SC Awards Meet the Judges 2024

Alissa “Dr. Jay” Abdullah is Mastercard’s deputy chief security officer. In this role she leads the Emerging Corporate Security Solutions team and is responsible for protecting Mastercard’s information assets as well as driving the future of security.

Dr. Jay joined Mastercard in 2019 after serving as the chief information security officer of Xerox where she established and led a corporate-wide information risk management program. She also served as the deputy chief information officer of the White House where she helped modernize the Executive Office of the President’s IT systems with cloud services and virtualization.

She currently hosts Cybercrime Magazine’s Mastering Cyber podcast and is a cybersecurity lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Information. Dr. Jay is also a former member of Smartsheet’s Board of Directors.

Dr. Jay holds a PhD in Information Technology Management from Capella University, a master’s degree in Telecommunications and Computer Networks from The George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Savannah State University.

Accomplished cybersecurity leader with over 10 years of experience in security and 20+ years in IT and networking.

Proven track record of success in diverse industries, including automotive, higher education, and telecommunications. Currently spearheading cybersecurity, information security, and privacy initiatives at a global Tier-1 automotive company.

Roota Almeida is the global CISO at Kyowa Kirin, leading the company’s global cybersecurity strategy, aligning security initiatives with business goals and driving innovation. With more than 15 years of cybersecurity leadership experience, her expertise spans security engineering, cyber defense, risk management, governance and compliance across multiple sectors. Passionate about advancing diversity in cybersecurity leadership, Almeida mentors emerging leaders, serves on advisory boards and lectures at Columbia University.

Krista Arndt is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at United Musculoskeletal Partners. As the CISO, Krista is responsible for the safety and security of all UMP and its practices’ patients and employees. Krista accomplishes this by ensuring continued maturation and providing strategic direction for UMP’s information security program in alignment with the business objectives. Additionally, Krista provides oversight of the security program’s day to day operational effectiveness. In her previous roles, Krista assisted with developing and leading security programs in crypto, finance, and the Department of Defense.

Krista is an active member of ISACA, Infragard’s Philadelphia Chapter, serves on Neumann University’s Business Advisory Council and is Marketing Committee chair for Women in Cybersecurity-Delaware Valley Affiliate. Through this service, Krista’s mission is to give back to her community by providing mentorship and support for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, especially for women who wish to enter the field.

When off the clock, Krista takes her affinity for overcoming challenges to the garage and the race track, where she enjoys building and improving her own race car, competing as a driver in national drag racing events with her family, and using her racing as a forum to advocate for neurodiversity awareness and inclusion.

With a career spanning Fortune 25 enterprises and mid-cap organizations, I am a seasoned technology executive passionate about leading transformative initiatives that drive measurable business outcomes. My expertise lies in leveraging innovative technologies—cloud computing, AI, and enterprise architecture—to align IT strategy with organizational objectives, delivering exceptional ROI, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Augustine Boateng is the Deputy Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Memphis. He has a wealth of IT leadership experience, particularly in local government. Before his current role, he was the IT Security Manager for the city, where he played a key role in safeguarding its digital infrastructure. Augustine has also worked at the University of Memphis and Ecobank Ghana, honing his expertise in technology strategies. As a respected figure in the IT community, Augustine has led projects that have improved IT operations and streamlined city services. He is committed to driving innovation and ensuring that the City of Memphis remains at the forefront of digital transformation in local government.

Chuck serves as President and Consultant of Brooks Consulting International with over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, marketing, business development, and government relations. He helps Fortune 1000 clients, organizations, small businesses, and start-ups achieve their strategic goals and grow their market share.

Chuck also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University in the Cyber Risk Management Program, where he teaches graduate courses on risk management, homeland security, and cybersecurity. He designed the course that he teaches called “Disruptive Technology and Organizational Management” .

C. He has also been named “Cybersecurity Person of the Year” by Cyber Express, Cybersecurity Marketer of the Year, and a “Top 5 Tech Person to Follow” by LinkedIn” where he has almost 115,500 followers on his profile. He has 57,000 subscribers to his newsletter “Security and Tech Insights.”

