferences, training programs, workshops, user groups, and hands-on lab environments to help agencies
understand and responsibly explore emerging technologies, including AI.
The AI Division provides operational support to move from concept to deployment by managing an AI sandbox for safe experimentation and certifying education materials to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across
the enterprise.
Combined with DIR’s Shared Technology Services (STS) program, which delivers best-in-class IT services with industry-leading vendors, Texas is poised to remain a national leader in the AI and emerging technology space.
Attendees will gain insight into how this approach accelerates adoption, reduces risk, and creates a scalable foundation for AI innovation across state government.
How to Stop Inflicting Graphs on Executives: Because Leadership Has 5 Minutes, Not 50
Sierra Fischer is the Director of Analytics for Change and Enhancement at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. She leads a dynamic team that employs a mixed-methods approach to transform data into actionable insights aimed at improving
outcomes for children, families, and vulnerable adults across Texas.
Prior to joining DFPS, Sierra partnered with social service agencies across the globe to conduct research that informed and enhanced policy and practice. Her work has supported child welfare systems in numerous U.S.
states, as well as in Bermuda, Canada, Australia, and Singapore.
Sierra holds a Master of Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Outside of work, you’ll find her on the soccer pitch or jet-setting to a new country (currently at 38 countries
and counting!).
Kelsey Lammons is the manager of the Analytical Projects team under the Analytics for Change and Enhancement division after having spent the last 4 years as a social work-trained data analyst in the area of contracted foster care for the Texas Department
of Family and Protective Services. Her team specializes in extracting concise stories from data to inform executive-level decisions within the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Prior to this work, she was a policy analyst in the Texas House of Representatives and research assistant for research on youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She also worked as a case manager for
persons with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which cemented health equity as one of her core passions.
Kelsey holds a Master of Science and Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin.
Abstract
Executives don’t need more charts—they need clarity. In this session, we’ll explore how to turn analytics from well‑intended but overwhelming presentations into concise, decision‑ready insights that respect leadership’s limited time and attention.
Using real-world examples from state government, this presentation shares practical strategies for designing analytics and visuals that answer the question executives care about most: What decision do you want me to
make? We’ll also discuss how to build meaningful, defensible analytics when the data isn’t perfect—a reality most public‑sector teams know well.
Participants will leave with clear dos and don’ts for presenting to high‑level leaders, along with techniques for driving quicker decisions, sharper feedback, and fewer follow‑up meetings. If your dashboards are technically
correct but still missing the mark, this session is for you.
Automating Invoice Processing at Texas Parks & Wildlife with the Microsoft Power Platform
Tien Brown is a seasoned technology professional currently serving as a Programmer V at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), where he has been a full-time contributor since November 2008. Based in Pflugerville, Texas, Tien brings over 15 years
of experience in state government IT, supporting the technology infrastructure that enables TPWD to fulfill its conservation and outdoor recreation mission.
Tien holds an academic background from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied from 1989 to 1995. His career in public sector technology reflects a long-standing commitment to government IT modernization
within one of Texas's most mission-critical agencies.
Speaker bio coming soon.
Abstract
Managing high volumes of invoices from diverse vendors and formats is a persistent challenge for state agencies — one that has historically required significant manual effort, specialized training, and error-prone data entry. The Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department (TPWD) tackled this challenge head-on by building an intelligent invoice processing solution powered by Microsoft AI Builder, Power Automate, and Copilot Studio.
In this session, TPWD and Microsoft will walk attendees through TPWD's automation journey — from an initial OCR-based model requiring vendor-specific training, to a modern, prompt-driven AI solution capable of processing
a wide variety of invoice formats without retraining. The solution monitors designated SharePoint document libraries, automatically extracts key invoice data using generative AI, applies a human-in-the-loop verification layer
for confidence and compliance, and routes validated data to downstream systems — dramatically reducing manual intervention.
Attendees will learn how TPWD:
- Designed and iterated on an AI-powered invoice processing workflow using low-code tools
- Built a canvas app for human-in-the-loop review with confidence scoring and exception handling
- Established a roadmap to expand automation to park expenses, utilities, and additional vendor types
- Aligned the solution to follow consistent and proven Power Platform standards
When the Only Thing You Need to Change Is EVERYTHING
Aman Thukral is a Managing Director at Deloitte, where he leads the Human Services portfolio Deloitte's Government and Public Services practice in the State of Texas. With over 20 years of experience in large-scale technology transformation, Aman specializes
in guiding state agencies through complex IT modernizations — from strategic visioning and procurement through full-scale delivery and adoption.
Aman holds a Masters in Computer Science from Purdue University.
Ruth Anne Thornton serves as the Director of Child Support (IV-D Director) for the Texas Office of the Attorney General, Child Support Division (CSD). In this role she is responsible for ensuring that the Division is successful in carrying out its mission
to encourage responsible parenting by promoting the involvement of both parents and ensuring that children receive the support they need and deserve. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Child Support Division Chief
of Staff, supporting the IV-D Director and Division leadership team.
Ruth Anne holds a BA in Political Science from St. Edward's University and a Master of Public Administration from Texas State University.
Tina McLeod serves as the Chief Information Officer for the Texas Office of the Attorney General, where she has led the agency's technology organization since joining in 2013. She began her technology career at IBM, where she spent a decade as an Advisory
Software Engineer and Technical Lead, before moving into operations leadership at Xerox. She is recognized across Texas state government as a leader who bridges mission delivery and technical innovation, and has been a consistent
voice in the Texas CIO community on topics ranging from enterprise architecture to AI adoption in the public sector.
Tina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from The University of Texas at Austin and has completed the Executive Leadership Information Technology Excellence (ELITE) Program at the LBJ School of Public Affairs.
Abstract
Modernizing a mission-critical government system isn't a technology project — it's an organizational transformation that happens to involve technology. When the Texas Office of the Attorney General embarked on replacing its statewide child support case
management system with ChAMP, the challenge wasn't just building better software. It was rebuilding how a program thinks, works, and wins together.
In this candid, practitioner-to-practitioner session, the OAG's IV-D Director, Chief Information Officer, and their implementation partner share the unvarnished story of what it takes to lead a modernization when the
stakes are high, the legacy is deep, and the only path forward is through.
You'll hear three perspectives on the same journey: the program sponsor who had to hold the mission north star under pressure, the technology leader who had to translate vision into working software, and the consulting
partners who had to earn trust before they could add value. Together, they'll explore how to build a strategy that's firm enough to navigate by and flexible enough to survive reality — and how to cultivate a one-team culture
that replaces the blame game with genuine problem-solving.
Attendees will leave with a practical playbook covering: how to define your strategic intent before your first sprint; how to recognize and reset a blame culture before it derails delivery; how to apply Agile principles
without abandoning strategic discipline; and how to lead change in organizations where "we've always done it this way" is the most dangerous sentence in the room.
Synthetic Risks: Deepfakes, AI-Powered Phishing, and the Collapse of Trust
Bill Carter is a dynamic cybersecurity leader with a passion for securing the digital world and educating others on the evolving threat landscape. Currently serving as a public sector cybersecurity strategist at Fortinet, Bill previously protected Ohio’s 12 million citizens as the Chief Information Security Officer for the Department of Commerce and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for the State, overseeing security strategies across 80+agencies. With a career spanning additional roles as Field CTO, Senior Systems Engineer, and Technical Consultant, he brings deep expertise in cybersecurity strategy, infrastructure, and risk management.
Abstract
In a world where voices can be cloned, faces fabricated, and phishing emails indistinguishable from the real thing, trust has become the most endangered element of cybersecurity. This 40-minute presentation explores the emerging threat landscape created by generative AI, particularly the weaponization of deepfakes, voice synthesis, and context-aware phishing campaigns. Join fellow information security leaders as we unpack the implications of synthetic content, discuss how to validate authenticity in a post-truth digital world, and explore strategies for resilience when seeing is no longer believing. Expect a strategic presentation with deep technical undercurrents and no easy answers - only smarter questions.
