To achieve a successful digital transformation in your organization, it’s essential to consider the users.
This week on Feds At the Edge, we have gathered leading experts from City of Brownsville, TX, Delaware Department of Technology and Information, California Department of Technology, City of Roseville, CA, and Equinix who share valuable insights into making meaningful changes in their respective organizations.
Focus on User Experience: when you prioritize user experience, you make them feel included and they become more willing to transition.
Effective Communication: clearly communicating with staff about the project’s vision and each person’s responsibilities, helps staff feel part of the process and understand the tangible benefits of the new implementation.
Engagement and Benefits: by focusing on the people engaging with the change, ensuring that users see real benefits and feel involved in the process.
Tune in on your favorite podcasting platform today.
To view this webinar: Overcoming Legacy Infrastructure Through Digital Transformation.
Featured Speakers:
Jerry Whisman
Chief Operating Officer
A seasoned technology leader with over 27 years of experience in engineering, application development, and management in information technology, Jerry Whisman began his career at the Delaware Department of Technology and Information in May 2011. In September 2020, he was entrusted with the crucial role of Chief Operating Officer, overseeing a comprehensive suite of mission-critical services that power the technological backbone of all three branches of our state government, including our K-12 education community.
The strategic direction and operation of our Telecommunications, Networking, Voice Services, Network Security, Data Center Operations, Mainframe Systems, Private Cloud Infrastructure, Office 365 Services, and the Engineering and Systems Administration teams all fall under his purview. His primary focus is cultivating collaborative partnerships leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive business innovation, enhance operational efficiencies, and deliver tangible results that positively impact our constituents.
Throughout his tenure, Jerry has spearheaded the development and implementation of numerous major technology initiatives that have positively impacted how state government operates, embraced digital transformation to streamline processes, optimized resource utilization, and provided exceptional service delivery. As an IT leader, Jerry is committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation, promotes continuous improvement, and empowers his talented teams to securely architect and deploy solutions that align with our agency’s strategic objectives.
Chief Operating Officer, Delaware
Dept. of Technology & Information
Renoir Pope
State Enterprise Architect & Head, OEA
Renoir Pope is the State Enterprise Architect for the State of California and head of the Office of Enterprise Architecture (OEA), within the California Department of Technology, focused on enterprise-level strategic, business, and technology planning across agencies.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Pope was Senior Staff Ontologist for Etsy. He has 30 years of leadership and vision in the information science field. He has worked in many different disciplines to include information architecture, knowledge management, and user experience.
Mr. Pope enjoys writing and speaking about the theory and practice of the information sciences; and in his free time, he likes running around in the out outdoors, pushing buttons and turning knobs to make music, and throwing things into oak barrels to age them.
State Enterprise Architect & Head, OEA, California Dept. of Technology
Jared Johnson
Deputy State Chief Information officer
Jared Johnson’s career spans nearly 30 years of public technology service beginning as an IT analyst at the California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency. He devoted 15 years at FTB, holding various management positions. In 2021, Johnson brought his technical and administrative experience to CDT where he served as Deputy Director of Data Center Support Services before receiving his current appointment to help guide and optimize CDT programs and services.
Deputy State CIO,
California Dept. of Technology
Jesse Ravera
Assistant Information Technology Director
Jesse Ravera is the Assistant Information Technology Director for the City of Roseville California overseeing the Infrastructure Solutions Division that includes the Network Infrastructure, Data Intelligence, and Information Security Teams. He has 20 years’ experience in the Information Technology field, all with the City of Roseville. His specialties include Business Analysis , Project Management, Leadership, and Cyber Security and is a Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO). In his role, Jesse led the City into a Smarter City mindset, leveraging game-changing technologies and data-driven decision-making to enhance services for our community. As part of the City’s Senior IT Leadership Team, Jesse plays a crucial role in ensuring that Roseville remains at the forefront of technology and innovation. Whether it’s improving legacy infrastructure, enhancing aging communication systems, or implementing efficient solutions, Jesse’s work has contributes significantly to the City’s continued growth and progress.
Asst. IT Director, Infrastructure
Solutions, City of Roseville, CA
Jorge Cardenas
IT Director & Chief Information Officer
Jorge earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Jack Welch Management Institute. He has multiple industry certifications including Project Management (PMP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and IT Information Library Foundations Certifications (ITIL) with specializations in leading and designing Infrastructure, project, network, and security operations centers. He has played a key role in IT strategy planning, governance, compliance, and risk management to enhance operation effectiveness.
Jorge has over 20 years of experience in cyber & Network Security and building IT Infrastructures for the US Military and Department of Defense. Jorge has designed and managed over 20-multimillion-dollar projects for multiple companies, and he is currently working for the City of Brownsville where he will lead the design and implementation of the new IT infrastructure.
IT Director & CIO,
City of Brownsville, Texas
Marques Holmes
SLED National Director
Marques is the State, Local and Education (SLED) National Director for Equinix. He leads a team of seasoned professionals providing solutions for government customers in their digital transformation journey. For over 20 years, he has worked with clients in the areas of technology, telecom and intelligence to help them achieve mission success.
Marques is on the Board of Trustees for Humble Independent School District in S. Texas. Most importantly, he enjoys being a Dad and mentoring young people in their career journey.
State, Local & Education
National Director, Equinix
Jane Norris
Contributing Editor
Jane Norris a contributing editor to FedInsider, is committed to advancing government communications and putting people first in every regard.
Jane brings a lifetime career in media and government to her role. She has held senior roles at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As a consultant and public relations lead, she worked to execute priority issues for two powerhouse government contracting firms creating successful communications strategies for issues like, technology modernization, AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, customer experience, human centered design, health and economic policy, the government workforce and employee engagement.
Jane’s private sector career also includes on-air work with multiple radio and television stations, most recently as a daily drive-time host on Federal News Radio/WTOP in Washington DC.
Moderator & Contributing Editor, FedInsider
