Elevating Government and Education: New IT, New Strategies, New Efficiencies

Todd Davis

Amazon Web Services

Todd Davis leads Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) public sector initiatives across parts of 14 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, focusing on state and local governments and education sectors. At AWS since 2018, his teams have helped customers modernize critical applications and improve constituent access to vital digital services. Prior to AWS, his 20-year career in telecommunications included executive leadership positions at Sprint, EMBARQ, and CenturyLink/Lumen, where he managed network operations, product development, sales, and marketing functions. Todd earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Committed to education advancement, Todd served nine years on the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) and is the former Chair of the Corporate Affiliate Committee of the National Association of State Technology Directors (NASTD).

Tammy Winebrenner

Principal Customer Engagement and Experience Specialist, Amazon Web Services

Tammy Winebrenner is a Principal Customer Engagement and Experience Specialist at AWS, where she has spent over four years helping organizations harness the power of AWS services to deliver superior customer experiences, drive innovation, and achieve measurable business outcomes. With more than 24 years of global contact center leadership supporting public sector and Fortune 100 organizations, Tammy is recognized for her expertise in digital transformation, operational optimization, and customer-centric strategy. Before joining AWS, Tammy led BPO operations for State Health and Human Services agencies, where she championed automation and process improvements that enhanced constituent access to essential services. She has collaborated with state stakeholders and federal regulators to deliver impactful solutions for major initiatives including the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid expansion, and the COVID-19 pandemic, driving efficiency and resilience in times of change. Tammy’s collaborative approach and deep industry insight enable her to guide public sector customers in reimagining their customer engagement models, unlocking new value, and delivering modern, scalable experiences. She is passionate about helping organizations modernize their operations and optimize outcomes for the communities they serve.

Maria Thompson

Executive Government Advisor, SLG, Amazon Web Services

Maria S. Thompson is the State and Local Government Executive Government Advisor - Cybersecurity for Amazon Web Services (AWS). In this role, she brings over 20 years of experience in information technology, strategic planning, computer network defense and risk management. Prior to her role with AWS, Maria served as North Carolina’s first State Chief Risk and Security Officer.

Mary Strain

Amazon Web Services

Mary Strain leads strategy for artificial intelligence and machine learning in the US public sector at AWS. Mary began her career as a middle school teacher in the Bronx, NY. Since that time, she has held leadership roles in public sector technology organizations as a product lead, and vice president of business development. Mary has advised higher education, technology companies, state and local government on innovative policies and practices leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to advance access and efficiencies. As an advisor to The Education Design Studio at The University of Pennsylvania, The State of NJ AI Task Force and the California State University AI Workforce Acceleration Board. Mary has been on the leading edge of bringing innovative solutions to serve the public interest for two decades. Mary holds a BA from Fordham University and an MPA from The City University of New York.

Sergio Oretega

Amazon Web Servcies

Curt Wood

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Curtis M. Wood is a distinguished professional renowned for his exceptional leadership and innovative approach in the field of technology and public administration. With a career span of over four decades, he has made significant contributions to the development and implementation of cutting-edge solutions that have transformed organizations and improved service delivery.

Deb Snyder

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Deb is an accomplished C-level executive, influencer and educator who has dedicated her career to improving state and local government services through policy and technology innovation. She has a broad range of experience in government programs, policy, cybersecurity, privacy and information technology. She formerly served as New York state’s chief information security officer, where she led the state’s cybersecurity programs and directed the NYS Cyber Command Center. She works with organizations and universities to strategically strengthen cybersecurity programs, defenses and preparedness, and to create and inspire the next generation of cyber leaders.

Dave Fletcher

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Dave Fletcher served as Chief Technology Officer of the State of Utah for 17 years. Dave oversaw the State’s digital government initiatives and coordinated the introduction of emerging technologies, as well as the state’s technical architecture program. David has a long history of involvement with technology initiatives, having previously served as director of the state’s Division of Information Technology, Deputy CIO over egovernment, and Deputy Director of the Utah Department of Administrative Services.

Zach Patton — Host

Editorial Director, Content Studio, e.Republic

Zach Patton is editorial director of the Content Studio at e.Republic, Government Technology's parent company.