The Geography of Deception
Description
Learn how we apply technology and geography in cyber security and beyond. This presentation will look at ways to use geography in detecting fraud and addressing illegal logging. We will also review recent legislation regarding privacy and GIS.
Speakers
Joanne Pearson
State Geospatial Information Officer
WaTech
Joanne Pearson is the Washington State Geographic Information Officer at WaTech. In that role, she is responsible for coordinating GIS technology across all state agencies and finding connections to local, tribal and federal partners. She has almost 30 years experience as a GIS practitioner in the public and private sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Masters in Environmental Studies. She is a positive and focused leader and enjoys integrating geographic information into decision making.
Katy Ruckle
State Chief Privacy Officer
WaTech
Katy Ruckle was appointed as Washington state's Chief Privacy Officer in 2020. Since then, Katy has published Washington's foundational privacy principles and launched statewide training on privacy and data protection for public employees. In 2023, Katy received the Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award for her privacy leadership in the state. In 2024, Katy earned two national leadership awards: GovTech’s Top 25 Doer, Dreamer, and Drivers, and StateScoop’s Top 50. Currently, Katy serves as co-chair to the State’s AI Community of Practice and published guidance for public procurement of automated decision systems. Katy is also leading work on the Governor’s Executive Order on AI and serves as the appointed representative from WaTech on the AGO AI Task Force.
In previous roles, Katy created and directed the privacy program at the state's Department of Social and Health Services -- overseeing public records, records management, legal discovery, and HIPAA compliance. Before that she served as the agency’s Contracts Counsel, advising on complex contract and procurement issues regarding health care and technology.
Katy is a licensed attorney and was admitted to the Washington State Bar Association in 2005. She also holds certifications from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) in US privacy law (CIPP/US) and privacy program management (CIPM) and is recognized as a Fellow of Information Privacy from the IAPP. She presently serves as an officer on the board of the Washington Government Lawyers Bar Association and volunteers as a mediator at the Pierce County Center for Dialog and Resolution. She has worked for Washington state since 2006.
Watch the recorded presentation