Topic: Strategic Management

Seminar Topics

[1 CPE] Building Trust for What’s Next: PKI Modernization & Quantum Readiness

  Presented by Bryan Pitts, Solutions Engineer • DigiCert

Certificate lifetimes are shrinking. Browser requirements are evolving. Machine identities are growing exponentially. At the same time, organizations are beginning to plan for post-quantum cryptography while supporting new AI-driven systems that depend on trusted digital interactions.

These changes are transforming PKI from a traditional security function into the operational trust layer for modern business.

This session provides a practical roadmap for modernizing PKI, improving visibility into machine identities, automating certificate lifecycle management, and building crypto-agility for future cryptographic transitions. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to reduce operational risk today while preparing for post-quantum security and the next generation of digital trust.

[1 CPE] Retaining Your IT Staff: A Panel Discussion on What Works

  Presented by INTERFACE Advisory Council

Many IT professionals will bounce around from different positions for salary increases that may not be as beneficial as they seem. With a robust IT industry in northern Utah, there is not a shortage of opportunities. This makes it a real challenge to maintain your current staff. Are there methods available to hold on to IT talent, even when a salary can’t be matched? How can the IT staffer make the right decisions and not create unforeseen career challenges?

Join the INTERFACE Advisory Council for an open discussion on IT staffing challenges. Hear from peers who have experience recruiting, retaining, and developing IT talent, as well as managing teams through staffing shortages and changing workforce expectations.

We’ll explore practical strategies for identifying and cultivating local tech talent, developing existing employees, and building stronger IT teams from within. Join us for an open and practical conversation about real solutions to Salt Lake City IT workforce challenges.

Panelists:

  • James Duckett, Assistant Operations Director, Technology Division, City of St. George
  • Dan Harmuth, Chief Information Officer, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
  • Greg Pugh, Manager, COMSEC, Space Dynamics Laboratory
  • Dan Sitton, Chief Information Officer, CC Bank

[1 CPE] Building Trust for What’s Next: PKI Modernization & Quantum Readiness

  Presented by Bryan Pitts, Solutions Engineer  • DigiCert

Certificate lifetimes are shrinking. Browser requirements are evolving. Machine identities are growing exponentially. At the same time, organizations are beginning to plan for post-quantum cryptography while supporting new AI-driven systems that depend on trusted digital interactions.

These changes are transforming PKI from a traditional security function into the operational trust layer for modern business.

This session provides a practical roadmap for modernizing PKI, improving visibility into machine identities, automating certificate lifecycle management, and building crypto-agility for future cryptographic transitions. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to reduce operational risk today while preparing for post-quantum security and the next generation of digital trust.

[1 CPE] Building and Retaining Your IT Staff: How to Find Success Amid Challenge

  Presented by INTERFACE Advisory Council

Identifying the correct candidates to fill IT vacancies is not as simple as posting a job description. This process is often time consuming, tedious, and challenging. An IT leader has a specific set of qualifications for a position, and the candidate pool may not align as hoped. How do you handle this dynamic?

Join the INTERFACE Wyoming Advisory Council for an open panel discussion about finding the right person for your job openings. We will discuss the challenges of limited candidate pools, geography, applicant expectations, and more. The Cheyenne and Fort Collins regions face a different IT hiring landscape than larger cities, but there are encouraging opportunities to build and grow a strong local technology workforce.

Our speakers will share their experiences in hiring and what changes they have made to improve their approach. They will cover strategies for retaining IT staff to ensure long-term cohesion and success. For the IT professional that is looking to advance, join this discussion to hear from hiring managers and gain insight to help you achieve your career goals. Bring your questions for this open discussion with your peers.

Panelists:

  • Jesse Ballard, Deputy CIO, University of Wyoming
  • Devrim Goktan, Sr Digital Cloud Solution Architect, Microsoft
  • Kristie Twitchell, Chief Information Officer, Trihydro
  • Timothy Walsh, Wyoming Cybersecurity State Coordinator, CISA

[1 CPE] Building Trust for What’s Next: PKI Modernization & Quantum Readiness

  Presented by Jared Mensinger, Sr Solutions Engineer  • DigiCert

Certificate lifetimes are shrinking. Browser requirements are evolving. Machine identities are growing exponentially. At the same time, organizations are beginning to plan for post-quantum cryptography while supporting new AI-driven systems that depend on trusted digital interactions.

These changes are transforming PKI from a traditional security function into the operational trust layer for modern business.

This session provides a practical roadmap for modernizing PKI, improving visibility into machine identities, automating certificate lifecycle management, and building crypto-agility for future cryptographic transitions. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to reduce operational risk today while preparing for post-quantum security and the next generation of digital trust.

