2025 Speakers

Justin Ubert

CTO, U.S. Department of Transportation

Justin Ubert, D.Sc., is a seasoned cybersecurity and IT professional with over 11 years of experience in managing and leading enterprise-wide security programs across federal agencies. Currently serving as the Cybersecurity & Operations Division Chief at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration, Justin oversees the IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and privacy programs for over 1,000 personnel and thousands of external users.

He is a recognized leader in implementing advanced information technology/security strategies, including DevSecOps, cloud migrations, and zero trust while ensuring compliance with federal mandates such as Executive Order 14028.

In addition to his leadership roles in cybersecurity, Justin serves as an adjunct professor at Marymount University, where he teaches undergraduates in the College of Business, Innovation, Leadership, and Technology. He holds a Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity from Marymount University and multiple professional certifications, including CISSP and CISA.

Howard Spira

CIO, Export-Import Bank of the U.S.

Howard Spira was named the Chief Information Officer of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) in December 2014.    He was promoted to Senior Vice President at the bank in 2016. Howard came to EXIM from the United States Treasury where he led the technology team for the Office of Financial Stability – the team that ran the rescue program in response to the financial crisis of 2008.

Prior to his federal service, Howard was a senior IT executive in the financial services industry with an extensive background in international and domestic commercial finance. His past employers include Goldman Sachs, General Electric, Smith Barney and Andersen Consulting.  He
brings to EXIM a wealth of industry technology experience. Howard’s responsibilities at EXIM include overseeing the complete information technology portfolio that support’s the Bank's $40 billion portfolio including infrastructure, networks and telecoms, office automation, mission systems, program management, information security, data quality and records management.  In addition, his area serves as the agency's representative for Privacy, Records and AI.

Mr. Spira holds a BS from Cornell University’s school of Agriculture and Life Sciences and an MBA from Cornell’s Johnson School of Business.

Kristin Ruiz (Invited)

Deputy CIO, TSA

Kristin Ruiz was appointed as the Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on April 23rd, 2023. In this role, Ms. Ruiz is responsible for coordinating, planning, developing, and evaluating information technology (IT) resources, including overseeing a variety of IT enterprise infrastructure, architecture, security systems, telecommunications, and e-Government and investment reviews.

Ms. Ruiz is a driven, mission-focused IT leader with over 20 years of experience in technology, digital transformation, application development, and Cybersecurity compliance. She has built, modernized, and overseen more than 300 secure, innovative, user-friendly applications throughout her career. Ms. Ruiz is an expert in leading comprehensive enterprise-wide IT portfolio strategy and management and has a proven track record of translating technology strategies into effective actions.

Before joining TSA, Ms. Ruiz served as the first Associate Chief Information Officer (ACIO) for the Office of Applications and Digital Solutions at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). As ACIO of the Office of Applications and Digital Solutions, Ms. Ruiz led the implementation of the $3 Billion Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection (AMJP) Program grants solution and DOT’s $600 Billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) website and enterprise grants management system. Ms. Ruiz pioneered a brand-new office setting the vision, direction, and organizational culture for DOT’s digital transformation with a focus on the following IT competencies: Agile System Development Lifecycle (SDLC); Development, Security, and Operations (DevSecOps); Cybersecurity; operations and maintenance; and capital planning investment control.

Additionally, Ms. Ruiz led DOT’s application rationalization efforts to achieve economies of scale and managed DOT’s accessibility program, website development, and managed the entirety the DOT’s mandatory use Software Engineering Support (SWES) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), overseeing the successful award of over $375 Million. Before joining DOT, Ms. Ruiz served as the IT Portfolio Management Director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Nutrition and Consumer Services (FNCS), where she managed and executed the FNCS applications, operations, and maintenance budget supporting the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) (formerly food stamps) applications handling $85+B with 50+M program recipients, and Women Infants and Children (WIC) applications providing nutritional assistance to millions of families, school lunch in 95,000 schools, and systems providing food to Americans during disasters. Ms. Ruiz is a United States Marine Corps veteran and a George Mason University Alumni. She holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and is a Level III Program Manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) certified by the Federal Acquisition Institute.

Arjuna Swaminathan

CAIO, HHS OIG

Arjuna Swaminathan serves as the first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG). With a career dedicated to advancing the use of artificial intelligence, Arjuna has been pivotal in driving the enterprise adoption of AI technologies to enhance operational efficiencies and foster innovation.

