FGLMS 2025 Speakers

Melinda Miguel

Melinda Miguel brings over two decades of Inspector General experience in promoting accountability, integrity, and transparency across federal and state government agencies. She previously served as Deputy Inspector General for the Architect of the Capitol and as Chief Inspector General for Florida Governors Rick Scott and Charlie Crist. Miguel has held IG roles for multiple Florida agencies, including the Florida Lottery, State Board of Administration, Attorney General’s Office, Department of Education, and Department of Elder Affairs. She earned a B.A. in Economics and a Graduate Certificate in Florida Local Government Administration from Florida State University, holds multiple professional certifications, and serves on national and state leadership committees for the Association of Government Accountants and the Association of Inspectors General.

Kevin Guthrie

Kevin Guthrie was appointed Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management in 2021 by Governor Ron DeSantis, bringing over 30 years of public safety and emergency management experience in Florida. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff and Deputy Director of the Division, coordinating statewide disaster response among agencies, counties, and municipalities. Guthrie began his career with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and later served in leadership roles in Flagler and Pasco Counties. He holds a Master’s in Human Services and a B.A. in Criminal Justice, is a FEMA-certified Master Exercise Practitioner, and has received national recognition for his emergency management leadership.

Keith Pruett

Keith Pruett serves as Deputy Executive Director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management, overseeing the bureaus of Response, Finance, and Information Technology. A decorated U.S. Army veteran with over two decades of service—including five combat tours and a role as Professor of Military Science at Florida State University—he transitioned to public service in emergency management. In 2021, Pruett joined the Florida Digital Service as the state's first ESF-20 coordinator, leading cybersecurity and digital response efforts. His innovative use of Starlink technology during Hurricane Ian earned him the 2022 Florida IT Leadership Forum Outstanding IT Manager Award.

Tim Fitzgerald

Tim Fitzgerald serves as Chief of Staff for the Florida Department of Corrections, the largest state agency in Florida and the third-largest state prison system in the U.S., supporting over 23,000 employees across 288 locations. In this role, he leads seven directors overseeing logistics, administration, IT, public and legislative affairs, strategic planning, and human capital initiatives. Fitzgerald serves as a key liaison to the Executive Office of the Governor and works closely with senior state, business, and community leaders to advance organizational priorities, foster partnerships, and ensure operational success.

Ken Kicia

Kenneth Kicia is a seasoned Chief Information Officer with over 20 years of experience leading IT services, digital transformations, and large-scale global operations. Known for his strategic leadership, he has built high-performing teams, strengthened customer partnerships, and driven innovation and operational efficiency across diverse industries. Kenneth’s expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, program management, and digital strategy implementation, with key accomplishments including leading IT integrations for major mergers, spearheading enterprise-wide digital transformation, and turning around critical Human Capital Management initiatives.

Monica Corbin

Monica Corbin is a Client Partner at Slalom, a global consulting firm specializing in strategy, technology, and business transformation. With a passion for responsible stewardship and leveraging technology to serve communities, she has led teams to modernize operations for the nation’s most respectable public sector. Known for her resilience and commitment to fostering trustworthy relationships, Corbin’s highly intuitive approach connects industry experts and empowers leaders to think and act strategically.

Christine Palmer

Christine Palmer is Chief Technology Officer for Peraton’s Citizen Security & Public Services sector, leading the integration of advanced technologies to address critical mission challenges. She has expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and cybersecurity, and previously served as Chief Enterprise Architect and AI Engineer at the Department of Homeland Security, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar IT portfolio. Palmer also held technology leadership roles at the U.S. Naval Observatory, Department of Defense, and Booz Allen Hamilton. She began her career in computational materials science and sensor technologies and holds a Master of Science in mechanical engineering and a Bachelor of Science in materials science and engineering from Drexel University.

David Clark

David Clark founded Allegiant Strategies Group in 2020 after more than 17 years in executive government roles, including service as an Airborne Officer in the United States Army. A servant leader passionate about developing people and building high-performing teams, David served the State of Florida under four Governors and, most recently, as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis. In that role, he provided executive guidance and policy direction for 13 agencies and initiatives with a combined budget exceeding $43 billion and 28,000 employees.

Joshua Smith

Joshua Smith is a State Government Account Executive at Verkada, where he has spent the past three years helping public sector organizations modernize their physical security and building management systems. Prior to focusing on state government, Joshua worked with schools and cities across Florida to implement innovative technology solutions. Before joining Verkada, he spent nearly a decade in orthopedic trauma surgery sales in Orlando, Florida. Outside of work, Joshua is a proud father of three and has been happily married to his wife for 13 years.

James Taylor

James Taylor serves as President and CEO of the Florida Technology Council and Executive Director of the Florida Technology Foundation, bringing nearly 30 years of experience working with Florida’s education institutions and government agencies. He has served on Governor Ron DeSantis’ Reopen Florida Taskforce and the Florida House Cybersecurity and Electromagnetic Pulse Work Group. Currently, he sits on multiple advisory panels supporting innovation and technology leadership statewide. Taylor is the visionary behind Florida’s Tech Day at the Capitol™, the Florida CIO Mentorship Program, and the FTC State Advisory Workgroup, and is a recipient of Government Technology’s national Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers Award.

Ebe Randeree

Ebrahim “Ebe” Randeree serves as Associate Dean for Florida State University’s College of Communication & Information. Teaching since 2003, he joined FSU in 2006 after earning an MBA and Ph.D. (ABD) in Management Information Systems from the University at Buffalo and a B.S. in Computer Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology. His work focuses on leadership development, career readiness, and helping students apply classroom learning to real-world success.