June 30, 2025
California’s Government Technology Leaders Converge at Annual Forum
Why it Matters: Real change doesn’t happen in a silo. It happens when people come together. The Statewide Technology Leadership Forum brought California government’s technology leaders into the same room to listen, speak honestly, and discover solutions together. That kind of connection is how ideas become actions, and how we build technology that will better serve all Californians.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On June 19, the California Department of Technology brought together more than 100 state IT leaders at the CA Lottery Pavilion for the 2025 Statewide Technology Leadership Forum (STLF). California is continuing to move forward under its statewide government technology strategy, Envision 2026, and the state’s technology community is working together to translate that vision into action. Co-hosted by the California Lottery under Director Harjinder Shergill-Chima, the interactive event that featured several presentations and panels, served as an incubator to connect, innovate, and collaborate.
With a backdrop of shared goals, and increasingly connected services, the STLF—exclusively for Agency Information Officers (AIOs), Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from state government—created a space for real conversations among California’s government technology leadership about how we can keep pace with the accelerating demands of public service in a rapidly evolving digital era.
State CIO and CDT Director Liana Bailey-Crimmins set the tone in her opening remarks that included warmth, humor, and purpose. She reminded everyone that while technology keeps changing, the purpose behind it remains constant: To better serve Californians. “Technology is only a tool,” she said. “What really makes a difference are the people behind it and the partnerships we build.” She encouraged everyone to be fully present—not just physically in the room, but mentally in the conversation. “This is one of those rare moments when no one’s asking you to approve something,” she joked, inviting everyone to use the time to connect, share ideas, and be honest about what’s working and what isn’t. She added, “This is the place where honest conversations lead to real actions.”
Throughout the half-day forum, that energy carried into every session. One of the standout moments came early with a look at digital identity—a challenge nearly every government department is wrestling. Panelists shared how the California Digital Identity Gateway is helping agencies verify eligibility and identity with just a few clicks. It may not be flashy, but it makes services more accessible and secure. The moderator reminded everyone that the effort ties directly to the first goal of Envision 2026—Creating an inclusive digital experience that meets people where they are.
“I think it's really important that when it comes to technology within the state of California, it's events like these that help us grow bigger, grow stronger, grow more innovative.”
—panelist Fredrick Gomez, AIO, California Department of Food & Agriculture
The session on ethics and emerging technologies was also compelling. The conversation focused less on “shiny new tools” and more on the choices we make when using them. How do we build trust? How do we ensure ethics in innovation, especially when technologies like AI are becoming more mainstream? Perhaps the conversation didn’t offer all the answers, but it made clear that we need to be asking the right questions.
The Employment Development Department’s CIO Ajit Girn walked the audience through how EDD is tackling fraud prevention—not just with new tools, but with a smarter approach to modernization. He shared how the EDD is using data more strategically to detect patterns and flag anomalies while minimizing disruption to users. It was an excellent example of how technology, when applied thoughtfully, does much more than increase system efficiency—it helps make them fairer and more equitable.
“Love these types of panels. I think it brings together a collaboration of minds who think alike, whether we be a CISO, a CIO, or a CTO. Everybody has a different perspective they bring from a different agency. But it's all about co-leadership, right? Because it's people, process, and technology.”
—panelist Tristian Cormier, CIO, California Secretary of State
During the CalSecure 2.0 session, a powerhouse panel of CISOs talked about updating the State’s cybersecurity strategic plan and dug into the future of security across state government. Through live polling and discussion, they tackled everything from AI-driven threats to supply chain vulnerabilities and workforce shortages. The session underscored the amount of alignment needed to build a stronger, more resilient security environment across California government.
The day wrapped with a panel of AIOs, including State CIO Bailey-Crimmins, who reminded us that California’s technology leadership doesn’t operate in silos. It works together to deliver meaningful change.
Looking ahead, events like the Statewide Technology Leadership Forum are expected to continue playing an important role in shaping how we deliver services that are secure, equitable, and future-proofed.