Before his tenure at HHS OIG, Arjuna was a Principal at IBM’s Cloud and Cognitive Services Division. During his time at IBM, he specialized in partnering with healthcare organizations to develop and integrate AI solutions tailored to their specific business needs, thereby improving service delivery and decision-making processes. Arjuna holds dual graduate degrees from the University of Maryland, earning an M.B.A. in Strategy and an M.S. in Information Systems. His educational background, combined with his extensive professional experience, has equipped him with a deep understanding of both the strategic and technical aspects of AI implementation in healthcare.

Holly Wiggins

Chief Strategy Officer, Office of the Chief Scientist, USDA

Bio to come.

Alan Claypool

Assistant CIO, City of Phoenix

Alan Claypool is a technology trailblazer with a career spanning the military, government, and private sectors. As a U.S. Air Force officer, he led global IT missions, wartime communications, and satellite launch support. A three-time CIO and former COO, Alan has driven bold digital transformations across hundreds of essential services. With C-suite and field experience in the energy industry—and as a licensed commercial UAS pilot—he brings real-world leadership in using data, AI, and GIS to power smarter, faster, and more connected communities.

Maureen "Marty" Fromuth (invited)

Professional Staff Member, Senate Armed Services Committee

Jennifer Franks

Director, Center for Advanced Cybersecurity, Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Jennifer R. Franks directs the Center for Enhanced Cybersecurity within GAO’s Information Technology and Cybersecurity team. She oversees reviews that primarily focus on emerging cybersecurity issues and assessing an agency’s ability to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its sensitive data and computing infrastructure. Her multi-disciplinary teams actively review agencies’ computer security vulnerabilities across their enterprise-wide computing environment by assessing program management compliance and technical controls recommended for the agencies to follow in accordance with federal guidance and leading practices. In addition, Ms. Franks leads reviews in the areas of IT management and operations, financial management, data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, she is a certified facilitator of agency new hire and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) courses. Ms. Franks earned a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in information security policy and management, and a bachelor’s degree
from Hampton University in computer information systems.

Amber Young

PARS System Owner, U.S. Department of Energy

Amber Young is the PARS System Owner at the Department of Energy's Office of Project Management, Project Controls and Policy (PM-30). An EVMS professional with extensive experience with both DOE and DOD data structures, she has been pivotal in leading review efforts using new tools like the IP2M METRR and is a pioneer in integrating detailed AI analysis into the Environment and Maturity Assessment process. Ms Young's background in physics and mathematics has allowed her to apply a spirit of scientific inquiry to understanding, analyzing, and teaching complex data structures in project management and Earned Value. Ms Young leads the DOE Office of Project Management AI Governance board and works closely with the other board members to review and approve PM's implementation of AI technologies.

Craig Haseler

PARS Technical Lead, U.S. Department of Energy

Craig Haseler leads the technical team behind PARS, the Department of Energy's System of Record for Capital Asset Project Performance Information. With a background in software development and cybersecurity, Craig has led the expansion of PARS capabilities over the past several years as a new JSON upload format has been developed and the scope of the system has expanded. More recently, Craig and his team have spearheaded the Department of Energy's efforts to embrace safe, secure Artificial Intelligence tools to improve productivity and further the Department's mission.

Garrett Richardson

PARS Security Officer, U.S. Department of Energy

Bio to come.

Natalie Buda Smith

Director of Digital Strategy, Library of Congress

Natalie Buda Smith is the Director of Digital Strategy at the Library of Congress. She is a leader in digital transformation through data, emerging technologies, and human-centered design practices with over 30 years of experience in IT. She has built large teams at NavigationArts, IBM, and now the Library of Congress, and has worked for clients in the U.S., Europe, and India. She is strongly committed to ethical, human-centered products and services that adhere to best practices in inclusion, diversity, and accessibility.

Saddam Azlan Salim

Senator, Virginia State Senate

Senator Saddam Azlan Salim is a Bangeldeshi-American immigrant who came to this country when he was just 10 years old. He was fleeing multiple climate catastrophes of flood and drought. After experiencing homelessness shortly after moving to the US, his family moved to Fairfax County, where they worked their way up and found success. He attended Falls Church High School and then George Mason University, where he got his Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in Public Administration. He has worked in federal financial management and consulting for over 7 years. He was elected to the Virginia Senate in 2023 and represents District 37, which includes Fairfax City, the Town of Vienna, the City of Falls Church, and parts of central Fairfax County.

