MISAC Connect Audio

In this episode of the Weekly Report, Allen Hammond discusses various topics relevant to the MISAC community, including technical challenges faced in podcasting, the importance of recognizing IT professionals, and the complexities of valuing municipal apps. He highlights community discussions on help desk policies, licensing issues with Broadcom VMware, and the need for reliable AV support for public meetings. The episode also covers Microsoft 365 backup solutions, the challenges of migrating to SharePoint, and upcoming MISAC events. Additionally, it features the Summer 2025 Newsletter with insights into GIS initiatives for public health, spotlighting MISAC member Shawn Smith and the developments of the AI Task Force.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Highlights
05:45 Celebrating IT Professionals
11:40 Help Desk Policies and Service Levels
17:26 After-Hours AV Support Challenges
23:32 Migrating to SharePoint and OneDrive
29:09 GIS and Public Health Initiatives
34:57 Member Highlight: Sean Smith
40:47 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.

Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

In this episode of MISAC Connect Audio, we welcome Bayley Dycus (City of San Ramon) as the newest host of our show and a member of the MISAC Communications Committee. We trace his 25‑year IT journey—from discovering networking in the U.S. Air Force through retail and state agencies to municipal service—and explore what drew him to public‑sector IT and keeps him passionate about enabling people through technology.

Bayley talks about how he found MISAC, why he jumped into the Communications Committee (and now podcast hosting!), and his hope to make this show a go‑to resource for historical context, real‑world “right now” lessons, and forward‑looking conversations that help California’s municipal IT community drive the future instead of riding its waves.

We close with a fun, rapid‑fire round:

• Can’t‑live‑without tech: Lansweeper for deployment, inventory, warranty tracking, and more
• Alternate career path: Motivational speaker—“I’ll talk to anyone about anything”
• Favorite way to recharge: Live music & community park concerts (burrito optional)
• Top podcast pick: Love Your Money with Hilary Hendershott (financial advice & operating‑system mindset)

Resources & Links:
📌 Learn more about MISAC Connect Audio – Member Only Link
📌 Connect with Bayley Dycus (City of San Ramon) – LinkedIn
 

Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

In this inaugural edition of MISAC Connect Audio: Weekly, we kick off a new series designed to supplement the longer-form MISAC Connect Audio interviews. This episode spotlights active forum discussions, highlights from the Tahoe Summit’s strategic partner presentations, an audio-narrated version of the Spring Quarterly Newsletter, and key announcements from the MISAC community.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 — Intro & What is MISAC Connect Weekly?
02:12 — Forum Highlights
08:33 — Strategic Partner Spotlights (Tahoe Summit Recap)
14:45 — Upcoming Events
16:30 — Narrated Spring 2025 Quarterly Newsletter
40:03 — Wrap-Up & What's Coming Next for MISAC Connect Audio

Highlights include:

• Forum discussions on phishing simulation training, Microsoft EA renewals, MS-ISAC changes, Cloudflare, video editing tools, and POS/cashiering systems
• Recap of presentations from 101 Voice, Akamai, Cohesity, and ThinkGard at the 2025 Tahoe Summit
• Upcoming events: Microsoft Security Compliance & Identity training and the 2025 MISAC Excellence Award
• A narrated reading of the Spring 2025 MISAC Newsletter
   (including member highlights, website update efforts, CIO insights, and real stories of MISAC community impact)

Stay tuned for more voices and content in future episodes!

Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

In this episode of MISAC Connect Audio, we take a deep dive into network and systems monitoring—focusing not just on the tools, but on the challenges, strategies, and best practices behind managing and securing modern networks.

Building on a recent MISAC webinar, our guests Michael Tooma and Zachary Ruiz join me for a candid conversation about alert fatigue, incident escalation, historical data retention, monitoring virtual environments, and more. They share real-world insights from both large and small agencies, offering valuable perspectives on how to fine-tune monitoring systems for efficiency, reliability, and proactive problem-solving.

Resources & Links:

📌 Watch the original MISAC Webinar: Best Management Tools to Configure and Secure Your Network – Member Only Archive Link
📌 Learn more about MISAC Connect Audio – Member Only Link
📌 Connect with our guests:

• Michael Tooma (City of Fresno) – LinkedIn
• Zachary Ruiz (Dublin San Ramon Services District) –  LinkedIn

Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

Welcome to MISAC Connect Audio: Your IT Community Podcast

In this episode of the MISAC Connect Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Lewis, a lifetime member of MISAC and a former CIO for the cities of Modesto and Concord. Jeff shares his unique perspective on the organization's origins, diving into the "how," "what," and "when" of its founding.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• The driving forces behind the creation of MISAC.
• Early challenges and milestones in MISAC's history.
• Jeff’s role in advancing technology in local government.
• The values and vision that shaped MISAC into what it is today.

Jeff also reflects on his decades-long career in municipal IT, sharing invaluable insights and lessons learned along the way. Whether you're an experienced MISAC member or just learning about the organization, this episode offers something for everyone.

Listen now to learn about MISAC’s inspiring origin story and gain insights into its ongoing legacy!

Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

Welcome to MISAC Connect Audio: Your IT Community Podcast

In this inaugural episode of MISAC Connect Audio, host Allen Hammond interviews MISAC President Miguel Guardado about his career journey, involvement with MISAC, and the organization's future direction. This episode offers insights into MISAC's direction under Miguel's leadership and the benefits the organization provides its members across California.

Some highlights include:

• Miguel's early interest in technology and the mentors who helped shape his career path led him to roles in the public sector.
• Miguel's entry into MISAC and the value he found in the collaborative community.
• Miguel discusses his journey to becoming MISAC President, his goals for supporting the regional chapters, and the importance of teamwork.
• MISAC's recent strategic planning efforts focused on priorities like AI, cybersecurity, and professional development.
• The upcoming MISAC Annual Conference in Monterey.

Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

Welcome to MISAC Connect Audio: Your IT Community Podcast

Welcome to the trailer for MISAC Connect Audio! In this brief introduction, Allen Hammond, a 20+ year MISAC member, Communications Committee member, and North Chapter officer, introduces you to our new podcast designed to complement the MISAC Connect community forum. Discover what MISAC Connect Audio has in store for you as we dive deeper into the discussions that matter most to municipal IT professionals. 

Subscribe now to MISAC Connect Audio to stay updated on our latest episodes. Our first full episode featuring Miguel Guardado, MISAC President, is coming soon. Don’t miss out! 

• Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
• Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.