County IT Leaders Gather for MACo’s Second Annual IT Conference

County IT professionals met at Turf Valley Resort in Howard County on October 22 for MACo’s second annual IT Conference. The conference brought together county and state technology leaders, national experts, and industry representatives to discuss the challenges and opportunities local governments face.

The day opened with Scott Winslow, Principal Research Director at Info-Tech, who discussed how IT departments can prepare for incoming county leaders. As new elected officials bring their own priorities and questions, IT leaders must be ready to explain technology investments, communicate department needs, and help decision-makers understand technology’s opportunities and limitations.

The conference then turned to developments at the state level. Steven Burke, Senior Director of State and Local Cybersecurity at the Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT), provided an update on issues affecting county IT operations, including modernization, cybersecurity, AI, training opportunities, and more.

At most of the IT Affiliate events, there is set time for county IT leaders to exchange ideas during roundtable discussions. Topics are chosen by the IT leaders but typically include issues such as AI, cybersecurity, operational challenges, and any major projects or initiatives counties are working on. The conversations give attendees an opportunity to compare experiences across jurisdictions and discuss how their colleagues are approaching shared challenges.

Cybersecurity remained a central theme throughout the day. Charles Harry, PhD, Director and Associate Research Professor at the University of Maryland’s Center for the Governance of Technology and Systems, presented research examining cyber vulnerabilities across county governments nationwide.

The final session brought a national perspective to the conversation. John Matelski, Chief Information Officer at the National Association of Counties (NACo), and Seamus Dowdall, NACo’s Senior Legislative Director, discussed federal technology trends, policy developments, and advocacy efforts with potential implications for Maryland counties.

IT leaders must balance evolving security threats, new technologies, limited resources, and the needs of residents and county leadership. Opportunities to share practical experience and hear from state and national partners can help counties navigate those competing demands.

MACo extends its thanks to the conference sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees who helped make the event a meaningful success.