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October 2025
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Upcoming Events
Oregon Geographic Information Council (OGIC) Meeting
Oct. 29, 2025, 10:00 - 11:50
In Person - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
4034 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE
State of Oregon Data Equity Summit
Oct. 28 - 30, 2025
About EIS
Enterprise Information Services ensures accessible, reliable and secure state technology systems that equitably serve Oregonians.
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New OGIC Website
The new Oregon Geographic Information Council (OGIC) website is a one stop resource that includes OGIC meeting announcements, strategic planning information, OGIC policies, and related documents and resources.
OGIC is responsible for overseeing the strategic development and governance of geospatial framework data including the development, implementation, and review of geospatial policies, prules, and standards. Many communities are represented on the Council, including counties, cities, special districts, tribal government, and other government entities that create, share, or utilize geospatial data.
"This new site consolidates all OGIC information in one place, making it easier for the GIS community to interact and learn more about this important work," says Melissa Foltz, Interim Geographic Information Officer.
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EMOU Data Sharing Update
The Data Sharing EMOU (Enterprise Memorandum of Understanding) pilot is now entering the Phase 4 Approve phase, which is a critical point where the pilot agencies must determine use cases are clearly scoped, risks are understood, and the right people are engaged to make informed decisions.
The review ensures that workflows, data sharing protocols, and rules and regulations for the data sets to be shared are documented, comprehensive, and implementable. Phase 3 (Review) feedback and wrap-up meeting, as well as the Phase 4 (Approval) kick-off occurred in September.
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Data Equity Summit
Oregon Data Equity Summit: October 28-30, 2025.
The cross-agency Data Equity Summit Planning team, coordinated by Meenakshi (Meena) Rao, EIS Data Governance and Transparency's Data Equity Consultant, will host the all-virtual format.
Sessions will focus on promoting equity in data literacy, navigating a changing data equity landscape, building capacity for embedding data equity in data governance practice, and more.
The Summit will also provide networking opportunities and highlight ways to engage in building capacity for data equity work throughout the year.
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Agency Data Governance
Agency data governance plan submissions rose 33% over the previous biennium and are now under review.
Early findings highlight both progress and opportunities. Almost all agencies have appointed lead data stewards (as required by the Statewide Data Governance Policy 107-004-160), and many have either set up or are in the process of setting up Data Governance Councils.
The monthly Data Governance Office hours provides a forum for agencies to learn, discuss and mature their data governance practices.
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Cybersecurity Awareness Month October 2025
 Wrapping Up a Month of Action and Awareness
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 draws to a close, the state of Oregon celebrates a successful campaign built around the National Cybersecurity Alliance’s theme: Stay Safe Online. Led by Enterprise Information Services – Cyber Security Services, this year’s initiative empowered employees across state agencies with practical tools and knowledge to protect themselves and Oregon’s data.
And we’re not done yet—Week 5 is still ahead, spotlighting the safe and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As AI tools become more common in the workplace, this final week will help employees understand how to use them securely.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this campaign a success. Let’s continue to stay vigilant and make cybersecurity a year-round priority.
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White Board Wednesdays: Clarity Brings Solid Results
 The Power of Shedding Light on Expectations
As EIS is participating in the Employee Engagement Survey, we highlighted one of most foundational questions in the survey, “I know what is expected of me at work?”. This question may seem simple, but it’s one of the strongest indicators of engagement and performance. When expectations are clear, we are more confident, productive, and connected to our work.
We have also heard from several managers across the organization about how past survey results have helped them clarify expectations and improve communication within their teams.
Here is one reflection:
Enterprise Operations worked toward improving workplace relationships and engagement. One day a month, we dedicate our staff meeting to “White Board Wednesdays” – team cross-training and technical show and tell. These sessions help foster a supportive and inclusive team environment, increasing engagement and collaboration. – Greg Pelton, Enterprise Operations Team, Data Center Services
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Diversity - Holiday at the Capitol
Kick off Holidays at the Capitol season with the annual tree lighting ceremony taking place in the Rotunda on Tuesday, November 29. Willamette Master Chorus performance starts at 5 p.m. Program with dignitaries starts at 5:30 p.m. Free photos with Santa follows directly after the tree is lit. Free cookies and punch while supplies last.