As a thought leader, blogger, and event speaker, he has briefed the G20 on energy cybersecurity, The US Embassy to the Holy See and the Vatican on global cybersecurity cooperation. He has served on two National Academy of Science Advisory groups, including one on digitalizing the USAF, and another on securing BioTech. He has also addressed USTRANSCOM on cybersecurity and serves on an industry/government Working group for DHS CISA focused on security space systems.

Chuck is also a contributor to Forbes, The Washington Post, Dark Reading, Homeland Security Today, Skytop Media, GovCon, Barrons, The Hill, and Federal Times on cybersecurity and emerging technology topics.

Chuck has an MA from the University of Chicago, a BA from DePauw University, and a certificate in International Law from The Hague Academy of International Law.

Miki Calero has been named one of the Most Influential People in Security by Security Magazine, and a Top 100 City Innovator Worldwide by United Business Media (UBM) Future Cities, for advancing enterprise risk management through unified physical and cybersecurity. As Chief Security Officer, he established an Enterprise Security Risk Management program that received CSO Magazine’s CSO40 award for groundbreaking business value and innovative application of risk and security concepts at the 15th largest city in the US, Columbus, Ohio. Miki’s career spans the private and public sectors, including startup companies, Fortune 500 enterprises, and federal, state, and local government. His responsibilities have included protection of information systems, physical assets, and critical infrastructure in strategic, tactical, and operational capacities. He consults and advises on security strategies for comprehensive asset protection, and promotes enterprise security and public private partnerships as keynote speaker at national and international events, and writer in various media outlets.

With over 30 years in the information technology and cybersecurity fields in commercial and government arenas, Ed was most recently both the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and the Head of Cyber Risk Engineering at Bowhead Specialty Underwriters (BSU), a provider of cyber risk insurance. In addition to his professional work, Ed is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Information Systems at California State University – Los Angeles (CSULA) as well as a published author and regular speaker at cybersecurity events and forums. He is also on the President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles ISC2 chapter and an active member of other cyber-focused organizations in southern California. Finally, he is a veteran of the US Navy. He holds a Masters degree in Information Technology Management, specializing in organizational leadership and change management from Colorado State University. He received his undergraduate degree in cybersecurity from the University of Maryland. He holds a number of industry certifications including the CISSP and ISSAP from ISC2 the, CISM and CRISC from ISACA, the Qualified Technology Executive (QTE) from the Digital Directors Network, among others.

Stephen Davis is Rapid7’s Detection and Response Lead Sales Technical Advisor. Stephen has over 15 years of IT-related experience – from Small Computer Systems Specialist, Senior Systems Administrator, and also as a Lead Technical Customer Advisor for Rapid7’s very own MDR Service. Outside of work, Stephen is an avid beach bum who enjoys console gaming, artistry, tattoos, and being the worst golfer in his neighborhood (it’s so he can just have an excuse to drive the golf carts).

Alain Espinosa thrives in the business-technology continuum, viewing business and technology as interwoven concepts. He excels at strategizing, planning, and coaching people, as he moves easily between the big picture and the details. His unique gift of envisioning things that have not yet happened enables him to extract solutions to issues and challenges. Alain is a relationship builder, skilled communicator, and facilitator who engages both technical and business stakeholders in reaching a common goal.

Currently, Alain is the Global Director of Information Security Operations for Upbound Group (formerly known as Rent-A-Center) a $4 billion public retail and financing company. Among his accomplishments are 1) driving development of the company’s first third-party vendor risk management and data governance programs, thereby decreasing the risk of regulatory fines, 2) reducing the security operations management workload by 30%, and 3) establishing a robust cybersecurity awareness program.

Previously, Alain rose through a number of technical positions, which provided the foundation for his leadership roles in Information Security. These experiences were enhanced during his tenure at Cyber Defense Labs, an information security consultancy and managed security service provider, where he worked directly with clients on developing risk management strategies and providing program management expertise. Subsequently, he was the Director of Security Operations/Cybersecurity Consultant (vCISO) at Online Business Systems, an international digital transformation and cybersecurity consultancy, where he oversaw the Security Operations Center. He also served as Interim CISO for several clients, designing security controls and implementing governance processes.

