Topic: Culture

Seminar Topics

[1 CPE] Communication Breakdown

  Presented by INTERFACE Advisory Council

How difficult is it to communicate? This may sound like a rhetorical question, but it does pose challenges. IT departments are frequently in the middle of executing a business plan while the communication falls to others. Technology professionals are now responsible for facilitating improved communication between C-Suite, End-users, and the public.

Please join the INTERFACE Phoenix Advisory Council for a discussion on the challenges of the current communication landscape in your company. Firms of all types and sizes struggle with ensuring that all interested parties have the needed information to perform their jobs. IT departments must lead the way in evolving modern, efficient communication regarding policy, security, procedures, and other operating aspects of the business. Bring your questions for this open conversation with area leaders who will share their experiences and insights.

  • Lester Godsey, Chief Information Security Officer, Maricopa County
  • John Kullman, Sr Manager, Network, Yuma County
  • Patrick O’Keefe, Head of Global Cyber Security and Risk Management, Circle K
  • Lynne Pizzini, Director, Security Governance, Assurance, and Design, CIT Bank

[1 CPE] Panel Discussion: The More Things Change…

  Presented by INTERFACE Advisory Council

For the last two years, there has been no shortage of change in how IT departments are organized. The structure in your shop likely looks nothing like it did in 2019. With the permanence of remote work, how have you evolved? Has your company kept up with the new landscape?

Please join the INTERFACE Kansas City Advisory Council for a discussion on the current landscape of leadership in the IT industry. We’ll discuss retaining employees, hiring workers remotely, dealing with the “great resignation,” and other topics of relevance to your IT career. Finally, the panel will address the challenge of keeping local Kansas City IT talent from exploring remote opportunities with out-of-state companies. Bring your questions for this open conversation with area leaders who will share their experiences and insights.

  • Britney Kennedy, Business Information Security Officer, Cardinal Health
  • Michael Nixon, Director, Information Security, Stormont Vail Health
  • Altaf Uddin, Director, Information Systems, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy
  • Adam Wasserman, Director, Information Technology, Paris Brothers

[1 CPE] Unlearning Leadership

  Presented by Ken Knapton • Chief Information Officer, Progrexion

In this session, Dr. Knapton shares lessons that he has learned in multiple decades in the CIO seat. He will share his 10 operating principles that have formed the foundation of his leadership style. Whether you are starting your IT career or are a seasoned professional, you will be able to pick up several tips that will help you be a better leader. Leadership is constantly evolving, especially over the last couple of years. Join Dr. Knapton for insights about what leadership looks like now and how you can grow your technology career.

Dr. Knapton is a veteran technology leader with broad experience in IT operations, software development, enterprise architecture, software design, program management, project management, analytics, infrastructure, quality assurance, and user interaction. He applies his vast experience in his role as CIO to improve under-performing IT organizations and specializes in teaching IT organizations how to be agile and how to establish a service-oriented IT culture. He has worked in various industries, including healthcare, high tech, nonprofit, and financial services. Dr. Knapton holds 3 patents for his early work on enterprise security and anti-virus technology and has published a book on family safety and technology. Dr. Knapton earned his doctorate in IT with his dissertation on big data governance. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Brigham Young University, a Master of Science with a focus on Strategic IT Leadership from Walden University, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems from Utah Valley University.

[1 CPE] Streamlining and Modernizing State Government

  Presented by Alan Fuller, Utah State CIO

Government faces many challenges when it comes to providing services to citizens. Join Alan Fuller to find out what the State of Utah is doing to stay secure, adopt innovative technologies, modernize IT systems, and improve the citizen digital experience with government. Bring your questions as well to find out the latest initiatives from the State of Utah.

Alan Fuller was appointed Chief Information Officer for the state of Utah in March 2021. As CIO, Fuller oversees all IT functions for executive branch agencies in Utah with the goal to improve innovation and improve government services through the use of technology. A resident of Lehi, Utah, Fuller has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

[1 CPE] Panel Discussion: The More Things Change…

  Presented by INTERFACE Advisory Council

For the last two years, there has been no shortage of change in how IT departments are organized. The structure in your shop likely looks nothing like it did in 2019. With the permanence of remote work, how have you evolved? Has your company kept up with the new landscape?

Please join the INTERFACE Salt Lake City Advisory Council for a discussion on the current landscape of leadership in the IT industry. We’ll discuss retaining employees, hiring workers remotely, dealing with the “great resignation,” and other topics of relevance to your IT career. Bring your questions for this open conversation with area leaders who will share their experiences and insights.