[1 CPE] Beyond Cybersecurity: Assembling Resiliency for the Inevitable Breach

  Presented by BJ Deonarain, Global Quantum and Classic Cyber Security Director • Hitachi Vantara

The Imperative for Resiliency, 100% cyber security is unachievable; breaches are inevitable, where modern threats demand a shift from reactive defense to proactive resilience. Resilience requires mindset and culture change, not just new technology, while focus can sustain operations and limit damage when security fails.

Assembling the resiliency strategic pillars and actions:

  • Risk Assessment: continuous evaluation of assets and vulnerabilities
  • Incident Response: develop, test, and update comprehensive crisis plans
  • Employee Training: ongoing education to make staff the first line of defense
  • Systems Testing: regular audits, penetration tests, and vulnerability scans
  • Partnerships: collaborate with industry experts for knowledge sharing
  • Culture: embed resiliency throughout the organization at every level

BJ Deonarain is a globally focused cybersecurity executive responsible for driving cyber security and cyber resiliency strategy at Hitachi Vantara. With a career spanning technical innovation, client solutions, and cross-functional leadership, BJ combines deep technical expertise with a client-centric approach to mitigate risk and elevate organizational security postures.

[1 CPE] Three Wins to Chase, Three Disasters to Dodge

  Presented by Amy McLaughlin • Chief Information Officer, University of Wyoming

Amy McLaughlin cuts through the noise surrounding artificial intelligence and focuses on what leaders should actually be doing today. Drawing on real-world experience, she will walk through three high-impact ways AI is already delivering value and three common missteps that are creating unnecessary risk, wasted effort, and loss of trust. Rather than chasing tools or trends, Amy will talk about how to make better decisions: where to lean in, where to slow down, and how to approach AI as a leadership and governance challenge, not just a technology one.

Amy McLaughlin is the Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at the University of Wyoming, the state’s flagship and only public university, where she leads the technology organization responsible for enabling teaching, learning, research, and statewide outreach.

A nationally recognized technology and cybersecurity leader with more than two decades of experience, Amy is known for driving practical innovation, modernizing complex environments, and building high-performing teams across higher education and government. Her career spans leadership roles in enterprise IT, cybersecurity, and network services, including senior positions at Oregon State University and the State of Oregon, where she led large-scale transformation efforts, strengthened infrastructure resilience, and advanced security programs. Amy brings a strategic, people-centered approach to technology leadership, grounded in deep operational experience and a strong commitment to mission-driven outcomes.

[1 CPE] Building Trust for What’s Next: PKI Modernization & Quantum Readiness

  Presented by Jared Mensinger, Sr Solutions Engineer  • DigiCert

Certificate lifetimes are shrinking. Browser requirements are evolving. Machine identities are growing exponentially. At the same time, organizations are beginning to plan for post-quantum cryptography while supporting new AI-driven systems that depend on trusted digital interactions.

These changes are transforming PKI from a traditional security function into the operational trust layer for modern business.

This session provides a practical roadmap for modernizing PKI, improving visibility into machine identities, automating certificate lifecycle management, and building crypto-agility for future cryptographic transitions. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to reduce operational risk today while preparing for post-quantum security and the next generation of digital trust.

[1 CPE] Hiring IT Talent in Montana: A Panel Discussion on What Works

  Presented by INTERFACE Advisory Council

Finding experienced IT professionals in Montana continues to be a significant challenge. How is your organization addressing this issue? Have you explored hiring remote workers? If so, with what results? Many IT professionals will bounce around from different positions for salary increases that may not be as beneficial as they seem. How can the IT staffer make the right decisions and not create unforeseen career challenges?

Join the INTERFACE Montana Advisory Council for an open discussion on IT staffing challenges for both the manager and employees. This discussion will be led by your peers that can share their experiences in filling IT roles. They can also provide advice to the younger IT worker who wants to advance up the ladder. Additionally, we’ll discuss strategies for identifying and cultivating local tech talent. Join us for an open and practical conversation about real solutions to Montana IT workforce challenges.

Panelists:

  • Jason Emery, Manager, IT Security, Consumer Direct Care Network
  • Peter Martinson, Managing Director, Strategic IT, Montana State University
  • Jessica Ritchie, Risk Management Bureau Chief, State of Montana
  • Michele Snowberger, IT Chief of Staff, State of Montana

[1 CPE] AI Governance in Action: Building Policy, Oversight, and Trust in the Public Sector

  Presented by Matt Weber, Chief Information Security Officer, Pima County, AZ • The INTERFACE Advisory Council

As organizations race to adopt AI, effective governance is becoming essential. Join Matt Weber as he shares how Pima County developed a practical framework for AI governance, including the creation of an AI subcommittee and the implementation of an AI usage policy. Attendees will gain real-world insights, lessons learned, and actionable guidance they can use to establish or strengthen AI governance programs within their own organizations.