Speakers

Phil is a Strategic Security Advisor at Google, specializing in supporting Google Cloud, Cybersecurity and AI for companies and governments at all scales, globally. Prior to this Phil was the first Chief Information Security Officer of Google Cloud, from 2000 to 2025, where he built the risk, security, compliance, and privacy teams. Before joining Google, he was a Partner at Goldman Sachs where he held multiple roles over a long career, initially as their first Chief Information Security Officer, a role he held for 17 years.

In subsequent roles, Venables was Chief Operational Risk Officer, an operating partner in their private equity business and a Senior Advisor to the firm’s clients and executive leadership on cybersecurity, technology risk, digital business risk, and operational resilience. In addition to this, he was a Board Director of Goldman Sachs Bank. Before Goldman Sachs, Venables held multiple Chief Information Security Officer roles, and senior engineering roles across a range of finance, energy, and technology companies. He has been honored with many distinctions and awards most recently, in 2024, being inducted into the Chief Security Officer Hall of Fame.

Outside of Google, Venables serves on the boards of the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, the NYU Stern Business School Volatility and Risk Institute, the Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board of NIST, the Security and Technology Advisory Board of MITRE, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. From 2021 to 2025 he served on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology at The White House where he drove multiple initiatives from cyber-resilience, the future of AI, through to improvements in scientific communications.

Nasrin Rezai is senior vice president and Chief Information Security Officer for Verizon. She is responsible for setting information security strategy, policy, standards, architecture and processes. Rezai and her team work with and across Verizon’s business units to protect its customers and its leading networks.

Prior to joining Verizon, Nasrin held the position of Global Chief Information and Product Cyber Security Officer at GE. She was responsible for all aspects of cyber security strategy and operations for GE products and enterprise, including incident response, threat intelligence, security services, architecture, commercial OT security, and regulatory & compliance.

Her previous roles include Global CISO for GE Capital and head of Corporate Governance, Technology Risk and M&A security, for the industrial GE businesses. Prior to GE, she served as SVP, Chief Tech. Risk Officer in the Enterprise Risk Management Organization at State Street and as CTO of Security at Cisco Systems.

Throughout her career, Nasrin has promoted engineering and architecture in designing security solutions for large enterprises. She is passionate about helping others develop their potential, and mentors many young men and women. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in information systems. She also holds an Executive Certification from Harvard and Cambridge.

Nasrin lives with her family in New York City.

Garima Maheshwari is Vice President of Information Security and Risk Management (ISRM), Business Information Security Officer (BISO) for Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. She leads a global organization responsible for information security and risk management activities for Innovative Medicine Commercial, R&D and Supply Chain areas with a focus on Digital Trust, ensuring that we protect our innovation, secure our products & drive resilience of our supply chain and enable availability, integrity, and confidentiality of company assets. Garima also has responsibility for Operational Technology (OT) Security for Johnson & Johnson. Garima is responsible for the Innovative Medicine business’s cybersecurity strategy and direction, working closely with senior leaders to identify and prioritize cybersecurity solutions and oversee the consistent implementation of business solutions in a secure manner. Garima started her career at Johnson & Johnson and has held roles of increasing responsibility in Business Technology, Risk Assurance, and Information Security across Consumer, MedTech, Shared Services and Innovative Medicine. Garima is passionate about talent development and is a mentor and sponsor of diverse talent through both formal and informal programs and channels. She is also an active contributor across industry cybersecurity working groups and forums. Garima holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in English and Economics.

Sherrod DeGrippo is Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy at Microsoft. She was selected as Cybersecurity woman of the year in 2022 and Cybersecurity PR Spokesperson of the year for 2021.

Previously, she was VP of Threat Research and Detection at Proofpoint, where she led a global team of threat researchers, malware reverse engineers, and threat intelligence analysts. Her career in cybersecurity spans 19 years with prior roles including leading Red Team Services at Nexum, senior solutions engineer for Symantec, senior security consultant for Secureworks, and senior network security analyst for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

She is a frequently cited threat intelligence expert in media including televised appearances on the BBC news, and commentary in the Wall Street Journal, CNN, New York Times, and more. Having presented at Black Hat, Tech Crunch Disrupt, B-Sides Atlanta, RSA conference, RMISC, BrunchCon, and others, Sherrod is a well known public speaker. Currently Sherrod hosts THE Microsoft Threat Intelligence podcast.

In her personal time, Sherrod spends time with her rescue dog Boris Karloff.

As a trusted cybersecurity executive with global authority and insight gleaned from building critical cyber defense, threat mitigation, data protection, privacy, digital trust, and payments security programs to combat and manage sophisticated cyber risk while maintaining regulatory compliance, Sekhar Nagasundaram has earned commendations for his ability to envision and design future-focused, resilient cybersecurity capabilities aligned with C-Suite goals (and delivering lasting results) in Fortune-ranked and government organizations. A business partner and consensus-builder whose career has included landmark cybersecurity programs, security awareness, monitoring technology, counter-attack strategies, and other critical elements at Elevance Health, City and County of San Francisco Board of Advisors, Ellie Mae / ICE, and Visa, Inc., Sekhar has built a reputation for cost-effective, innovative global security frameworks of impact to millions of users.

In his current role as Staff Vice President, Technology – Cybersecurity at Elevance Health, Sekhar serves as the head of global cyber defense and threat management– where he established Cybersecurity as a Service, Zero Trust Cyber Defense, Cyber Fusion, Data Security Posture Management, and AI/ML Defense programs.

Sekhar previously served as Senior Director, Global Cybersecurity Architecture & Engineering, Global Head of Data Protection, AI/ML Defense, & Cybersecurity Strategy at Visa, Inc., where his work was pivotal in shaping the North Star for Cybersecurity with Executive leadership, securing global data assets from 3.4B+ credit cards in all business lines, and reducing risk, embedding privacy, and reducing costs and redundancies. Here, he created a lasting impact on secure payment products and payment ecosystem security, enabling trillions in secure transaction processing used by 5,000+ institutions in more than 200 countries.

Abie has 25 years of experience in technology, risk, and cybersecurity for complex, multi-stakeholder environments in public and private enterprises. Abie has built cyber programs over several years as a CISO, consulted for many companies, and worked with nationally recognized leaders across the cyber security industry. His recent work has involved rapid cyber and technology transformation of innovative global companies and startups, guiding business resilience and post-breach crisis recovery.

Abie holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of North Texas and an MBA from Indiana University. He is also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Eric is a highly innovative, versatile, and dynamic executive leader with over 20 years of experience in Cybersecurity, Technology Controls, and Third Party Risk Management in the Financial Services Industry, primarily at Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs).

