CIOs navigate everyday challenges related to grid modernization, cybersecurity and data integrity. In addition to the natural leadership pressures of any executive position, CIOs also lead the charge for building visionary plans to embrace emerging technology, oversee policy development and direct the implementation of systems and processes for the control and exchange of information. As such, CIOs increasingly seek novel approaches to enhance efficiency, responsiveness, innovation and adaptability. This forum provides a unique opportunity for utility CIOs to come together in an exclusive peer environment to address these challenges.
General Details
- Program Chair(s)
- Jeanne Vold, Vice President – Technology, NorthWestern Energy
- Program Location
- Virtual Event
- No travel required. All agenda times are in Pacific time. Instructions to access the virtual event will be provided to the attendee before the program.
- Who Should Attend
Participation in the Chief Information Officer executive forum is restricted to senior leaders responsible for management of their utility's technology and information systems. In most instances, the appropriate attendee serves as the Chief Information Officer or holds an equal position within their utility. The small size of this program provides a unique environment for collaborative thinking, open discourse and building long-term relationships.
- Registration Options
Member: $199 USD
Registration includes virtual access to all agenda items and digital program materials.
- General Cancellation Policy
- To best serve WEI members and program participants during the COVID-19 pandemic, WEI will be waiving its standard cancellation policy for this program and all virtual programs through July 2021. Registrants can now receive a full refund should they need to cancel their registration up to the day before the program begins. This applies to both new and existing registrations for virtual programs.
- Participation Policy
- Western Energy Institute programs and events are open to energy companies (including gas production and electric generation, gas and electric transmission and gas and electric distribution utilities). Select programs and events are open to energy industry product and service suppliers. Programs and events are closed to all media representatives and to the general public. Recording is not permitted for any portion of the event.
- For more information contact Amy Nye, Program Manager at (503) 688-2794.
Agenda
All session times are listed in Pacific time.
Thursday, March 25, 2021
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM
Virtual Help Desk + Technology Check
The room will open early with optional time for participants to get familiar with the virtual platform, test their audio and webcam, or ask questions about the agenda before we begin.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Welcome + Introductions
Facilitator(s): Jeanne Vold, Vice President – Technology, NorthWestern Energy
Get to know your peers through our roundtable introductions. Come prepared to share an overview of your organization, a recent success story, and the current challenges you and your team are facing right now.
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Industry Topic Roundtable Discussion: Third-Party Risks
Facilitator(s): Jeanne Vold, Vice President – Technology, NorthWestern Energy
This time is designated for an open roundtable discussion around third-party risks. The session will kick-off with a brief presentation followed by interactive discussion.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Break
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Industry Topic Roundtable Discussion: Capital vs. O&M
Facilitator(s): Jason Huszar, CIO & VP of Information Technology, Idaho Power Company
This time is designated for an open roundtable discussion around Capital, Cloud, O&M, and depreciation schedules for software/technology. The session will kick-off with a brief presentation followed by interactive discussion.
12:45 PM - 1:00 PM
Break
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Open Roundtable Discussion + Wrap Up
This time is designated for open roundtable discussion around top-of-mind issues. Topics will be guided based on the current challenges shared during introductions and refined by live-polling.
We will close out the day with a discussion on plans for the Fall 2021 meeting.