More than 50 regional technology directors, network administrators, and data protection officers gathered at the Ulster BOCES Jane Bullowa Conference Center in New Paltz for a Regional Technology Day hosted by the Mid-Hudson Regional Information Center (MHRIC) on March 10.

 

“This conference created an opportunity for professionals to gather together, in person, to have conversations about concerns and questions that span the four counties region of Ulster, Dutchess, Sullivan, Orange, and beyond,” said MHRIC Director Danielle Yeomans. “It’s a powerful networking event that fosters collaboration and sharing.”

 

 The conference’s guest speaker, New York State Chief Privacy Officer Louise DeCandia, reported virtually about recent developments in technology. Other topics covered by the conference included the use of automation to bolster cyber responses, the zero trust security model, and updates to Google Workspace and Education Editions.

 

The all-day event also provided the technology leaders with opportunities to engage in discussions and ask important questions about the current security landscape. “Having this type of proactive training in our back pockets will help us to be able to intuitively respond to updates in technology security, which will go a long way to keeping our students and staff safe,” said Cynthia Farrell, Supervisor of Educational Technology at Ulster BOCES.

 

The MHRIC had recommended that each school district send at least one representative to receive information, share best practices, and discuss upcoming changes in technology.

 

Yeomans looks forward to co-sponsoring and participating in this type of networking informational technology conference again in the near future.

 

Yeomans and Farrell planned the event in conjunction with Mark Stein, Director of Technology at Dutchess BOCES; Forrest Addor, Director of Technology at Orange-Ulster BOCES; Robert Cosh, Director of Operations & Network Administration at Sullivan BOCES, and Susan Zieres Teeple, Coordinator of Instructional Technology at Sullivan BOCES.