FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                May 1, 2024

CONTACT: Jennifer Flatter

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937.417.5269

Ohio Innovation and Technology Association Appointed to Lt. Governor's AI in Education Coalition

COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Innovation and Technology Association (OITA) is proud to announce its appointment to the Lt. Governor's AI in Education Coalition. This coalition, led by Lt. Governor Jon Husted, aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence to transform education in Ohio, preparing students and the workforce for a technologically advanced future.

"We are excited to join Ohio’s AI in Education Coalition and work together to shape the future of education in Ohio," said Bobby Kovey, President of OITA. "Our expertise will be invaluable as we explore the opportunities that artificial intelligence offers for Ohio’s students and workforce."

As a member of this coalition, OITA will play a pivotal role in developing a state-level strategy for AI in education. The coalition's kickoff meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14th, at the Ohio Department of Public Safety. During this meeting, members will discuss the purpose and goals of the coalition, review the current uses and potential benefits of AI in education, and hear from Lt. Governor Husted on his vision to make Ohio the most AI-ready state in the nation.

"We look forward to collaborating with other experts and stakeholders to make Ohio a leader in AI education," added Kovey. "The insights and ideas shared during our meetings will be crucial to the success of the coalition and the future of AI in Ohio's educational landscape."

About OITA

The Ohio Innovation and Technology Association (OITA) is the state’s leading trade group for technology and innovation. OITA is dedicated to fostering technological advancements, supporting innovation, and advocating for the tech industry in Ohio.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    February 15, 2024

Ohio Innovation and Technology Association Commends Lt. Governor Jon Husted for Pioneering AI Toolkit for Ohio Schools

COLUMBUS, OHIO - The Ohio Innovation and Technology Association (OITA), the state’s premier trade group for the tech-economy, extends its heartfelt commendations to Lt. Governor Jon Husted and the administration for spearheading the development of a groundbreaking AI Toolkit tailored specifically for Ohio schools.

Bobby Kovey, President of the OITA, expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, highlighting its significance in positioning Ohio as a frontrunner in technological education and innovation. Kovey emphasized the pivotal role the AI Toolkit will play in empowering Ohioans to engage with artificial intelligence knowledgeably and responsibly, fostering a culture of ethical AI implementation across various sectors.

“The Ohio Innovation and Technology Association applauds Lt. Governor Husted and the administration for developing the most robust set of tools and resources in the nation that provide foundational guidance for artificial intelligence,” stated Bobby Kovey. “The AI toolkit will help Ohioans who are wanting to learn about AI and use it for good in a safe and ethical manner. Lt. Governor Husted has made it a priority to ensure educators, families, students, and policymakers are equipped for the future with this developing technology.”

As Ohio continues to embrace technological advancements, the AI Toolkit stands as a testament to Lt. Governor Husted’s unwavering commitment to equipping Ohioans with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digitized world. By providing educators, families, students, and policymakers with comprehensive resources and guidance, the toolkit will catalyze innovation and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Ohioans.

OITA’s membership comprises some of the world’s most prominent and advanced tech organizations, positioning them at the forefront of new technologies utilized in both the public and private sectors. Through collaboration and collective efforts, OITA remains dedicated to fostering an ecosystem that promotes technological excellence, ethical innovation, and economic growth across the state.

For more information about the Ohio Innovation and Technology Association, please visit www.ohioita.org. For the AI Toolkit visit: https://innovateohio.gov/aitoolkit/ai-toolkit.

Save the date for the the highly anticipated 2024 Ohio Innovation Summit set to take place on Tuesday, June 18 at the Athletic Club of Columbus.

This event, like the State’s Cyber Summit, will be in partnership with State of Ohio leadership.

As the premier conference dedicated to exploring innovation and technology, this event serves as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration and driving progress across the public and private sectors.

The day will include panels and other sessions with leaders and organizations at the forefront of Ohio’s innovation landscape including:

• Lt. Governor Jon Husted
• State OIT leadership
• InnovateOhio team members
• Cabinet directors, and 
• Legislative leaders focused on our technology needs.  

The state’s Innovation Summit will focus on:

• Modernizing government services
• AI opportunities
• Funding the future of innovation
• Cyber
• State and local government tech priorities

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with state leaders and peers to discuss and plan for Ohio’s current and future technology goals and priorities.  