In his current capacity, Eric is the US Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank (AMCB) and TD Securities (TDS), and is based in Wilmington, Delaware. Prior to joining TD, Eric was the Supplier Assurance Services Executive at JPMorgan Chase & Co., where his organization was responsible for the assessment, continuous monitoring, and third party risk management activities for a highly complex supply chain with teams positioned across the globe. Eric also served as the Head of Cybersecurity for Chase Consumer and Community Banking (CCB), the North America Consumer Bank Group Information Security Officer (GISO) at Citi, and held progressive cybersecurity leadership roles at Bank of America.

Eric is a champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) both inside and outside of the organization, including previously serving as the Head of DE&I for Global Supplier Services at JPMorgan Chase & Co., and supporting innovative programs enabling minority suppliers to become cyber-ready to do business within the Financial Services Industry.

Eric is active in the community through board service, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board for the Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council (DCRAC). He also serves as the Financial Services representative on the Delaware Cybersecurity Advisory Council, appointed by Governor John Carney in 2018.

Jeff Northrop was recently promoted from Chief Information Security Officer for Mars Petcare into his current role as Chief Information Officer for Mars Wrigley North America. Mr. Northrop joined Mars, Incorporated in May 2019 as Director, Security CoE where he established an OT security program, operationalized the data protection program, and managed Security Architecture before assuming the CISO role for Mars Petcare.

Prior experiences include positions as Security Officer for Liberty Mutual, CTO for the IAPP, and Head of Technology for Reed Elsevier. Mr. Northrop lives in Maine where, along with his wife, he has raised two boys. He now spends his free time hiking, tending to his gardens, and spoiling his cat and chickens.

Nate Vanderheyden is an Executive Director and Deputy CISO for the U.S. Banks at Morgan Stanley.

Mr. Vanderheyden is responsible for the evaluation and evolution of banking systems to enhance cyber resiliency and defensive measures. He started at the firm in 2018 on the Wealth Management Cybersecurity team in direct support of Global Banking Technology and the Private Bank.

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Mr. Vanderheyden served for 11 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. His last six years of duty were spent at the National Security Agency (NSA), where he conducted and led a team performing computer network operations, advised senior government officials, and authored multiple policy documents shaping cyberspace operations in support of the U.S. Intelligence Community and national security objectives.

Cynthia Kaiser most recently served as a Deputy Assistant Director with the FBI Cyber Division, where she led the Bureau’s cyber threat intelligence, cyber policy, and cyber partner engagement efforts.

Over nearly 20 years with the FBI, Cynthia covered cyber, technology, and counterintelligence issues, served as a PDB Briefer across two presidential administrations, and led FBI cyber threat analysis and election security efforts since 2017. In these roles, she helped reshape the FBI’s information sharing and collaboration with the private sector and with federal, state, and local government officials to be more robust, proactive, and focused on imposing risk and consequences on malicious cyber actors.

Cynthia is also passionate about increasing diversity in cyber and tech professions. She was named a Women Tech Leader Ambassador by GovCIO in 2022, a Top Government Tech Leader to Watch by WashingtonExec in 2023, and received The Cyber Guild’s “Warrior Award” in 2023. She holds a Master’s degree in security policy focused on science and technology and an Executive Master’s degree in leadership.

Delfim Martins is a distinguished cybersecurity expert with over 20 years of experience in protecting critical systems and infrastructure. Currently, he serves as the VP of Cyber Defense at GSK, where he leads a global team to provide continuous cybersecurity operations. Delfim has successfully designed and implemented Security Operations Centers (SOC) for major institutions, and has extensive knowledge in Security Operations, Vulnerability Management, Incident Response and Threat Intelligence.

Linda Marcone is a Cybersecurity leader with 20+ years’ experience.  As a trailblazer in cybersecurity, she specializes in building and maturing Cybersecurity & IT Compliance Programs from the ground up.  Her expertise spans across multiple sectors including Telecom, Retail and Manufacturing.  Since 2022, Marcone has been serving as the VP & CISO, at Crate & Barrel Holdings Inc..  Her responsibilities include three iconic brands: Crate & Barrel, CB2 and Hudson Grace. Linda is passionate about cybersecurity, enjoys speaking at conferences, is currently a member of the Gartner CISO Community Governing Body, served on the Infragard Atlanta Board and recently was recognized as a “2024 Top 100 CISO” in North America by the CISOs Connect Board.

Josh is a Principal in Crowe’s Consulting practice and serves as Crowe’s Cyber Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) leader for consumer markets and life sciences industries. He has over 20 years of experience helping companies align cybersecurity programs including IT risk management, third party risk, business resiliency, threat analysis, and IT compliance.  His responsibilities include overseeing the strategic direction of Crowe’s Cyber GRC offerings focusing on risk metrics, cyber risk quantification, and board reporting.

Eric Pickersgill is a seasoned technology executive with extensive experience leading cybersecurity, cloud computing, risk management, and technology governance at large enterprises across various industries.  Eric currently serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Senior Vice President of Technology at FINRA where he oversees the enterprise cybersecurity and technology risk management program.  As CISO, he leads a diverse team of experts who protect FINRA from threats and enable FINRA to protect investors and ensure the integrity of capital markets.  Prior to FINRA, Eric led cybersecurity and technology programs at Wells Fargo, Capital One, SMX, and Verizon.  Eric built industry-leading cybersecurity capabilities and enabled enterprise-wide technology transformations at these organizations to foster mission delivery and increase profitability. His past work experience also includes tenures at large consultancies such as KPMG and Booz Allen Hamilton.  Eric holds a MS in Information Technology from Marymount University, a Graduate Certification in Cybersecurity from Carnegie Mellon University, a BS in Accounting and Information Systems from Virginia Tech, and a second BS in Management from Virginia Tech.

Catrena Slaughter is a passionate leader serving as the Global Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Mars Wrigley. She focuses on scaling security with growth, ensuring secure, and compliant digital experiences. Previously, she led Enterprise Security Architecture and Global Factory Cyber Security Transformation at Mars Inc. Before joining Mars, Catrena made significant contributions at Whirlpool Corporation, where she led IT strategy development and delivery for global functions, overseeing transformative projects in manufacturing, supply chain operations, eCommerce and digital experiences. Catrena is receiving recognition in the cybersecurity field, recently being named one of the top 50 CISOs to watch in 2024. Her passion for cybersecurity is rooted in her commitment to “Tech for Good,” and she is an advocate for the exposure and advancement of underrepresented women in tech.

Michael Rogers is a seasoned Information Security leader with over 25 years in IT, 15 of which are dedicated to security. He has excelled in various leadership roles spanning IT engineering, architecture, secure development, compliance, access management, and cyber defense, culminating in his recent tenure as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

Michael holds an MBA from the Carlson School of Management, underscoring his strong business acumen. He is fervently passionate about business and IT risk management, aligning incentives, and mentoring others to reach their full potential. Residing in St. Paul, MN, he enjoys life with his wife and their two beloved, spoiled dogs.

