Overview

November 16

The Center for Digital Government (CDG) surveyed state and local government leaders and found that nearly half of employees nationally are working in a hybrid environment and half plan to continue to do so at least for the next two years. However, the top challenges respondents face when working from home include background noises and distractions and people not turning on video in meetings, while nearly 50 percent of those working in the office are challenged with either lack of audio/video equipment or issues with existing equipment in conference rooms. With hybrid work the way of the future, it’s time for agencies to start thinking about the investments and changes they can make now to ensure it’s successful.

On Nov. 16 at 10am PT/1pm ET, Government Technology is hosting a webcast to take a deeper dive into these research findings. Speakers from CDG and Logitech will discuss how the workplace is evolving and the impact it will have on how government employees communicate and collaborate with each other and constituents. Register for this hour-long virtual event to discover:

• Ways to support employee productivity and promote better constituent experiences in a hybrid work environment
• Best practices from other agencies in how they are addressing evolving workplace challenges to serve constituents better
• Tools and strategies to foster collaboration and make employees feel more comfortable wherever they work

Speakers

Scott Wharton

Vice President & General Manager, Logitech, Video Collaboration

Scott Wharton is the Vice President and General Manager of Logitech Video Collaboration. Since joining Logitech in 2015, Scott has led the Video Collaboration division to market leadership and over 600 percent growth. The Video Collaboration group is now one of the company’s largest and fastest-growing businesses. Scott has held market-leading roles throughout his career in next-generation communications companies such as Vidtel, BroadSoft and VocalTec.

Richard Semple

Chief Information Officer, Williamson County, TX

Richard Semple has 20 years of IT experience in both the private sector and government. He has held several positions with Williamson County through the years before being named Chief Information Officer in early 2021. He is responsible for 60 IT staff serving over 2,000 employees and a $15M operating & maintenance budget annually. He has been responsible for several major projects and innovations at the County to keep pace with the rapid change. Mr. Semple holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a Master's Certificate in IS/IT Project Management

Phil Bertolini — Moderator

Vice President, Center for Digital Government

Phil Bertolini is the Vice President of the Center for Digital Government (CDG), a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. Previously, he served as deputy county executive and CIO for Oakland County, Michigan. During his 31-year tenure, Phil built a world-class IT organization in the second-largest county in Michigan, just north of Detroit. As Oakland County CIO, he oversaw more than 150 employees serving over 1.2 million residents. In 2005, he was also promoted to deputy county executive, holding dual positions until his retirement. Phil’s efforts earned the county national attention, winning numerous awards for technology innovation and excellence. He was named one of Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year and Government Technology Magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers. He was also honored by the President Obama White House as a Champion of Change for 2012.

Webinar

The Future Government Workplace: Building Innovative Workspaces to Drive Employee Productivity and Better Serve Constituents from Anywhere