Alain is an Advisory Board Member of Blackswan Cybersecurity (Consultancy), an Advisory Board Member of the Security Advisor Alliance, and Founding Advisory Board Member of DallasCISO.

Michael Fey is Island’s co-founder and CEO. Fey was President and COO at Symantec. Prior to Symantec, he was President and COO of Blue Coat. Prior to that, Mike was EVP & GM for enterprise products at McAfee and CTO of Intel Security playing a pivotal role in Intel’s acquisition of McAfee for $7.7 billion in 2010.
Fey holds a degree in Engineering Physics and Mathematics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and was co-author of Security Battleground: An Executive Field Manual, providing a playbook for security obligated executives coping with the new realities of cyber security responsibilities to the board.

Todd is a Senior Manager in EY’s Cybersecurity Consulting, specializing in Threat & Vulnerability Management, Purple Teaming, and technology controls. He is based in New York and has 19 years of cybersecurity technical product and program management experience delivering cyber solutions and developing thought leadership across multiple verticals, with focus on threat detection, threat exposure management, response/remediation, and protection.

Dheeraj Gurugubelli is a director in EY’s Strategy & Transactions Group. He is a cybersecurity and M&A professional, focusing predominantly within financial services, life sciences, health care and retail industries. He advises both private equity and corporates on cybersecurity strategy, risk and transformation across the capital agenda. He has led cybersecurity diligence and/or security program transformation efforts in over 250 M&A deals across multiple industries globally.

Renee Guttmann-Stark is an accomplished global information security and privacy executive with a career spanning 30 years. She was the first CISO at Coca-Cola, Royal Caribbean and Time Warner Inc. An early adopter of cybersecurity technologies, she has received awards for leadership and support of Women in Cybersecurity, published a white paper on the risks and benefits of early adoption, and served as one of the first judges of RSA Conference’s Innovation Sandbox.

Dr. Ed Harris holds a doctorate in information assurance and cybersecurity and has more than 35 years of network and security experience. A CISSP-certified professional, he spent 12 years teaching computer security at the University of North Carolina. He is a founding member of the Retail Cyber Information Sharing Center, a former member of the National Security Council for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and serves on ISC2’s cybersecurity scholarship review board. An active FBI InfraGard member, Harris is a longtime security evangelist, author and international speaker.

Dr. Hartman performs research on manipulating AI decisions and has presented it at DARPA technical exchanges. He specializes in organizational change and process improvement. His work experience includes start-ups, large system integrators, and defense contractors. Previously, he has served on cyber security engineering advisory boards for multiple companies including CA and McAfee. As part of supporting the research community, Dr. Hartman has presented at multiple national and international conferences.

As an Army Reservist has served most recently as the Chief Technology Officer for Army Forces Command. Previously he served on the ARCYBER staff as the Director, Cyber Defense Operations Division/G36. In this role he led multiple teams including the Unified Network Operations (UNO), Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO), Forensics and Malware Analysis (FMA), and Cyber Risk Assessment (CRA). Previously he commanded the 359th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade (TTSB), composed of 1,600 personnel operating on four continents. During his tenure as the 3/80th Signal Training Battalion the unit received the highest rating for a training organization in the Army. Additional roles include multiple positions in the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command (JECC) and the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).

Dr. John D. Johnson is CEO/Founder of Aligned Security, providing vCISO advisory services and working with tech startups. John started his career as a physicist and security manager at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and has served in executive security roles for John Deere, Campbell Soup Co., Deloitte and with startups. John founded Docent Institute, a nonprofit focused on technology and cybersecurity education, outreach and inclusion. John is an educator, volunteer and serves on several industry boards. John’s focus areas are cybersecurity and advancing technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, IoT, OT, blockchain, and quantum computing.

Corey is a highly accomplished and strategic leader with extensive experience and demonstrated success in managing a broad range of risk oversight activities, including risk identification, control design and evaluation, and completion of risk and control self-assessments. He possesses specialist expertise in network security architecture, network access and monitoring, data governance and monitoring, identity and access management, and employee education and awareness. Corey is highly experienced in developing and building comprehensive information security programs to proactively ensure the confidentiality, integrity, availability, safety, and privacy of the organization’s intellectual property and information technology assets. Currently leading the charge in strengthening Valvoline’s security posture. In this role, he provides executive leadership across key areas, including Security Operations, Engineering and Architecture, Identity Management, GRC, and Enterprise Security Architecture. Managing a large budget, he drives resource management, tool implementations, and strategic investments that support long-term security objectives.

