Overview

August 22

Using technology to improve service delivery to constituents means changing how agencies and departments operate, organize, and budget. These changes will only be accelerated with the growing use of AI.

Chat with industry experts about the changes and challenges governments can expect as organizations adopt AI and what it means for IT leaders. Join the discussion on August 22, 2023, at 11 AM PT/2 PM ET to explore:

The pitfalls and benefits of AI
How state governments can prepare for the use of AI
The policies and regulations needed to govern AI properly
The role IT leaders play in the governance of AI

Speakers

David Fletcher

CTO, State of Utah

David Fletcher is currently the Chief Technology Officer of the State of Utah where he oversees the State’s digital government initiatives and coordinates 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. During his tenure with the State of Utah, he has promoted the use of technology to improve citizen and business interaction with state government. Utah now offers over 1700 interactive online citizen and business services through its award-winning portal, Utah.gov. Many of these services have become the primary channel for service delivery. David has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington.

Jennifer Lorenz

Acting CIO, NY Office of Information Technology Services

Jennifer Lorenz has more than 20 years of experience as a leader and operational manager of information technology systems. Previously the Deputy Chief Information Officer for Operations, Jenn has taken on the role of Acting Chief Information Officer. In this role, Jenn oversees the operations of the entire agency, including governing the framework for introducing new systems, programs and technologies to New York State agencies, as well as ensuring alignment between IT, client business strategies and financial objectives. Prior to her role as Deputy CIO for Operations, Jenn led the NYS ITS Chief Portfolio Office. Her technical expertise has led to numerous service improvements and statewide technology transformation efforts. She is a results-oriented leader who advocates for leveraging technology to solve business problems and create process efficiencies. Jenn has been with ITS since the agency’s inception in 2012. She previously served in the United States Air Force. Jenn holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Empire State College and an ITIL Foundations certification.

Steve Pier

Deputy Executive Director, Department of Information Resources, State of Texas

Steve began working in politics and government in 1994. Working in Texas until 2007, he turned to the international arena through 2014 and returned to Texas government service in 2015. Before joining DIR in 2019, he served as the director of governmental relations at the Office of Attorney General starting in January 2015. In August 2015, that role expanded to include strategic initiatives allowing Steve to assist the attorney general in large-scale efforts such IT modernization and the agency’s zero-based budgeting initiative. Steve spent five years as the country director for IRI’s Arabian Gulf and Pakistan programs where he worked to build civil society organizations, develop political parties, and conduct public opinion research.

Teri Takai — Moderator

Senior Vice President, Center for Digital Government

Teri Takai is the Senior Vice President of the Center for Digital Government, a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. She worked for Ford Motor Company for 30 years in global application development and information technology strategic planning. From Ford, she moved to EDS in support of General Motors. A long-time interest in public service led her to the government sector, first as CIO of the State of Michigan, then as CIO of the State of California, and subsequently the CIO of the U.S. Department of Defense, the first woman appointed to this role. She then served as the CIO for Meridian Health Plan. She is a member of several industry advisory boards.

Webinar

The Governance of AI: Pitfalls, Benefits and the Role of Government IT Leaders