FEATURING:

- Ralph Johnson, CISO, State of Washington

- Mary Craig, CIO, Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

- Erik Sandie, Strategic Account Manager, Island

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

How DSB's Orientation and Training Center helps individuals who lose vision learn essential skills - from computer literacy to independent living and employment skills

The impact of Title II ADA changes on state and local government websites and mobile apps

How enterprise browsers are evolving, with Gartner predicting universal adoption by 2032

Why human-centered design is crucial for accessibility and the importance of proper website assessments over overlay solutions

Real-world demonstrations of assistive technologies like Seeing AI and the transformative potential of services like Aira

Why accessibility should be built into initial design and why it's often less expensive than organizations assume

Washington State CISO & DSB CIO showcase digital accessibility tech and share guidance on ADA Title II compliance for state government websites.

The TechTables Newsletter is proudly brought to you by our national partner, SentinelOne

Want to see AI-powered security in action? Check out how the State of Montana revolutionized their cybersecurity using SentinelOne - they're now protecting over 15,000 endpoints across 25 state agencies. Click here to see their success story.

The TechTables Newsletter is proudly brought to you by our national partner, SentinelOne

Want to see AI-powered security in action? Check out how the State of Montana revolutionized their cybersecurity using SentinelOne - they're now protecting over 15,000 endpoints across 25 state agencies. Click here to see their success story.

INSIDE TODAY’S ISSUE:

* 🎙️ [New Episode] Breaking the status quo in GovTech: Meet four trailblazing women.

* 📹 A behind-the-scenes look at the new Seattle + Bellevue promo video.

* 💼 Work with me: Discover collaboration opportunities tailored for CIOs and vendor partners

Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.

Handling Perfectionism and Failure in Leadership

King County CIO Megan Clarke gets real about a game-changing moment in her career - when her 'perfect' system got labeled as a glitch. She opens up about facing constant scrutiny in tech leadership, finding the confidence to stand firm when you know you're right, and why great leaders aren't afraid to say 'I don't know.' Learn how embracing imperfection transformed her approach to public sector innovation.

FEATURING:

* Megan Clarke, Chief Information Officer, King County

* Sabra Schneider, Chief Information Officer, City of Bellevue & MIX President

* Michelle Jackson, Information Technology Director, City of Camas

* Christina Parra, Enterprise Account Manager, SentinelOne

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

* How public sector IT leaders navigate challenges and innovation, from implementing AI chatbots to securing cybersecurity resilience

* Practical strategies for cybersecurity recovery, including backup testing, rapid recovery planning, and department-specific training

* Specific ways to support women in tech leadership, from addressing note-taking bias to providing mentorship and visibility opportunities

* How SentinelOne builds inclusive culture through paid family leave, mental health days, and internship programs

* Why addressing the tech pipeline gap must start with K-12 education, with data showing significant drop-off between ages 12-17

LINKS MENTIONED:

* Megan Clarke's TEDx Talk on Being Perfectly Imperfect

* Christina Parra: Why Diversity in Cybersecurity Matters

📹 A behind-the-scenes

look at the new Seattle + Bellevue promo video

👉 Click here to see the promo video!

💼 Work with me

Discover collaboration opportunities tailored for CIOs and vendor partners

For CIOs -

The Collaboratory: Where Public Sector Technology Leaders Get Real

Tired of the same conference slides? So are your peers.

I really felt like you were offering something different that brought people together... having frank conversations and discussions. I just came back from a conference, and it was the same bloody slides on train-your-people-about-security. And I was just like, why don't we talk? Why don't we take this to the next level, like where it really matters? And that's what you're doing here.

Join a vendor-free community of public sector technology leaders who skip the slides and dive into what actually matters.

Email [email protected] to apply today!

For Vendor Partners - Why brand matters in B2B

B2B buying process has changed, and your sales strategy must, too

Dave Gerhardt says it best:

Brand will help you win deals. Brand gets you out of the feature wars. Brand means you're not battling over a 4.6 vs. 4.7 rating on G2. Brands means the sales team isn’t grasping at straws to articulate how you're different. Without a brand, people will buy: 1. The product they've bought before (it's safer, they've used it before) 2. The product that's cheaper (it's safer, it doesn't break the bank)

This is where TechTables comes in.

