In the race to adopt emerging technologies, it's easy to overlook the fundamentals, but without sound data management, even the most advanced innovations risk failure. In this keynote, the State CIO underscores how consistent data governance, quality standards, and stewardship are not just operational best practices, but the very foundation of Arizona’s digital future. By getting the basics right, government agencies can unlock the full potential of AI, automation, cloud, and cross-agency collaboration.

• From Silos to Synergy: How standardized data structures and governance models create the conditions for innovation across agencies and platforms.
• Data Quality Before AI: Why machine learning, predictive analytics, and automation are only as effective as the data that feeds them.
• Building Trust Through Integrity: The importance of data transparency, lineage, and accountability in securing public trust and enabling ethical technology use.
• Enabling Scalability and Innovation: How mastering data fundamentals empowers Arizona to scale solutions, modernize infrastructure, and innovate with confidence.

As Arizona advances its digital transformation, a resilient and secure infrastructure is essential for future-ready government services. This session explores innovations in cloud computing, broadband expansion, and cybersecurity that enhance efficiency, security, and accessibility across the state.

• Modernizing Legacy Systems for Resilience – Discuss the role of cloud adoption, automation, and infrastructure upgrades in ensuring long-term operational efficiency and scalability.
• Expanding Broadband Access & Digital Equity – Explore strategies for closing the digital divide in rural and underserved communities through investment in broadband expansion.
• Cybersecurity & Risk Mitigation – Examine the importance of strengthening cybersecurity measures, from identity management to threat detection, in protecting Arizona’s critical infrastructure.
• Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure Innovation – Highlight successful collaborations between the government and industry leaders in developing smart, sustainable, and secure digital infrastructure.

As states move from pilot projects to enterprise-wide digital transformation, the challenge is no longer about technology availability — it’s about execution, governance, and sustainable impact. This keynote explores how governments can successfully navigate the complexities of AI adoption, data integration, and digital service modernization while maintaining public trust, operational resilience, and long-term adaptability.

• The critical pillars for enabling scalable digital transformation: governance, data maturity, workforce readiness, and ethical guardrails.
• Practical case studies where AI and automation are already delivering measurable impact in public services.
• Overcoming the common pitfalls of early-stage AI deployment: from vendor dependence to data silos to workforce resistance.
• A roadmap for emerging states to build a responsible, resilient, and citizen-centered digital government.
  

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to revolutionize how governments deliver services, enhance operational efficiency, and better meet the needs of citizens. This discussion explores how the responsible use of AI can create long-term public value, with risk mitigation strategies ensuring ethical, secure, and equitable deployment.

• Delivering Smarter Public Services: Examine how AI is enabling governments to deliver faster, more personalized, and proactive citizen services—from digital assistants to predictive service delivery.
• Empowering Data-Driven Decision Making: Explore how AI tools are helping public institutions analyze complex data to make informed, transparent, and timely policy decisions.
• Building Trust Through Responsible AI: Discuss frameworks and safeguards to ensure AI is used ethically, respects privacy, and avoids bias—fostering public trust and accountability.
• Future-Proofing Government Operations: Understand how AI enhances operational resilience and workforce productivity, while mitigating cybersecurity and algorithmic risks through robust governance practices.

Equitable access to digital services is essential to building a truly connected Arizona. This session will highlight how technology, partnerships, and targeted strategies are closing access gaps, improving usability, and supporting digital confidence across all communities.

• Scaling broadband and connectivity solutions in rural and underserved areas
• Redefining accessibility in public services with inclusive, user-centered design
• Empowering citizens through digital literacy and education initiatives
• Collaborating across sectors to expand inclusive digital infrastructure

1. API-First Government: Standardizing Interoperability for Cross-Agency Data Exchange
2. Legacy System Modernization: Overcoming Integration Challenges in Public Sector IT
3. Secure Data Interoperability: Ensuring Compliance While Enabling Seamless Information Flow
4. From Data to Decisions: Leveraging Advanced Analytics for Smarter Governance
5. Future-Proofing Arizona’s Digital Infrastructure: Balancing Innovation with Sustainability
6. Public-Private Tech Collaborations: How Can Industry Partners Drive Government Innovation
7. Citizen Expectations in the Digital Age: Reimagining Government Services for a Mobile-First World
8. The Role of AI in Automating Public Services Without Losing the Human Touch
9. Beyond the Cloud: Exploring Edge Computing for Real-Time Government Operations
10. Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing: Strengthening Statewide Security Through Collaboration

Arizona Department of Education (ADE) is transforming operations by using data not just to inform decisions, but to reshape how operations work within their IT organization. This session explores how using data-driven decisions helps them streamline operations, control costs, and ensure direction of the department is based on data. We will examine how ADE leverages data and visualization:

• DEVOPS: how the data is being used to develop standard work.
• Call Centers: Analyzing needs across multiple call centers.
• Operational Costs: Using data to reduce operational costs
• Security: Vulnerability management and device usage statistics to drive acceptable device use standards

As Arizona embraces intelligent transportation solutions, AI and automation are transforming mobility by enhancing efficiency, safety, and real-time decision-making. This will be an exploration of cutting-edge innovations in autonomous systems, predictive analytics, and smart infrastructure that are shaping the future of transportation.

• AI-Driven Traffic Management – Leveraging machine learning to reduce congestion and improve urban mobility.
• Autonomous & Connected Vehicles – Exploring advancements in vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.
• Predictive Analytics for Transportation Planning – Using data-driven insights to optimize transit routes and infrastructure investments.
• Smart Mobility & Public Transit Innovations – Enhancing accessibility, sustainability, and efficiency through automation and digital platforms.

Arizona is harnessing emerging digital technologies to revolutionize its transportation systems, improve mobility, and fuel long-term economic growth. This panel brings together leaders from government, academia, and infrastructure innovation to explore how connected mobility, automation, and data-driven infrastructure planning are shaping smarter, safer, and more economically resilient communities across the state.

• Digital Infrastructure as an Economic Catalyst: Explore how investments in smart highways, connected intersections, and digital mobility systems are enabling efficient freight movement, reducing congestion, and attracting business.
• Autonomous and Connected Vehicles: Examine the role of the Institute of Automated Mobility (IAM) and public-sector pilots in accelerating safe deployment of autonomous vehicles and supporting innovation clusters.
• Cybersecurity in Intelligent Transportation Systems: Understand how secure, resilient infrastructure is critical to the success of digitally integrated mobility, with insights on threat mitigation strategies.
• From Data to Decisions: Discuss how real-time transportation data and modeling support regional planning, sustainability goals, and smart economic development strategies.

Dan Wilkins

Chief Information Security Officer, Arizona Department of Economic Security

Marissa Walker

Executive Vice President, Infrastructure and Executive Director, Institute of Automated Mobility (IAM), Arizona Commerce

Larry Head

Professor, Systems and Industrial Engineering, The University of Arizona

Joe Cottrell

Traffic Technology Branch Manager, Transportation Systems Management and Operations Division, County of Maricopa