IGNITE '26: Powerful Leaders Igniting Digital Transformation.

IGNITE 2026 Summit - Where Innovation Meets Action! Connect-Collaborate-Transform.

Step into the future at IGNITE 2026, where bold innovators are reshaping the digital landscape to drive efficiency, accelerate innovation, and deliver real, measurable outcomes. This is more than just a conversation, it’s a catalyst for change. Industry disruptors and government and military leaders will take the stage to share how they’re harnessing AI, cybersecurity, data, and emerging technologies to redefine how we work, connect, and lead.

Join us on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, for a day of trailblazing ideas, powerful stories, and transformative connections. Engage with experts as they explore cutting-edge technologies, unlocking new efficiencies and driving meaningful outcomes. We will also be recognizing federal, military, and industry leaders who have made significant contributions to their respective organizations, showcasing excellence, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to driving digital transformation.

AGENDA-Where Innovation Meets Action

1:15-2:00 pm: Registration/Check-In/EVENT BEGINS AT 2:00 pm

• Keynote Address: Leadership, Resilience, and Transformation
• Fireside Chat: CIO Leadership Insights: Priorities and Initiatives
• Acquisition at the Speed of Innovation
• Reshaping the Digital Landscape: AI, Cyber, Data
• IGNITE Honoree Recognition
• Networking Reception

Keynote Address: Leadership. Resilience. Transformation.

INVITED PANELISTS

Shauntia Bell, Acting Director, Enterprise Systems Solutions Group, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services*

Kathleen Berst, Acting Assistant Director Support/Component Acquisition Executive, Defense Health Agency*

Makoto Braxton, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration, Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, Department of Health and Human Services*

Jesus Caban, Ph.D., Chief Data Officer and Analytics Officer, Defense Health Agency*

Evan Carey, Ph.D., Acting Director, National Artificial Intelligence Institute, Department of Veterans Affairs*

Phillip Christy, Principal Executive Director. Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction and Chief Acquisition Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs*

Robin Collins, Chief Information Officer, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services*

Chandra Donnelson, Strategic Advisor for HR IT Modernization Analytics and AI, U.S. Department of the Air Force

Maureen Falvella, Acting Director and Chief Information Officer at the NIH Office of the Chief Information Officer*

Thomas 'Pat' Flanders, Chief Information Officer,(J-6) and Program Executive Officer for Medical Systems, Defense Health Agency*

Will Gaines, Chief, Infrastructure Services Branch, National Heart, Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health*

Amy Gleason, Administrator of the US DOGE Service and Strategic Advisor to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services*

Susan K. Gregurick, Ph.D., Associate Director for Data Science and Director of the Office of Data Science Strategy, National Institutes of Health*

Polly Hall, Chief Advisor for Acquisition, Innovation & Policy Integration, General Services Administration*

Kristen Honey, Ph.D., Chief Data Officer, Department of Health and Human Services*

Jennifer Johnson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Acquisitions and Senior Procurement Executive, Department of Health and Human Services*

Melanie Keller, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Food and Drug Administration*

Jennie Khun, Chief Information Officer, Office of the Director and Office of Information Technology Director, National Institutes of Health*

Sridhar Mantha, MBA, MS, Acting Chief Information Officer, Office of Digital Transformation, Food and Drug Administration*

Kimberly McManus, Ph.D, Deputy Chief Technology Officer and Deputy Chief AI Officer, Office of Information and Technology, Department of Veterans Affairs*

Vicki Michetti, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations, Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, U.S. Department of Energy

Bethany Messick, Deputy Director, Data Analytics and Systems Group, Center for Program Integrity, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services*

Jeffrey Neill, Executive Director of Acquisition and Logistics and Senior Procurement Executive, Department of Veterans Affairs*

Susan Orsega, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War Health Services Policy and Oversight*

Brian Peltier, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Social Security Administration*

Mark Plaugher, Director, Information Systems Group, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services*

Lisa Rosenmerkel, Acting Deputy Chief Information Officer, Compliance, Risk and Mediation, Office of Information and Technology, Department of Veterans Affairs*

Zachary Schwartz, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Information and Technology, Department of Veterans Affairs*

Wade Zarriello, Acting Director, Infrastructure and User Services, Office of Information and Technology, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services*

*invited, awaiting confirmation

THIS SUMMIT IS CLOSED TO THE PRESS AND MEDIA

Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities for this event? Reach out to Mary.Garcia@govtechconnects.com

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