Be sure to save the date and stay tuned for further details on registration and agenda highlights. Registration will open soon.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                

November 30, 2023

CyberOhio Summit Coming to Columbus Next Week

Columbus, OH–The state of Ohio’s trade group for tech and innovation will hold an in-person summit in Columbus on Wednesday, December 6 at the Athletic Club of Columbus from 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The 2023 CyberOhio Summit is a partnership effort with the Office of CyberOhio and the Ohio Innovation and Technology Association (OITA).

The CyberOhio Summit brings together businesses, citizens, and government to explore cybersecurity initiatives, build upon each other’s diverse knowledge, and tackle cybersecurity challenges.

“OITA is excited to present the CyberOhio Summit with the Office of CyberOhio.  The summit will explore protecting systems from digital attacks while sharing best practices, exchanging ideas, and making connections with experts and leaders,” said Jennifer Flatter, Executive Director of OITA.

The summit will feature many who shape Ohio's cybersecurity policy including Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Kirk Herath, Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor to Governor DeWine and Holly Drake, Ohio's Chief Information Security Officer, and Katrina Flory, State of Ohio CIO who will moderate a session that includes Matt Damschroder, Director, the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, Patricia Harris, Commissioner, the Ohio Department of Taxation, and Kathleen Madden, Director, Ohio Department of Administrative Services.

The summit agenda includes:

9:30 a.m. Registration & Networking

10:00 a.m. Welcome from OITA

10:10 a.m. Remarks from Lt. Governor Jon Husted

10:25 a.m. Data Breach Investigations Report by Verizon

10:40 a.m. Cyber Landscape and Best Practice with Deloitte

10:55 a.m. Executive Perspectives with the State of Ohio CISO with Holly Drake

11:15 a.m. Local Government Challenges

Moderator: Dr. Richard Harknett, Co-Director of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute, and Chair of the Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy at the University of Cincinnati

Panelists: Frank Antenucci, County Deputy Administrator & CISO, Geauga County; Vinod Brahmapuram, Senior Director of Security, Lumen; Jill Davidson, County Auditor, Athens County; Jill Schiller, County Treasurer, Hamilton County; Andy Smarra, County Treasurer, Union County

12:00 p.m. Lunch and Networking

12:15 p.m. Priorities of CyberOhio with Kirk Herath, Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor to Governor DeWine

12:30 p.m. Private Sector Priorities

Moderator: Maria Thompson, Executive Government Advisor, Cybersecurity, AWS

Panelists: Tony DeAngelo, CISO, Encova Insurance; Allen Perk, Former President & CEO, XLN Systems; Joe Rogan, VP of Technology, Tire Discounters

1:15 p.m. Critical Infrastructure Focus

Moderator: Pat Tiberi, President and CEO, Ohio Business Roundtable

Panelists: Amber Buening, SVP, Security Outreach Director, Huntington Bank; Jim Richberg, Head of Cyber Policy & Global Field CISO, Fortinet; Todd Ware, President and CEO, Energy Cooperative

2:15 p.m. OIT and Cabinet Agency Perspectives

Moderator: Katrina Flory, CIO, State of Ohio

Panelists: Matt Damschroder, Director, the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services; Patricia Harris, Commissioner, the Ohio Department of Taxation; Kathleen Madden, Director, Ohio Department of Administrative Services

Bobby Kovey, President of OITA, views the CyberOhio Summit as a great opportunity for government and members of the business and technology community to voice their challenges to one another and develop solutions.

“The OITA met with and listened to government and private sector leaders across the state.  Cybersecurity is top of mind with all of them.  The OITA has a special role to play, being the trade group for Ohio’s silicon heartland.  With the leadership of the governor, lieutenant governor and the CyberOhio team, we are able to partner with the state leaders and host this important event focused on cyber to better protect our public and private institutions,” Kovey said. 

Registration and details can be found at www.ohioita.org.

About OITA

The Ohio Innovation and Technology Association (OITA) is an independent, non-profit and non-partisan statewide organization of Ohio’s technology-driven companies and industry professionals operating at the intersection of business, technology, and public policy.