Modernizing Permit Transparency: TCEQ’s New Search Portal
Patrick McSorley is the Assistant Deputy Director and Agency Data Officer for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Information Resources Division. Over more than 15 years with the agency, he has built a career that bridges environmental regulation
and technology leadership.
Patrick began his journey at TCEQ as a Natural Resource Specialist, gaining firsthand experience with the agency’s environmental mission. Over time, he expanded his impact by leading GIS and Java development teams and
helping modernize the agency’s use of data and enterprise applications. His work has played an important role in strengthening how TCEQ delivers on its mission through innovation and technical advancement.
A graduate of Texas State University, Patrick holds a background in Mathematics and Chemistry, which supports his analytical and problem-solving approach. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors and embracing
his Texas roots—most often by making his way to the nearest body of water.
Abstract
This presentation highlights how the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), in partnership with DIR and Deloitte through the Shared Technology Services program, modernized its legacy permit search portal to improve accessibility, usability, and public transparency. Prompted by Sunset Advisory Commission recommendations, the new portal introduced intuitive search, mobile-friendly design, geospatial mapping, faster filtering, and downloadable reporting to help citizens, businesses, and agency users more easily access permit and compliance information. Built in eight months using an agile approach, the solution not only improved the user experience and expanded public access but also established a scalable digital framework that other agencies can repurpose to accelerate modernization efforts.
Transforming Child Welfare with Trustworthy AI: The DFPS AI Journey
Prarthana Basireddy is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), where she leads enterprise‑wide technology strategy and large‑scale modernization initiatives in support of the agency’s mission
to serve and protect Texans. She brings 22+ years of deep, hands‑on IT experience, spanning roles as a developer, architect, technical lead, architecture manager, and executive technology leader.
Prior to DFPS, Prarthana served as an Enterprise Architecture Lead at the Office of the Attorney General, leading modernization of complex, mission‑critical systems using cutting‑edge technologies such as Salesforce,
MuleSoft, and cloud platforms. Her private‑sector experience includes technology leadership roles at Verizon, AT&T, and American Express, delivering scalable solutions in highly regulated environments.
At DFPS, Prarthana is excited to drive enterprise transformation leveraging cloud, AI, SaaS technologies, and strong governance frameworks. She is deeply passionate about public service and providing strategic technology
guidance to advance outcomes for the State of Texas. At TASSCC, she will share DFPS’s AI journey, lessons learned, and practical insights into responsible AI adoption in the public sector.
Ashraf Ismail is a Senior Azure Architect and IAM Technical Lead supporting the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). He brings more than 25 years of technology consulting and architecture experience, including over a decade as a
Senior Consultant at Microsoft, several years as an Azure Technical Architect with McKinsey & Company, and work with other Fortune 100 organizations.
At DFPS, Ashraf has led the identity transformation of legacy applications, helping move them to Azure and modern, secure authentication and authorization protocols. He has also helped shape the agency’s journey toward
the secure and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence through practical initiatives involving document summarization, translation, intelligent search, internal knowledge assistants, and chatbots.
Ashraf combines AI innovation with deep expertise in cloud architecture, cybersecurity, identity and access management, application modernization, and data governance. He focuses on delivering solutions that are practical,
secure, scalable, and aligned with government privacy and compliance requirements.
He holds the Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification, Microsoft Certified Master in Messaging, and continues his professional development in Azure AI engineering
Speaker bio coming soon.
Abstract
As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates across the public sector, agencies must balance innovation with governance, security, and mission alignment. This presentation provides an in‑depth overview of the Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services (DFPS) AI journey and the strategic thinking behind its hybrid AI approach.
DFPS prioritized leveraging built‑in AI capabilities within existing enterprise platforms where appropriate, while implementing a centralized Azure OpenAI solution to address advanced use cases and unmet needs. The session
will showcase key AI initiatives and pilot programs, including DFPS GPT, GitHub Copilot, Microsoft Copilot Chat, Databricks AI capabilities, and the MTX AI Accelerator used for legacy code analysis and modernization.
Beyond technology, the presentation emphasizes governance, risk management, and change management considerations critical to responsible AI adoption in a highly regulated, mission‑driven environment. Attendees will learn
how DFPS evaluated use cases, established guardrails, measured early return on investment, and translated AI capabilities into tangible business value.
Participants will leave with practical insights, lessons learned, and proven strategies for scaling AI responsibly across the enterprise—making this session highly relevant for public sector leaders, architects, and
practitioners navigating their own AI journeys.
Building a Statewide Data Science and Machine Learning User Community for Collaboration and Growth
Amberle Carter is a technology leader whose vision, technical depth and collaborative spirit are transforming the Texas public sector. As the Cloud and Analytics Data Management Officer at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, she drives innovation
across the agency by strengthening enterprise capabilities, elevating workforce skills and fostering a culture of curiosity and connection. Since joining the Comptroller’s office in 2024, Carter has launched major initiatives
including a new multidisciplinary IT section, the agency’s Women in Technology organization and the rapidly growing Love Data Week literacy program.
With a career spanning multiple state agencies, Carter has led complex, high‑impact efforts that modernize data strategy, governance, architecture and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Her leadership at the
Department of Family Protective Services and the Department of Public Safety advanced statewide data interoperability, improved operational efficiency and expanded teams and systems at scale.
A respected voice statewide, Carter frequently speaks on AI, digital transformation, data ethics and organizational change, and contributes to several professional boards and networks. Known for her strategic mindset
and commitment to public service, she continues to shape the future of Texas technology through innovation, mentorship and forward‑thinking leadership.
Sid Atkinson is the Co-Founder and CEO of Applied Curiosity and co-host of The Data Culture Podcast. Prior to Applied Curiosity, Sid had 17+ years in consulting and more than 21 in the data field, he built multi-million-dollar business portfolios, launched a data and AI practice from the ground up, lead teams in attainment of world-wide partner awards, and founded, built, and ran user groups.
Abstract
As data-driven decision-making becomes fundamental across government operations, the need for coordinated learning, mentorship, and collaboration among data professionals continues to grow. To address this, a new statewide program has been established
to unite data scientist and machine learning practioners across agencies under a shared framework of innovation and professional development.
The Data Science and Machine Learning Practioner User Group fosters a collaborative environment where members exchange technical knowledge, share real-world project insights, and identify opportunities to apply advanced
analytics to public service challenges. By bridging expertise across departments and promoting continuous learning, the user group strengthens both the technical capabilities and career growth of participants while advancing
the state’s commitment to evidence-based governance. This session will outline the program’s founding principles, organizational structure, and engagement model, highlighting its measurable impact on data culture, talent retention,
and interagency collaboration.
From Procurement to Compliance: Embedding Digital Accessibility into Institutional Buying Decisions
Laura Hopkins is the EIR Accessibility Coordinator and EIR Compliance Lead at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she has led digital accessibility initiatives since 2018.
Laura holds a Master of Science in Information and Technology Management and holds CPACC certification from IAAP, CAPM from PMI, and CTCD/CTCM. She has presented nationally on digital accessibility, compliance, and governance
for organizations including DIR, TxDLA, NAEP TOAL, and TTLE, emphasizing leadership engagement and practical approaches to institutional accessibility readiness.
Joe White is a 1990 graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station, where he subsequently began his procurement and contracting career in 1991. He has served in numerous procurement and contracting positions at Texas A&M University, DFW Airport, the City of Arlington, and currently serves as the Director for Procurement and Strategic Sourcing at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Abstract
Digital accessibility obligations increasingly intersect with institutional purchasing decisions, yet accessibility and procurement are often treated as separate—or competing—functions. This session presents a practical, governance focused model demonstrating
how accessibility compliance becomes sustainable only when embedded directly into procurement workflows.
Co presented by the University of Texas at Arlington’s EIR Accessibility Compliance Lead and Procurement leadership, this session examines procurement as a primary control point for managing digital accessibility risk.
Attendees will gain insight into how accessibility requirements intersect with sourcing, cooperative contracts, solicitations, and contract language, and why post purchase remediation is rarely an effective risk mitigation
strategy.
