2020 WCA ANNUAL CONFERENCE VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS DATES, TOPICS AND SPEAKERS

Speaker: Paul Hill, Cybersecurity Services Business Owner Managed & Support Services, Motorola Solutions

Despite cyber security being a priority for public sector CIOs and CISOs, government agencies at all levels continue to face escalating cyber threats. Cyber intrusions and attacks increased dramatically over the last decade, exposing sensitive personal and organizational information, disrupting critical operations, and causing substantial economic losses to individuals, corporations and governments. Hostile actors such as hackers, organized criminals, and foreign countries are rapidly improving their technical cyber capabilities. They continue to target federal, state, and local governments in attempts to steal or manipulate sensitive data and disrupt operations. The sheer criticality of emergency services will likely prompt enterprising actors to launch increasingly targeted and sophisticated ransomware extortion attacks directly against emergency services for potential financial rewards or to cause disruption as a punitive action. At this webinar you will learn strategies on how to protect your county from vicious cyber attacks.

Speakers: Jenny Erickson, Professor and Community Development Educator, UW Madison Division of Extension

Melissa Kono, CNRED Agent, Clark County UW-Extension

Victoria Solomon, Community Resource Development Educator, Green County UW-Extension

Diverse county boards make better decisions because they more accurately reflect the needs and interests of their constituents. This session will focus on: (1) the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives (including life experiences); (2) research-based strategies designed to encourage greater diversity on your county board; and (3) opportunities to learn from your colleagues across the state.

Speakers: Tiana Glenna, Criminal Justice Manager, Eau Claire County

Rhonda Frank-Loron, Pretrial Program Manager, Director of State Courts Office

An essential element of implementing Evidence-Based Decision-Making throughout Wisconsin’s criminal justice system is the implementation of pretrial services. At this webinar you will learn about the essential elements of an effective pretrial justice system, as well as learn about Wisconsin’s pretrial pilot project.

Speakers: Larry Konopacki, Partner, Stafford Rosenbaum, LLP

John Holevoet, Director of Government Affairs, Wisconsin Dairy Business Association

Cindy Leitner, President, Wisconsin Dairy Alliance

Large livestock siting has long been a complex and contentious issue for local governments, and also for agricultural stakeholders.

This webinar will discuss the Wisconsin Counties Association’s efforts to partner with the agriculture community and local government partners to find policy solutions to this complex issue, while preserving Wisconsin’s strong dairy heritage and protecting the environment.

Speaker: Meleesa Johnson, Director, Solid Waste Department, Marathon County

The issue of controlling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is increasingly becoming a major environmental and public health issue in the State of Wisconsin. Hear from a county expert on what you need to know, as well as your role as a county official in addressing this ongoing issue.

Speakers: Mary Mezera, Regional Manager, ADRC of Southwest Wisconsin

Robert Kellerman, Executive Director, Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, Inc.

As Wisconsin’s aging population continues to rise, counties need to be ready to meet the increasing demands associated with an aging population. Presenters at this webinar will discuss services provided to Wisconsin’s senior population, as well as how aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs) serve as an information conduit for a broad range of programs and services available to our seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Speakers: Andrew Phillips, Attorney, von Briesen & Roper S.C.

Ben Conard, Attorney, von Briesen & Roper, S.C.

Rebecca Roeker, Attorney, von Briesen & Roper, S.C.

The events surrounding the onset of a global pandemic in March 2020 called for unprecedented action. Counties were forced to quickly change the way business is normally conducted to ensure the continuation of vital services.

Was your county ready for the emergency? Can a county ever be ready for something like that? Join us for this webinar where we look back to that time to discuss what went well, what went not so well, and what your county can do to prepare for the next “once in a lifetime” situation.