MISAC Connect Audio

MISAC

Welcome to MISAC Connect Audio, the official podcast of the Municipal Information Systems Association of California (MISAC). This podcast is your go-to resource for in-depth discussions, expert insights, and community stories that go beyond our MISAC Connect forum.

  1. 25 Aug

    MISAC Summer Update: Chapter Meetings, Free MS-ISAC & Presidents Message

    This episode of MISAC Connect Audio is another solo update focused on one of MISAC's biggest benefits: the value of the network. Allen recaps the recent Northern Chapter meeting at Raymond Vineyards in St. Helena, including a little wine-blending competition, and reflects on the value of getting local government IT professionals together to share common challenges, solutions, and lessons learned. Allen also recognizes the industry partners who helped make the Northern Chapter event possible — Tanium, Salesforce, ePlus, and SuccessMetrics — with a brief look at what each company brings to the public-sector technology community and why relationships with MISAC's industry partners matter. The episode also highlights an important cybersecurity opportunity for California public agencies: statewide MS-ISAC enrollment sponsored by Cal OES, which provides eligible agencies with access to cybersecurity resources, including threat intelligence, incident response and forensic support, a 24/7 Security Operations Center, and the MS-ISAC MemberConnect community. Allen then previews the 2026 MISAC Annual Conference, September 27–30 in Monterey, and calls attention to the unofficial Tee Off with MISAC golf event at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch on September 26. The episode closes with an audio adaptation of MISAC President Chris Skelly's Summer 2026 President's Message, including updates on AI, legislation, the new PTI partnership, upcoming MISAC education opportunities, and the importance of having a network of colleagues to learn from and lean on. Chapters 00:00 Opening Remarks and the Value of the MISAC Network01:03 Northern Chapter at Raymond Vineyards04:30 MISAC Industry Partner Spotlights08:03 Why MISAC's Industry Partners Matter09:42 Free MS-ISAC Enrollment Through Cal OES12:41 2026 MISAC Annual Conference in Monterey13:58 Tee Off with MISAC Golf Event15:41 Chris Skelly's Summer 2026 President's Message19:20 Closing Thoughts — The Strength of the MISAC Network Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

  2. 27 May

    MISAC Connect Audio: Season 2 Returns — AI, Tahoe Summit, and Monterey Conference Preview

    This episode of MISAC Connect Audio marks the return of the podcast for Season 2 with a solo update on current MISAC happenings. Allen highlights the GovAI and City of Santa Clara Strategic Partner Case Study webinar, shares President Chris Skelly’s Spring 2026 message to the membership, previews the upcoming MISAC Tahoe Summit, and reminds members about the 2026 MISAC Annual Conference in Monterey, including the Call for Presentations deadline of May 31. Allen also discusses the value of practical, real-world conversations within the MISAC community — especially around AI governance, cybersecurity, Zero Trust, local government technology leadership, and lessons learned from public-sector technology projects. Chapters 00:00 Opening Remarks and Season 2 Return02:51 GovAI and City of Santa Clara Case Study Webinar 04:45 Future Deep Dive with Raj Singh and Willow Stuart06:00 President Chris Skelly’s Spring 2026 Message12:10 MISAC Tahoe Summit Preview14:52 Tahoe Summit Vendor Presentation Highlights18:31 2026 MISAC Annual Conference in Monterey19:00 Call for Presentations Due May 3120:40 Closing Thoughts and Welcome Back to Tim Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

  3. 01/11/2025

    MISAC Connect Audio: Weekly Report — Episode #3 | Post-Conference Wrap-Up

    This episode of MISAC Connect Audio, hosted by Allen Hammond, provides a post-conference wrap-up and a weekly digest of MISAC Matter Highlights. It includes shout-outs to the conference committee, recognition of award recipients, and discussions on upcoming educational opportunities and hot topics from the MISAC Connect Forum. Chapters 00:00 Opening Remarks01:39 Conference Highlights and Shout-Outs05:00 Awards and Recognitions10:48 Upcoming Educational Opportunities17:00 Hot Topics from MISAC Connect Forum19:30 MISAC Connect Forum Hot Topics: Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

  4. 18/10/2025

    BONUS EPISODE: Exploring UCaaS with Packet Fusion

    BONUS PRE-CONFERENCE EPISODE In this conversation, Alex and Allen discuss the evolution and importance of Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) in the public sector. They explore the drivers for transitioning to UCaaS, the challenges faced by agencies with legacy systems, and the critical role of user adoption and change management in successful implementation. The discussion also highlights the significance of security and compliance, the need for a phased approach to migration, and the benefits of engaging knowledgeable partners like Packet Fusion to navigate the complexities of UCaaS transitions.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose05:49 Understanding UCaaS and Its Importance12:04 Drivers for Transitioning to UCaaS17:40 Challenges and Considerations in UCaaS Migration23:44 Evaluating Vendors and Making Informed Decisions29:35 Understanding User Workflows for Successful UCaaS Implementation30:57 Common Pitfalls in UCaaS Migration34:16 Change Management and User Adoption Strategies37:11 Data Security and Compliance in UCaaS40:29 Phased Approach to UCaaS Transition42:50 Benefits of Full UCaaS Transition49:19 Getting Started with UCaaS Transition51:02 Final Thoughts and Partnering for Success52:43 Overview of Packet Fusion's Services Resources & Links:📌 Learn more about MISAC Connect Audio – Member Only Link📌 Connect with our guest: Packet Fusion -  LinkedInAlex Stanich – LinkedInVisit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