Using real world examples from a large public university, the presenters will walk through how accessibility documentation—such as VPATs, accessibility warranties, and formal exception processes—supports informed decision
making without delaying purchases or creating unnecessary barriers. The session emphasizes shared accountability, documentation as risk management, and translating accessibility requirements into procurement ready language.
Designed for procurement professionals, CIOs, accessibility leads, IT governance staff, and institutional decision makers, this presentation offers a replicable partnership model that reduces compliance risk, improves
vendor outcomes, and aligns accessibility with established procurement practices rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Financial Accounting Management Information System Modernization Journey
Mark Schulz is an IT leader, professional, and developer with over 40 years of experience in information technology, software, business intelligence, financial technology, networking, management, and IT operations. As the A&M System's Deputy Chief Information Officer, he leads the team of IT and business professionals that create, deliver, implement, and support the financial enterprise applications of the Texas A&M University System. Mark's early career was that of an enterprise application developer. He led teams that implemented, wrote, and supported applications for student, finance, and research administration software systems. In the 1990s he worked for an international communications company. where he developed a passion for business intelligence, data warehousing, and analytics
Chris Abernathy is a senior technology leader and architect with deep expertise in designing and delivering modern applications, cloud platforms, and artificial intelligence–enabled solutions for large, complex enterprises. As a Solution Architecture Lead at Avanade, he partners closely with clients, Microsoft, and internal delivery teams to translate business strategy into secure, scalable, and future‑ready architectures across application, data, and infrastructure domains. Chris has played a pivotal role in high‑impact, partnership-driven programs, most notably the FAMIS transformation with TAMUS, where he helped to modernize critical financial systems. Known for bridging executive vision and engineering execution, Chris brings a pragmatic, outcome-focused approach to cloud transformation, AI adoption, and enterprise-scale modernization initiatives.
Chi Hoang is a technical architect specializing in complex enterprise solutions, leveraging modern technology to address critical business challenges. He is also a full stack developer by trade, often staying on to lead the delivery teams in implementing his designs. Chi's range of work has included creating the identity lifecycle management system for the largest active directory in the world and strategizing the cloud migration of tens of thousands of legacy applications for a single portfolio. Currently, he is a technical architect on the FAMIS financial system with a focus on utilizing AI to take legacy code and transforming it into a modern application on an accelerated timeline.
Zach Baker in an IT engineering professional with 25 years of experience in developing or leveraging appropriate technologies to drive process improvements and deliver great solutions and experiences. Zach brings his experience in the industries of software consulting, energy services, higher education and internet startups to bear on the architecture of information systems and has a track record of applying proven technologies in sometimes novel ways to solve unique business or process problems. Zach began his career in hardware design verification and automation before shifting towards the software side and architecting highly-scalable data-driven web applications. First as a consultant, but eventually as in-house Software Enterprise Architect, Zach was key to the transition away from the mainframe for The Texas A&M System, supplying the post-mainframe toolchain and pipeline to complete the exit from the mainframe, and giving the teams a modern software development process and toolbox for the replatformed codebase. Zach created the application platform that became FAMISWeb and plays technical lead and liaison for the multiple internal and external teams finishing out the implementation.
Abstract
The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) partnered with Accenture on a multi-year modernization journey to transform its Financial Accounting Management Information System (FAMIS) - the mission-critical platform underpinning financial operations across
more than 20 universities and state agencies. Originally built on an IBM mainframe, FAMIS was first modernized to an on-premises distributed environment, enabling the retirement of legacy mainframe infrastructure while preserving
continuity for core financial processes.
This initial migration ported FAMIS from Natural mainframe code to .NET, operating on virtual machines within TAMUS on-premises data centers. This phase successfully stabilized the platform and decoupled the system from
mainframe dependencies.
Building on this foundation, we shifted our effort to improve the user experience. This included reshaping legacy 3270 “green screens” into a modern application, evolving the architecture toward Blazor .NET patterns.
Now we are exploring ways to leverage AI to enhance FAMIS through updates, operational efficiencies, and improved decision-making.
This is the full modernization lifecycle journey, transforming FAMIS from a mainframe migration and platform stabilization to user experience modernization and forward-looking AI enablement, while preserving mission-critical
continuity for one of the nation’s largest public higher education systems.
How Texas Ditched Paper Tags Without Losing Its Wheels
Wendy Barron serves as Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), where she is focused on modernizing and improving motor vehicle services across Texas. With more than 20 years of experience in Texas government,
Wendy is a respected technology leader with deep expertise in public-sector IT.
Prior to becoming CIO, she served as Deputy CIO at TxDMV and held technology leadership roles at the State Office of Administrative Hearings and the Texas Water Development Board. Her career spans positions including
data analyst, systems analyst, and project manager, providing her with a strong foundation in both technology and public service.
Wendy holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Public Administration from Texas State University.
Outside of work, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband and their elementary-aged son. She helps manage her family’s cattle ranch in the Texas Hill Country and values time spent outdoors.
Through strategic partnerships and steady leadership, Wendy continues driving meaningful improvements at TxDMV.
Jeffrey Armstrong has been with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) for six years and currently serves as the IT Application Services Director. During his tenure, he has held multiple leadership roles within the agency. He began his career
at TxDMV in Application Services, where he served as a manager and provided key leadership for production support of the agency’s critical applications.
In his current role, Jeff oversees Applications, IT Transformation, Quality Assurance, and Development teams. He also served as the IT lead for the agency’s recent HB 718 metal plate bill on behalf of the IT Services
Division. Jeff brings more than 32 years of state service experience and has held several leadership positions across multiple state agencies throughout his career.
Abstract
House Bill 718 gave TxDMV a clear mandate: eliminate temporary paper license plates and the fraud that came with them. The challenge was doing it statewide, on time, and without bringing vehicle sales to a screeching halt.
This session highlights how TxDMV modernized webDEALER, launched ePLATE, built new inventory and distribution capabilities, and moved approximately 17,000 dealers and 254 county tax offices into a secure digital process.
Along the way, the team trained more than 20,000 users, supported dealers during launch weekend, and helped ship more than 1 million plates, because apparently, digital transformation now includes warehouse logistics.
On July 1, 2025, Texas issued approximately 67,000 metal plates on day one with no significant disruptions. The result: less fraud, stronger public safety, better law enforcement visibility, and a whole lot fewer paper
problems.
Accessibility Triage: How to Tame Your Compliance Backlog
Dawn Watkins is the Assistant Director of the Digital Accessibility programs for three research agencies within the Texas A&M System (TEES, TEEX, and TTI). She supports facility, staff, researchers, and contractors. She has evolved her skills in digital
accessibility compliance over 20 years. During that time, Dawn progressed from a web administrator to a digital accessibility consultant, advisor, tester, and trainer to govern the digital accessibility program. She measures
and evolves the program maturity against seven dimensions: Governance, Procurement, Communications, Development, Quality Assurance/Testing, Training, and Culture. Dawn works with key stakeholders from across the System to modify
procedures and policies to help reach accessibility compliance.
Dawn gained credentials as a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) in 2018. She became a certified Project Manager and Trusted Tester in 2023. Currently, she continues to evolve her knowledge
of digital accessibility through emerging technologies, like AI, to grow compliance at scale.
Abstract
Digital accessibility isn't a "one and done" checklist—it’s a moving target. As you work to evolve to WCAG 2.1, the sheer volume of "must-fixes" can lead to organizational paralysis. You can’t fix everything at once, and frankly, you shouldn't try to. This session breaks down the art of accessibility triage. We will move beyond the "fix everything labeled 'Critical'" mindset and explore a multidimensional framework for prioritization. We’ll discuss how to balance user impact (the human element) with legal risk (the compliance element) and technical feasibility (the reality element). Participants will learn how to build a roadmap that satisfies auditors without burning out development teams.
