The Tech Nebraska Summit panel discussion unfolded like a conversation between old friends who share a bold vision for the future. Moderated by Ryan Wade of Lutz, the panel brought together three influential CIOs—Kent Sona from Nebraska Methodist Health System, Katie Curtis of Great Plains Communications, and Daragh Mahon from Werner Enterprises. What started as a structured discussion quickly became an engaging exchange of ideas, hopes, and challenges, weaving a compelling narrative about Nebraska’s journey toward becoming a tech hub.
Daragh Mahon set the tone with a bold statement: AI is not just the next big thing—it’s akin to the Internet revolution of the 1990s. He spoke with palpable excitement about how AI is reshaping industries, from generating efficient code to enabling autonomous trucking. “It’s about augmenting, not replacing, our driver community,” Mahon said, sharing how AI is reducing long-haul burdens and improving work-life balance for truck drivers. His story of 18-wheelers completing 100-mile round trips without a driver felt like a glimpse into the future, grounded in practicality.
Katie Curtis offered a balanced perspective, highlighting the dual promise and challenge of AI. She detailed her company’s efforts to build an AI Center of Excellence, emphasizing the importance of clean, secure data. “The growth curve of AI will only continue to accelerate, and the power of clean, secure data is paramount,” Curtis explained. Her approach reflects the careful, deliberate innovation that defines Nebraska’s ethos: progress without recklessness.
Kent Sona added another layer to the narrative, sharing how AI is revolutionizing healthcare. From improving imaging diagnostics to supporting doctors with rapid research, AI’s impact is both profound and deeply human. “Imagine a radiologist reviewing a CT scan, and AI highlighting potential areas of concern,” he said. Yet Sona’s vision extended beyond technology; he spoke passionately about making patient experiences frictionless, whether through mobile check-ins or other simple yet impactful innovations.
As the discussion shifted to balancing innovation with day-to-day operations, Curtis’s candid reflections resonated. “If you don’t carve out time for innovation, you’ll find yourself in the same spot five years from now,” she said. At Great Plains Communications, prioritizing future-focused thinking is not optional—it’s essential. Her comments sparked a broader conversation about how companies in Nebraska can embrace change while honoring their unique strengths.
Mahon shared Werner Enterprises’ approach: a product-led IT philosophy where product managers act as CEOs of their domains. This autonomy, he explained, allows teams to explore cutting-edge solutions like conversational AI bots capable of negotiating freight rates. His stories of innovation painted a vivid picture of what’s possible when companies empower their teams to think big.
The panel wasn’t just about corporate innovation. When the conversation turned to startups, the tone became one of mentorship and collaboration. Mahon’s advice to startups to “fail fast” and Curtis’s emphasis on focusing expertise reflected their deep understanding of what it takes to succeed. Sona envisioned a community where failures were as valuable as successes, creating a learning ecosystem that benefits everyone. “Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking for help,” Curtis said, reminding the audience that Nebraska’s strength lies in its willingness to support each other.
One of the most poignant moments came when Sona reflected on the evolving role of technology. “We’re now at the table in board meetings, shaping our health system’s strategy,” he said, marking a shift from tech as a support function to tech as a strategic partner. His comment encapsulated the day’s overarching theme: technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a transformative force shaping Nebraska’s future.
As the discussion wound down, the panelists turned their focus to opportunities unique to Nebraska. Mahon’s optimism about the state’s potential to rival Austin or Charlotte was contagious. Curtis highlighted Nebraska’s advantages as a data center hub, and Sona spoke about the importance of apprenticeship programs to keep talent local. Each panelist shared a vision of a Nebraska that’s not just keeping pace but setting the standard for innovation.
The conversation felt less like a panel and more like a call to action. Nebraska’s tech community has the talent, the resources, and the determination to lead—what’s needed now is a shared commitment to harness that potential. As the panelists wrapped up their discussion, the room buzzed with energy, a tangible reminder that Nebraska’s best tech days are still ahead.
