Armedia is delighted to announce ARKCON 2024, a top-tier event focused on the future of FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) through the lens of AI technology. This symposium will be held on October 2nd at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to enhance your understanding of FOIA and its future. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP here.
 What to expect:Â
- Insightful Discussions: Learn from leading experts in the FOIA community, including Michael Sarich, Dick Huff, and more.
- Expert Panels: Engage with key policy makers and practitioners during our panel discussions.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, industry leaders, and stakeholders.
- Innovative Solutions:Â Discover the latest advancements in FOIA processes and AI-driven analytics.
Event Agenda:Â
- Opening Remarks: James Bailey, Co-Founder and CEO of Armedia
- Keynote: FOIA in the Digital Age; Michael Sarich, Departmental FOIA Director for VA
- FOIA Efficiencies Using ArkCase FOIA: Insights with EEOC: Michael Heise, Attorney Advisor
- FOIA Case Law Updates with Dick Huff: Insights That Will Keep You on Your Toes!;Â Dick Huff, Former Co-Director of the Office of Information and Privacy, Dept. of Justice
- FOIA of the Future-A Conversation with FOIA Leaders: Alina Semo, Director, Office of Government Information Services, NARA; William Holzerland, Deputy Chief FOIA Officer for US Dept of Health and Human Services; Toni Fuentes- Director, FOIA, for the Office for the Assistant to the Secretary of
Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties and Transparency; Adrianne Blake, FAA FOIA Disclosure & Appeals Branch Manager. This panel will be moderated by: Nicholas Wittenberg, Corporate Counsel and Senior Advisor for Legal Technology and Innovation. - Mastering FOIA and AI with ArkCase: Ray Azarm, VP of Enterprise Practice, Armedia
- Closing Remarks and Networking
Make sure to visit our events page to see all of Armedia’s upcoming events:)
ARKCON 2024 Speakers
Michael Sarich
Michael Sarich is the Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Service, leading the agency’s efforts to ensure transparency and FOIA compliance. He oversees policies and practices aimed at streamlining FOIA processes across the VA’s complex operations, with a focus on improving public access to government information.
ARKCON 2024 Speakers
Michael Heise
He is an Assistant Legal Counsel and FOIA Public Liaison for the FOIA Division in the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In this position, he assists EEOC’s Chief FOIA Officer in developing policies, advises the Commission chair on FOIA matters, trains EEOC offices, and supervises FOIA Division staff.
ARKCON 2024 SPEAKERS
Dick Huff
Richard L. Huff served as one of two co-directors of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Information and Privacy, the office responsible for government-wide FOIA policy guidance, until his retirement in 2005. Since retiring from the Department of Justice, Mr. Huff has delivered FOIA and Privacy Act presentations to agencies such as the Departments of Justice, Commerce, Army, Navy, Homeland Security, the EPA, and others.
ARKCON 2024 Speakers
Alina Semo
Alina M. Semo is the Director of the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Prior to this role, she served as Director of Litigation in NARA’s Office of General Counsel and led the FOIA Litigation Unit at the FBI for over a decade. She began her federal career as a trial attorney at the Department of Justice and has extensive experience in FOIA and litigation.
ARKCON 2024 SPEAKERS
William Holzerland
William H. Holzerland is the Deputy Chief FOIA Officer at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He previously held senior roles at the U.S. Department of the Interior, FEMA, FDA, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, with extensive experience in disclosure, privacy, and records management.
ARKCON 2024 SPEAKERS
Toni Fuentes
Toni Fuentes is the Director of Freedom of Information in the Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency at the Department of Defense. She has previously served in various FOIA positions for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Defense and others. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Access Professionals.
ARKCON 2024 SPEAKERS
Adrianne Blake
Adrianne C. Blake is the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Disclosure & Appeals Branch Manager within the FOIA Program Management Division, located in Washington, D.C. She previously served as an attorney-advisor and Deputy Designated Agency Ethics Official at the DOJ’s Office of Information Policy, specializing in Proactive Disclosure and FOIA Exemption 3.
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