Tech Industry Luncheon - June 14

Description

How safe is your ride? Cutting-edge tech to enhance and secure public transit

Join us for an urgent and insightful session with Dr. Julius Smith from DART, where we’ll explore the critical advancements reshaping mass transit in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. As cyber threats loom large over public sector industries, discover how technology is not just enhancing, but also securing public transportation. Learn how innovations like contactless, mobile-based fare collection and modernized systems are being implemented to meet the demands of today’s riders. In an era where the threat of cyberattacks is ever-present, Dr. Smith will shed light on the vital cybersecurity measures that are being prioritized to safeguard our transit systems. Don’t miss this opportunity to understand the intersection of technology, security, and public transit, and how we can protect our infrastructure from escalating cyber risks.

Speaker
Dr. Julius Smith is the Vice President and Chief Information Officer for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). In this role, he oversees DART's technology systems' leadership and strategic direction. He identifies opportunities to support the Agency’s expansive transit network through the applications of innovation, cybersecurity, digital technology, data science and governance, automation, and enhancing the employee and customer experience. Before joining DART, he held leadership roles in the Department of Defense and was a Chief Information Security Officer.
Dr. Smith earned his doctorate from Regent University School of Business and obtained security and technology certifications throughout his career. Dr. Smith won the 2023 IBM Reliability MaximoWorld Best Implementation Award. He is a 2024 North Texas Orbie Award Dallas CIO of the Year (Large Corporate) awardee and a 2024 Information Technology Senior Management Forum Technology Executive of the Year (Nonprofit/Public Sector) winner.
Dr. Smith is the American Public Transportation Association Chair for the Enterprise Cyber Security Working Group (ECSWG). He serves on the DallasCIO Advisory Board and is an appointed State of Texas Cyber Security Council. He serves on the CIO Transit Consortium's Dallas CISO Governing Body and Board leadership. Dr. Julius Smith serves on the SMU Tech CxO Excellence Program Advisory Board, building the next generation of C-Level Tech Execs. Additionally, he is a board member for One Man’s Treasure.