Cassie Crossley, Vice President, Supply Chain Security in the global Cybersecurity & Product Security Office at Schneider Electric, is an experienced cybersecurity technology executive in Information Technology and Product Development and author of “Software Supply Chain Security: Securing the End-to-End Supply Chain for Software, Firmware, and Hardware.” She has many years of business and technical leadership experience in supply chain security, cybersecurity, product/application security, software/firmware development, program management, and data privacy.

Cassie has designed frameworks and operating models for end-to-end security in software development lifecycles, third party risk management, cybersecurity governance, and cybersecurity initiatives. She is a member of the CISA SBOM working groups and presents frequently on the topic of SBOMs and Supply Chain Security.

Cassie has held previous positions at Ceridian, Hewlett-Packard, McAfee, Lotus, and IBM. She has an M.B.A. from California State University, Fresno, and her Bachelor of Science degree in Technical and Professional Communication with a specialization in Computer Science.

Westminster Christian School Chief Information / Technology Officer with over 34 years of experience working in the education industry. Skilled in Data Centers, Infrastructure, Windows, Servers, Active Directory, Group Policy, Microsoft 365, Cisco, VMware / Hyper V, OS X, Fiber Optic Cable, Databases, Domain Name System (DNS), Project Management, Cyber Security Architect, Ethical Hacking, and Data Wiring. Proficient in Microsoft products such as Surface, Windows, Azure, 365, PowerShell, and Intune. Strong information technology professional with a BS-NSE / Specialist in IT- Network / Software Systems Engineer – from Barry University in Miami, Florida. Focused on Network Systems Engineering and Security. Credits include Microsoft MVP • MIE Expert • Microsoft Showcase School Mentor • Speaker (Tech Mentor, Live 360, E2 Education Exchange, Microsoft Showcase School Summit, ISTE, Misbo, Lenovo, FCIS, NAISS, etc). • Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) Speaker • Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) review committee member. • Florida Council of Independent Schools Technology Coordinator Committee and Speaker • VEX Robotics Judge / Head Referee • Esports Director • Executive Board Member for Miami Dade County Public Schools Technology Advisory Committee • Executive Member for the Global Advisory Board for the Showcase Schools Program • Lenovo Customer Advisory Council Member. Recognized 3 years in a row by Mayor Karyn Cunningham City of Palmetto Bay, Fl.  as one of the City’s Top CIO / CTO and most inspiring Leaders • Featured on the cover of the EdTech Magazine (Cyber Bouncers).

Dr. Neil Daswani is Co-Director of the Stanford Advanced Cybersecurity Program, and is President of Daswani Enterprises, his security consulting and training firm. He has served in a variety of research, development, teaching, and executive management roles at QuantumScape, Symantec, LifeLock, Twitter/X, Dasient, Google, Stanford University, NTT DoCoMo USA Labs, Yodlee, and Telcordia Technologies (formerly Bellcore). At Symantec, he was Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the Consumer Business Unit, and at LifeLock and QuantumScape he was the company-wide CISO. Neil has served as an Executive-In-Residence at Trinity Ventures (funders of Auth0, New Relic, Aruba, Starbucks, and Bulletproof). He is an investor in and advisor to several cybersecurity startup companies and venture capital funds, including Benhamou Global Ventures, Firebolt, Gravity Ranch Ventures, Security Leadership Capital, and Swift VC. Neil is also co-author of Big Breaches: Cybersecurity Lessons For Everyone (Apress ISBN 978-1484266540) and Foundations of Security: What Every Programmer Needs to Know (Apress ISBN 978-1590597842).

Neil’s DNA is deeply rooted in security research and development, he has dozens of technical articles published in top academic and industry conferences (ACM, IEEE, USENIX, RSA, BlackHat, and OWASP), and he has been granted over a dozen US patents. He frequently gives talks at industry and academic conferences, and has been quoted by publications such as The New York Times, USA Today, and CSO Magazine. He earned PhD and MS degrees in computer science at Stanford University, and he holds a BS in computer science with honors with distinction from Columbia University.

Shreya Radovich is a strategic information security leader with deep expertise in enterprise security, risk management, and cloud security transformation. She currently leads global security operations at Crocs Inc., driving initiatives in SOC modernization, application security, threat simulation, and identity management.

Known for building scalable security programs aligned with business goals, Shreya has successfully led M&A integrations, board-level reporting, and Zero Trust alignment across high-growth environments. She is a strong advocate for risk-based decision-making, security automation, and cross-functional collaboration to elevate organizational resilience.

Felicia Hedgebeth is a highly accomplished Chief Information Officer for the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (DBF) with a strong background in cybersecurity and over 30 years of experience in the Information Technology and Security industry. Felicia has a deep understanding of both the technical and strategic aspects of information technology and security, which she leverages to elevate and protect organizational assets and enhance overall IT infrastructure.

Felicia also served as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for DBF, where she was responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive security programs to align with business goals and initiatives. These include establishing robust cybersecurity frameworks, leading incident response teams, and implementing cutting-edge technologies to safeguard sensitive data and the organization.

As CIO, Felicia oversees all IT/Security operations and strategic planning at DBF. She is known for her ability to integrate security best practices into the company’s IT strategy, ensuring that technological advancements are made with security as a top priority. Under her leadership, she is assisting the organization to integrate robotics and artificial intelligence to assist the citizens for Georgia.

She holds a master’s degree in network and Telecommunications Management and a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems.  She is also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), and Certified Information Security Manager, (CISM).

In addition to her professional achievements, Felicia is an advocate for women in technology and actively participates in mentorship programs aimed at fostering the next generation of female IT leaders. She occasionally speaks at industry conferences on topics such as emerging technologies and IT governance.

Matt Fryer is an accomplished cybersecurity professional and leader with extensive experience across various organizations within the Financial, O&G, Hospitality and Healthcare sectors, currently serving as a CISO Architect and Field CTO at Fortinet. Matt has spent most of his career in cybersecurity, starting as a PM and Security Analyst through to serving as Executive and CISO for several organizations.

With over 19 years of experience in IT, Mark Alvarado is a digital risk expert. As the Director of Cyber Security & IT Compliance at Academy Sports + Outdoors, he assists corporate organizations in identifying areas where digital hazards are present and making recommendations for controls or solutions to close any gaps. Additionally, he has had formal training in IT security and is knowledgeable in endpoint security, vulnerability management, identity management, DLP, threat remediation, and best practices for protecting IT infrastructure.

Mark spent 11 years in high-speed production prior to his stint in IT, working for organizations including Pepsi, Cold Water Seafood, and Caltex Citrus Juice.

His three children range in age from 26 to 16 years old. He holds three degrees: a bachelor’s degree in information technology, an MBA in information technology management, and a master’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance.