We understand brand better than anyone in the public sector. Let us help you build a brand that wins deals, stands out, and drives pipeline.

Ready to leave outdated marketing and content strategies behind? Let TechTables elevate your brand to the next level.

Email [email protected] to start the conversation today.

ps: Not ready yet? No worries. Check out my exclusive interview with the 23rd Governor of Arizona, Doug Ducey, where we talk about how “Cybersecurity is Homeland Security” and Arizona’s trailblazing Whole of State approach.

Watch it below!

The TechTables Newsletter is proudly brought to you by our national partner, Verizon

Verizon Frontline is the most advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most. Click here to check out the solutions built for first responders.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

* The "Remix" approach to blending traditional and modern workplace practices - from an architect combining pencil sketches with CAD software to startups implementing "Fancy Fridays"

* Why the one-size-fits-all approach is failing today's workforce and how organizations can implement successful "and/or" solutions for benefits, team activities, and work arrangements

* How generational perspectives on loyalty have evolved - from baby boomers' company-focused loyalty to millennials' and Gen Z's emphasis on individual relationships and mutual value

* Google's groundbreaking research on effective leadership, revealing why being a good coach surpasses technical expertise as the #1 quality of high-performing managers

* Practical strategies for addressing post-COVID workplace trauma and setting clear boundaries around remote work, mental health, and work-life balance

TIMESTAMPS:

* (00:00) Introduction and Show Overview

* (01:45) From College Career Expert to Generational Translator: Lindsey's Journey

* (04:45) The Remix Framework: Modernizing Traditional Workplace Practices

* (06:30) Case Studies in Successful Multi-generational Integration

* (08:45) Breaking Down Generational Assumptions and Individual "Onlyness"

* (13:45) Rethinking Career Development and Employee Recognition

* (16:15) Redefining Workplace Loyalty Across Generations

* (19:30) Google's Research on Coaching Leadership

* (24:45) Navigating Post-COVID Return-to-Office Challenges

* (31:45) Multi-generational Mentorship Success Stories

LINKS MENTIONED:

* "The Remix: How to Lead and Succeed in the Multi-Generational Workplace" by Lindsey Pollak

* Google's Project Oxygen Research (2008, 2018)

* "The Trillion Dollar Coach" (Referenced when discussing Bill Campbell)

* https://lindseypollak.com/

Whenever you’re ready, there are 4 ways you can connect with TechTables:

1. The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.

2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.

3. 🎥 Live Events: Join us at TechTables live events—whether hosted by us or in partnership with industry leaders—where we bring together senior technology leaders. Experience exclusive networking, collaborative sessions, and inspiring discussions that spotlight and elevate public sector leadership.

See the past events here: https://www.techtables.com/s/past-events

4. 🤝 The Better Together Series: a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action.

📧 Interested? Email Joe at [email protected].

PARTNERS

Thanks to our friends at SentinelOne for being our 2024 Podcast & Newsletter Partner

Want to see AI-powered security in action? Check out how the State of Montana revolutionized their cybersecurity using SentinelOne - they're now protecting over 15,000 endpoints across 25 state agencies. See their success story below.

Verizon Frontline: The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.

Check out the solutions built for first responders: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/

CXOs Only: Exclusive Collaboratory CXO Resource

Leader Guide for Episode #187

Gain actionable insights, strategic frameworks, and engaging discussion points on critical topics like AI implementation, privacy, and cybersecurity—crafted specifically for public sector CXOs.

Why Join the TechTables Collaboratory?

Join a National Network of CXOs

Connect with leaders across the country—from California, Nevada, and Texas to Florida and beyond. Representing over $500M in IT spend, this growing community spans state agencies, cities, counties, K-12, and HigherEd.

