Ethics & Accountability Summit

Registration & Networking Breakfast

Keynote Speaker Mark Peters, Commissioner, NYC Department of Investigation

Privacy & Cybersecurity

In an era where “fake news” is a term used as a political weapon, tech and media companies are under increased scrutiny to address cybersecurity and protection of digital information. This panel will cover a wide range of topics including privacy developments, regulatory and enforcement trends, security preparedness and incident response across many industries. Panelists will also discuss current regulations and cybersecurity issues, address developments in the cybersecurity field, and provide techniques for addressing cyber risks and responses.

• Timothy T. Howard, Co-Chief, Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit, U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York
• Senator Todd Kaminsky, Sponsored Legislation (S.6896) to prevent anonymous and false political attack ads on social media
• Ana Ariño, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, New York City Economic Development Corporation

Sexual Discrimination, Harassment, and Employer Accountability

Earlier this year, the Stop Sexual Harassment in NYC Act was signed into law. By April 1, 2019, most private employers will be required to conduct annual sexual harassment training. What does this mean for businesses and what are the next steps? How are employees being engaged in this discussion? Should the state be passing similar legislation?

• Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, Chair, Ethics and Guidance Committee
• James L. Hallman, Assistant Commissioner of EEO, Diversity & Inclusion, Department of Transportation
• Karl Sleight, Member, Harris Beach LLC

Lunch & Awards

Contracting Public Trust: Need for Procurement Reform

The process of receiving funding has recently come under fire as ethical questions have been raised and issues related to ballooning costs of public projects have arisen. How can we make the bidding process more standardized and transparent? How do we ensure that there is greater accountability for the distribution of public funding? What can be done throughout New York to advance a more efficient utilization of taxpayer dollars? 

• Lesley Brovner, First Deputy Commissioner, NYC Department of Investigation
• Ryan Murray, Deputy Director, NYC Mayor's Office of Contract Services
• David Ross, Chief Procurement Officer, MTA Business Service Center

Regaining the Public Trust: Addressing the Ethics Crisis in Government

We live in a time of monumental ethical challenges in government, and the front pages are constantly splashed with headlines of public officials on the wrong side of the law. And while elected officials in government often claim to address these issues, the problems don’t seem to be getting much better and public trust in government remains at all-time lows. So, what can be done? Is overcoming this lack of public trust possible at this point? Is the public’s disengagement part of the problem?

• Blair Horner, Executive Director, New York Public Research Group (NYPIRG)
• Susan Lerner, Executive Director, Common Cause
• John Kaehny, Executive Director, Reinvent Albany