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In this episode of NASCIO Voices, Amy Glasscock and Alex Whitaker break down the AI and emerging technology findings from the 2026 NASCIO State CIO Survey. Key takeaways include a dramatic jump in state AI governance and growing momentum beyond the experimental stage, with 35% deploying generative AI at enterprise scale. CIOs overwhelmingly identified agentic AI as the most impactful emerging technology over the next two to three years, even as questions around security, oversight and rogue agents remain. Alex provides an update on federal AI policy efforts, including NASCIO's successful pushback against attempts to limit state AI regulation and what to expect from the lame duck period. The episode also covers states' "watch and learn" approach to quantum computing, what to look for in next year's survey, and a Halloween lightning round on costumes, candy and scary movies. Check out the full 2026 State CIO Survey at https://www.nascio.org/resource/the-2026-nascio-state-cio-survey-the-state-cio-in-motion-priorities-pressures-and-progress/

Amy and Alex sit down with NASCIO's Director of Experience and Engagement, Emily Lane, to preview the 2026 NASCIO Annual Conference in San Diego. They break down what's new this year — from the State CIO Survey panel and breakout sessions on procurement, digital accessibility, and data center strategy, to keynotes. Emily also shares details on returning favorites like table talks and leadership lessons learned, the Awards and Recognition Dinner, the Give Back program, and networking opportunities throughout the week. Plus, Emily faces the lightning round and we find out her favorite car snacks.

Amy and Alex sit down with NASCIO President and Arizona State CIO J.R. Sloan and NASCIO Director of Enterprise Architecture and Governance Eric Sweden to discuss NASCIO's 2026 President's Initiative: citizen digital identity management. J.R. shares why he selected this initiative, drawing on over a decade of experience seeing firsthand how fragmented, decentralized identity systems create friction for both states and the citizens they serve. Eric walks through the research process, including a survey of 47 state responses, 12 state interviews, and 8 corporate member interviews, and highlights key findings around the shift from single sign-on to enterprise trust platforms. The conversation covers the drivers behind the growing urgency around digital identity — including pandemic-era fraud, rising cyber threats, and the move to digital government services — as well as the barriers states face, from inadequate funding and technical debt to balancing privacy with cross-agency data sharing. The group also looks ahead at emerging challenges posed by AI and quantum computing. Plus, J.R. and Eric face the lightning round: mobile ID vs. plastic, digital identity in one-syllable words, and what defines their personal identities outside of work. The full report, Citizen Digital Identity Management: Findings from a Survey of the States, is available at nascio.org.

https://www.nascio.org/resource/here-to-stay-here-to-grow-a-national-portrait-of-state-digital-accessibility-officers/ In this episode of NASCIO Voices, Amy Glasscock and Alex Whitaker welcome back Kalea Young-Gibson to discuss NASCIO's new survey of state accessibility officers. The conversation explores how state accessibility programs have evolved from grassroots efforts driven by passionate individuals into enterprise-level functions shaped by the 2024 DOJ final rule on digital accessibility. Key findings reveal that while states are making progress, significant gaps remain in document remediation, high-traffic system compliance, and vendor accessibility verification — largely due to capacity and staffing constraints rather than lack of will. The discussion also covers the role of AI in accelerating accessibility work, the rise of accessibility officers as enterprise leaders reporting directly to CIOs, and what the future holds as equity becomes an operational discipline in government. The episode wraps with a lightning round covering tattoos, the Chewy app and an unnecessary Nintendo Switch purchase.

NASCIO Voices is back! After a short summer hiatus, Amy and Alex return with an update on all things state IT. They kick off with some personal catch-up (including  of the four-legged variety), then dive into NASCIO business: registration is officially open for the NASCIO Annual Conference in San Diego (September 27–30). Alex breaks down the latest from Washington, including advocacy efforts around the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program and the ongoing fight against a proposed federal moratorium on state AI laws. Amy shares the growing trend of states appointing dedicated AI leadership. They wrap things up with book recommendations to round out your summer reading list.

In this episode of NASCIO Voices, hosts Amy Glasscock and Alex Whitaker sit down with NASCIO policy analyst Kalea Young-Gibson to discuss her article Digital Accessibility Compliance Thoughts From a Public Sector Attorney, which is based on a conversation with Max Heinz, supervising attorney with New York State Information Technology Services. The conversation covers the recently extended DOJ Title II final rule compliance deadline, explaining that while states now have more time, the urgency has not diminished — digital accessibility lawsuits have surpassed 5,000 per year and are now considered mainstream civil rights enforcement. Kalea breaks down what "reasonable effort" really means for state agencies (hint: it's context-driven, not a checklist), how states should structure vendor contracts using WCAG-tied language as a model, and why documentation is the single hardest — and most critical — thing states must get right to defend themselves in litigation. The episode closes with a lightning round featuring emoji habits, lessons from new cat ownership, and a passionate endorsement of Cook Out, North Carolina's beloved fast food chain.

