Overview

April 22

A new Center for Digital Government survey found government agencies must focus on three core areas to meet future demands: modernize technology and processes; become more data-driven; and transform the public sector workforce. But how can state and local governments overcome the hurdles they face — from legacy technology, budget constraints and resistance to organizational change — to accomplish these goals, create more responsive and efficient organizations, and meet citizens’ needs?

Join us April 22 at 11am PST/2pm EST for an interactive webinar in which our experts explore three critical steps you can take today to accelerate your digital transformation efforts.

You’ll also hear:

• How jurisdictions like Las Vegas, Idaho and South Dakota are successfully navigating digital transformation
• How to leverage the cloud to modernize and how to help your staff modernize at the same time
• Key considerations and caveats for your transformation journey

Speakers

Hardik Bhatt

Leader, Digital Government & Transportation, US State & Local Governments, Amazon Web Services

Hardik is a business leader with tremendous acumen in both strategy and execution for growth and transformations. Hardik has moved seamlessly between private and public sector. Since 2017, he leads Digital Government business for Amazon Web Services (AWS), where Hardik is responsible for helping US state and local governments transform with the use of cloud, analytics, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other technologies. Between 2015 and 2017, Hardik served as the Secretary of Innovation & Technology and Chief Digital Officer for the State of Illinois. In those 2 years, Hardik brought Illinois from bottom 4th to top 3rd in national digital rankings and pioneered Illinois’ data analytics, smart state and blockchain initiatives. Between 2010 and 2015, he led global business development for Cisco’s Smart Cities and IoT businesses, working in 40 global cities in 19 countries. Previously, Hardik has also been the CIO for the City of Chicago and has worked for Oracle Corporation and Tata Consultancy Services. Hardik is also an angel investor, and as a civic leader, serves on the board of Fermi National Labs. Hardik lives in Chicago with his wife and 2 children.

Bob Benstead

Industry & Solution Strategy Director, Infor

Bob is currently VP for Business Development within the Infor Public Sector group. His duties include strategic industry planning, partner management, and International business development. He has been in the government software business for almost 20 years and has held several executive roles including managing all sales and delivery related operations for various government software products. He has experience in government operations such as regulatory compliance, infrastructure management, citizen relations, and utility management. Bob is currently a member of the CLEAR Regulatory committee, AWWA, APWA, IAM, and has been a guest lecturer for the University of Wisconsin’s Department of Engineering Professional Development Program and the Colorado State University.

Otto Doll — Moderator

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

As the Minneapolis CIO for seven-plus years, Mr. Doll was responsible for all City IT services. Formerly South Dakota's CIO for 15 years with responsibility for all state government computing, telecommunications, state radio, and public broadcasting. While with IT research firms, Mr. Doll has advised Fortune 1000, Federal, State, and Local Government CIOs on information technology assessment and alignment to business needs. He has served as a Director with the United States General Services Administration, developing information technology strategic plans and oversight policy. Mr. Doll received his Computer Science degree from Virginia Tech and is a Senior Executive Fellow of the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He is a past President of NASCIO — a national organization of state CIOs. He also is a past President of the Metropolitan Information Exchange (MIX) — a national organization of city and county CIOs. Mr. Doll was named to Government Technology's Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers.

Webinar

Three Steps for Accelerating Your Digital Transformation