IGNITE '26: Powerful Leaders Igniting Digital Transformation.

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.

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

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

Brad Bower, Acting Chief AI Officer, National Institutes of Health*

Barclay Butler, Ph.D., Deputy Commissioner for Operations, Chief Operating Officer, Food and Drug Administration*

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

Robert Cunningham, Executive Director, Department of Veterans Affairs*

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

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*

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

Jeneen Iwugo, Acting Director, Center for Program Integrity, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services*

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

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

Krista Kinnard, Deputy Chief AI Officer, NASA*

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*

Laura Prietula, Senior Advisor to the Chief Information Officer and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs*

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*

Brent Weaver, Director, Data and Systems Group, 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 [email protected]

Link to GTC Privacy Statement: https://www.govtechconnects.com/privacy-policy/

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher GOVTECH CONNECTS