Monthly Group Calls (90 minutes)

Engage in deep discussions with public sector peers and stay ahead of the curve on emerging trends.

Exclusive Benefits

• Free Hotel Stay at TechTables live events.

• Vendor-Free Private Community governed by Chatham House Rules—open only to public sector CXOs and their leadership teams.

Access the Episode #187 Leader Guide Below 👇

The TechTables Newsletter is proudly brought to you by our national partner, SentinelOne

Want to see AI-powered security in action? Check out how the State of Montana revolutionized their cybersecurity using SentinelOne - they're now protecting over 15,000 endpoints across 25 state agencies. Click here to see their success story.

FEATURING:

* Saby Waraich, CIO/CISO, Clackamas Community College

* Ed Odom, Race and Social Justice Lead, City of Seattle IT

* Melanie Vogt, Human Resources, City of Seattle IT

* Curtis Nimmons, HR Director, City of Seattle IT

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

* How the SCARE to CARES framework addresses digital transformations, noting that 84% fail, with 52% due to communication issues

* Practical strategies for managing Seattle IT's transition to 3-day office mandates, including listening sessions, drop-in hours, and employee assistance programs

* How military-style "mission over self" leadership principles can foster employee buy-in while maintaining empathy

* Why shifting from negative mindsets (with 80-85% of daily 70,000 thoughts being negative) is crucial for effective leadership

* The importance of developing "power skills" (formerly called "soft skills") in the workplace

LINKS MENTIONED:

* "Purple Cow" by Seth Godin

* "Positive Intelligence" by Shirzad

* City of Seattle IT Employee Assistance Program

* Clackamas Community College

🎬 Welcome to the 🔒 member-exclusive edition 🔒 of the TechTables Collaboratory!

Each month, we deliver fresh, innovative insights to inspire connection, spark bold ideas, and transform the way you tackle public sector challenges—straight from our Monthly Forum call on the 1st Thursday of every month.

This month’s featured guest speaker is Andrea Ballinger, Vice Provost and Chief Information Officer at Oregon State University.

Join the TechTables Collaboratory before Thursday, January 16th at 11:00 AM to be on our next monthly call!

Whenever you’re ready, there are 4 ways you can connect with TechTables:

1. The TechTables Newsletter

Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.

2. 🤝 The Collaboratory

What is the TechTables Collaboratory?

It's the Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory: A 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community.

Membership Benefits Include:

* 📅 Monthly Group Calls – 90-minute virtual sessions where public sector leaders dive deep into challenges and share actionable insights.

* 🤝 Collaboratory Roundtable Meetups – Exclusive in-person gatherings to foster collaboration and connection.

* 🏨 Hotel Accommodations on Us – Your stay is covered during TechTables events, so you can focus on what matters most—building relationships and driving innovation.

Bonus:

* 🗂️ Episode-Specific Leader Guides – Actionable takeaways and insights from each session, designed to help you empower your team and implement new ideas immediately.

3. 🎥 Live Events: Join us at TechTables live events—whether hosted by us or in partnership with industry leaders—where we bring together senior technology leaders. Experience exclusive networking, collaborative sessions, and inspiring discussions that spotlight and elevate public sector leadership.

Email Joe at [email protected] to get on our private 2025 event waitlist.

4. 🤝 The Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit: Kicking off 2025 to Defend, Protect, and Secure: bringing together government and private sector leaders quarterly to strengthen collective defense capabilities against rising cyber threats.

The virtual summit focuses on building resilient security frameworks through topics like Zero Trust and AI-enabled operations, uniting CIOs and CISOs to protect critical infrastructure and government services.

📧 Interested? Email Joe at [email protected]

The TechTables Newsletter is proudly brought to you by our national partner, Verizon

Verizon Frontline is the most advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most. Click here to check out the solutions built for first responders.

The TechTables Newsletter is proudly brought to you by our national partner, SentinelOne

Want to see AI-powered security in action? Check out how the State of Montana revolutionized their cybersecurity using SentinelOne - they're now protecting over 15,000 endpoints across 25 state agencies. Click here to see their success story.