In this episode of NASCIO Voices, hosts Amy and Alex sit down with Bill Kehoe, State CIO of Washington, for a wide-ranging conversation about his 25-year career in public sector technology leadership. Bill traces his journey from serving as the first CIO of Washington's Department of Licensing to roles at King County and Los Angeles County before returning to lead the state. He shares his passion for "connected government" — the vision of breaking down agency silos to create seamless, frictionless digital experiences for residents — and highlights Washington's new wa.gov resident portal as a concrete step toward that goal. The conversation covers how AI is accelerating modernization efforts, the cybersecurity challenges that come with it, and how Bill navigated a gubernatorial transition while keeping key initiatives on track. Bill also discusses his work on the NASCIO Executive Committee and his own "Coffee with Kehoe" podcast series, which has become an unexpected recruiting tool for his agency. The episode wraps up with a lightning round featuring Bill's pet peeves, who he would pick to play himself in a biopic and his plans for the summer both inside and outside the office.

In this episode of NASCIO Voices, hosts Amy Glasscock and Alex Whitaker sit down with NASCIO Deputy Executive Director Meredith Ward to unpack the newly released 2026 NASCIO-Deloitte Cybersecurity Study. Meredith walks through key findings. The conversation explores the growing pressure on CISOs to do more with less amid flat or shrinking budgets, the urgent need for whole-of-state cybersecurity collaboration that extends beyond state government to local governments, K–12, higher ed and public health entities, and why measuring cybersecurity effectiveness has become a top priority. Meredith also makes a plug for reauthorizing the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program before the episode wraps up with a lightning round covering dream jobs, language-learning aspirations, and an enthusiastic endorsement of countertop composters.

In this episode of NASCIO Voices, Amy and Alex sit down with Brian Kane, Executive Director of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG). Brian shares his journey from entry-level deputy to chief deputy of the Idaho AG's office — and how that experience led him to his current role serving all 56 state and territorial attorneys general. We talk about how NAAG keeps a bipartisan coalition working together, the growing role of technology and AI in AG offices, and what state CIOs should know about their AG counterparts. Plus, Brian gives us his take on pickleball, the '90s, and his childhood dream of playing pro baseball.

It's time for the 2026 NASCIO Midyear Conference! Our own director of experience and engagement, Emily Lane is back on the podcast with a rundown of programming, networking opportunities and what to expect for first timers.

In this episode of NASCIO Voices, Amy is joined by NASCIO guest host Kalea Young-Gibson to break down NASCIO's latest report on the state Chief Privacy Officer (CPO) role. The report — based on responses from all 28 currently active state CPOs — reveals a role that's growing fast but still fighting for the resources it needs. Amy and Kalea dig into the rapid expansion of CPOs across state government (from just 5 states in 2015 to 31 in 2026), the push toward formal privacy programs and frameworks, and how AI is reshaping — and sometimes overshadowing — the privacy function. Despite CPOs stepping into enterprise leadership roles, most still lack dedicated budgets, enforcement authority, and sufficient staffing. The conversation also covers what CPOs say they need most: funding, CIO support, and a stronger seat at the table. Amy's key takeaway? CPOs know exactly what to do — they just need the authority and investment to do it. Key topics covered: Growth of the state CPO rolePrivacy program maturity and the NIST frameworkCPO involvement in AI policy and riskTop challenges: funding, authority, and awarenessWhat CPOs need to succeed in 2026 and beyondAnd what we're reading!

Join Amy Glasscock and Alex Whitaker as they sit down with Craig Orgeron, Mississippi's CIO, for an in-depth conversation about digital transformation in state government. Craig shares his unique journey from state CIO to the private sector and back again, offering valuable insights on AI innovation, procurement modernization, and building resilient digital infrastructure. Discover how Mississippi is tackling the digital divide, establishing AI frameworks, and preparing for the future of government technology. Show Notes 0:00 - Introduction Amy and Alex welcome Craig Orgeron back to NASCIO Voices 0:21 - Return to State CIO Role Craig discusses his unexpected return to Mississippi's CIO position after three and a half years in the private sector, reflecting on the challenges of his first year back 3:00 - Lessons from Private Sector Craig shares key insights from his time outside government, including deeper appreciation for private sector competition and the value of the NASCIO network 9:18 - Mississippi's Digital Government Agenda Overview of major initiatives including procurement modernization, cloud migration, innovation fund, AI executive order, and new cybersecurity legislation 15:06 - Digital Equity Initiatives Craig highlights grassroots efforts like the Mississippi AI Network (MAIN), AI Collaborative, and Mississippi Cyber Initiative working to close the digital divide 18:42 - AI Strategy and Policy Discussion of AI governance, the democratization of technology, data quality, change fitness, and the importance of transparency and accountability in AI deployment 24:11 - Lightning Round Quick questions about vacation plans (European river cruise!), Mississippi travel recommendations (blues trail, museums, Elvi's restaurant), and excitement for the NASCIO midyear meeting

Amy and Alex discuss how AI is moving beyond generating text to executing real tasks and workflows. In this episode, we unpack the rise of agentic AI, what it means for state governments and how technology leaders can prepare for this next phase of AI innovation.  Find the report here: https://www.nascio.org/resource-center/resources/beyond-generation-the-rise-of-agentic-ai-in-state-government/

Alex and Amy are joined this week by NASCIO policy analyst Kalea Young-Gibson. We discuss vendor accountability, litigation trends and how states can reduce legal and operational risk as the DOJ final rule for accessibility of web content and mobil apps approaches.

Alex and Amy talk about NASCIO's recently released 2026 federal advocacy priorities--as well as our personal goals for the new year. Find the priorities here: https://www.nascio.org/government-affairs/federal-advocacy-priorities/