  5. 18/10/2025

    Navigating VMware’s New Era: Guidance for Municipal IT Leaders with KIS

    In this episode, Sean Canevaro and Matt Eickmann from KIS discuss VMware's current landscape and the impact of Broadcom's acquisition on licensing models. They explore the transition from perpetual to subscription models, the confusion it has caused among clients, and the importance of understanding the total cost of ownership. The conversation also touches on the future of virtualization, the role of cloud solutions, and how KIS aims to support clients in navigating these changes.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 04:07 Overview of KIS and Its Role 09:10 VMware and Broadcom: The Acquisition Impact 18:58 Subscription Model Transition and Client Reactions 28:59 The Debate on Subscription Software 30:44 Conclusion and Future Considerations 31:43 Navigating Budget Constraints and Client Control 38:12 Communicating IT Decisions to Stakeholders 44:38 Exploring Alternative Solutions in Virtualization 46:23 The Future of Virtualization and Cloud Solutions 53:10 Understanding KIS and Its Offerings Resources & Links:📌 Learn more about MISAC Connect Audio – Member Only Link📌 Connect with our guest: KIS - Keep IT Simple - LinkedInSean Canevaro – LinkedInMatt Eickmann - LinkedInVisit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

  6. 10/10/2025

    Exploring AI in Local Government with Ryen Nelsen

    In this conversation, Ryen Nelsen, IT Security Manager for Mission Viejo, shares his journey in the field of AI and cybersecurity, discussing his role in local government and the importance of community engagement. He elaborates on the formation and objectives of the MISAC AI Task Force, highlighting promising applications of AI in local government, the challenges faced in its adoption, and the future of AI in the public sector. Ryen emphasizes the need for collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to integrating AI technologies to enhance public service.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Background03:07 Career Journey and Community Engagement05:46 AI in Cybersecurity and Local Government11:51 The AI Task Force and Its Objectives17:45 Promising Applications of AI in Local Government24:38 Challenges in AI Adoption31:23 Future of AI in Government38:33 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Resources & Links:📌 Learn more about MISAC Connect Audio – Member Only Link📌 Connect with our guest: Ryen Nelsen (City of Mission Viejo) – LinkedInVisit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

  7. 03/10/2025

    Meet Brad Walker - Pulling the Levers Behind MISAC's Curtain

    In this conversation, Brad Walker, the Executive Director of MISAC, shares insights into his extensive career in association management, the evolution of MISAC, and the importance of engagement among members. He discusses the role of the Association Resource Center (ARC) in managing MISAC, the dynamics of the state board, and the growth of membership over the years. Brad emphasizes the value of strategic partnerships and the upcoming conference highlights. He also offers advice for new IT leaders and reflects on his achievements within the association. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges02:15 Brad Walker's Journey in Association Management05:44 The Role of MISAC and ARC09:48 Team Dynamics and Responsibilities13:41 Evolution of MISAC and Membership Trends19:30 Engagement Between New and Longtime Members24:22 Future Priorities for MISAC29:04 Strategic Partnerships and Vendor Relationships35:22 Upcoming Conference Highlights39:17 The Tahoe Summit and Its Unique Value41:04 Advice for New IT Leaders43:10 Achievements and Legacy Resources & Links:📌 Learn more about MISAC Connect Audio – Member Only Link  Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

  8. 26/09/2025

    MISAC Connect Audio: Weekly Report — Episode #2 | Celebrating IT Professionals

    In this episode of the Weekly Report, Allen Hammond discusses various topics relevant to the MISAC community, including technical challenges faced in podcasting, the importance of recognizing IT professionals, and the complexities of valuing municipal apps. He highlights community discussions on help desk policies, licensing issues with Broadcom VMware, and the need for reliable AV support for public meetings. The episode also covers Microsoft 365 backup solutions, the challenges of migrating to SharePoint, and upcoming MISAC events. Additionally, it features the Summer 2025 Newsletter with insights into GIS initiatives for public health, spotlighting MISAC member Shawn Smith and the developments of the AI Task Force. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Highlights05:45 Celebrating IT Professionals11:40 Help Desk Policies and Service Levels17:26 After-Hours AV Support Challenges23:32 Migrating to SharePoint and OneDrive29:09 GIS and Public Health Initiatives34:57 Member Highlight: Sean Smith40:47 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

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About

Welcome to MISAC Connect Audio, the official podcast of the Municipal Information Systems Association of California (MISAC). This podcast is your go-to resource for in-depth discussions, expert insights, and community stories that go beyond our MISAC Connect forum.

Information

  • Creator
    MISAC
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 MISAC
  • Show Website
    MISAC Connect Audio