Dr. Chris Kinsinger

Asst Director for Catalytic Data Resources, NIH Common Fund

Dr. Kinsinger is the Assistant Director for Catalytic Data Resources in the NIH Common Fund where he helps transform discovery into health through data science. In this role, he provides vision and leadership for complex research programs involving data integration, anatomical atlases with single-cell resolution, genomic sequencing of pediatric cancers and structural birth defects, and biomedical applications of artificial intelligence.

Previously, Dr. Kinsinger worked as a Program Director of the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) in the National Cancer Institute, where he led operations for data management and biospecimen processing for the proteogenomic characterization program. He oversaw development of the CPTAC Data Coordinating Center and the Proteomic Data Commons, a node of the Cancer Research Data Commons. He also managed the CPTAC biospecimen collection pipeline and served as a scientific mentor for the American Association of Cancer Research’s Scientist Survivor Program for patient advocates.

Chris received his Ph.D. in computational chemistry from the University of Minnesota, studying oxidation mechanisms of bioinorganic complexes. He then completed a postdoc at the National Institute of Standards and Technology where he investigated potential energy surfaces of gas-phase dissociation of peptides. Throughout his career, he has sought to promote data sharing and integrate biomedical data from disparate fields of research. 

Sasi Kasiraju

Operations Chief & Director of Training, U.S. Army

As the Operations Chief for the 21ST Signal Brigade at Fort Detrick, I strategize and oversee the implementation of Generative AI to improve brigade operations and training. I am currently pursuing my Doctoral in Public Administration with AI Trustworthiness as research topic.

Denise Turley

Vice President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Denise Turley is a trailblazing leader, visionary educator, and influential voice in artificial intelligence and leadership. As the Vice President of Corporate Systems at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, she drives the strategic development of enterprise-wide technology solutions. Her leadership extends beyond the corporate realm into academia, where she serves as an Assistant Professor, guiding future leaders through inclusive and technology-driven educational practices. Additionally, Dr. Turley is a member of the CDO Magazine Global Editorial Board.

Denise's passion for technology and empowerment is paralleled by her dedication to fostering equity and inclusion in all areas. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice for AI, she leverages her platform to advocate for ethical AI practices and the transformative potential of AI across industries. As a published author, Denise explores the intersection of technology, leadership, and inclusion, providing insights that inspire action and drive change.

Maura Power

CTO, Fairfax County

Maura is the Chief Technology Officer and Deputy Director for the Fairfax County’s Department of Information Technology. She has a Master of Science Degree from the University of Maryland. Maura has worked across several areas in the county before joining the Information Technology Department, she set up the foundation for data analytics in the Fire and Rescue Department, managed the Health and Human Services IT Strategic Roadmap, and currently oversees application development, data analytics and AI/ML development.

Anthony D'Orazio

CIO, Borough of State College, PA

At the helm of the technology team for the Borough of State College, PA, Anthony's strategic leadership has been pivotal in driving AI governance initiatives, resulting in cost savings and operational efficiency. With expertise in IT and Security, he has spearheaded comprehensive IT strategies that have advanced organizational objectives, fostering innovation and growth.

Sky Bell

Manager, Legal Technology Integration, Innovation & AI, State of New York Office of IT Services

Sky Bell is an AI Practitioner and Legal Technologist with over 14 years of experience in technology and cybersecurity within government agencies. She leads AI initiatives and develops deployment guidelines. Pursuing a Master’s in Cybersecurity at Georgia Tech and a former Apple Genius,

Sky is passionate about integrating human insight with technology. She founded Capital Region AI Catalyst, a nonprofit dedicated to democratizing AI knowledge, fostering a skilled workforce, and promoting ethical AI adoption in the Capital Region, New York. Committed to responsible AI innovation, Sky aims to build an inclusive, AI-powered future.

Rochelle Haynes

Managing Director, Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities

Rochelle Haynes is a cross-sector leader with expertise in anti-poverty programs supporting individuals and families across the life span. She served over a decade in NYC government, including as Chief of Staff at the Department of Homeless Services, where she secured $20M for family support services. She later led global strategy at 100 Resilient Cities – Rockefeller Foundation and expanded Sesame Workshop’s U.S. Social Impact work to 13 regions, reaching 75,000+ children. Rochelle holds master’s degrees from Princeton and a BA from the University at Albany, where she serves as a board member.