From Paper to Platform: How Harris County's Award-Winning Solution Transformed Government Services
Keith Nelson is Senior Industry Strategist for Global Public Sector at OpenText, with more than 20 years of experience in public sector high-tech, management consulting, and government service. His prior roles in government include Assistant Secretary for Administration, Chief Financial Officer, and Deputy Chief Information Officer at multiple U.S. Federal Cabinet Agencies, as well as serving in the Texas Governor’s Office. Keith has been closely involved in the Harris County Universal Services engagement and brings firsthand knowledge of how the OpenText platform was deployed, scaled, and recognized with national awards.
Girish Ramachandran (GR) is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Universal Service at Harris County, TX. Responsible for leading and managing the Information Technology divisions of Enterprise Application, Enterprise IT Infrastructure, Cyber Security
Program and ERP services. With over 25 years of IT Executive experience in both public and private sector he has led multiple strategic initiatives, overseen digital transformation, optimized technology operations, process
improvements, advanced cloud adoption, built effective teams and delivered change successfully for organizations across Industries including Telecom, Banking, Hospitality, Aerospace, Defense, State & Local Government.
Former CTO for the City of Dallas, Texas and Strategy & Delivery lead at global organizations like Accenture, Wipro, DXC helping public/private sector clients to significantly improve operational efficiency and implement
technology modernization programs. A Member of the Smart Cities Connect Advisory Committee (SCC), a contributor to the Dallas Innovation Alliance (DIA) and a governing body member of the Dallas Chief Data Officer (CDO) community.
Abstract
Harris County — the most populous County in Texas and the third-largest in the United States — faced a records management crisis that was hiding in plain sight. With 4.7 million residents served by 80+ departments, the County relied on paper archives,
physical warehouses, and disconnected digital silos. When Hurricane Harvey struck in 2017, flooding made critical records inaccessible and exposed the full risk of the paper-dependent model.
After thoroughly examining their options, Harris County selected a centralized enterprise content management platform that replaced paper workflows with secure, searchable digital records. Harris County Universal Services
(HCUS) began with a single transformative use case — the Court Letter Approval and Routing (CLEAR) solution — which digitized the Commissioner's Court budget request process. The results were immediate: what once required routing
physical documents from desk to desk was replaced by trackable digital workflows that ensured on-time submissions.
From there, adoption cascaded. Eight additional departments onboarded to CLEAR. The property tax division integrated the enterprise content management platform with its LawBase matter management system, enabling attorneys
to retrieve litigation documents with a single click. Correctional officers in four county jails saw records filing labor cut by 50% through intelligent document capture and OCR. And the Audit Invoice Review (AIR) solution
eliminated invoice backlogs in its first weeks of operation.
That invoice automation project, known as the Auto Invoicing Project (AIP), became the centerpiece of Harris County's national recognition: a 2026 IDC Smart Cities North America Award for innovation in public administration.
The same body of work also earned a CIO 100 Award, placing Harris County alongside the 100 most innovative IT organizations in the United States.
In this session, we will walk attendees through:
- The business problem and the case for centralized ECM
- The phased deployment strategy and partner model
- Specific workflow automations and their quantified outcomes
- The award-winning Auto Invoicing Project in depth
- Lessons for other Texas public sector agencies considering similar modernization
This is a peer-to-peer success story told by the people who built it — practical, repeatable, and directly applicable to agencies across Texas.
Creating Budget Reports for PeopleSoft using Oracle Analytics Server
Jamie Selander works for the University of Texas System Shared Information Services group. Jamie has 4 years of experience with Oracle Analytics Server, from extraction to presentation reporting, including ODI, RPD/Semantic modeler, and presentation layer.
Sailaja Akkaraju has over 15 years of experience working with technologies such as Siebel, OBIEE, OAS, ODI, OBIA, Data Visualization, and Semantic Models, I have developed a deep expertise in these areas. For the past 5 years, I have been collaborating with the UT system, contributing to various projects for UTSA, UTRGV, including Finance, HR, and Procurement implementations and upgrades.
Abstract
The Shared Information Services (SIS) group of the University of Texas System provides centralized PeopleSoft ERP and analytic services to seven academic institutions. Analytics and reporting remain a pain point for universities without staffing to build
and generate dashboards and reports. This project aimed to provide analytical reporting to universities without a data warehouse implementation. Using Oracle Analytics Server (OAS), connections were made to a current copy (Active
Data Guard) of the PeopleSoft database for near real-time reporting without impacting Production performance.
From a user perspective, the reporting solution was designed to be highly accessible and secure. Non-technical users can easily navigate reports through intuitive features such as live data access, filters, and organized
dashboards. Reports are customizable with drill-down capabilities. Row-level security ensures that users see only data relevant to their PeopleSoft access level, thereby maintaining compliance with institutional data governance
standards. The first set of reports requested by the universities was the Budget and Fund Overview, Employee and Position Roster, Project Statement, Sponsored Projects, and Cost Center Deficit.
The presenters will discuss, at a high level, the technology behind the reports, the challenges encountered during development, and a demo of the completed reports.
Modernizing Statewide Data Sharing Through Direct HR and Financial Data Access
Emily Faber is the Information Management and Analytics Supervisor for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Information Technology Division, overseeing the GIS, Analytics, and Data Warehouse team. She has served in local and state government since 2016 and joined the Comptroller’s office in 2020. Emily holds a Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in developing and managing innovative GIS-based solutions that support critical public-sector operations, such as the Geographic Information System Software Solution project in 2023. Her leadership and technical expertise have earned her notable recognition, including the Rising Star Award from the Texas Association of State Systems for Computing and Communications and, most recently, an Esri Special Achievement in GIS Award.
Chelsa Vinklarek is the Assistant Director for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Fiscal Management Division, overseeing product strategy decisions, as well as user experience and the long-term roadmap of the ERP systems. She also serves as the CAPPS HR/Payroll and Financials User Group Chair and is a member of the Oracle PeopleSoft Customer Advisory Board for their Human Capital Management system. Chelsa has worked for the State since 2008, serving in a number of capacities, including the original project team that took CAPPS live for HR/Payroll in 2012. Chelsa participates in several division level focus groups to help drive strategy and roadmap decisions for both the legacy and ERP systems at the Comptroller’s office. Chelsa holds her CTCM and ITIL certifications and is a 2022 Texas Fiscal Officers’ Academy graduate.
Abstract
As state agencies increasingly rely on timely, accurate information to drive policy, budgeting, workforce management, and service delivery, access to high-quality enterprise data has become essential. This session explores why direct, secure access to
a statewide agency’s HR and financial datasets offers transformative value for other state entities. By enabling near-real-time reporting, agencies can replace static end-of-month snapshots with continuous insights that support
agile, data-driven decision-making. Direct data access also unlocks opportunities for process automation, reducing manual workloads, improving data consistency, and accelerating operational workflows across agency boundaries.
The presentation will walk attendees through the full technical journey—from early data sharing concepts to the final production architecture. We will cover the integration patterns, governance structures, security considerations,
and modernization strategies that enabled the solution to be scalable and sustainable. Real examples will highlight how consuming agencies can leverage their data to streamline financial reconciliation, forecast workforce trends,
enhance compliance monitoring, and create self-service analytics.
Participants will leave with a clear understanding of the “why,” a practical view of the technical “how,” and a realistic picture of the outcomes they can expect when implementing a similar approach within their own
agency environments.
Leading, Laughing, and Logging In: Women CIOs in Government Tech
Jamie McClanahan has served in senior Information Technology leadership roles at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for more than a decade, including IT Manager, Interim IT Division Director, and Chief Information Officer.
Jamie began her career at TPWD as an Accountant and advanced through leadership roles in the Financial branch. During that time, she earned an MBA in Management Information Systems and transitioned into Information Technology
as a Systems Analyst, continuing to progress into senior IT leadership. Throughout her career, she has worked strategically across TPWD divisions to improve business operations and service delivery for both internal and external
customers.
Her responsibilities have included oversight of agency technology services and systems, technology strategy, IT governance, portfolio management, vendor and contract oversight, and project delivery. She has led complex
development and vendor projects, managed the IT Project Management Office, supported information security operations, and guided agency compliance with IT policies.
Outside of work, Jamie embraces the TPWD mission alongside her family, enjoying hunting, hiking, camping, and fishing while working to preserve Texas’s natural resources for future generations.
