• MISAC Connect Audio: Weekly — Episode #1
    Jun 17 2025

    In this inaugural edition of MISAC Connect Audio: Weekly, we kick off a new series designed to supplement the longer-form MISAC Connect Audio interviews. This episode spotlights active forum discussions, highlights from the Tahoe Summit’s strategic partner presentations, an audio-narrated version of the Spring Quarterly Newsletter, and key announcements from the MISAC community.

    ⏱️ Chapters:
    00:00 — Intro & What is MISAC Connect Weekly?
    02:12 — Forum Highlights
    08:33 — Strategic Partner Spotlights (Tahoe Summit Recap)
    14:45 — Upcoming Events
    16:30 — Narrated Spring 2025 Quarterly Newsletter
    40:03 — Wrap-Up & What's Coming Next for MISAC Connect Audio

    Highlights include:

    • Forum discussions on phishing simulation training, Microsoft EA renewals, MS-ISAC changes, Cloudflare, video editing tools, and POS/cashiering systems
    • Recap of presentations from 101 Voice, Akamai, Cohesity, and ThinkGard at the 2025 Tahoe Summit
    • Upcoming events: Microsoft Security Compliance & Identity training and the 2025 MISAC Excellence Award
    • A narrated reading of the Spring 2025 MISAC Newsletter
      (including member highlights, website update efforts, CIO insights, and real stories of MISAC community impact)

    Stay tuned for more voices and content in future episodes!


    Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
    Follow us on
    Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

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    41 mins
  • Beyond the Tools: Network & Systems Monitoring Best Practices
    Mar 12 2025

    In this episode of MISAC Connect Audio, we take a deep dive into network and systems monitoring—focusing not just on the tools, but on the challenges, strategies, and best practices behind managing and securing modern networks.

    Building on a recent MISAC webinar, our guests Michael Tooma and Zachary Ruiz join me for a candid conversation about alert fatigue, incident escalation, historical data retention, monitoring virtual environments, and more. They share real-world insights from both large and small agencies, offering valuable perspectives on how to fine-tune monitoring systems for efficiency, reliability, and proactive problem-solving.

    Resources & Links:

    📌 Watch the original MISAC Webinar: Best Management Tools to Configure and Secure Your Network – Member Only Archive Link
    📌 Learn more about MISAC Connect Audio – Member Only Link
    📌 Connect with our guests:

    • Michael Tooma (City of Fresno) – LinkedIn
    • Zachary Ruiz (Dublin San Ramon Services District) – LinkedIn

    Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
    Follow us on
    Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

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    46 mins
  • MISAC - The Origin Story
    Dec 13 2024

    Welcome to MISAC Connect Audio: Your IT Community Podcast

    In this episode of the MISAC Connect Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Lewis, a lifetime member of MISAC and a former CIO for the cities of Modesto and Concord. Jeff shares his unique perspective on the organization's origins, diving into the "how," "what," and "when" of its founding.

    Key topics discussed in this episode:

    • The driving forces behind the creation of MISAC.
    • Early challenges and milestones in MISAC's history.
    • Jeff’s role in advancing technology in local government.
    • The values and vision that shaped MISAC into what it is today.

    Jeff also reflects on his decades-long career in municipal IT, sharing invaluable insights and lessons learned along the way. Whether you're an experienced MISAC member or just learning about the organization, this episode offers something for everyone.

    Listen now to learn about MISAC’s inspiring origin story and gain insights into its ongoing legacy!

    Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
    Follow us on
    Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

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    50 mins
  • First Episode! Meet our President, Miguel Guardado
    Aug 30 2024

    Welcome to MISAC Connect Audio: Your IT Community Podcast

    In this inaugural episode of MISAC Connect Audio, host Allen Hammond interviews MISAC President Miguel Guardado about his career journey, involvement with MISAC, and the organization's future direction. This episode offers insights into MISAC's direction under Miguel's leadership and the benefits the organization provides its members across California.

    Some highlights include:

    • Miguel's early interest in technology and the mentors who helped shape his career path led him to roles in the public sector.
    • Miguel's entry into MISAC and the value he found in the collaborative community.
    • Miguel discusses his journey to becoming MISAC President, his goals for supporting the regional chapters, and the importance of teamwork.
    • MISAC's recent strategic planning efforts focused on priorities like AI, cybersecurity, and professional development.
    • The upcoming MISAC Annual Conference in Monterey.

    Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
    Follow us on
    Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

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    37 mins
  • Welcome to MISAC Connect Audio: Your IT Community Podcast
    Jul 22 2024

    Welcome to MISAC Connect Audio: Your IT Community Podcast

    Welcome to the trailer for MISAC Connect Audio! In this brief introduction, Allen Hammond, a 20+ year MISAC member, Communications Committee member, and North Chapter officer, introduces you to our new podcast designed to complement the MISAC Connect community forum. Discover what MISAC Connect Audio has in store for you as we dive deeper into the discussions that matter most to municipal IT professionals.

    Subscribe now to MISAC Connect Audio to stay updated on our latest episodes. Our first full episode featuring Miguel Guardado, MISAC President, is coming soon. Don’t miss out!

    • Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.
    • Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.
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    2 mins