Mr. Britt has over 20 years of IT, cybersecurity, and technology training experience across government, academia, and private sector organizations. He currently leads the Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance team at Fairfax County Public Schools (VA), the 9th largest K-12 public school system in the United States.   Prior to joining the K-12 education space, he served as a Cybersecurity Compliance Officer with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and began his professional career in 2001 with the Central Intelligence Agency supporting several high-profile projects as an IT specialist, information systems security officer, and project manager. A highly sought after speaker and mentor, Mr. Britt is a longtime advocate for increasing diversity in the tech industry.

Param is a global leader with over 25+ years of experience in cybersecurity, IT and Finance, across multiple industries as Health, Energy, Water, Food, Industrial. She has a proven track record in delivering high value outcomes that are aligned with business strategy. She has led several business transformations, including building new cybersecurity functions across diverse industries. Over her career Param has nurtured and grown multiple global teams. She is a lifelong learner in influencing organizational change, shaping culture, and promoting cross business network. Param was recognized as top 50 CISO to watch in 2024.

Dave Adams is an IT executive with 38 years of experience in the industry. Dave has served in his current role as the Chief Information Officer at the American Enterprise Institute for over 15 years and previously held multiple executive and senior leadership positions at Fishbowl Marketing, Hewlett Packard, AT&T and other companies. His extensive expertise in hardware, software and operations management has been instrumental in driving organizational success and innovation. Dave’s leadership is characterized by a strong focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence. He holds a BBA in MIS from James Madison University and an MS in Information and Telecommunications Systems from Johns Hopkins University

Christopher Simm is a dynamic executive leader and Chief Technology Officer at Bulletproof, driving innovation and delivering unparalleled strategic vision. With vast expertise in data center and cloud architecture, Chris has a proven track record of crafting cutting-edge solutions that elevate businesses to new heights. A forward-thinker passionate about progress, he is now spearheading the charge to amplify AI awareness and accelerate digital transformation across the Bulletproof portfolio, empowering clients to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Stacey Myers has spent over two decades architecting cybersecurity solutions that protect what matters most—critical infrastructure, national systems, and the human operators behind them. Her work spans DHS, DoD, and the Intelligence Community, where she led security strategy at scale and built frameworks now shaping national doctrine. Stacey bridges the gap between technical defense and operational resilience, ensuring that systems don’t just withstand attacks—they adapt, recover, and evolve. Her upcoming book, Next-Gen SOC, presents a bold vision for autonomous security operations across both industry and federal spaces—integrating Zero Trust, AI automation, and resilience-by-design to redefine how we defend, respond, and adapt in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Cynthia Kaiser most recently served as a Deputy Assistant Director with the FBI Cyber Division, where she led the Bureau’s cyber threat intelligence, cyber policy, and cyber partner engagement efforts.

Over nearly 20 years with the FBI, Cynthia covered cyber, technology, and counterintelligence issues, served as a PDB Briefer across two presidential administrations, and led FBI cyber threat analysis and election security efforts since 2017. In these roles, she helped reshape the FBI’s information sharing and collaboration with the private sector and with federal, state, and local government officials to be more robust, proactive, and focused on imposing risk and consequences on malicious cyber actors.

Cynthia is also passionate about increasing diversity in cyber and tech professions. She was named a Women Tech Leader Ambassador by GovCIO in 2022, a Top Government Tech Leader to Watch by WashingtonExec in 2023, and received The Cyber Guild’s “Warrior Award” in 2023. She holds a Master’s degree in security policy focused on science and technology and an Executive Master’s degree in leadership.

Jason O’Dell is Walmart’s Global Vice President of Security Operations. He is a seasoned executive with 25+ years of security experience in multiple domains. In his current role, Jason is entrusted with safeguarding Fortune 1, its 250+ million weekly customers, and its 2.1 million associates from ever-growing cyber threats.

Prior to leading the teams responsible for protecting Walmart’s network, Jason successfully led a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) that provided protection to more than 1,000 financial institutions, collectively holding assets worth over $500 billion. Under his guidance, the MSSP received accolades as a top 50 world-ranked provider for five consecutive years.

Jason holds a BS degree in Cybersecurity from Bellevue. He has been quoted in various national media outlets, holds over a dozen industry certifications, and has held multiple board level positions at various information security chapters. His work and dedication in the field of information security was acknowledged by the SANs Institute, which honored him with the Difference Maker Award. Outside of work, Jason is a neophyte vinyl collector, a BBQ judge, and an avid reader.

Xochitl Monteon is Intel’s Chief Privacy Officer (CPO) and VP of Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance in Information Security. As the CPO, Xochitl plays a pivotal role in leading Intel through the complex landscape of global privacy, AI, and cybersecurity legislation to seamlessly operationalize compliance while enabling continued business innovation. Xochitl’s expertise lies in her ability to integrate rigorous privacy policies with robust cybersecurity frameworks, fostering a secure and compliant digital environment. Her leadership is characterized by a proactive approach to emerging threats and vulnerabilities, ensuring that privacy and security considerations are at the forefront of corporate governance.

Xochitl has worked in the technology industry for 30 years. Prior to joining Intel, she worked for McAfee and PayPal in Senior leadership positions. Her tenure includes pivotal roles in a wide array of sectors such as high-tech manufacturing, SaaS, fintech, e-commerce, finance, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, education, and the broader technology landscape.

Xochitl is a member of several Advisory Boards including Future of Privacy, Evanta, and EWA Emeritus. She is passionate about diversity and STEM initiatives and is also a member of Latino Coroporate Directors Association and Women in STEM. She is a San Jose State Alumn where she received her BS in Environmental Sciences. She also holds numerous technical competencies and security certifications , including Certified Business Continuity Planner (CBCP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US), Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT), Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

Xochitl has received multiple recognition and awards including but not limited to the Exceptional WomanAlliance Award in 2019, CSO 40 Award and “”IT Team of the Year”” at the 2018 Women in IT Awards.

Taylor Lehmann is a Director in the Office of the CISO at Google Cloud. He leads customer engagements and drives the health security engineering and risk management strategy of the company’s core and cloud infrastructure and applications. Taylor is thrilled to be at Google after spending time as the CISO of some notable health companies. Even better, he works at a place where security is important.

Taylor values vulnerability and courage over personal comfort, and he strives to create a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation in his organization.

Taylor has an MBA, Strategy and Operations from Boston College and a BS, Finance & IT from University at Buffalo.

Gary Harbison is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at J&J, a role he has been in since he started at the company in October 2022. Gary is responsible for leading the Information Security and Risk Management (ISRM) organization which protects J&J’s critical data and information. He drives global security strategy and cybersecurity transformation of J&J’s products and services while also managing enterprise technological risks.

Gary has 27 years of overall technology experience, with 25 years in Information Security and Risk Management at multiple Fortune 500 companies. Gary also has public sector experience from the U.S. Department of Defense. His technical background includes security architecture and threat intelligence roles along with various leadership roles focused on building high-performing teams that partner with key stakeholders to enable crucial business objectives.