Panelists:

  • James Duckett, Manager, Technology Division, City of St George
  • Corona Ngatuvai, Chief Technology Architect, State of Utah
  • Greg Pugh, Information System Security Officer, Space Dynamics Laboratory
  • Kim Schroeder, Chief Technology Officer, Education at Work
  • Jon Shurtliff, Director of Technology, Oakdell Egg Farms

[1 CPE] IT and the Future of Work

  Presented by Michael Dietrich • Chief Technology Officer, Greater Nevada Credit Union

We keep hearing about the “new normal.” The pandemic brought about many changes. Demand for digital services increased. Remote work became the rule rather than the exception. And as more and more workers decide to pursue other passions it has become increasingly difficult to recruit qualified candidates, resulting in businesses offering worker flexibility and accommodations to expand the talent pool. This sea change has prompted businesses to rethink the workplace permanently. The idea of the “office” or the “campus” as defined physical space is becoming an archaic idea.

Technology professionals were the enablers of this change. During the pandemic, we solved problems to keep business and commerce running – because we were the only ones who could. Now that the new ways of working that were necessary for continuity of business are being permanently adopted, technology shops need to continue to adapt quickly. We no longer have the luxury of reduced budget and resource constraints to make things happen quickly during a crisis. As speed was the priority over quality during that time, we now need to mitigate gaps in the solutions provided. Most importantly, our teams are not simply supporting these changes. Our ways of working have changed dramatically as well. We as technology leaders need to adapt to new leadership, culture, and engagement challenges.

Greater Nevada Credit Union Chief Technology Officer Mike Dietrich discusses what this means to us as IT leaders, and the implications on IT support, security, and ways of working within technology support organizations.

Michael is currently the Chief Technology Officer for Greater Nevada Credit Union. In his 30-year career as a technology professional and leader, he has served as Chief Information Officer for the State of Nevada and held senior leadership roles at Microsoft, LinkedIn, Rackspace, and Ericsson. He has contributed to industry-changing innovations in media delivery, gaming, open hardware platforms, and AV communications.

Michael’s passion is finding the truly meaningful ways that technology can lead to better business outcomes and enhance our lives. To this end he is often heard using the phrase, “Know what done looks like,” which means seeing the result from the point of view of the customer, regardless of their technical skill level, to ensure that a technology solution delivers what is needed seamlessly and effortlessly.

In his words “IT has elevated from a basic requirement to a business enabler. It is now evolving from a business enabler to becoming the core of the business model itself regardless of the industry – an idea further solidified during the pandemic. As such, any conversation about the benefits of a solution should not be about the technology itself, but about what the solution can do for us. The technology we use impresses no one. What we accomplish with it is everything.”

[1 CPE] Taking Ownership of Security and Optimization in the Digital Age

  Presented by Jim Bates • Founder, President & CEO of Business Improvement Group

We as IT practitioners, service providers, manufacturers, managers, executives, and business owners are tasked with leading change––change due to intentional and unintentional events including the internet of things (IoT), digital transformation, intelligent automation, machine learning, robotics, and yes, pesky pandemics that have changed the way we work. These changes introduce new vulnerabilities that expose our data to motivated threat agents. Information security or cybersecurity is everyone’s job. Jim Bates will send out a call to action with some tips on how to get buy-in and lead in this age of digital chaos. We need more than just transformation. We need secure, scalable, and sustainable optimization.

Jim Bates is the Founder, President & CEO of Business Improvement Group, Inc. (BIG) and an Adjunct Professor in several schools at the University of Alaska Anchorage, including the MSPM program. Jim was elected as President-elect to the Project Management Institute Alaska Chapter (PMIAK) for 2018 and as an Executive Adviser for the nationwide Center for Technology. In addition to his many professional certifications, Jim holds master certificates in Business Analysis, Lean Six Sigma, and Project Management from Villanova University.

Jim is an experienced executive and consultant who is passionate about leading business transformation and offering innovative, high-value solutions to everyday business challenges. He has a proven ability to successfully analyze an organization’s critical business requirements, identify deficiencies and potential opportunities, and align and integrate technology.

He strives to help companies develop innovative and cost-effective solutions for enhancing competitiveness, increasing revenues, and improving customer service offerings. Jim is also an engaging, experienced public speaker and instructor. He frequently offers courses in Six Sigma, ITSM/ITIL, HIPAA compliance, leadership training, project management, and more.

[1 CPE] Know your Leadership Compass: A Roadmap to Lead with Passion and Purpose

  Presented by Jimmy Godard • SVP, Program Manager, Bank of America

Business leaders, managers, and directors may be brilliant leaders in one situation and not have the same results in another. Management gurus agree: Anyone can lead, but not everyone can be a successful leader. The previously embraced command-and-control techniques are increasingly ineffective. Today’s business environment demands leaders to be alert, agile, enterprising, and skilled in the art of diplomacy. As a leader, it’s imperative to articulate who you are, what you stand for, and why you’re excited to lead your team.

