Frisco, TX | June 2025

Government IT leaders from across the country gathered this June in Frisco, Texas, for the 2025 Summer Government IT Congress—two days of candid conversations, strategic planning, and peer-led sessions tackling the most urgent challenges in public sector technology. Here’s a recap of the opening keynotes that set the tone for the event.

AI-Powered Cybersecurity: Smarter, Scalable Defense with Brian Gardner, Chief Information Security Officer, City of Austin, TX

Sunday’s keynote from Brian Gardner explored the rising role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity—and how public sector agencies can harness it to stay ahead of modern threats. Gardner made a compelling case: AI isn’t just for tech giants. With smart integration, even resource-constrained agencies can leverage AI for real-time anomaly detection, faster incident response, and long-term risk reduction.

Key Takeaways:

• Real-World Use Cases: From predictive threat modeling to behavior-based alerts, AI is helping governments detect and neutralize attacks earlier.
• Scalable Strategies: Learn how to integrate AI into legacy systems without overburdening IT teams.
• Implementation Insights: Garner lessons from Austin’s own cybersecurity approach, including stakeholder buy-in, procurement tips, and ongoing performance monitoring.

The PreActive Playbook: Leading Through Uncertainty with Hong Sae, Chief Information Officer, City of Roseville, CA

Monday’s keynote shifted the focus from threat response to future readiness. Hong Sae presented a “PreActive” strategy framework for state and local CIOs—emphasizing how IT leaders can anticipate federal shifts, manage risk proactively, and build more resilient digital operations.

Key Takeaways:

• Scenario Planning: Regularly assess how policy changes could impact IT infrastructure and funding.
• Stronger Partnerships: Build durable relationships across government tiers to streamline coordination and response.
• Future-Ready Systems: Invest in cybersecurity, workforce development, and data governance to enable agile growth.

What’s Next for Government IT Leaders?
The Summer Congress sparked new ideas and clear action steps for public sector IT teams.

If your agency is ready to:

• Pilot AI-based security tools
• Embed scenario planning into strategic reviews
• Improve grant readiness and digital workforce planning

…then the next opportunity is right around the corner.

Join us at the Winter Government IT Congress in California this December 2025