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 Remarks
01:39 Conference Highlights and Shout-Outs
05:00 Awards and Recognitions
10:48 Upcoming Educational Opportunities
17:00 Hot Topics from MISAC Connect Forum
19:30 MISAC Connect Forum Hot Topics:

Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.

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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.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose
05:49 Understanding UCaaS and Its Importance
12:04 Drivers for Transitioning to UCaaS
17:40 Challenges and Considerations in UCaaS Migration
23:44 Evaluating Vendors and Making Informed Decisions
29:35 Understanding User Workflows for Successful UCaaS Implementation
30:57 Common Pitfalls in UCaaS Migration
34:16 Change Management and User Adoption Strategies
37:11 Data Security and Compliance in UCaaS
40:29 Phased Approach to UCaaS Transition
42:50 Benefits of Full UCaaS Transition
49:19 Getting Started with UCaaS Transition
51:02 Final Thoughts and Partnering for Success
52:43 Overview of Packet Fusion's Services

Resources & Links:
📌 Learn more about MISAC Connect Audio – Member Only Link
📌 Connect with our guest:

• Packet Fusion - LinkedIn
• Alex Stanich – LinkedIn

Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

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.

Chapters
00:00 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 - LinkedIn
• Sean Canevaro – LinkedIn
• Matt Eickmann - LinkedIn

Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

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.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
03:07 Career Journey and Community Engagement
05:46 AI in Cybersecurity and Local Government
11:51 The AI Task Force and Its Objectives
17:45 Promising Applications of AI in Local Government
24:38 Challenges in AI Adoption
31:23 Future of AI in Government
38:33 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) – LinkedIn

Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

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 Challenges
02:15 Brad Walker's Journey in Association Management
05:44 The Role of MISAC and ARC
09:48 Team Dynamics and Responsibilities
13:41 Evolution of MISAC and Membership Trends
19:30 Engagement Between New and Longtime Members
24:22 Future Priorities for MISAC
29:04 Strategic Partnerships and Vendor Relationships
35:22 Upcoming Conference Highlights
39:17 The Tahoe Summit and Its Unique Value
41:04 Advice for New IT Leaders
43:10 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.

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 Highlights
05:45 Celebrating IT Professionals
11:40 Help Desk Policies and Service Levels
17:26 After-Hours AV Support Challenges
23:32 Migrating to SharePoint and OneDrive
29:09 GIS and Public Health Initiatives
34:57 Member Highlight: Sean Smith
40:47 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.

In this episode of MISAC Connect Audio, we welcome Bayley Dycus (City of San Ramon) as the newest host of our show and a member of the MISAC Communications Committee. We trace his 25‑year IT journey—from discovering networking in the U.S. Air Force through retail and state agencies to municipal service—and explore what drew him to public‑sector IT and keeps him passionate about enabling people through technology.

Bayley talks about how he found MISAC, why he jumped into the Communications Committee (and now podcast hosting!), and his hope to make this show a go‑to resource for historical context, real‑world “right now” lessons, and forward‑looking conversations that help California’s municipal IT community drive the future instead of riding its waves.

We close with a fun, rapid‑fire round:

• Can’t‑live‑without tech: Lansweeper for deployment, inventory, warranty tracking, and more
• Alternate career path: Motivational speaker—“I’ll talk to anyone about anything”
• Favorite way to recharge: Live music & community park concerts (burrito optional)
• Top podcast pick: Love Your Money with Hilary Hendershott (financial advice & operating‑system mindset)

Resources & Links:
📌 Learn more about MISAC Connect Audio – Member Only Link
📌 Connect with Bayley Dycus (City of San Ramon) – LinkedIn

Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

In this inaugural edition of MISAC Connect Audio: Weekly, we kick off a new series designed to supplement the longer-form MISAC Connect Audio interviews. This episode spotlights active forum discussions, highlights from the Tahoe Summit’s strategic partner presentations, an audio-narrated version of the Spring Quarterly Newsletter, and key announcements from the MISAC community.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 — Intro & What is MISAC Connect Weekly?
02:12 — Forum Highlights
08:33 — Strategic Partner Spotlights (Tahoe Summit Recap)
14:45 — Upcoming Events
16:30 — Narrated Spring 2025 Quarterly Newsletter
40:03 — Wrap-Up & What's Coming Next for MISAC Connect Audio

Highlights include:

• Forum discussions on phishing simulation training, Microsoft EA renewals, MS-ISAC changes, Cloudflare, video editing tools, and POS/cashiering systems
• Recap of presentations from 101 Voice, Akamai, Cohesity, and ThinkGard at the 2025 Tahoe Summit
• Upcoming events: Microsoft Security Compliance & Identity training and the 2025 MISAC Excellence Award
• A narrated reading of the Spring 2025 MISAC Newsletter
  (including member highlights, website update efforts, CIO insights, and real stories of MISAC community impact)

Stay tuned for more voices and content in future episodes!

Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.