FEATURING:

* Ginger Armbruster, Chief Privacy Officer, City of Seattle IT

* Ed Odom, Race and Social Justice Lead, City of Seattle IT

* Ana LaNasa-Selvidge, Organizational Change Management Lead, City of Seattle IT

* Greg Smith, Chief Information Security Officer, City of Seattle IT

* Michael Cruz, Director of Data and AI, SLED, Microsoft

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

* How the City of Seattle is approaching AI adoption with a focus on responsible use, data privacy, and equity.

* The unique privacy challenges AI poses for city governments, especially concerning data protection and maintaining public trust.

* Why organizational change management is essential for the successful implementation of new technologies and securing employee buy-in.

* Strategies for identifying and addressing potential biases in AI systems and guaranteeing equitable service delivery for all communities.

* The importance of collaboration and transparent communication in navigating the complexities of AI and cybersecurity in the public sector.

LINKS MENTIONED

* Government AI Coalition

* Department of Homeland Security's AI Safety and Security Board

* Microsoft Copilot

* City of Seattle Privacy Program

* Seattle Race and Social Justice Initiative

🎬 Welcome to the 🔒 member-exclusive edition 🔒 of the TechTables Collaboratory!

Each month, we deliver fresh, innovative insights to inspire connection, spark bold ideas, and transform the way you tackle public sector challenges—straight from our Monthly Forum call on the 1st Thursday of every month.

This month’s featured guest speaker is Andrea Ballinger, Vice Provost and Chief Information Officer at Oregon State University.

Join the TechTables Collaboratory before Thursday, January 16th at 11:00 AM to be on our next monthly call!

Whenever you’re ready, there are 4 ways you can connect with TechTables:

1. The TechTables Newsletter

Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.

2. 🤝 The Collaboratory

What is the TechTables Collaboratory?

It's the Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory: A 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community.

Membership Benefits Include:

* 📅 Monthly Group Calls – 90-minute virtual sessions where public sector leaders dive deep into challenges and share actionable insights.

* 🤝 Collaboratory Roundtable Meetups – Exclusive in-person gatherings to foster collaboration and connection.

* 🏨 Hotel Accommodations on Us – Your stay is covered during TechTables events, so you can focus on what matters most—building relationships and driving innovation.

Bonus:

* 🗂️ Episode-Specific Leader Guides – Actionable takeaways and insights from each session, designed to help you empower your team and implement new ideas immediately.

3. 🎥 Live Events: Join us at TechTables live events—whether hosted by us or in partnership with industry leaders—where we bring together senior technology leaders. Experience exclusive networking, collaborative sessions, and inspiring discussions that spotlight and elevate public sector leadership.

Email Joe at [email protected] to get on our private 2025 event waitlist.

4. 🤝 The Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit: Kicking off 2025 to Defend, Protect, and Secure: bringing together government and private sector leaders quarterly to strengthen collective defense capabilities against rising cyber threats.

The virtual summit focuses on building resilient security frameworks through topics like Zero Trust and AI-enabled operations, uniting CIOs and CISOs to protect critical infrastructure and government services.

📧 Interested? Email Joe at [email protected]

The TechTables Newsletter is proudly brought to you by our national partner, Verizon

Verizon Frontline is the most advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most. Click here to check out the solutions built for first responders.

Learn how Seattle IT's digital team revolutionized emergency communications through human-centered design, accessibility compliance, and innovative major event pages.

The TechTables Newsletter is proudly brought to you by our national partner, SentinelOne

Want to see AI-powered security in action? Check out how the State of Montana revolutionized their cybersecurity using SentinelOne - they're now protecting over 15,000 endpoints across 25 state agencies. Click here to see their success story.