Prior to J&J, Gary was the CISO for Bayer, a leading global life sciences company. In that role, Gary was responsible for leading all aspects of the Cybersecurity Risk Management function (CSRM) with global ownership of information security strategy, IT risk management & compliance, security education & awareness, cyber defense, as well as governance of IT security controls.

Gary contributes to the greater information security community by serving on advisory boards for multiple cybersecurity companies and he helps engineer industry innovation through mentoring cybersecurity startups and advising venture capital investors and startup accelerators. He is also involved in the education sector and advises multiple universities about their Computer Science & Cybersecurity programs and serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering program at Washington University in St. Louis. Gary received his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from Webster University in St. Louis.

Gary resides in the St. Louis area with his wife and three children. In his spare time, Gary enjoys playing sports, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He is also very active in his community and coaches youth sports teams.

Michael Milligan is the Staff Vice President, Governance, Risk and Compliance for FedEx Corporation. Michael is responsible for the IT Risk Management Framework, Compliance and Controls, Data Privacy, Information Security Standards, Risk Analytics and Services, Product Security, and Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery programs. Michael has been with FedEx since 2007 and has been the Staff Vice President for the past year. He brings a diverse background with a variety of roles at FedEx and within the InfoSec.

Mr. Gurpreet Bhatia serves as the Department of Defense (DoD) Principal Director for Cybersecurity / Deputy Chief Infortion Security Officer (CISO). In this position, he is responsible for the definition and execution of the Department’s cybersecurity program, and oversees the coordination of cybersecurity standards, policies and procedures key stakeholders. Prior to assuming this position, Mr. Bhatia served as the Chief of Partner Engagements in Foreign Engagements at the National Security Agency (NSA), where he was responsible for the day-to-day management of NSA’s foreign cryptologic partnerships including technical guidance, management and implementation of cryptologic foreign partner strategies, and representing NSA positions to foreign partners.

Mr. Bhatia’s 28 years of experience spans the DoD and private industry, including three years at the Navy Public Works Center in Washington and three years in the private sector. Over his 22 years with NSA, he led the incubation of joint secure chip technology with private industry focusing on fostering U.S. manufacturing, built foundational GIG authentication and policy reference architecture, and overseeing development of authentication technologies for DoD key management infrastructure. While detailed to the Pentagon, Mr. Bhatia served as a Senior Information Assurance (IA) Representative to the Joint Staff, J6, and to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Cyber Policy. In this role, he supported requirements and delivery of warfighter IA capability, was an integral part of the United States Cyber Command standup team, and a co-author of the 2011 DoD Strategy for Operations in Cyberspace. Upon returning, he led the organization responsible for development and delivery of the initial NSA cloud platform, analytics, and data stores.

After returning from an overseas assignment, Mr. Bhatia was selected to be a 2016 Brooking LEGIS Congressional Fellow. He served in a member office in the U.S. Senate, where he raised cybersecurity awareness writ large, advised on cybersecurity and privacy legislation across healthcare, Internet of Things and business IP theft, and supported legislative efforts to update the right of individuals to serve in the U.S. Armed forces, while retaining their articles of faith. He was then detailed as the Deputy Director, Legislative Liaison and principal advisor at United States Cyber Command, where he advised on all legislative matters and secured crucial legislative wins. In 2019, Mr. Bhatia served as a
member of the NSA cybersecurity strategy team, which recommended the standup of the Cybersecurity Directorate (CSD) and then led the CSD implementation team.

Mr. Bhatia is a Certified Information Security Systems Engineer, a two-time recipient of the Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Award, and a recipient of the National Partnership for Reinventing Government, Vice President Gore’s Hammer Award. Mr. Bhatia holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama at Huntsville, a Master’s in Science in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Georgetown University.

Mark Ryland is the Director, Amazon Security, reporting to the CISO of Amazon and engaging with a variety of external and internal stakeholders on behalf of Amazon and AWS Security leadership. Ryland works with public policy and public sector regulators and customers to help them understand how AWS builds and operates its highly secure cloud offerings, and how they can best leverage the AWS cloud to enhance their own cyber security. In addition, he works as a key channel for incoming feedback from customers and regulators, making sure their requirements in security and compliance are understood and prioritized across AWS service teams as well as Amazon as a whole. Ryland also works closely with industry partners to enhance the security of the broader information technology ecosystem as Amazon’s representative on the governing board of the Open Source Security Foundation as well as in industry groups focusing on the security and reliability of cutting-edge artificial intelligence systems.

Ryland has more than 32 years of experience in the technology industry across a wide range of leadership roles in information security, software engineering, distributed systems, technical standardization, and public policy. Most recently he founded and ran AWS’s Office of the CISO from 2018 to 2023, a team with which he still collaborates closely on a variety of efforts. Prior to that, he was the Director of Solutions Architecture and Professional Services for the AWS Worldwide Public Sector team, founding the team in 2011 and growing it to a large global organization through early 2018. Before joining AWS, Ryland worked for Microsoft for 13 years in two different stints (1991-2000 and 2008-2011) in multiple roles including founder and Director, Standards Strategy Group. In between stints at Microsoft, he was co-founder and CTO of two start-ups, and served as vice president and director of the Washington, DC office of a public policy think tank. Additional information on Mr. Ryland and his background is available at http://linkedin.com/in/markryland.

Bret Arsenault is Microsoft’s Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, responsible for advancing critical security initiatives and escalating impact across the entire Microsoft ecosystem: company, partners, customers, government agencies, and important communities. As Chief Information Security Officer for 14 years, Bret was responsible for enterprise-wide digital security and resiliency. Bret was charged with protecting Microsoft and our customers from ever-growing cyber-threats, while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. In this role, he was also responsible for crisis management and overall business continuity and resilience at Microsoft. As part of this, he and his team coordinated the Microsoft Covid-19 response program and the cross-company response to the war in Ukraine. Bret provides cyber expertise and serves as an outside cyber-risk advisor to executives and boards at numerous Fortune 100 companies in the fields of finance, oil & gas, healthcare, and technology.

Arve Kjoelen is Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at McAfee, providing strategic and day-to-day leadership to McAfee’s security teams.

Arve has 25 years’ experience evaluating, building and running security programs in technology and financial services. He joined McAfee in 2018 from a Denver-based technology company where he was Chief Security Officer.

Arve is certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD.DC); is on the Board of the Information Technology – Information Sharing and Analysis Center (IT-ISAC); and is an Advisory Board Member at Threatology, Inc.

Arve holds Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees in Electrical Engineering. He writes occasionally on Substack about challenges facing CISOs and other cyber topics.