Wendy Barron serves as Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), where she is focused on modernizing and improving motor vehicle services across Texas. With more than 20 years of experience in Texas government,
Wendy is a respected technology leader with deep expertise in public-sector IT.
Prior to becoming CIO, she served as Deputy CIO at TxDMV and held technology leadership roles at the State Office of Administrative Hearings and the Texas Water Development Board. Her career spans positions including
data analyst, systems analyst, and project manager, providing her with a strong foundation in both technology and public service.
Wendy holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Public Administration from Texas State University.
Outside of work, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband and their elementary-aged son. She helps manage her family’s cattle ranch in the Texas Hill Country and values time spent outdoors.
Through strategic partnerships and steady leadership, Wendy continues driving meaningful improvements at TxDMV.
Anh Selissen serves as Chief Information Officer at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), a role she has held since September 2019. She is honored to support the mission of this critical agency and to be part of the TxDOT family. As CIO, Anh
serves as a principal technology advisor to TxDOT’s Executive Director and senior leadership team, leading efforts to modernize the agency’s technology portfolio in support of TxDOT’s mission, To Connect You with Texas.
Anh has led information technology organizations in both the public and private sectors. Her previous roles include Chief Information Officer at NuStats Inc., Director of Enterprise Systems at The University of Texas
at Austin, and Deputy CIO at the Texas Comptroller’s Office. She is actively involved in professional organizations and currently serves as President of TASSCC and IT Chair of the State Agency Coordinating Council.
Throughout her career, Anh has focused on delivering customer-centered IT services and strengthening partnerships across organizations to better serve end users.
Abstract
As women continue to lead and influence the future of Texas public sector technology, the CIO role has never been more dynamic, strategic, or collaborative. This moderated discussion brings together several female CIOs for an honest and engaging conversation about leadership journeys, top priorities, and what it takes to keep technology, people, and progress moving in the same direction, sometimes all before lunch. Panelists will share practical examples of how they are driving innovation, strengthening operations, building strong teams, and partnering across agencies and stakeholder groups to deliver results. The conversation will also highlight the power of connection among women CIOs and how collaboration, support, and shared perspective make leadership stronger, smarter, and more effective. Attendees will leave with practical takeaways, candid insights, and inspiration from women leading at the highest levels of Texas government technology, with a reminder that even in government IT, a little humor can go a long way.
Beyond Technical Excellence: The Human Side of IT Leadership in Texas Public Sector
Prasanth Manukonda serves as the Chief Information Officer at the Texas Facilities Commission (TFC), a role he has held since 2022. His extensive career includes leadership positions across government, academia, healthcare, research, and construction.
At TFC, Prasanth oversees strategic planning, governance, project portfolio management, and the modernization of technology for all state facilities planning, asset management, design, construction, operation, maintenance and
leasing. His efforts ensure that TFC remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
Under Prasanth's leadership, TFC envisions bringing the highest quality and most reliable technology to its agency with innovation, leadership, and collaboration. His hard work and determination have been instrumental
in positioning TFC as a technology leader, driving efficiency and resiliency.
Prasanth holds Master’s degrees in Management Information Systems and Human Resource Management. He is a committed advocate for collaboration and continuous improvement, serving on the Advisory Committee on Clinical
and Translational Science, the Board of the Texas Association for Strategic Solutions and Collaboration in Computing (TASSCC), and The Dell SLG Advisory Board.
Kat Rector is a Strategic Alliances Manager based in Austin, Texas, known for helping organizations navigate complex, fast-changing technology environments. Her work focuses on cross-organization leader alignment, business value roadmaps, and building partner ecosystems that help technology leaders drive outcomes. She works closely with public sector CIOs, CTOs, and agency leaders across Texas, supporting efforts shaped by legislative pressures, oversight requirements, legacy systems, and rising expectations in an AI-driven landscape. Kat brings a practical, real-world perspective on leading through constraints, aligning stakeholders, and delivering impact."
George Rios is a distinguished technology leader and Facilitator for the Society for Information Management (SIM) Leadership Institute, where he focuses on cultivating the next generation of IT executives. With more than three decades of experience, including
18 years as the Chief Information Officer for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, George is a trusted advisor to technology and business leaders. By aligning people with technology, he helps organizations cultivate the
next generation of leadership, manage complex operational priorities, and sustain high-performing cultures. George now centers his professional mission on mentorship, servant-leadership, and executive coaching.
In addition to his national work, George serves as the President-Elect of the Austin SIM Chapter, keeping him actively engaged with CIOs and technology leaders across all sectors and helping guide IT professionals to
grow into confident and effective leaders. He has also contributed to numerous civic and advisory boards.
A recognized leader in his field, George is a frequent speaker at technology industry. conferences and events, where he shares insights on leadership and the technology landscape. He has been honored as the Texas Public
Sector CIO of the Year and has received the TASSCC President’s Award for IT Excellence. He brings a wealth of practical wisdom to organizations looking to bridge the gap between human potential and technological advancement.
George is an alumnus of Texas State University and a graduate of the LBJ School’s Governor’s Executive Development Program. George enjoys traveling with his wife, Melanie, and spending quality time with his family. He also
finds joy in outdoor activities, traveling, learning, helping others, and cultivating his faith.
Abstract
In today’s public sector IT environment, technical excellence alone is no longer enough to drive success. As AI accelerates delivery and systems grow increasingly complex, the real differentiator and the biggest leadership gap is now profoundly human.
Texas state agencies operate in a uniquely challenging landscape: shifting legislative priorities, LBB and DIR oversight, biennial budget cycles, competing stakeholder demands, aging systems, and rising expectations from both
leadership and the public. At the same time, our teams look to us for clarity, stability, and direction amid constant change.
This session moves beyond high-level strategy to examine what effective leadership actually looks like in these conditions. It addresses the daily realities faced by Texas agency IT leaders building strong team culture
in resource constrained environments, managing the emotional weight of leadership, and consistently delivering meaningful outcomes even without full formal authority or complete control over variables. Drawing on direct experience
in public-sector IT leadership and navigating a multi stakeholder landscape, this presentation offers a practical, candid perspective on how to lead effectively when conditions are far from ideal. Attendees will gain actionable
insights into the skills that matter most today and how to apply them immediately within their agencies.
Digital Accessibility: What Leaders Need To Know
Laura Hopkins is the Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) Accessibility Coordinator and EIR Compliance Lead at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she has led digital accessibility initiatives since late 2018.
Her work includes establishing accessibility governance for enterprise systems, digital content, and technology procurement; partnering with vendors to address accessibility requirements; and integrating accessibility
into agency‑wide processes by working to integrate workflows used by Information Security and Enterprise Architecture.
She also develops enterprise training programs that support institutional readiness through risk‑based decision‑making, defensible exception processes, and long‑term compliance sustainability.
Laura holds a Master of Science in Information and Technology Management (MS ITM) and is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) through the International Association of Accessibility Professionals
(IAAP). She is also a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and holds State of Texas procurement certifications (CTCD and CTCM).
She has presented on digital accessibility, compliance, and governance at events hosted by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR), EDUCAUSE, the Texas Digital Learning Association (TxDLA), the National Association
of Educational Procurement (NAEP) – TOAL (Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama), TV‑AiD Ignite (Tennessee Valley Accessibility in Design), and the Transforming the Teaching & Learning Environment (TTLE) conference. Her work emphasizes
leadership engagement and practical approaches to institutional accessibility readiness.
Abstract
Digital accessibility is increasingly recognized as a civil rights obligation, yet many institutional leaders lack a clear, shared understanding of what accessibility means in practice, where legal requirements originate, and how risk is managed at the
executive level. Technical standards, acronyms, and compliance processes often create barriers to meaningful leadership engagement, even as enforcement expectations continue to increase.
This presentation provides a plain‑language, leadership‑focused introduction to digital accessibility for higher education administrators, CIOs, and business leaders. The session demystifies core terminology and commonly
used acronyms—such as WCAG, VPAT, and ACR—without requiring technical expertise. Attendees will gain clarity on the legal foundations of digital accessibility, including how federal requirements apply to digital content, software,
and electronic communications.