FEATURING:

* Michal Perlstein, Senior Manager of Digital Engagement, City of Seattle IT

* Michelle Ringgold, User Experience Team Lead, City of Seattle IT

* Dennis McCoy, Product Management Team Supervisor, City of Seattle IT

* Jeff Beckstrom, Development Team Manager for Digital Engagement, City of Seattle IT

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

* How Seattle's digital engagement team manages web content, blogs, and newsletters while overseeing digital policies and design requirements

* Why user testing and feedback were crucial in developing the city's major event pages for winter weather, heat, smoke, and flooding

* The importance of "evergreen" content in emergency preparedness communications

* How Seattle IT has prepared for WCAG 2.1 accessibility compliance over the past 6-7 years

* The challenges and opportunities of implementing AI and cloud solutions in government digital services

LINKS MENTIONED:

* WCAG 2.1 Standards

* Seattle Digital Properties

* Winter Weather

* Earthquake Safety

* Summer Heat Safety

* Wildfire Smoke Safety

* Flooding Safety

💼 Work with me

Discover collaboration opportunities tailored for CIOs and vendor partners

For CIOs -

The Collaboratory: Where Public Sector Technology Leaders Get Real

Tired of the same conference slides? So are your peers.

I really felt like you were offering something different that brought people together... having frank conversations and discussions. I just came back from a conference, and it was the same bloody slides on train-your-people-about-security. And I was just like, why don't we talk? Why don't we take this to the next level, like where it really matters? And that's what you're doing here.

Join a vendor-free community of public sector technology leaders who skip the slides and dive into what actually matters.

Email [email protected] to apply today!

For Vendor Partners - Why brand matters in B2B

B2B buying process has changed, and your sales strategy must, too

Dave Gerhardt says it best:

Brand will help you win deals. Brand gets you out of the feature wars. Brand means you're not battling over a 4.6 vs. 4.7 rating on G2. Brands means the sales team isn’t grasping at straws to articulate how you're different. Without a brand, people will buy: 1. The product they've bought before (it's safer, they've used it before) 2. The product that's cheaper (it's safer, it doesn't break the bank)

This is where TechTables comes in.

We understand brand better than anyone in the public sector. Let us help you build a brand that wins deals, stands out, and drives pipeline.

Ready to leave outdated marketing and content strategies behind? Let TechTables elevate your brand to the next level.

Email [email protected] to start the conversation today.

ps: Not ready yet? No worries. Check out my exclusive interview with the 23rd Governor of Arizona, Doug Ducey, where we talk about how “Cybersecurity is Homeland Security” and Arizona’s trailblazing Whole of State approach.

The TechTables Newsletter is proudly brought to you by our national partner, Verizon

Verizon Frontline is the most advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most. Click here to check out the solutions built for first responders.

In episode #183, I sit down with Errika Celsy, Aaron Jones, and Sandeep Desai to uncover Arizona’s untold story of creating a cybersecurity leadership pipeline—a playbook for shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

Featuring:

- Errika Celsy, Director of Educational Technology at Cave Creek Unified School District

- Aaron Jones, Analyst at Chandler Police Department

- Sandeep Desai, Information Security Officer at Arizona Department of Education

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- How Cave Creek School District reduced phishing rates from 15% to 5% through security awareness training and creative incentives.

- Why cybersecurity risk should be viewed through a business lens rather than just a technical perspective.

- How law enforcement can leverage open-source intelligence (OSINT) to assist investigations.

- The importance of the “60/40 Rule” when hiring cybersecurity talent.

- Strategies for empowering women in technology through programs like “Cyber Squad” and “Girls Get IT.”

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a playbook for building tomorrow’s cybersecurity workforce. Don’t miss these actionable insights from Arizona’s top minds.

***

Read the full transcript on https://www.techtables.com/podcast/183/errika-celsy-aaron-jones-sandeep-desai

***

Whenever you’re ready, there are 4 ways you can connect with TechTables:

1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.

Join now: https://www.techtables.com/

2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.

Learn more here: https://www.techtables.com/the-collaboratory

3. 🎥 Live Events: Join us at TechTables live events—whether hosted by us or in partnership with industry leaders—where we bring together senior technology leaders. Experience exclusive networking, collaborative sessions, and inspiring discussions that spotlight and elevate public sector leadership.

