Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

Bill Kehoe, Director and State Chief Information Officer, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Keynote – Leading with Vision

Being in charge isn’t easy, but in an era of rapid change and disruption brought on by incredible innovation, “the right” leadership is paramount to driving government and education forward. Leaders must achieve results, but that can be difficult if you are not also garnering respect and admiration. In this compelling keynote address, Anton Gunn delves into the strategies you can use to cultivate and hone essential leadership qualities, inspire your teams, and foster positive change within your organization.

Anton Gunn, Keynote Speaker, Best-selling Author, Former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama

General Session

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Modernization and Transformation: Leading Gnarly Enterprise Projects to Success

Successful IT modernization goes beyond technology — it requires strong leadership, executive sponsorship, and a customer-centric approach. What critical skills are needed to champion enterprise projects, drive stakeholder alignment, and ensure seamless service delivery? This session explores how to transition from managing projects to leading transformation, build organizational buy-in, and navigate complex change with confidence. Join us and discover practical strategies to push modernization efforts to success!

Mentorship in Action: Developing the Next Generation of IT Leaders

Great leadership isn’t just about managing teams, it’s about cultivating the next wave of leaders. How can you identify and nurture leadership potential, provide meaningful feedback, and create a culture that fosters professional growth? In this session we examine the critical role of mentorship and highlight the key best practices to develop high-performing teams and future IT leaders.

Heidi Geathers, Sr Assistant Director, Administrative Services, Department of Revenue, State of Washington

Scott West, Chief Information Officer, Department of Ecology, State of Washington

Leadership in Uncertain Times

Change is inevitable and uncertainty seems to be around every corner. Stable, strong leadership is key to navigating uncertainty while keeping your team supported, focused, and able to continue delivering services to constituents. This session will cover the leadership values and principles that are important for managing resistance, fostering adaptability, and setting a clear direction during times of transition. Learn how to build resilience, leverage emerging tools, and create a culture that embraces change with confidence.

Lunch

General Session – Women in Leadership

Cathilea Robinett, Chief Executive Officer, e.Republic

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

From Colleague to Manager: Thriving in Your New Leadership Role

Transitioning to a C-level role means shifting from hands-on operations to strategic leadership. How do you move beyond daily tasks to focus on long-term priorities, innovation, and organizational transformation? This session dives into how you can step out of the day-to-day, focus on the big-picture, and empower your team to succeed. Join us for practical strategies to delegate effectively, build influence, and foster a culture of innovation to ensure your leadership makes a lasting impact.

Deanna Brocker, Deputy Director, Strategy and Management, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Building and Sustaining a High-Performing IT Workforce

Attracting, developing, and retaining top IT talent is more challenging than ever, especially in a hybrid or remote environment. This session will explore strategies for recruiting and retaining skilled professionals, succession planning, and creating pathways for career growth—from intern to leadership. Discover how to build a high-performing, resilient team that supports both individual and organizational success.

Influence and Impact: Mastering Communication in IT Leadership

Effective leadership is built on influence, and strong communication skills are key to inspiring, motivating, and driving change. How can storytelling be used to navigate challenging situations and build trust? Do you have what it takes to foster collaboration and move initiatives forward in high pressure environments? This session covers practical strategies for effective communication, relationship-building, and gaining buy-in to lead with impact…no matter the challenge!

Vickie Sheehan, Communications Director, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session – The Leadership Challenge: A Public Sector Trivia Showdown

Curious to see how your knowledge stacks up? Can you effectively collaborate under pressure? Dive into this lively, team-based trivia game where attendees join forces to answer questions on governance, policy, emerging tech, and the pressing issues shaping government today. This isn’t just about winning – it’s about networking, sharing expertise and maybe…just maybe – you might learn something new. Whether you’re looking to meet new people or strengthen existing partnerships, this session offers a unique chance to learn and engage with peers from across the public sector. Are you ready to challenge yourself and lead your team to victory?

Moderator: Scott West, Chief Information Officer, Department of Ecology, State of Washington

Deanna Brocker, Deputy Director, Strategy and Management, Washington Technology Solutions, State of Washington (AB), to Jeremy

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.

End of Conference

Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.