Eric Bathras is Vice President of Infrastructure Modernization and Cyber Resilience at AtkinsRéalis, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on advancing secure, resilient, and future‑ready digital infrastructure. Previously, Eric served as Chief Technology Officer for Infrastructure at the Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT), bringing more than 30 years of experience in broadband and network innovation across both the public and private sectors. In that role, he led mission‑critical statewide programs, including networkMaryland, MD FiRST, Data Center Services, and DoIT’s infrastructure agreements, driving modernization at scale. Eric’s career is defined by his ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver complex, large-scale technology transformations. During his tenure with Maryland, he spearheaded statewide modernization efforts and served as Chair of the state’s Digital Infrastructure Group (DIG), helping redefine how governments plan, fund, and execute digital infrastructure expansion through a pragmatic, balanced “Goldilocks” approach. A recognized thought leader in broadband and infrastructure strategy, Eric authored Maryland’s first Broadband Expansion Plan and is a frequent speaker at national forums, including the Fiber Broadband Association, National Governors Association, Broadband Nation Expo, The Wharton School, and BICSI’s National Conference.