See the latest events here: https://www.techtables.com/upcoming-events

4. 🤝 The Better Together Series: a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action.

📧 Interested? Email Joe at [email protected].

***

PARTNERS

Thanks to our friends at SentinelOne for being our 2024 Podcast & Newsletter Partner

SentinelOne: Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure: https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers

Verizon Frontline: The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.

Check out the solutions built for first responders: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/

SAP: Discover how the latest in generative AI capabilities in the SAP solutions portfolio can help you revolutionize your business model strategy. Learn more at https://www.sap.com/index.html

Featuring:

* Errika Celsy, Director of Educational Technology at Cave Creek Unified School District

* Aaron Jones, Analyst at Chandler Police Department

* Sandeep Desai, Information Security Officer at Arizona Department of Education

In this episode, you'll learn:

* How Cave Creek School District reduced phishing rates from 15% to 5% through security awareness training and creative incentives

* Why cybersecurity risk should be viewed through a business lens rather than just a technical perspective

* How law enforcement can leverage open-source intelligence (OSINT) to assist investigations

* The importance of the "60/40 Rule" when hiring cybersecurity talent

* Strategies for empowering women in technology through programs like "Cyber Squad" and "Girls Get IT"

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a playbook for building tomorrow’s cybersecurity workforce. Don’t miss these actionable insights from Arizona’s top minds.

Timestamps

* (00:54) Guest Introductions & Personal Backgrounds

* (04:00) TechTales Newsletter: Gamifying Security Awareness

* (07:00) Last Bell's Security Corner & Business Risk Alignment

* (11:30) Digital Safety Best Practices

* (12:00) Digital Citizenship Education at Cave Creek

* (14:45) Building the Cybersecurity Talent Pipeline

* (18:00) OSINT & Modern Law Enforcement

* (23:00) Power of Mentorship in Career Development

* (28:45) Girls in Cyber & Women in Technology

* (31:45) Final Advice: The 60/40 Rule & Career Growth

Links Mentioned

* Manda’s Macs catered at the 2024 Phoenix Live Podcast Tour. Go support a small business in Phoenix, AZ

* Nearpod

* Shodan

* ISACA Phoenix Chapter

* Arizona Cyber Command Center

* Girls in Cyber Initiative

* Glendale Community College

Whenever you’re ready, there are 4 ways you can connect with TechTables:

1. The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.

2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.

3. 🎥 Live Events: Join us at TechTables live events—whether hosted by us or in partnership with industry leaders—where we bring together senior technology leaders. Experience exclusive networking, collaborative sessions, and inspiring discussions that spotlight and elevate public sector leadership.

See the latest events here: https://www.techtables.com/upcoming-events

4. 🤝 The Better Together Series: a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action.

📧 Interested? Email Joe at [email protected].

PARTNERS

Thanks to our friends at SentinelOne for being our 2024 Podcast & Newsletter Partner

Want to see AI-powered security in action? Check out how the State of Montana revolutionized their cybersecurity using SentinelOne - they're now protecting over 15,000 endpoints across 25 state agencies. See their success story below.

Verizon Frontline: The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.

Check out the solutions built for first responders: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/

SAP: Discover how the latest in generative AI capabilities in the SAP solutions portfolio can help you revolutionize your business model strategy. Learn more at https://www.sap.com/index.html

Check out the full episode on https://www.techtables.com/podcast/182/frank-sweeney-beth-neeley

Featuring:

- Frank Sweeney, CIO, Arizona Department of Child Safety
- Beth Neeley, CIO, Arizona Department of Education

In this episode, you'll learn:

- How Frank Sweeney transformed DCS's Guardian system from 2 releases to 46 successful deployments in 10 months

- Why the Arizona Department of Education's $9M school finance payment system succeeded through strategic stakeholder collaboration

- How the Department of Education achieved unprecedented financial transparency and reduced technology debt by $500,000

- The power of authentic leadership and being present in driving organizational transformation

