Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Invitation-only forum for state and local government IT executives, CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, and emerging technology leaders in Texas
- Sessions address AI governance, agentic AI security, legacy system modernization, digital trust, and workforce transformation in public sector contexts
- Practical focus on defending IT investments to legislative bodies and translating technology needs into mission outcomes
- Speakers include CIOs from Texas Department of Public Safety, City of Austin, Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and representatives from OpenAI, Microsoft, IBM, and Boston Consulting Group
- Takes place November 19, 2026 at the Austin Marriott Downtown
About the Event
The Texas IT Leadership Forum 2026 is an invitation-only gathering organized by Government Technology for state and local government IT executives. The single-day event combines keynote addresses, concurrent sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to address leadership development, innovation, and strategic thinking in public sector technology.
Tony Sauerhoff, Executive Director and State Chief Information Officer at the Texas Department of Information Resources, opens the forum. The keynote speaker is Robert “Shark” Garland, a former U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School instructor and F-22 Raptor test pilot, who will present on building teams that succeed during disruption.
AI Governance and Security
A dedicated session on agentic AI explores the security, governance, and accountability challenges that emerge as AI evolves from tools providing answers to agents capable of accessing information and making decisions. John Lammers from Microsoft will address identity and access management, data protection, and building secure foundations for AI innovation in government environments.
The “Right-Sizing AI for Government” session examines how agencies can select appropriate AI tools, measure productivity gains against costs, and communicate value to employees and executives. Panelists include Dan Parham, Head of State and Local Government at OpenAI, alongside government CIOs and Oracle’s Lauren Farese.
Modernization and Digital Trust
The “Modernization Without Mayhem” session addresses how agencies can connect modernization priorities to business outcomes, manage technical debt, and sequence investments while maintaining essential services. Speakers include Jessica Ballew, CIO of the Texas Department of Public Safety, and Trace Caraway, CIO of the City of Leander.
“The Trust Mandate” session covers digital trust across employees, contractors, vendors, applications, and cloud environments. Topics include managing identities and privileges, assessing third-party risk, and creating governance that protects operations without hindering innovation. Panelists include CISOs from the City of Austin and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
Legislative and Budget Strategy
A general session titled “Defending the Investment: Making Your Case at the Capitol” addresses how CIOs can translate technology needs into mission and constituent outcomes that resonate with legislators. Lisa Craven, former Deputy Comptroller of Texas, and Ursula Parks, former Director of the Legislative Budget Board, will discuss preparing for legislative hearings and communicating the consequences of delaying investments in AI, cybersecurity, and modernization.
Workforce and Data Stewardship
Sessions on workforce transformation examine how leaders can prepare employees for continuous change through digital literacy, reskilling, and role redesign. Lisa Jammer, Chief People and Culture Officer at the Texas Department of Information Resources, is among the speakers.
The data stewardship session explores rethinking data ownership, retention, privacy, and AI readiness. Rhiannon Gainor Sanchez, Data Governance Officer at the Texas Workforce Commission whose team received the 2025 Best in Texas Government award for Data Governance, will participate alongside Amir Sabet from IBM Consulting, who previously served as Chief Data and Analytics Officer for Rhode Island.
Who Should Attend
The forum targets senior IT leaders from state and local government agencies, including CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, department heads, technology strategists, and emerging leaders. Attendees typically hold roles in information technology, cybersecurity, data governance, digital transformation, and public administration. The event is open to public sector professionals only and requires an invitation.