GovTech Talk
Innovations in Government
Experts from federal and state agencies will address the impact of political climates, emerging technologies, and cross-agency collaboration. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, attendees will learn strategies to overcome challenges and build solutions that deliver lasting impact.
Agenda
Moderated questions
Audience Q&A
Panelists
Dr. Megan Oftedal
Dr. Megan Oftedal is the Executive Director of Oklahoma’s Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, dedicated to ensuring high-quality education for all students through data-driven improvement. She previously led data science teams at Meta and American Fidelity and worked on education policy and research at the RAND Corporation.
Dr. Oftedal holds a Ph.D. in Policy Analysis from the RAND Pardee Graduate School, a degree in Economics from Loyola Chicago, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard's Center for Educational Policy.
Dr. Kelly Williams
Dr. Kelly Williams, Oklahoma City’s first Chief Innovation Officer, focuses on solving problems and improving city efficiency. Her career includes leadership roles at Oklahoma City University, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, and the United Way of Central Oklahoma.
A lifelong Oklahoman, Dr. Williams earned her Psychology degree from Oklahoma City University and a Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology from the University of Oklahoma. She serves on Leadership Oklahoma City’s YLX Board and lives in OKC with her husband, two children, and three dogs.
Riley Ross
Riley Ross is an IT leader at the Department of Veterans Affairs, serving as Program Manager for the Digital GI Bill initiative and Deputy Director of the EVRE Product Line. He focuses on modernizing processes and expanding educational opportunities for veterans.
A University of Oklahoma graduate with an MBA from Baylor and certifications from MIT and Cornell, Riley combines strategic expertise with a passion for improving veteran services. He lives in Oklahoma City and is dedicated to enhancing the VA’s impact for our nation’s heroes.
Chris Shilling
Chris Shilling, a Yukon, Oklahoma native, is the Chickasaw Nation's Under Secretary of Technology and Innovation, overseeing technology support across hospitality, healthcare, and government services. He also leads budgeting and capital planning for the Department of Commerce. Previously, he served as COO of the Stephenson Cancer Center and worked at a Southeast Asia tech startup.
A University of Oklahoma graduate with an MBA from Harvard, Chris co-chairs the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge and advises early-stage investment companies. He is a proud father of two.
Moderator
Ken Parker | CEO, NextThought