🎸 TechTables returns to EDUCAUSE!
Join our Live Podcast Tour in Nashville at the Music City Center in partnership with Carahsoft.
Featuring the world’s leading public sector technology companies
Featuring:
Shane McDaniel, CIO, City of Seguin & 2025 TAGITM President
James O’Brien, Information Security Officer, Port Houston (& 2026 TAGITM President)
Jose Mendez, IT Director, Town of Flower Mound
Ted Gruenloh, CEO, Nomic Networks
Episode Highlights
What happens when local IT leaders transform city government through servant leadership, authentic vendor partnerships, and homegrown talent?
Shane McDaniel reveals how Seguin’s investment in people turned 2 new positions into 5 internal promotions and 27 innovation awards.
James O’Brien shares his journey from a 2-person team supporting 450 employees to leading a high-trust, hybrid culture at Port Houston.
Jose Mendez explains how Flower Mound’s “trust but verify” accountability framework drives transparency, measurable outcomes, and stakeholder confidence.
Ted Gruenloh unpacks how authentic vendor partnerships led to 13 of 17 sales deals and why mutual trust is the foundation of sustainable partnerships.
Together, they explore how servant leadership, accountability, and community (like TAG) are fueling Texas’ award-winning IT culture — and why these lessons matter for every public sector leader nationwide.
Timestamps
(00:32) Why Texas IT Leaders Choose Public Service — Finding Purpose and Calling
(07:00) From Keyboard Warrior to Strategic Leader – James O’Brien’s Leadership Evolution
(10:00) Trust Nothing, Verify Everything – Jose Mendez’s Accountability Framework
(15:00) 27 Innovation Awards – How Seguin Built a Winning IT Culture from Within
(19:00) 2 New Positions, 5 Promotions – Shane McDaniel’s Talent Development Strategy
(23:00) 13 of 17 Deals Closed – Ted Gruenloh on Authentic Vendor Partnerships
(30:06) Funny Moment – Justin Cure and Rishma Khimji Bring Some Texas Humor
(32:59) 450 Employees, 2 IT Staff – How TAG Became James O’Brien’s Lifeline
(33:00) Building Trust in Hybrid Work – Port Houston’s Communication Playbook
(40:00) Looking Ahead to TAGITM 2026 – Why Texas Values Drive IT Excellence
Connect
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Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:
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2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.
3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at joe@techtables.com
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Carahsoft—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!
