Beyond Innovation: Technology Leadership in a Time of Transformation

As the technology landscape rapidly evolves, today’s leaders are challenged to think differently about progress, people, and purpose. Join Segun Idowu, City of Boston’s Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, for a forward-looking conversation with some of Boston’s most influential technology voices. Together, they’ll explore how innovation, inclusive growth, and community impact intersect—and what lies ahead for our city and industry.

Featured Panelists

• Santiago “Santi” Garces – Chief Information Officer, City of Boston

• Emily Kibbe (she/her) – Chief Information Officer, Massachusetts AFL

• Kade Crockford – Director, ACLU of Massachusetts Technology for Liberty Project

Whether you’re a technology leader, an aspiring innovator, or simply curious about the future of Boston’s tech ecosystem, this discussion will offer fresh insights and inspiration for navigating transformation with purpose.

Emerging Technology Pre-Event

Keeping Data Safe in the Age of AI

AI brings incredible opportunities, but it also introduces new cybersecurity challenges. As more organizations adopt AI tools, questions around data privacy, protection, and responsible use are front and center. How do you unlock the value of AI without putting sensitive business or customer information at risk?

At the upcoming SIM Boston AI & Cybersecurity SIG, we’ll explore how leaders can approach AI with a security-first mindset. Join us for a practical discussion on balancing innovation with cyber resilience — and what every executive should know to keep their data and organization safe.

Member Career Development Pre-Event

Staying Sane in Transition: Practical Tactics for Your Job Search

Looking for your next role can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to derail your confidence or momentum. Join for a highly interactive session on maintaining focus, balance, and sanity during a career transition. We’ll share simple frameworks and practical hacks to structure your search, manage stress, and celebrate small wins—while leaving plenty of space to learn from each other’s experiences.

Agenda: Thursday, September 18th

• 4:30 pm TLS Pre-Events: Emerging Technologies, Member Career Development
• 5:00 pm   Registration, Networking, Hors D’oeuvres/Soft Drinks 
• 6:00 pm Buffet Dinner & Networking 
• 6:30 pm Welcome and Opening Remarks
• 6:45 pm Sponsor Introduction
• 6:50 pm Outreach Partner Introduction
• 6:55 pm Feature Presentation
• 8:00 PM Closing Remarks
• 8:30 pm   Peer Discussion until 9:00pm

Featured Speakers:

Moderator: Segun Idowu, City of Boston’s Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion

Segun Idowu is the City of Boston’s Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. In this role, which he has held since January 2022, he focuses on making Boston a resilient, economically equitable, and vibrant city that creates opportunities to build generational wealth for all communities. Under his leadership, the City of Boston created a Legacy Business Program, honoring and supporting longstanding, independent enterprises that make a strong contribution to the neighborhoods of Boston. The City also implemented the SPACE Grant Program, supporting 90 businesses with expenses related to new lease agreements.

During his tenure, large companies like the LEGO Group and Eli Lilly have committed to Boston, and the City has doubled the number of contracts awarded to minority-owned businesses. A lifelong resident of Boston, Segun is a proud product of the Boston Public Schools. Following his graduation from Boston Latin Academy, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in History at Morehouse College in Atlanta. Segun previously served as the President and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, Inc. (BECMA), the chief advocacy organization for Black businesses across the Commonwealth. In this role, he helped transform the organization, including growing membership by 300 percent and helping to reshape the procurement process for Massachusetts.

Panelists: 

Santiago "Santi" Garces - CIO, City of Boston

Emily Kibbe (she/her) -  CIO, Massachusetts AFL

Kade Crockford - Director, ACLU of Massachusetts Technology for Liberty Project

Why Attend Technology Leadership Series?

• Build your SIM network and meet other members.
• Exposure to relevant perspective from real life successes and failures.
• Gain insights on how companies strategically respond to current business challenges.

Register today to secure your spot and be a part of this enriching exchange of ideas and experiences.

We look forward to seeing you there!

• This meeting is in-person only.
• This meeting is free to all members.  
• TLS is a SIM Boston exclusive event. Please ensure you're logged into your membership profile to be able to register.
• Please reach out to help@simboston.org for any questions or concerns.