- Why strategic team placement and a culture of gratitude are critical success factors in public sector IT

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome and Introductions

(01:41) Frank's transition strategy: People, process, and culture at DCS

(04:52) Beth's journey: Leading the Department of Education transformation

(09:06) Building a culture of gratitude and breaking down bureaucratic barriers

(14:07) Success story: Department of Education's $9M payment system overhaul

(18:54) DCS transformation: From Guardian system challenges to 46 deployments

(22:42) Leadership insights: EOS framework and strategic team placement

(25:37) Key leadership lessons: The power of being present and authentic

• Frank Sweeney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-sweeney-iot/
• Beth Neeley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-neeley-687099222/

Whenever you’re ready, there are 4 ways you can connect with TechTables:

1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.

Join now: https://www.techtables.com/

2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.

Learn more here: https://www.techtables.com/the-collaboratory

3. 🎥 Live Events: Join us at TechTables live events—whether hosted by us or in partnership with industry leaders—where we bring together senior technology leaders. Experience exclusive networking, collaborative sessions, and inspiring discussions that spotlight and elevate public sector leadership.

See the latest events here: https://www.techtables.com/upcoming-events

4. 🎙️ Virtual Podcasts: Vendor Partners ready to be featured on the TechTables Podcast?

Looking to increase your company's brand awareness and affinity to our super engaged audience (and not just an empty database of emails)?

We specialize in crafting engaging, impactful content that resonates with public sector audiences.

Email Joe if you're interested at [email protected]

PARTNERS

Thanks to our friends at SentinelOne for being our 2024 Podcast & Newsletter Partner

SentinelOne: Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure: https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers

Verizon Frontline: The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.

Check out the solutions built for first responders: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/

SAP: Discover how the latest in generative AI capabilities in the solutions portfolio can help you revolutionize your business model strategy.

Learn more at https://www.sap.com/index.html

SAY THANKS

💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-public-sector-show-by-techtables/id1661752549

🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0bFQBsDwKJkdNk2qENkhNL?si=7a9ca4b0ca0e42c3

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Featuring:

• Dr. Bianca Lochner, CIO, City of Scottsdale


• Feroz Merchhiya, CIO, City of Glendale


• Dr. Muriel Reid, CIO, City of Jackson, MS


• Ken Williams, National Sr Manager, Partner Solutions Engineering at T-Mobile 

Note: At the time of recording, Feroz Merchhiya was serving as CIO for the City of Glendale. He is currently the CIO for the City of Santa Monica, as of release date on November 1st, 2024.

Summary

Guests share their expertise on smart city initiatives and digital transformation in local government. This dynamic conversation explores how cities are leveraging emerging technologies, from 5G infrastructure to artificial intelligence, while fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance community services and resident experiences.

 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How cities like Scottsdale and Glendale are implementing smart city initiatives through strategic roadmaps and innovative technologies


• The role of GIS and data analytics in improving public safety and city operations during major events


• Approaches to implementing AI solutions safely and effectively in government settings


• How public-private partnerships and inter-city collaboration drive innovation in municipal services


• Strategies for balancing competition and cooperation between neighboring cities to improve resident services

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intros

(03:55) Scottsdale's Smart City Journey and Digital Transformation

(07:32) Fiber Network Infrastructure and IoT Implementation

(11:00) Glendale's GIS Center of Excellence and Major Event Management

(16:44) City of Jackson's Approach to Technology Partnerships and Challenges

(20:27) T-Mobile's Role in 5G Smart City Infrastructure

(21:29) Glendale's Implementation of Generative AI Solutions

(27:59) Scottsdale's Strategic Approach to AI Implementation

(32:41) Public Safety Communications Future with T-Mobile

(36:05) Regional Collaboration and Competition in the Phoenix Metro Area

(43:53) Cross-City Technology Sharing and Innovation

(47:04) Closing Thoughts on Public-Private Collaboration

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

→ #180: J.R. Sloan, Ryan Murray & Doug Lange – Arizona State CIO, CISO & Former CSO Talk AI

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