The presentation also explains what types of digital resources are typically in scope, what may be exempt, and how formal exception processes—such as Fundamental Alteration determinations—are used to manage accessibility
risk responsibly. Rather than framing accessibility as an all‑or‑nothing technical challenge, the session emphasizes governance, documentation, prioritization, and informed decision‑making.
Finally, the presentation addresses the operational and financial risks associated with undocumented non‑compliance, highlighting how proactive accessibility governance preserves institutional flexibility, reduces disruption,
and supports sustainable compliance.
This session is designed to equip leaders with the vocabulary, context, and decision‑level understanding needed to support effective digital accessibility programs—without positioning them as technical implementers.
Modernizing Public Sector Contact Centers: How Texas DLD Transformed Citizen Services
John Kelley is a seasoned technology professional whose career spans roles across the manufacturing, oil and gas, healthcare, and government sectors. He currently serves as the Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Texas Department of Public Safety,
where he supports the agency’s technology strategy and ongoing modernization efforts.
Before joining DPS, John held several technology leadership positions at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. His responsibilities there included oversight of key statewide infrastructure services and leadership
of teams supporting enterprise collaboration platforms, state hospitals and state living centers, and contact center technologies.
Earlier in his career, John contributed to major technology initiatives at Baylor Scott & White Health and ExxonMobil, gaining valuable experience in project management, architecture, and operational support that helped
build his broad technical foundation. Known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to mission‑driven innovation, John works to implement secure, reliable, and customer‑focused technology solutions.
Andrew Molacek is a CX Specialist focused on transforming public sector customers. Andrew brings 12+ years of experience guiding large governmental and enterprise customers through the modernization journey in their pursuit of improved citizen, student and customer experience.
Prasath Ramachandran is an experienced technology and product development leader with a strong background in software engineering, product strategy, and enterprise solutions. He has worked across global teams, driving innovation and delivering complex applications at scale
Abstract
How do you modernize a high-demand government contact center and improve service at scale? In this session, AWS, Deloitte, and the State of Texas DPS will share how the Texas Driver License Division transformed an overloaded, fragmented environment into a unified cloud contact center built on Amazon Connect and Salesforce CRM. Learn how the team replaced aging telephony and disconnected legacy applications to simplify operations, improve efficiency, and enhance experiences for citizens and employees. Join us to uncover practical insights for modernizing public sector contact centers with measurable impact.
Big Data, Bigger Decisions: How Dallas County Used Analytics to Translate Fiscal Pressure into Actionable IT-Informed Strategy
Darryl Martin serves as County Administrator for Dallas County, one of the largest county governments in the United States with a workforce of approximately 7,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $1 billion. He oversees day-to-day county operations, execution of Commissioners Court directives, and the county's long-term organizational and fiscal strategy. Martin recently led Dallas County through a comprehensive organizational reform effort, commissioning an assessment of the county's structure, third-party spend, and performance management practices, and translating those findings into a formal county-wide directive establishing FY27 fiscal and organizational priorities.
Chris Newport is a Principal Director in Accenture's Public Service practice, advising state and local government clients on organizational strategy, operational performance, and public sector transformation. Prior to rejoining Accenture, he served as Chief of Staff / Chief Administrative Officer for Houston Mayor John Whitmire. He also served as Chief of Staff for Mayor Annise Parker. Newport holds an MBA in Strategic Management from Rice University's Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management and BA in Economics from Trinity University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Harris County Houston Sports Authority, as Co-Chair of the Fleet Week Houston Steering Committee, and as ex officio Board Member of the City of Houston ETHAN Local Government Corporation.
Abstract
Across the Texas government, the same structural challenge keeps surfacing: leaders are asked to make high-stakes technology, fiscal, and organizational decisions against fragmented data, accumulated organizational complexity, and procurement practices
that have outgrown their original design. Dallas County's recent experience is a case study in how to break that pattern.
This session tells the story of how Dallas County's County Administrator, in partnership with Accenture's Public Service practice, conducted a comprehensive organizational assessment spanning structure, spend, and performance
management, and how those findings were translated into formal leadership directives shaping the county's FY27 priorities.
Dallas County started with a challenge familiar to any large public-sector organization: the data needed to make sound decisions didn't exist in usable form. The team invested in remediating the county's position hierarchy,
recategorizing $242 million in third-party spend, and structuring financial data before any recommendations could be made. That data foundation work is not a Dallas County-specific problem; it is a prerequisite that most public-sector
organizations recognize.
Dallas County, like public institutions across Texas, is navigating a materially changed fiscal environment. Federal funding flows that once supported core operations have grown uncertain, and the Legislature's imposition
of property tax revenue growth caps under House Bill 2 has fundamentally altered the range of options available to County leadership. Faced with structural constraints rather than a cyclical budget challenge, County Administrator
Martin saw an opportunity to reframe the question: not how to cut, but how to understand the organization with fresh eyes to make better decisions about where it was headed. That reframing required partnership with his governing
body and a shared commitment to act on what the analysis revealed.
TASSCC Attendees will hear directly from the County Administrator on the leadership decisions required to move from analysis to action, with input from Accenture on the frameworks and data methods applicable across state
and local government
Designing PMOs for Value Creation: Leadership, Governance, and Strategic Decision-Making
Greg Gomel is a quality‑driven project management leader within the University of Texas System, known for advancing organizational excellence, disciplined execution, and repeatable project success. He holds multiple industry‑recognized credentials, including
PMI Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI Portfolio/Program Management Office Certified Practitioner (PMO‑CP), and PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI‑ACP), demonstrating breadth across predictive, hybrid, and agile
delivery. Complementing his project management depth, Greg also maintains two premier ASQ credentials: Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) and Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE), underscoring
his commitment to rigorous quality assurance, process improvement, and data‑driven decision‑making.
Across Shared Information Services, Greg elevates project governance through strong risk management, quality controls, testing frameworks, and consistent communication standards. He has shaped PMO practices, authored
process documentation, mentored teams, and strengthened workforce development through structured onboarding and professional‑growth initiatives. His leadership emphasizes clarity, accountability, and high‑performing team culture
across all initiatives.
Abstract
As organizations place increasing emphasis on measurable outcomes, PMOs are being challenged to move beyond delivery metrics and demonstrate sustained value creation. Anchored in principles championed by the PMI PMO Global Alliance (PMOGA), this session
reframes the PMO as a strategic value enabler—one that connects decision-making, governance, and execution to institutional strategy and realized benefits. Drawing from practical experience supporting a complex, multi‑campus
higher education system, the presentation examines how unclear decision authority and fragmented governance dilute value, even when projects are delivered on time.
Attendees will explore how intentional design of decision frameworks, authority models, and governance pathways enables PMOs to optimize value flow across portfolios rather than simply manage outputs. The session highlights
leadership practices that align investments to strategic objectives, prioritize initiatives based on expected benefits, and reinforce accountability for value realization throughout the lifecycle—not just at project close.
Lightweight, scalable artifacts are introduced to help PMOs operationalize these concepts without adding administrative overhead.
Designed for executives, PMO leaders, and strategy practitioners, this presentation emphasizes how leadership-driven governance and decision clarity directly influence organizational value. Participants will leave with
a practical approach to repositioning the PMO as a catalyst for strategy execution and enterprise value delivery.
Storytelling to Dollars: Championing the Business Value of IT in the 90th Legislative Session
Mark Kenneth partners with CxOs across Texas, Arizona and California as a mentor, coach, guide and challenger to help solve their biggest challenges. Prior CIO in Texas County Government and over 20 years of Texas local government experience managing consulting firms and projects across all departments. Led consulting firms and programs across multiple continents, Senior Manager in a Big 8 consulting firm and a qualified Chartered Accountant from Scotland.
Bill Zielinski partners with CIOs and other technology executives in State & Local government and Higher Education across multiple states as a mentor, coach, guide and adviser to help solve their challenges and explore their opportunities. He was previously the CIO in Texas municipal government and 30 years of Federal government experience as a technology executive leading technology, procurement and business operations.
