2024 Annual Conference: Information Technology

AI – What’s next? – GenAI and Beyond

John Thompson, Bestselling Author, Speaker, Global Head of Artificial Intelligence, EY

AI has been used in commercial settings with great success for at least 20 years. GenAI exploded onto the scene about 2 years ago and shows no signs of slowing in innovation, adoption, and value realization. What does the next few years hold for us in relation to GenAI? What is next after GenAI? What does Causal AI look like and bring? And, finally what will composite AI applications composed of Traditional AI, GenAI, and Causal AI look like and bring to us? Come to this session, bring your questions and we will discuss these ideas and more. Your views and ideas are welcome. Let’s talk!

What will you learn:

• What is next in GenAI from the perspectives applications and technology.
• What is Causal AI.
• What happens when you build composite applications containing all 3 Pillars of AI.

John Thompson

Bestselling Author, Speaker, Global Head of Artificial Intelligence, EY

John is an international technology executive with over 37 years of experience in the fields of data, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI).

John is responsible for the global AI function at EY. His role is to actively lead the design, development, implementation, and use of innovative AI solutions, including Generative AI, Traditional/Classical AI, and Causal AI, across all of EY Service Lines and functions and for EY’s clients. The team is comprised of – an Applied AI Research group, a product development organization, and an AI Consulting Practice.

We are thrilled to have John Thompson speak at this year’s Annual Conference on October 1 in the IT Track. Hear a bit more about him and what you can expect to hear from him at the conference in this exclusive interview with our conference’s Master of Ceremonies John Stofflet:

Boardroom Briefings: Effective Engagement through Cybersecurity Communications

Gina Yacone, CISO, Trace3

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the role of chief information security officers (CISOs) and chief information officers (CIOs) extends beyond managing digital threats; it encompasses the critical task of communicating complex security matters to the board of directors. This talk dives into the art and science of presenting cybersecurity issues to the board, transforming what could be a daunting task into a golden opportunity for leadership demonstration, risk understanding enhancement, and advocacy for vital resources.

We’ll explore the best practices for preparing and delivering compelling cybersecurity reports to the board. The presentation aims to provide practical strategies for CISOs and CIOs to convey the significance of cybersecurity in a manner that not only resonates with board members but also mobilizes their support for key initiatives, including the adoption of robust security policies and the promotion of a culture prioritizing cyber hygiene.

Gina Yacone

CISO, Trace3

Gina holds the position of Regional and Advisory Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Trace3, focusing on the Mountain State Region and resides in Denver, Colorado. Her role includes advising senior security leaders on emerging trends in cybersecurity, identifying and addressing security gaps, developing robust defense mechanisms, and implementing targeted, advanced security measures to protect critical digital information. Additionally, Gina leads compliance efforts within her region and provides virtual CISO (vCISO) services to two organizations.

Dedicated to continuous professional development and community involvement, Gina has earned a master’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of New Hampshire’s School of Engineering. She has or has held numerous security certifications, including those from ISC², ISACA, HITRUST, and CompTIA, as well as vendor specific certifications. Recognized as an influential voice in cybersecurity, she spoken at over 100 conferences and is a member of organizations such as the Colorado Technology Association (CTA), InfraGard, Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), ISACA, and Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS). Currently, Gina is ISSA Denver’s Vice President.

Transforming IT from Back Office to Strategic Partner: A Journey of Innovation and Collaboration

Jody McDonough, CIO, and Sara Gilbertson Ley, Customer Service Manager, Sub-Zero Group

Join Jody McDonough and Sara Gilbertson Ley as they share the compelling story of Sub-Zero’s IT transformation. This session will delve into how the IT department evolved from a traditional back-office function to a strategic partner driving business value. Discover how Jody and Sara fostered a shared vision that aligned IT initiatives with business goals. They will discuss the development of a department-sponsored cost model, a value delivery system, and a comprehensive success measurement framework. Attendees will gain insights into the practical steps and strategies they employed to achieve this transformation.

Learn about the challenges they faced on their journey, the milestones they achieved, and their plans for future innovation. This presentation is a testament to the power of collaboration, strategic vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence in IT and customer service. Whether you are an IT professional, business leader, or interested in digital transformation, this session will provide valuable lessons and actionable insights to help you drive similar change within your organization.

Jody McDonough

CIO, Sub-Zero Group

Jody McDonough is currently the CIO for global manufacturing of luxury appliances at Sub-Zero Group. He is responsible for the organization’s traditional IT resources along with the IoT and Analytics functions, with direct product responsibilities.

Prior to his current role, he was responsible for a global insurer’s Strategy, Architecture and Innovation group implementing and operationalizing global analytics operations supporting business objectives. He has over 30 years in various IT roles and entrepreneurial developments across multiple industries.

Sara Gilbertson Ley

Customer Service Manager, Sub-Zero Group

Sara Gilbertson Ley is the Customer Service Manager at Sub-Zero Group, where she enhances the customer experience through strategic guidance and innovative content development. She leverages her XM Fundamentals Certification and expertise in Azure DevOps Services to lead a team in creating impactful product content and integrating customer feedback into product enhancements. Sara’s mission is to foster product connection, improve the customer experience, and support employee growth, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the organization. She holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.