Holidays at the Capitol is a time-honored tradition that fills the Rotunda with the sounds of school choirs from around the state. Performances take place from Monday through Saturday. Holiday decor is on display during building hours.
Musical performances will take place Monday through Saturday November 30 through December 23 by school choirs and musicians who represent their communities from throughout Oregon.
[Choir performance schedule will be published and available mid-November.]
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Oregon Cyber Resilience Summit
On October 8, 2025, Jake Wilson, from EIS Cyber Security Services (CSS) Cybersecurity Awareness and Training, presented at the Oregon Cyber Resilience Summit held at the University of Oregon. Jake’s presentation, Inspiring Secure Habits: Building an Impactful Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, went over a practical, innovative blueprint for designing campaigns that drive lasting behavioral change. Attendees discovered how to leverage cognitive science and multi-channel strategies, including a communication principle of repeated exposure, to create engaging, memorable cybersecurity education.
EIS - CSS’s Deputy CISO Cinnamon Albin also sat in on the keynote conversation, A CISO’s Approach to Secure by Design, where they explored what Secure by Design means for public sector, universities, healthcare, energy, transportation, and State, local, Tribal, or territorial government (SLTT) entities.
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Oregon GenAI EligiBot as Honoree
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) was announced as Honoree of the ISM 2025 Award for Best Use of Technology for Operations—Internal Focus for their innovative GenAI EligiBot.
This internal AI-powered chatbot supports staff to navigate complex and ever-changing eligibility policies across medical, food, cash, and childcare programs.
EligiBot uses a large language model to deliver real-time, plain-language answers in over 50 languages, drawing from the latest policy documents.
Accessible 24/7 via a secure browser interface, it retains chat context and supports staff across the state. EligiBot marks ODHS’s first production deployment of generative AI, setting the stage for broader AI integration across operations.
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Oregon Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit 2025
 Strengthening Oregon's Cyber Future
The 2025 Oregon Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit opened with remarks from Oregon State CIO Terrence Woods and Chief Information Security Officer Ben Gherezgiher, emphasizing the state’s commitment to cyber resilience and cross-agency collaboration.
The keynote was delivered by renowned cybersecurity expert Tarah Wheeler, who shared insights on building robust digital defenses and fostering a culture of security awareness. Drawing from her experience as a white hat hacker, author, and global cyber policy leader, Wheeler inspired attendees to think critically about evolving threats and the human factors in cybersecurity.
The summit brought together public sector leaders and IT professionals to explore strategies for safeguarding sensitive data and strengthening Oregon’s cybersecurity posture in the face of increasing digital threats.
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Oregon Cyber Disruption Response and Recovery
 Oregon Cyber Disruption Group
Cyber disruptions have the potential to greatly affect Oregon citizens and businesses negatively. The Oregon Disruption Response and Recovery (OCDR) - Voluntary Resource Guide for Local Government provides a common framework for responding to cyber threats impacting Oregon government and enables all levels of Oregon government to rapidly coordinate a cyber disruption response, minimizing the impact in Oregon.
With the establishment of the Oregon "Whole of Government Community" OCDR resource guide, the plan brings the governing entities within Oregon together for an inclusive cybersecurity system.
The Oregon Cyber Disruption Group meets quarterly and is an opportunity for all levels of government to network and discuss challenges, especially those impacting local governments.
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Oregon Receives Honorable Mention
Oregon received an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence by Results for America (RFA), recognizing its commitment to data- and evidence-based policymaking.
This year’s report features 206 examples from 44 states. To celebrate, RFA is launching a new Substack series spotlighting standout states and their impact. RFA commends Oregon’s leadership and looks forward to continued partnership.
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