Sergio Torrontegui serves as Unilever´s Business Information Security Officer (BISO) for North America and Latin America (polar bears to penguins as he calls it) and he is responsible for business engagement in the delivery of cyber security strategy on behalf of the CISO, Kirsten Davies.  He is a passionate cyber security and risk management executive with a track record of over 20 years of tailoring and delivery of Enterprise Security Programs across three continents. He has dedicated his career to help Global companies like Barclays, Siemens and Axa to understand and manage risk within complex technical and business environments in tightly regulated industries such as Financial Services, Manufacturing, Critical Infrastructure Engineering, and Telecomm.

In his previous role, Sergio was Deputy CISO and Head of Cybersecurity Architecture & Data Protection at Banorte, Mexico’s second largest financial services company. Sergio is a recognized Subject Matter Expert in the fields of Cyber Security Strategy, Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC), Cyber Security Architecture, Identity & Access Management, Data Protection and Vulnerability Mgmt.

Jeff Northrop was recently promoted from Chief Information Security Officer for Mars Petcare into his current role as Chief Information Officer for Mars Wrigley North America. Mr. Northrop joined Mars, Incorporated in May 2019 as Director, Security CoE where he established an OT security program, operationalized the data protection program, and managed Security Architecture before assuming the CISO role for Mars Petcare.

Prior experiences include positions as Security Officer for Liberty Mutual, CTO for the IAPP, and Head of Technology for Reed Elsevier. Mr. Northrop lives in Maine where, along with his wife, he has raised two boys. He now spends his free time hiking, tending to his gardens, and spoiling his cat and chickens.

Linda Marcone is a Cybersecurity leader with 20+ years’ experience.  As a trailblazer in cybersecurity, she specializes in building and maturing Cybersecurity & IT Compliance Programs from the ground up.  Her expertise spans across multiple sectors including Telecom, Retail and Manufacturing.  Since 2022, Marcone has been serving as the VP & CISO, at Crate & Barrel Holdings Inc..  Her responsibilities include three iconic brands: Crate & Barrel, CB2 and Hudson Grace. Linda is passionate about cybersecurity, enjoys speaking at conferences, is currently a member of the Gartner CISO Community Governing Body, served on the Infragard Atlanta Board and recently was recognized as a “2024 Top 100 CISO” in North America by the CISOs Connect Board.

Stacee Jones is the IT Director and Deputy CISO for Lear Corporation, a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems that delivers intelligent in-vehicle experiences for customers around the world. More than two decades of experience in manufacturing IT and Information Security have equipped her with a deep understanding of the field, enabling her to take on roles of increasing responsibility and impact.

Stacee is a lifelong learner, holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry with a concentration in Computer Science from Oakland University and is a CISSP. As a mentor with the Women’s Security Alliance and a board member of the Michigan Cyberpatriot Program, Stacee is committed to shaping the future of cybersecurity through dedicated guidance and leadership. She is passionate about developing the next generation of diverse talent in the ever-changing world of cybersecurity.

When she’s not leading tech initiatives or mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, Stacee enjoys spending quality time with her family traveling and “”glamping””.

Eddie Borrero is Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer at Blue Shield of California, a nonprofit health plan with $21 billion in annual revenue serving 4.6 million members in the state’s commercial, individual, and government markets. Borrero drives Blue Shield’s IT security strategy to enable the growth and digital transformation of Blue Shield of California, maintain and build trust amongst our consumers, and accelerate a secure shift to a digital business model. With a strong focus on integrating security controls through a “DevSecOps” strategy of automation and development integration, he leads the organization in proactively identifying and mitigating information security risks to their business.

In addition, he is a core leader in Blue Shield’s corporate executive Diversity Council as well as the internal Hispanic and Veterans Groups. In his community, Borrero is committed to being a role model by supporting Hispanics and veterans in pursuing careers in technology.

He understands highly structured and regulated cultures as well as more dynamic and innovative cultures. He has held roles in Engineering, Sales Support, Product Development, IT and Operations within Financial Services, Entertainment, Professional Services, Biotech, Healthcare and Gas and Power companies, including Intuit, Robert Half, Pacific Gas & Electric, Electronic Arts, Workday, Amgen, and Blue Shield of California. His experience as a leader in a variety of industries gives him a unique perspective as a business leader and in partnering with corporate boards.

Andrew Albrecht serves as the CISO at Domino’s, where he is responsible for overseeing strategic and tactical Cybersecurity capabilities for one of the World’s leading QSR organizations, managing a dedicated team delivering all aspects of information security. Andy has over 27 years of experience in the cybersecurity arena, most recently serving as CISO at IAA Holdings. His tenure in Information Security has evolved from a highly tactical security engineer to a business-focused Cybersecurity leader dedicated to optimally aligning Cybersecurity goals with business strategy to enable tangible growth. He has also held CISO, Deputy CISO, or Executive Cybersecurity roles at Best Buy, LBrands, The Michael’s Companies, La Quinta Inns & Suites, and Designer Brands.

Kelly Brickley has over 20 years of experience providing leadership across public and private sectors to achieve business and security objectives. The combination of positions within the financial services sector and intelligence community have uniquely equipped her to understand how public and private sectors can collaborate to advance shared security and intelligence priorities. Kelly is also skilled at aligning businesses and intelligence objectives and consistently demonstrates expertise in building relationships to develop and implement large-scale organizational initiatives.

Jennifer Franks directs the Center for Enhanced Cybersecurity within GAO’s Information Technology and Cybersecurity team. She oversees reviews that primarily focus on emerging cybersecurity issues and assessing an agency’s ability to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its sensitive data and computing infrastructure. In addition, she leads reviews in the areas of IT management and operations, financial management, healthcare and public health IT, data protection, and privacy.

Jennifer is a Diversity Champion who leads efforts to increase inclusiveness at GAO, and has facilitated numerous Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) courses.

Jennifer earned a master’s degree in information security policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University and earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Hampton University.

Hazleena Hashim has over 20 years of experience in business process engineering, digital transformation and organizational change. She helps travel companies that are facing growing pains, scale that growth and turn drowning work into manageable tasks. She believes in the travel industry’s capacity (when done responsibly) in inspiring travelers to conserve this beautiful planet, and in doing so, boost the local communities as well. Hazleena is both technologically and business savvy. Her background is in electrical engineering and she has a business graduate degree. Recently, she’s worked in the capacity of Chief Information Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Natural Habitat Adventures. When not working, you can almost always find Hazleena outside in any weather.

Anne Coulombe Anne is the Global Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Werfen, a worldwide leader in specialized diagnostics and medical device manufacturer. She has responsibility of all cybersecurity and data privacy aspects globally. Most recently, Anne worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), as Security Lead and “Field CISO” for Professional Services Healthcare & Life Sciences division. Previous roles include CEO, CISO and Head of Data Protection where she has built and lead security practices focused on digital transformation, securing highly regulated and sensitive workloads on premises and in the cloud across the globe. She has brought 200+ products and services to worldwide markets. An avid public speaker for security and diversity in cyber security, she is bilingual in French and English, holds several AWS certifications, CISSP, CDPSE, CISM and a PMP.

