--- title: Public Sector Briefing | Data Modernization | Sacramento, CA description: Join public sector leaders to modernize your agency's data strategy and unlock value at this executive event hosted by Microsoft, Databricks, and Launch Consulting. image: https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hubfs/75739925-d56a-4ed4-ab8d-643fe7d84394.jpg --- [![Launch logo wordmark\_color 1-1](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Launch%20logo%20wordmark_color%201-1.png?width=250&height=70&name=Launch%20logo%20wordmark_color%201-1.png "Launch logo wordmark_color 1-1")](https://www.launchconsulting.com/) [Connect](https://www.launchconsulting.com/contact) ![Launch\_MS\_Databricks\_Sacramento](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Launch_MS_Databricks_Sacramento.jpeg?width=1920&height=1080&name=Launch_MS_Databricks_Sacramento.jpeg) ## Build a Data-Driven Agency. Start Modernizing Your Data and Unlocking Value. ### Hosted by Microsoft, Databricks & Launch Consulting Join us for a half-day executive event designed for public sector leaders. Benchmark where your agency stands, hear perspectives from Launch Consulting, Microsoft, and Databricks on building a modern data foundation for government, and participate in focused discussions on data strategy, governance, and modernization. Leave with an actionable initiative you can implement to improve data accessibility, quality, and decision-making. [Reserve Your Seat](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/ai-briefing-sacramento#form) ## Event Details **Date:** Thursday, October 22, 2026 **Time:** 12:00 pm - 2:15 pm, followed by an optional networking hour **Location:** Microsoft Office 1415 L St #200, Sacramento, CA 95814 **[Directions](https://www.bing.com/maps/directions?ty=0&v=2&sV=1&rtp=%7Epos.38.576908111572266_-121.48849487304688__Microsoft%2520Corporation_&cp=38.576913%7E-121.488495&lvl=16&style=r)** \* Please plan for additional time for parking.  ## Preliminary Agenda **12:00 PM  |  Welcome, goals and lunch** Introductions, workshop goals, and expected outcomes. Lunch will be provided. **12:30 PM**  | **The Frontier Government Panel** A lively discussion on why data + AI readiness is foundational for agencies. **Featuring: [Karl Kopper](https://calsta.ca.gov/about-us/executive-staff/karl-kopper)**, Agency Information Security Officer at CalSTA **[Ian Sanford](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-sanford-40bb7a323/)**, Technology Integration Services Branch Chief at CDPH **[David Schmitt](https://www.linkedin.com/in/djschmitt/),** Data & Analytics Leader at SMUD **1:15 PM**  | **CalSTA Data Hub with [Karl Kopper](https://calsta.ca.gov/about-us/executive-staff/karl-kopper), Agency Information Security Officer - *A Databricks Use Case*** Learn how the CalSTA Data Hub, a fully governed, zero-copy data sharing platform, allows Caltrans, DMV, CHP, High-Speed Rail and other CA state departments to securely share data with granular control. Session includes app demonstrations and analytical capabilities built on top of this platform.  **2:00 PM**  |  **Wrap-Up & Next Steps**  Key takeaways, modernization priorities, and recommended next steps to advance your agency's data strategy. ## What You'll Walk Away With - A clear understanding of how Launch, Microsoft and Databricks help government agencies modernize data platforms - Practical strategies for modernizing your agency's data foundation with Databricks on Microsoft Azure - A roadmap for improving data access, governance, and analytics across your organization - Insights from public sector peers navigating legacy modernization, data silos, and evolving data management requirements - Clear next steps for accelerating your agency's data and AI journey ## Trusted by leading companies ![Microsoft Full Color](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Microsoft%20Full%20Color.png?width=1920&height=410&name=Microsoft%20Full%20Color.png) ![Scotts-Miracle-Gro-2014-Logo](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Scotts-Miracle-Gro-2014-Logo.png?width=446&height=76&name=Scotts-Miracle-Gro-2014-Logo.png) ![HungerRush-color](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hubfs/HungerRush-color.svg) ![health\_edge\_logo](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/health_edge_logo.webp?width=1200&height=269&name=health_edge_logo.webp) ![Centene\_Corporation\_Logo](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hubfs/Centene_Corporation_Logo.svg) ![Magna\_logo\_forweb](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Magna_logo_forweb.jpg?width=2177&height=515&name=Magna_logo_forweb.jpg) ## Meet Your Presenters ![Jess Lampe (1)](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jess%20Lampe%20(1).png?width=577&height=577&name=Jess%20Lampe%20(1).png) ## Jess Lampe **Global Lead Technologist  [Launch Consulting](https://www.launchconsulting.com/)** Jess leverages 15 years of deep industry expertise to spearhead enterprise-scale AI transformations and modern cloud initiatives. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and high-impact business strategy, Jess builds robust frameworks that automate workflows and drive sustainable global innovation.  ![Karl Kopper](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Karl.png?width=1024&height=1024&name=Karl.png) ## Karl Kopper  **Agency Information Security Officer  [CalSTA](https://calsta.ca.gov/about-us/executive-staff/karl-kopper)**  Karl Kopper has more than 30 years of IT and cybersecurity leadership experience across public and private sectors, including publishing, logistics, natural resources, and finance. Since joining transportation in 2016 as Caltrans' CISO and serving as CalSTA's AISO since 2018, Karl leads the CalSTA Cybersecurity Office in strengthening the Agency's security posture through cross-department collaboration and alignment with government strategy. ![Ian Sanford](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ian%20Sanford-1.png?width=800&height=800&name=Ian%20Sanford-1.png) ## Ian Sanford **Technology Integration Services Branch Chief [CDPH](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/)** Ian Sanford leads the department’s efforts in advancing secure, intelligent technology solutions that support public health outcomes statewide. Ian is the department’s lead for Generative AI initiatives, driving innovation in how CDPH leverages AI to enhance service delivery, automate workflows, and improve data insights. He also oversees Security Operations, ensuring the protection and resilience of CDPH’s digital infrastructure. His work bridges emerging technologies with mission-critical public health services. [Reserve Your Seat](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/ai-briefing-sacramento#form) ## Who should attend - Public sector executives and senior leaders responsible for technology, innovation, and digital transformation - CIOs, CTOs, Chief Data Officers, Chief Information Security Officers, and AI leaders - Program and operational leaders responsible for improving service delivery, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision making. - Decision-makers responsible for data strategy, governance, architecture, modernization, and analytics. - Agencies leveraging or evaluating Microsoft Azure and Databricks for data modernization initiatives. ![1779999806588](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hubfs/1779999806588.jpeg "1779999806588") ## Why Azure Databricks? #### Modern agencies need more than just analytics. They need a platform that brings together data, governance, and innovation.     Azure Databricks helps organizations: - Unify data across systems and departments - Improve visibility and access to trusted information - Govern data consistently across the organization - Enable advanced analytics and reporting - Create a scalable foundation for future AI and automation initiatives By consolidating data and governance into a single platform, agencies can move faster, reduce complexity, and deliver greater value to the communities they serve. [Reserve your seat](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/ai-briefing-sacramento#form) ### Beyond The Agenda - What Attendees Are Saying: ![AI Exec Roundtable Dallas](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hubfs/75739925-d56a-4ed4-ab8d-643fe7d84394.jpg "AI Exec Roundtable Dallas") > *“The event was wonderful! Learned a lot about how other organizations are implementing AI and handling the struggles of AI adoption. I plan to take advantage of the session with Launch to support our AI implementation." > **- Angel Tutt, Deputy CTO, Georgia Office of the State Treasurer*** > *"A rare AI discussion that actually respected the complexity of real enterprises.” -* **VP of Software Development** > *“This session cut through the AI hype and got very real about what it actually takes to apply AI responsibly inside an enterprise. The discussion around trust, data, and governance alone made it worth attending.” -* **VP of Engineering** > *“The way this event framed AI around trust, policy, and operational reality was refreshing. It gave me a clearer path forward than most AI conversations I’ve been part of.” -* **Director AI Solutions** # Join a select group of government leaders and turn data into mission outcomes [Reserve your seat](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/ai-briefing-sacramento#form) [![Launch logo wordmark\_white](https://ai.launchconsulting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Launch%20logo%20wordmark_white.png?width=300&height=163&name=Launch%20logo%20wordmark_white.png "Launch logo wordmark_white")](https://www.launchconsulting.com/)   © 2025. All rights reserved.