Keynote Speaker

Talks that turn data into decisions

Not another PowerPoint about dashboards. Jefferson brings stories from a decade of public health informatics leadership, showing how to make data actually useful for the people who need it most.

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Jefferson McMillan-Wilhoit - Keynote Speaker
Jefferson McMillan-Wilhoit
Chief Executive Officer, F&T Labs

"The best dashboards aren't about data. They're about making the right decision easier."

Jefferson speaks to leaders who want data to drive action, not just reports. His talks leave audiences with frameworks they can apply immediately.

Why Organizations Book Jefferson

A Keynote Speaker Who Gets It

From the Field

Not a technologist who studied public health. Jefferson built COVID-19 dashboards, led community health assessments, and knows what it takes to make data accessible to everyone from frontline staff to elected officials.

Bridge Builder

Jefferson excels at bringing technical and non-technical audiences together. His talks translate complex data concepts into clear, actionable insights without dumbing anything down.

Actionable Takeaways

Every presentation includes frameworks attendees can apply immediately. How to assess data readiness. How to build buy-in. How to measure what matters.

Keynote Topics

Available Presentations

Keynote

Data Strategy & Governance

How do you build a data strategy that actually works in government? Jefferson shares practical frameworks for data governance that fit public health realities—not enterprise software sales pitches. From policies to practices that stick.

Keynote

Cost Effectiveness of Technical Investments

How do you know if that technology investment is worth it? Jefferson breaks down how to evaluate technical investments honestly, avoid common money pits, and make the case for smart spending to boards and leadership.

Keynote

AI in Public Health

Beyond the hype: what AI can actually do for health departments today, what it can't, and how to implement it responsibly. Practical guidance from someone building AI tools for public health operations right now.

Keynote

Strategic Planning in Public Health

How do you build a 25-year vision while delivering wins today? Walk through the participatory planning approach Jefferson pioneered at Lake County, where long-term thinking and immediate action work together.

These are my go-to topics—but I can adapt to almost anything.

Perfect For

Conferences & Events That Book Jefferson

  • Public health conferences and summits
  • Data and analytics events
  • Health informatics gatherings
  • Association annual meetings
  • Leadership development programs
  • Health equity conferences
  • Government technology events
  • Strategic planning retreats
About Jefferson

"The most engaging, passionate, and actionable speaker I've seen in a long time."

But his favorite title is still "Dad."

Jefferson has been a selected speaker with Salesforce, NACCHO 360, and conferences across the country. He brings the same energy to a plenary session as he does to a workshop with 20 people.

As CEO of F&T Labs, Jefferson leads the company's mission to bring practical AI solutions to public health departments nationwide. A dad to two kids, he brings the same thoughtfulness to leadership that he brings to parenting—listening first, building trust, and thinking long-term.

Jefferson's path to public health technology is unconventional. He went to school to become a pilot and studied human factors and aviation—an experience that deeply shaped how he thinks about systems, safety, and the humans who operate them. That foundation in human-centered design now informs everything he builds.

As CIO of a local health department, Jefferson led the rollout of an electronic health record system and managed large, cross-functional teams through complex technology transformations. He built COVID-19 vaccine distribution systems that served 700,000 residents and pioneered a 25-year participatory strategic planning process at Lake County Health Department.

He holds a Master of Public Health, a Master of Public Administration, and is currently completing his Doctorate of Public Health at Johns Hopkins. Jefferson is passionate about public health in its most holistic sense—the kind that strengthens communities from the inside out.

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Let's Find the Right Talk for Your Audience

Jefferson customizes every presentation to your audience's specific challenges and context. Let's talk about what would make the biggest impact at your event.

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