Phillip Arthur is Vice President & Chief Technical Architect for AdventHealth. He has previously served as Chief Technology Officer for AdventHealth, a position held from 2015 to 2023. Phillip has 30 years of healthcare IT experience having held several leadership roles over the last 16 years and the 14 years prior held various technical roles at AdventHealth.

Phillip has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis on IT from Western Governors University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance.

Rick Rampersad currently works as the Chief Information Officer at the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County.  Rick has over 20 years’ experience driving organizational efficiencies and leading digital transformation teams across verticals such as healthcare, education and global manufacturing and hospitality organizations. Rick has completed advanced coursework in Business Management and Information Systems/Decision Sciences from the University of South Florida. In addition, Rick is a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Six Sigma Green Belt.

Brandon Carter is a Senior Cybersecurity Analyst with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Water Infrastructure & Cyber Resilience Division, with over 20 years of experience in evaluating and enhancing the security posture of IT systems. Before joining the US EPA, Brandon provided Cybersecurity services to a myriad of federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense. Brandon takes pride in doing his part in enhancing cyber resiliency and protecting the water and wastewater systems sector from cyber threats. In addition to emphasizing the adoption of basic cyber hygiene principles, he has learned that one of the most effective forms of protection is educating users on their role in keeping their information technology and operational technology systems secure.

Josh Serba serves as the CIO for AHC Hospitality, which is a hospitality management company.  He leads a team of IT professionals to provide service, support, and technology for a wide range of properties that fall under the company’s management.  AHC Hospitality manages 10 properties, with many on the horizon.  The company specializes in delivering an extra degree of hospitality.

During his time at AHC Hospitality, he’s been a part of significant growth and has continued to reshape and redefine the IT department.  His team is responsible for networks, systems, information security, point of sale, and support for everything in between, including guest rooms.  Josh helps with planning new technology initiatives for not only the staff that work at their managed properties, but the guests as well.

DeWayne serves as the CISO of Bass Pro; Leveraging 20+ years of experience in the technology and retail industry, he leads their Cyber Security, Fraud, and Investigations organizations.   Prior to joining Bass Pro in 2022, DeWayne held various retail, engineering, and leadership roles at Walmart. He started his career as a cashier in the Weatherford Ok store and worked his way up through the ranks to become the Director of Global Cyber Security responsible for the security footprint across Walmart’s Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Africa Regions. DeWayne holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Engineering from SW Oklahoma State University.

Chief Information Security Officer with over 26 years of experience in Information Technology. Focus on information security, risk management and internal controls in the LNG, gas and electric utility industries. Specific focus on intelligent grid security, gas control system security, pipeline cybersecurity, LNG facility cybersecurity and maritime cybersecurity.

Specialties: Identity Management, Role Based Access Controls, Zero Trust, Risk and Vulnerability Management, Security Architecture, User Access, Network Security, Regulatory Compliance.

Jeremy Schumacher’s career in technology leadership, marked by his impact on security, digital transformation, and technical operations, began in an unexpected arena – the theater. This unique starting point endowed him with a dynamic blend of creativity and strategic thinking, shaping his approach to driving technological innovation and operational excellence. His journey from the arts to becoming a visionary in technology underscores his versatility and adaptability, qualities that have been instrumental in navigating complex business landscapes and achieving significant growth and efficiency in various leading organizations.

Joseph Welch is the Chief Information Officer at City Utilities in Fort Wayne, with a strong background in IT and cybersecurity. Since March 2015, he has managed IT infrastructure for a population of 450,000, overseeing both business networks and Industrial Control Systems (ICS). His role involves the development and implementation of IT and cybersecurity strategies, essential for protecting city infrastructure. Before joining City Utilities, Welch served as the IT Director at the Institute for Study Abroad in Indianapolis, Indiana, from June 1998 to December 2014. Here, he managed a global network in 18 countries, focusing on technological solutions in international education and demonstrating strong skills in team leadership and cybersecurity. Welch holds an Executive Education Certificate from Harvard Kennedy School, focusing on Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) in cybersecurity, and a Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate from Harvard University, where he gained extensive knowledge in network security and information security policy. His expertise includes cybersecurity management, IT infrastructure modernization, and strategic planning.

Leo Howell, a visionary IT leader with over two decades of experience, currently serves as the interim vice president for IT and chief information officer at Georgia Tech. In this role, he provides vision, leadership, and oversight in the development and implementation of information technology. He is also responsible for establishing the strategic direction of how the university handles its information technology resources. He formerly served as the Institute’s chief information security officer (CISO). He previously served as the CISO of the University of Oregon where he showcased his leadership in cybersecurity and information technology. His dedication to leveraging data for decision analytics sets him apart. Leo holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Electronics from the University of the West Indies, and an MBA from NC State University. As a CISSP and CISA, he demonstrates deep knowledge and commitment to cybersecurity. Leo’s distinguished career is marked by strong collaborative leadership and the recognition of data as a strategic asset for decision-making in the ever-evolving information technology and cybersecurity landscape.

Jim Blevins is a senior, solutions-oriented IT Executive highly regarded for a distinguished career in operational and strategic leadership with the responsibility of complex IT environments and in driving the development of successful technology solutions for industry leaders within the banking and manufacturing sector.

Jim is a motivational team leader known for taking a hands-on approach to guiding security teams and ensuring corporate-wide security and compliance requirements are met across all systems and data for the enterprise. Mr. Blevins closely manages the IT and IS programs to establish, evolve and enforce information policies, standards, and guidelines and document security solutions and operational methods and procedures. He drives portfolio management and strategic planning in large-scale, global Information Technology (IT), Cyber, and Financial / Resource Management organizations. Jim serves as a consulting partner and expert, collaborating and influencing strategy and improvements with an enterprise perspective. Mr. Blevins has earned recognition for personal integrity and commitment to building coalitions and aggressively implementing best practices that yield results above expectations.

He has demonstrated excellence in leading systems architecture, design, and operations, leveraging cutting-edge data center and network virtualization technologies. Jim has been the First Vice President and Security Officer at Delaware County Bank & Trust, the CIO at Columbus First Bank, the Senior Information Security Manager at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, and his current role as the CIO for The Richwood Bank.

David Mullenix, VP of IT at JPI, brings over 20 years of experience in IT strategy, cybersecurity, and innovation. He focuses on driving technological advancements and optimizing operations. David is known for his collaborative approach and commitment to implementing effective solutions that support organizational growth. His dedication to continuous improvement has consistently yielded positive results in the technology sector.

