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Tune in December 11 at 2 pm EST!
As state and local governments push forward with digital transformation, data centers have become essential infrastructure. They power everything from cloud services and digital records to advanced analytics and automation. Yet their growth comes with significant trade-offs. Data centers are among the most resource-intensive facilities to operate, consuming vast amounts of electricity to run and millions of gallons of water for cooling. In many regions their energy use is straining local grids, while water demands are raising sustainability concerns. These challenges are prompting difficult questions about how to modernize responsibly while ensuring communities have the resources they need.
This Route Fifty Innovation Spotlight will bring senior leaders together to explore how governments can strike that balance. The discussion will look at strategies to expand infrastructure capacity, partner with utilities, and pursue sustainable approaches that align with long-term resiliency goals. Leaders will share how they are weighing the benefits of digital transformation against the infrastructure costs, and how smart planning today can enable future innovation without compromising community well-being.
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Speakers
Andrew Spence
Chief Information Services Officer
Stafford County, VA
Andrew Spence serves as Stafford County’s Chief Information Services Officer, where he leads strategic communications and information services, overseeing the departments of Information Technology, Mapping and Geographic Information, and Community Engagement. Under his leadership, Stafford has advanced transparency, technology, and public engagement—earning national recognition for communication excellence and innovation.
An award-winning public communication professional, Andrew, has crafted compelling storylines that strengthen community trust and highlight Stafford’s mission across digital and print platforms. His work has been honored nationally and regionally, including recognition from the Catalogue for Philanthropy for his leadership in environmental nonprofits and the Virginia Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award.
Andrew has also guided the county’s digital transformation, earning an Overall Government Excellence Award for launching Virginia’s first county website chatbot, which integrates ChatGPT and citizen request data to help residents quickly find answers and services.
Before joining Stafford, Andrew held senior communication roles across Texas, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, including at marketing agencies, nonprofits, and Prince William County Government. He also contributed to campaigns such as “Virginia is for Lovers.” He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Illinois.
Courtney O'Neal-Allen
Director of Content for Events
GovExec
Courtney O'Neal-Allen
Director of Content for Events
GovExec
Chris Teale
Managing Editor
Route Fifty
Chris Teale
Managing Editor
Route Fifty
Underwriters
Thank you to our Underwriters