Are these areas you feel you need to develop? Do you have a compass to guide you on your journey leading your teams through challenging times, staying flexible in dealing with them, and responding to them in ways that address their needs and interests? “Developing your Leadership Compass” is a highly-interactive, reflective process that sets a path to transformational leadership.

Jimmy J Godard is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and one of the best at organizational IT changes. For more than 22 years, he has led global changes with diverse teams, helped non-profit organizations, coached IT leaders at leading with passion and purpose and reaching their full potential.

Jimmy’s leadership journey and professional experience over the last two decades in the worlds of information technology and business are incredible. He made his debut in the financial industry as a peak-time teller. He ascended to a Senior program, change, and service delivery manager. He implements global technology changes that have an impact on people, process, and technology.

He has a unique perspective both on the business and technology sides. He holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), is a certified goal success coach, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Information Systems and Technology. He is an instigator of process improvement and innovation with an unwavering determination to bring about results. He implements global technology integration efforts for Infrastructure, End User Computing, Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures.

Jimmy is very involved in philanthropist activities in the Portland and SW Washington communities. He is an active coach of soccer (2-3 teams). He also performs service projects yearly around the globe including and not limited to the countries of Haiti, Cambodia, Uganda, and Nigeria.

Today, Jimmy is a sought-after international speaker, goal success coach, project manager, program manager, and IT adviser. Jimmy is an excellent choice for businesses, nonprofits, leaders, project teams, business analysis, and boards looking for coaching and consulting on project, program, and change management.

[1 CPE] Building Your Network: Role Models, Mentors, Coaches, and Sponsors

  Presented by Terri-Anne Wallen • Chief Risk Officer, CSG

In this presentation on building your network, we will provide an overview of the individuals you should connect with to support, develop, coach, and sponsor you. You will learn the unique differences between each of these roles and hear about real-life examples of the power that each can provide. Participants will then have the ability to identify these people in their own network. Further, the discussion will highlight the interconnection with imposter syndrome and illustrate how imposter syndrome exists for every single human. Terri-Anne and Andy will share their experiences to guide participants in understanding how they can approach individuals to be a mentor, coach, or sponsor and realize that asking is a form of flattery!

Terri-Anne Wallen:

Terri-Anne “TA” Wallen leads CSG’s Enterprise Risk Management organization with responsibility for Risk, Compliance, and Internal Audit. In her role as Chief Risk Officer, she provides support and guidance to the business to achieve accelerated growth through risk assessment, analysis, and various audits. She joined CSG in 2005 and established CSG’s Internal Audit and Risk Management functions. In her role, she increased capabilities and implemented efficiencies to meet dynamic business risks and the evolving needs of customers, built a strong, functioning team, and monitors risk mitigation across CSG’s global, growing business. Before CSG, TA spent time with Protiviti performing Internal Audit outsourcing projects, assisting in establishing the Internal Audit function for both eBay and PayPal, and is a KPMG alumnus. She has 25+ years of experience in building and maintaining Internal Audit and 15+ years of experience in Risk Management program development and facilitation. TA graduated from the University of Nebraska – Omaha with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting. She obtained her CPA certification and is a member of the IIA. TA serves as an Executive Sponsor in CSG’s first employee resource group, Women Engaged in Leadership, Education and Development (WE LEaD).

Andy Hinton:

Andy Hinton focuses on building relationships and providing value through independent and objective feedback on managing uncertainty; striving to turn risk into opportunity. In his current role at CSG, Andy leads a team of IT audit professionals through risk assessment, technology audits, and consulting.

Prior to CSG, Andy held audit roles at Bank of the West, TD Ameritrade, and Deloitte, where he performed IT, financial, and operational audits. With over 15 years of audit and information security experience, Andy has established himself as a trusted advisor to management. Andy holds Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Professional Accountancy degrees from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and maintains several audit and security certifications. Andy has taught cybersecurity at Bellevue University, volunteers for the local ISACA chapter, and is a member of the Supervisory Committee at Centris Federal Credit Union.

[1 CPE] Remote Working – Here to Stay?

  Presented by INTERFACE Advisory Council

Remote working during the pandemic has proved to be beneficial for some companies and employees. Even as we forecast a return to the office soon, many will want to work remotely on a permanent basis.

Join the INTERFACE- Advisory Council for a look at what lies ahead with remote working. How are you adjusting your security procedures? Do you know if your end-users will return to the office? Also, we will address long term items when it comes to in person working for different industries. How much of a shift in business will we see? We will discuss how IT departments be involved in decision making and execution of policies.


Panelists:
Ulf Asplund • Manager of Technical Services, Alaska Court System
Paul Hinsberg • Sr Enterprise Architect, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union
Mark Merchant • Chief Information Security Officer, Municipality of Anchorage