Andrew Cook is the Senior Manager of IT Security and Infrastructure at Milo’s Tea Company. With over 17 years of experience in IT security and infrastructure within the CPG industry, Andrew was hired in 2022 to develop the IT security program at Milo’s, the nation’s leading freshly-brewed sweet tea brand.

Tom has spent the last 12 years working as the CIO for 3 different wholesale distributors in the mid-Atlantic region.  He’ll share his experience constructing resilient and robust cyber security postures on a panel discussion that describes the steps to fortify an organization that does not have a CISO or dedicated security team.  Implementing cyber security effectively in the mid-market is Tom’s specialty.

Experienced Chief Information / Technology Officer with over 33 years of experience working in the education industry.  Skilled in Data Centers, Infrastructure, Windows, Servers, Active Directory, Group Policy, Microsoft 365, Cisco, VMware / Hyper V, OS X, Fiber Optic Cable, Databases, Domain Name System (DNS), Project Management, Cyber Security Architect, Ethical Hacking, and Data Wiring.  Proficient in Microsoft products such as Surface, Windows, Azure, 365, PowerShell, and Intune.  Strong information technology professional with a BS-NSE / Specialist in IT- Network / Software Systems Engineer – from Barry University in Miami, Florida.  Focused on Network Systems Engineering and Security.  Credits include Microsoft MVP • MIE Expert • Microsoft Showcase School Mentor • Speaker (Tech Mentor, Live 360, E2 Education Exchange, Microsoft Showcase School Summit, Misbo, Lenovo, FCIS, ISTE, etc). • Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) Speaker • Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) review committee member. • Florida Council of Independent Schools Technology Coordinator Committee and Speaker • VEX Robotics Judge / Head Referee • Esports Director • Executive Board Member for Miami Dade County Public Schools Technology Advisory Committee • Executive Member for the Global Advisory Board for the Showcase Schools Program.

Jessie Minton is the Vice Chancellor for Technology and Chief Information Officer at Washington University in St. Louis. An accomplished leader and information technology professional with deep expertise in higher education, health care, and biomedical research technologies, Minton came to WashU in spring of 2022. Following 10 years in leadership roles in the corporate sector, she served for 6 years in a senior IT leadership capacity at Oregon Health & Science University, followed by 5 years at the University of Oregon as vice provost and chief information officer.

Andrew has a broad range of cybersecurity, risk management, audit, merger & acquisition, organizational design, and international experience cultivated over more than two decades across the consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, financial services, logistics, healthcare and consulting industries. He is a multi-time CISO and has led Cybersecurity teams at Community Veterinary Partners, Hillenbrand, and Nestle.

Kishore has been working with ManageEngine for the past 6yrs. He has a technology driven process with overall 14 years of expertise in delivering value to small, medium and enterprise organizations.

Josh is a Principal in Crowe’s Consulting practice and serves as Crowe’s Cyber Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) leader for consumer markets and life sciences industries. He has over 20 years of experience helping companies align cybersecurity programs including IT risk management, third party risk, business resiliency, threat analysis, and IT compliance.  His responsibilities include overseeing the strategic direction of Crowe’s Cyber GRC offerings focusing on risk metrics, cyber risk quantification, and board reporting.

Jerry Carlson has over three decades of IT and Security expertise, with 23 of these years spent at Microsoft. He currently leads a team of cyber security experts for Bulletproof across the United States. His team is driven by helping organizations protect themselves from cybercrime because they believe stealing is wrong. Jerry is an expert in the Microsoft security portfolio, including M365 Security (Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Email, Defender for Identity), and Entra Cloud Permissions Management, as well as Microsoft Copilot for M365 and Copilot for Security. He has assisted many small and large businesses in transitioning from an outdated best of breed model to a Microsoft best in class integrated security platform, lowering their security expenses, enhancing their visibility, and ultimately decreasing risk.

Jack Wilson is an accomplished Senior Executive, Entrepreneur, and Advisory Board Member with more than 25 years of successful executive leadership experience in various industries. Wilson is currently the CRO of Bulletproof, a leader in the cybersecurity industry, leveraging extensive experience in developing strategies, building high-performance teams, and delivering revenue and profitable growth.

I love winning, I love building a business to address a new market opportunity and I love making people better at what they do. Experienced in building and leading highly motivated, global revenue and customer success teams solving complex challenges to arrive at successful solutions.

I’m an avid runner who has participated in many Marathons (2:23PR), and numerous Ultra Marathons including the Moab 240, and placed in the top 20 (10:21) in the Ironman.

Josh Cridlebaugh is a seasoned expert in secure cloud networking, with over 10 years of experience in cloud, data center, network, and network security. Currently, as the Director of Solutions Marketing at Aviatrix, Josh has been pivotal in driving the success of Aviatrix CoPilot, a flagship network visualization platform. His strategic planning and product marketing acumen have led to the launch of several innovative product lines, including Network Behavior Analytics and CostIQ.

Bryan Woodworth, or Woody as he is called, has been at Aviatrix for almost 3 years, where he helps with GTM, content, and strategic partnerships. Prior to Aviatrix, Woody was helping the F500 build some of the largest and most complex cloud networks in the world as a Global Black Belt at Microsoft Azure. Woody’s career has also spanned roles in training, sales, and cloud infrastructure, with over 15 years in the industry.

Tom Tovar is CEO and co-creator of Appdome, the mobile industry’s first no-code mobile solutions platform. Tom also leads Appdome’s Cyber Security Research team. The cyber research team has access to 100Ms of “sentinel” data points tracking threats and attacks on mobile users and apps globally. Prior to Appdome, Tom served as executive chairman of Badgeville, an enterprise engagement platform acquired by CallidusCloud, and as CEO of Nominum, a DNS security and services provider that was acquired by Akamai. Tovar holds a JD from Stanford Law School and a BBA in finance and accounting from the University of Houston.

Stephen Manley is the CTO of Druva. He leads Druva‘s AI strategy, Infosec team, and cloud & security subject matter experts. He has spent his career protecting and securing data at  data and security infrastructure companies including NetApp, LogLogic SIEM, and Dell.

Neil Ashwroth is the Sr. Solutions Architect for Security at Druva and has been working in public/ private InfoSec for over 24yrs. A career beginning in Royal Navy SIGINT, HUMINT and Cyber Operations in support UK/US counter terrorism efforts. Helping define early guidance around Cyber Intelligence operations, then migrating to the US 10yrs ago working to enable customers achieve maximum resiliency when architecting hybrid/ multi-cloud data security solutions.

As Vice President of Product for CAST Highlight, Greg leads strategy for CAST’s SaaS product helping clients and partners govern application portfolios, accelerate application modernization, control open source risks, and make greener software. He has held technology leadership roles with Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, IDG, and Arrow Electronics for over 20 years. Greg has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and an M.S. in Management of Technology and is passionate about applying technology to improve business and our everyday lives.