Diana Woronuk supports local government clients in the Austin-Travis County Metroplex and Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. She has 20 years of government technology experience providing hands-on support and strategic consulting to IT and business executives related to digital growth and transformation, sourcing and spend optimization, and application modernization. She has deep expertise in regulatory and public safety and justice (PSJ) industries, specializing in IT strategy, procurement and deal advisory, operating model and governance, program and quality assurance, and value realization.
Abstract
As agencies prepare for the 90th Legislative Session, IT leaders face mounting pressure to justify technology investments and articulate their impact in terms that resonate with lawmakers. Despite the critical role IT plays in driving efficiency, innovation,
and public service outcomes, communicating its business value to non-technical audiences remains a persistent challenge.
This session, “Storytelling to Dollars: Championing the Business Value of IT in the 90th Legislative Session”, will equip CIOs and agency executives with practical tools and proven approaches to bridge this gap. Drawing
on research and experience, we will explore best practices for translating IT initiatives into compelling narratives that align with legislative priorities. Attendees will discover strategies for defending IT spend, leveraging
data-driven insights, and using storytelling to position their agencies as essential partners in achieving legislative goals. Join us to gain actionable tips and frameworks that will prepare your team to confidently advocate
for IT investments and drive agency success in the upcoming session.
Building an End-to-End Identity Security Program for the Texas Public Sector
James is an executive with over 30 years of experience in aviation and cyberspace operations and risk management in these areas. As the first leader of CyberArk’s US Public Sector Technology Office, James advises public sector customers on the latest
threat landscape and how the CyberArk technology platform aligns with their mission requirements.
James brings to CyberArk a valuable “customer first” perspective from his experience as the Navy staff’s CIO, CISO for Guidehouse, and Deputy CIO for the F-35 Joint Program Office. He is excited to contribute to CyberArk’s
mission’s success as it aligns with his passion for defending our nation against advanced cyber threats.
Abstract
The evolution of Texas Public Sector environments, coupled with the ever-evolving modern identity threat, requires a new approach to secure your mission. The threat landscape looks dramatically different today, and the majority of security leaders feel
they are not completely prepared for the identity-related risks they foresee.
Not only is discovering, managing, and governing the identities across your complex hybrid and cloud environments a massive operational undertaking, but also presents a critical security threat. These threats, from AI-fueled
ransomware to complex software supply chain attacks, are constantly growing in sophistication.
Join our session for insights on building a wholistic identity security strategy for your organization across 4 key areas:
- Policy/framework/program
- Solution design & architecture
- Technology capability to execute
- Stakeholder engagement and education
DIR Innovation Lab "Pop-Up"
Dave is the Director of Strategic Digital Services in the Chief Technology Office of the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR.) Strategic Digital Services assists agencies in adopting digital technology, transforming manual processes with digital processes, and replacing legacy technology with modern technology. Dave has managed or supported state government programs for 25 years as a project manager, vendor manager, business analyst and grant manager.
Kieva Moore is a native Texan with extensive experience in finance, procurement, training, and education. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, Kieva holds dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and criminal justice, as well as a Master
of Public Administration. She has also earned certifications as a Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) and Texas Contract Manager (CTCM).
Kieva has served the State of Texas for a decade and currently represents the Department of Information Resources (DIR) as the Manager of the Innovation Lab. Her prior state service includes roles at the Department of
Public Safety and the Comptroller of Public Accounts. She is actively involved in the Artificial Intelligence User Group, the Texas Association of Public Purchasers, the Texas Charter School Association, and Tapestry Ministries,
where she contributes efforts to support underprivileged children.
In her current role, Kieva is dedicated to helping Texas state agencies identify and implement innovative IT solutions that advance their missions to better serve Texans. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys
traveling, designing jewelry, reading, and spending quality time with family.
Abstract
DIR’s Strategic Digital Services (SDS) team proposes a “Pop-Up Innovation Lab” to provide conference attendees with hands-on exposure to emerging technologies and practical applications of artificial intelligence in the public sector.
This interactive lab will showcase real-world use cases across key domains, including:
- Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) for automating forms and records management
- AI-assisted Hiring and Recruiting tools
- Generative AI for image and video creation
- Legislative and policy analysis using AI
- Additional emerging technology demonstrations relevant to state operations
The lab will be designed as an open, drop-in experience where participants can engage at their own pace, explore demonstrations, and interact directly with SDS staff. Agency-provided proctors will guide attendees through each station, answer questions,
and provide context on how these capabilities can be applied within government environments.
DIR does not promote or endorse any specific vendor, tool, or service. These lab experiences are designed to expose attendees to the state of the art of emerging technology in the public sector.
Logistics & Requirements:
- One breakout room to accommodate five (5) demonstration stations (PC-based)
- Open access during conference hours for attendee flow in and out for half a day
- SDS will provide all staffing, including knowledgeable proctors, to facilitate the experience
This Pop-Up Innovation Lab will create a dynamic, experiential environment that complements conference sessions by allowing attendees to see, test, and better understand how emerging technologies can be operationalized within their organizations.
Solution Showcase Speakers
The Art of Tokenomics: Rethinking how we evaluate and govern AI Investments
Rob Cohan leads Accenture’s Americas Public Service Industry and Enterprise Reinvention Services organizations, overseeing strategy, consulting, innovation, and professional services for health and public sector clients. He also serves as the global team captain for Accenture’s Public Service AI Strategy and is a member of the Executive Committee for the firm’s U.S. Health and Public Service business. With more than 30 years of experience, Rob advises government leaders on AI-driven transformation, operational excellence, workforce modernization, and large-scale reinvention initiatives that improve outcomes for citizens and communities. His work focuses on helping organizations navigate complex policy, financial, and technology challenges while delivering measurable impact.
Andy Lindsey is a Managing Director in Accenture’s Public Sector practice, bringing more than 25 years of experience serving state, local government, education, and nonprofit organizations. Throughout his career, he has helped public service organizations address complex challenges by combining deep industry knowledge, innovative technology solutions, and strong ecosystem partnerships. Andy is passionate about developing future leaders and has established programs that recruit, mentor, and cultivate top talent across Accenture. Having spent his career focused on public service, he is driven by the belief that technology and innovation can help governments deliver meaningful outcomes that improve the lives of citizens.
Brian Stevenson is a technology executive with more than 20 years of experience leading large-scale transformation initiatives spanning cloud modernization, IT operations, service delivery, business operations, and strategic growth. He brings a unique combination of technical expertise and business leadership, helping organizations improve performance, reduce costs, and create sustainable value through technology. Brian has a proven track record of building high-performing teams, developing new growth opportunities, and delivering complex programs within challenging budget and timeline constraints. His focus is on helping organizations turn technology investments into measurable business results.
Abstract
Every organization has an AI Pilot. Few can explain what it will cost at scale, how value will be measured, or why the bill keeps growing even as unit prices fall. Traditional ROI frameworks were built for a different era and undercount both sides of the AI equation - hidden costs that scale with adoption and intangible value that defines success. This session introduces two disciplines: Return on Value (ROV) for evaluating AI Investments and Tokenomics for governing AI economics once operational. Both point at the same board level metric - the TCO ratio. Through an interactive demonstration, participants will leave with a framework for building strong AI business cases, capturing intangible value, governing consumption without stalling capability, and managing AI investments from pilot to enterprise scale.
Frontier AI Readiness / AI Detection and Response
Tom Mrozovich is a Senior Sales Engineer at CrowdStrike, specializing in endpoint security, threat detection, and incident response. A former Chinese Cryptologic Linguist for the U.S. Air Force and NSA, Tom brings unique intelligence community experience to his work partnering with enterprises across industries to translate complex cybersecurity challenges into practical, business-focused solutions. He is passionate about sharing real-world insights through engaging presentations that combine technical depth with actionable takeaways, helping both technical practitioners and executive leaders make informed security decisions and build cyber resilience.
