Overview

June 24
11AM PT, 2PM ET

Register

As federal support evolves and agencies shift priorities, local governments are increasingly challenged to protect critical infrastructure, deliver seamless services, and meet rising public expectations — all while managing limited budgets and staffing constraints.

Join the Center for Digital Government for a live webinar to explore how cities and counties can embed resilience into their digital strategies, strengthen cybersecurity postures with available resources, and continue delivering secure, citizen-centered services during changing times. Public sector leaders will share proven strategies, innovative approaches, and practical solutions for modernizing operations and creating efficiencies while maintaining trust and service continuity.

Attendees will learn:

  • Strategies for strengthening cybersecurity and resilience in a dynamic operating environment
  • Proven methods for maintaining essential digital services with limited budgets and staffing
  • How to prioritize and invest in secure, scalable infrastructure to support long-term goals
  • Tactics for improving digital service delivery and building public trust amid tight resources
  • Real-world examples of how local governments are adapting with innovation, efficiency, and impact

Speakers

John Matelski headshot

John Matelski

Executive Director, Center for Digital Government

Prior to joining the Center, Matelski served for 25 years as an Information Technology & Security executive for municipal (City of Orlando, FL) and county government (Gwinnett County, GA), most recently retiring from DeKalb County, GA after 12 years of service.  John’s duties included executive management of all information technology and security resources and systems that support operations and drive innovation throughout the County enterprise. As DeKalb County CIO, he oversaw more than 100 employees serving ~800 million residents. Matelski graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.B.A. with an emphasis in Computer Information Systems and has been a Certified Government CIO since 2011.  Matelski has a proven track record of leadership in the public and private sectors, utilizing innovation and resourcefulness with a proven ability to build a compelling vision and move an organization toward it. Matelski rebuilt DeKalb County, GA’s technology capabilities from the ground up, helping lead to 8 straight years of recognition as a top 10 winner of the Center for Digital Government annual Digital Counties Survey.   John has won numerous awards including Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers, State of Georgia CIO ORBIE Award Finalist, and the Computerworld/Smithsonian Laureate Award for Information Technology.  During his tenure with DeKalb County, Matelski was also very active in technology leadership roles with the National Association of Counties (NACo), having served as Chair of the IT Standing Committee, Vice Chair of the Telecommunication & Technology Committee, and Vice Chair of the County Technology Advisory Council.

Tom Lynch headshot

Tom Lynch

Chief Information Officer, Cook County, IL

Tom Lynch serves as the Chief Information Officer for Cook County Government. Prior to joining Cook County, Lynch served as Principal at SDI, a systems integrator focused on public sector clients. He also spent 25 years in IT leadership roles for the State of Illinois, Chicago Park District, and Chicago Public Schools. Across his career, Lynch led the acquisition and successful implementation of three ERP systems and two Time & Attendance systems. Lynch holds a B.A. in Political Science from Purdue University and an M.P.A. in Finance from the University of Delaware, in addition to a variety of professional certifications.

Santiago Garces headshot

Santiago Garces

Chief Information Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology, City of Boston, MA

Santiago "Santi" Garces, driven by early experiences in his native Bogotá, Colombia, has dedicated his career to optimizing government efficiency and effectiveness. As the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the City of Boston, he leads the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), striving to make it an engine of transformation by employing data science and human-centered design. With a robust history in civic tech roles, including pivotal CIO positions in South Bend and Pittsburgh, Santi has won the Bloomberg’s Mayor Innovation project for the Commuter's Trust and has played an instrumental role in citywide technological advancements. A multilingual and a tech-savvy innovator, Santi has also co-founded a nonprofit, enFocus, aimed at creating innovative solutions for government and industry. His leadership, spanning planning, sustainability, and technological infrastructure, continues to shape the cities he serves towards a more efficient, inclusive, and technologically advanced future.

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