Mike Raker

CTO, Maximus

Josh Stanley

Senior AI Specialist, Zoom

Josh Stanley joined Zoom in 2019 and has been a part of bringing Zoom Phone and then eventually Zoom Contact Center to market. Josh is now a Senior AI Specialist, focusing on GTM expansion of Zoom AI across multiple products in the Zoom platform.  He is responsible for driving sales of Custom AI Companion and further adoption of Zoom AI Companion.  Prior to Zoom, Josh spent 9 years at Cisco in sales, leadership, and partner development roles and previously 10 years managing different levels of a contact center with Merrill Lynch.

Dave Vennergrund

Vice President, AI Center of Excellence, GDIT

Dave Vennergrund is a data scientist and vice president at GDIT. He leads the company’s AI Center of Excellence, focusing on AI, machine learning, cloud-native analytics, data science, and modern data management. He leads a team of thousands of AI professionals and data scientists developing innovative solutions that transform data into valuable insights, addressing complex challenges with a focus on safe, secure, and responsible AI deployment.

Roger Swiger

CMO, Avenir Technologies

Roger Swiger is a seasoned IT Program Manager and certified PMP with over 25 years of experience leading large-scale federal technology initiatives. Roger currently works at Avenir Technology where he is the Chief Marketing Officer. He is helping bring AI and data Analytics to
federal, state and county agencies. Roger is retired from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and has spearheaded efforts to modernize training systems, implement extended reality (ER) technologies, and enhance IT infrastructure across the agency.

He led IT operations at the NRC’s Technical Training Center, where he designed a cutting-edge virtual training lab and modernized 11 classrooms to support advanced instructional delivery. Roger brings deep expertise in cybersecurity as a long-serving Information System Security Officer (ISSO), as well as in program management, risk mitigation, and vendor coordination. His leadership in VoIP, data center optimization, and cloud migration significantly strengthened the agency’s operational resilience.

With an MBA in Management Information Systems and Decision Science, Roger is a strategic thinker who transforms complex challenges into smart, scalable solutions.

Dr. Hemachandran Kannan

Vice Dean & Director, AI Research Centre, Woxsen University

Dr. Hemachandran Kannan is the Director of the AI Research Centre, Vice Dean of the School of Business, and Area Chair of analytics at Woxsen University. With over 17 years of academic, research, and industry engagement experience, he is a distinguished expert in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Video Recommendation Systems, and Autonomous Robotics. He has led numerous high-
impact projects, including the development of AI-powered healthcare, agriculture, education, and smart infrastructure systems.

A passionate academician and innovator, Dr. Kannan is the principal investigator of multiple patented technologies such as the Nano-based Necrobotics
Deployment, Unified Healthcare Intelligence System (UHIS), and Quantum AI-Driven Smart Airport Management System. Dr. Kannan serves on the advisory boards of renowned global organizations including AptAI Labs (USA), Agzistence Pvt. Ltd, and Richfield, South Africa.

He is an ambassador for the AI Accelerator Institute and DeepLearning.AI, and an active UNESCO Expert. His dedication to nurturing future innovators is evident through his role as an ATL Mentor of Change under NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission. A prolificcontributor to academia, he has authored and edited over 20 books and delivered keynote lectures at several national and international conferences. His work consistently bridges the gap between research and real-world applications, especially in AI-driven societal transformation.

Jasmin Cowin

Associate Professor & Fellow, AI, Touro University

Dr. Jasmin Cowin is an Associate Professor at Touro University Graduate School of Education and a 2024–2025 CETL Faculty Fellow. She supports faculty development and AI literacy through institutional workshops, policy research, and collaboration with the AI@Touro team. As a 2024 U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist, she delivered international keynotes and workshops on AI in education. A Richard P. Nathan Public Policy Fellow at the Rockefeller Institute of Government, she researches the European AI Act. A Fulbright Scholar and SIT graduate, she has led initiatives in India, Burundi, and other resource-poor settings. Her Stankevicius column explores AI, ethics, and education, framing her vision for “Education for 2060.”