Abstract
As organizations accelerate their adoption of generative AI (GenAI) and build in-house AI agents, a new and largely unprotected attack surface is emerging. From prompt injection and model manipulation to data leakage and policy violations, traditional
security approaches aren’t equipped to stop AI-native threats.
Explore how to:
Unify AI visibility by discovering shadow AI across endpoints, applications, and AI gateways, capturing every prompt and mapping relationships between users, models, and agents in real time
Detect and stop prompt injection attacks, including jailbreaks, indirect prompt injection, and model manipulation, informed by CrowdStrike’s industry-leading taxonomy of 180+ adversarial techniques
Enforce AI governance and stop AI data leaks at scale with runtime data classification, runtime data protection, and attribute-based AI access policies that apply granular controls across users, models, and use cases
without disrupting innovation
USAS to CAPPS STARR: A Live Look at Texas' Next Generation Financial Management Platform
George Schwartztrauber is a public sector technology executive with 33 years of IT experience and deep expertise in ERP modernization, program governance, and strategic account leadership. As Vice President in CGI’s Texas State and Local Government Practice, he provides executive oversight across CGI’s Advantage ERP customers, including state and local government initiatives across Texas, bringing disciplined governance, collaborative leadership, and alignment of technology programs with client business goals. George has worked with eight states on ERP modernization initiatives, including the State of Texas.
Sean Lowry is a Director with CGI with more than 20 years of experience in IT and consulting, specializing in ERP implementation, business process improvement, organizational change management, and client delivery leadership. He is an advanced subject matter expert in CGI Advantage Financial and has supported dozens of CGI Advantage ERP implementation and upgrade projects across state, local government, and education clients. His background also includes training strategy and delivery, sales support, product demonstrations, service delivery operations, and development of repeatable methodologies that improve efficiency and customer outcomes. Sean brings deep ERP domain knowledge and a strong record of helping clients modernize systems, improve adoption, and achieve business transformation goals.
Abstract
The State of Texas is embarking on a major modernization initiative through CAPPS STARR (State of Texas Accounting and Reporting Resource), which will replace the Uniform Statewide Accounting System (USAS), Texas Identification
Number System (TINS), and State Property Accounting (SPA) with a unified, cloud-based CGI Advantage SaaS solution.
In this interactive solution showcase, representatives from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and CGI will demonstrate how CAPPS STARR transforms the user experience and streamlines financial operations compared
to today's legacy systems. Through a side-by-side comparison of current-state and future-state processes, attendees will see how modern capabilities can improve efficiency, accessibility, and decision-making across state government.
Demonstration topics will include:
- Real-time analytics and reporting using modern dashboards and business intelligence tools compared to traditional static reports
- Flexible search capabilities that make locating records faster and more intuitive
- Embedded guidance and contextual help that reduce reliance on external documentation
- Real-time transaction processing and workflow visibility compared to overnight batch processing
- Real-time budget inquiry
Attendees will gain firsthand insight into how CAPPS STARR is modernizing statewide financial management, improving the experience for agency users, and positioning Texas for the future of government operations.
Beyond Uptime: AI-Driven Observability for Texas State Government Platforms
Safia is a Field CTO at Dynatrace and personally passionate about all things Technology. She is an AI Advocate for productivity and quality of life improvements.
Abstract
Join this session for a live demo of Meridian City, a fictional smart city operations platform that mirrors the kind of digital infrastructure Texas state agencies are building and managing today. The demo showcases how Dynatrace provides end-to-end visibility across a real-world-style environment where citizens submit service requests, AI-powered chatbots handle inquiries, and IoT sensors monitor connected vehicles, smart buildings, and city infrastructure - all running across a dozen microservices. You'll see how AI-driven root cause analysis can automatically detect and explain failures before they impact citizens, how AI/LLM usage can be monitored for performance and cost, and how business process analytics can reveal where digital services succeed or break down. If your agency is modernizing applications, adopting cloud infrastructure, or exploring AI-powered services, this session will show you what full observability looks like in practice and why it matters for delivering reliable, efficient services to Texans.
Your AI Is Already in Production. Who's Watching It?
Abstract
State agencies are running AI they can't fully see, can't fully cost, and can't continuously prove is compliant. This session introduces AI Watchtower - a customizable governance layer for public-sector AI. Govern your applications' quality, security, risk, and cost in one place. The embedded TokenLens accelerator provides a cost-and-usage lens that ties every token to a team, workflow, and dollar. Real shipped capabilities, honest talk about the gaps, and a practical blueprint for governing the AI you already have.
Speed Dating with Agents: Meet Your Next Digital Coworkers
Thomas supports Texas state agencies with technology and service evolution, focusing on AI enablement and cloud adoption. He delivers deep, hands-on technical leadership, honed throughout his years building Deloitte's government cloud and technology practices.
Abstract
Ready to find your productivity match? In this hands-on session, you'll meet three teams of AI agents, each built for a different kind of real work: software development, content and image creation, and data management. Pick the one that fits how you work, then get hands-on keyboard directing, chaining, and collaborating with your chosen team to deliver an actual result. No setup, no installs - just a provided device, an intuitive interface, and 45 minutes to experience what it's like to hand real work to a team of agents that gets it done.
The Managed Services Model Is Broken. Here’s What Replaces It
Chad Vos is Managing Director for Agentic Managed Services at Slalom, where he helps enterprises transform AI and agentic strategy into scalable, outcome-driven operations. Chad works with senior executives across organizations
to move beyond AI experimentation to sustainable execution, combining agentic expertise with disciplined operations to achieve long-term competitive advantage.
Chad brings 25+ years of consulting experience across outsourced customer support, design‑led engineering, and CRM, most recently leading Slalom’s product engineering centers to scale high‑performing delivery organizations.
His focus is simple: help clients realize value faster by building managed service models that drive tangible business results.
Abstract
For decades, managed services ran on a simple equation: labor arbitrage plus multi-year contracts. Government organizations know the results firsthand. Costs scale with ticket volume, institutional knowledge walks out the door
with every departure, and improvement requires renegotiation. Meanwhile, the pressure to deliver services effectively and maintain compliance keeps rising while budgets tighten and skilled staff become harder to recruit and
retain.
AI agents break that equation. Ticket resolution, testing, application maintenance, back-office operations: the work that fills managed services contracts is exactly the work agents can now reason through and carry out.
In an agentic managed services model, digital workers absorb routine, high-volume operations, resolving known issues in seconds, holding quality steady as volume grows, and retaining institutional knowledge permanently. Human
teams keep full oversight and move from reactive ticket processing to higher-value work. And because the economics no longer depend on headcount, engagements can be built around outcomes instead of FTE contracts.
This session examines what replaces the old model: outcome-based engagements, small expert teams working alongside agents, and the data foundation that makes both possible. Attendees will leave knowing which government
operations are best suited for this approach, how to tell real agentic capability from a relabeled contract, and what a responsible adoption path looks like for public sector organizations.
Accelerating application modernization/migration via GitHub Copilot
Derek is an AI and software development professional with over a decade of experience helping public sector agencies and organizations build intelligent solutions for complex challenges. He began his career with traditional, hands-on software development—writing and debugging code line by line—and has evolved alongside the industry into today’s era of AI-assisted and agent-driven development. His work spans generative AI, intelligent agents, enterprise search, retrieval-augmented generation, and secure data integration. Derek is passionate about applying these technologies to improve research, automation, knowledge management, decision-making, and public services. His approach combines deep technical experience with product thinking and a focus on creating secure, scalable systems that deliver meaningful value to public servants and the communities they serve.
Speaker bio coming soon.
Abstract
Microsoft will show how GitHub Copilot can help teams understand legacy code, upgrade older .NET apps to modern .NET, translate or refactor code into newer patterns or stacks like Java, generate tests, and document the changes.
Microsoft will also show plan mode creating an Azure migration plan with key architecture decisions, including IaaS vs PaaS, App Service vs containers/AKS, data platform choices, security, CI/CD, and operations.
The goal is to show how GitHub Copilot can reduce discovery time, speed up modernization work, and turn a legacy application into an actionable Azure migration backlog while keeping human review, testing, and architecture
validation in the loop.