Ashutosh Kapse is a recognized expert in security risk management, serving as a fractional CISO for multiple organizations across Australia and Southeast Asia. Previously, he served as a CISO and security adviser for large Australian companies, including in financial services, federal and state government, infrastructure and utilities. He is an accredited trainer for courses leading to CISM, CISA and CRISC certifications. He is an adjunct professor at Deakin University, Victorian Institute of Technology in Australia, and Mahavir College in India.

Chris Lambrou brings 26 years of MLS management experience as an award-winning software architect and data science practitioner. He serves as CIO of Metro MLS in Milwaukee, leading technology strategy, business alignment and governance. An active industry and community leader, he chairs RESO’s Internet Tracking Group, leads the IEEE Milwaukee Section, serves on the United Way IT Committee and frequently speaks at universities and national conferences.

Cedric Leighton is a CNN military analyst and retired U.S. Air Force colonel with 26 years of intelligence and operational leadership experience. A founding partner of CYFORIX and chairman of Cedric Leighton Associates, he advises on global strategic and cyber risk. A frequent media contributor and speaker, he previously served at U.S. Special Operations Command, the Pentagon and the National Security Agency. Leighton is a decorated officer and a magna cum laude graduate of Cornell University.

Daniel Lieber is a highly experienced technology leader with a strong focus on cybersecurity. For the past 30 years, he has worked with many organizations on collaboration, communication, cybersecurity, and organizational success. He brings about the ability to quickly identify the intersections of technology and people, reducing friction from systems and enhancing value. Mr. Lieber has particular fondness for supporting organizations that help people thrive, including nonprofits, education, and healthcare. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and serves on several boards.

David Lingenfelter is the Chief Information Security Officer at Penn Entertainment, responsible for ensuring the highest level of security for the rapidly changing risk landscape. David manages teams that oversee IT security and compliance for both the retail and digital aspects of the business. David believes that in order to implement a successful security program it’s important for everyone to understand the threats and risks that could adversely impact the business.

Prior to joining Penn Entertainment David oversaw security for the MaaS360 mobile device management platform at IBM. During his tenure at IBM, David helped onboard and integrate the team supporting MaaS360 as part of the acquisition of Fiberlink Communications into IBM. Prior to the acquisition by IBM, David was the Information Security Officer at Fiberlink Communications working as part of the team that designed and built an early Software as a Service cloud model for its MaaS360 platform.

David’s career in IT security has always included a strong emphasis on awareness and understanding of the threats and risks associated with poor security. This passion for helping bring awareness to others and has lead David around the world giving presentations on multiple aspects of IT security and the overall impact on business and personal lives.

Gary D. Long, CISA, CISSP, has 30 years of combined U.S. and global experience working in the public and private sectors in consulting, sales and management. He has served in leadership roles at Golder Associates and Cerner Corporation and as a principal at several information security consulting firms, and he has been an enterprise sales team member for Check Point and Cisco. Long is a senior member of the Information Systems Security Association and a platinum member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association.

Jacob (Jake) Lorz is a highly respected cybersecurity executive with a proven track record of success in multiple industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, defense, biometric identification, and software development. With over 20 years of experience, he has developed and implemented effective security strategies, managed complex security projects, and led high-performance security teams. He joined Cintas Corporation in 2021 where his expertise and leadership have allowed him to build a world-class and threat-resilient information security program.

Jake is widely regarded as a thought leader in the cybersecurity industry. He serves as co-chair of the Cincinnati Cybersecurity Collaboration Forum’s Leadership Board, as a member of the Cincinnati Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) Advisory Board, and he sits on the Verizon Cybersecurity Customer Advisory Board. Jake holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems, a master’s degree in Business Administration, and a master’s degree in Information Technology with a focus on Data Driven Cybersecurity. Jake also maintains professional industry certifications, including CISSP, CISM, and CRISC certifications.

Greg Martin is the co-founder and CEO of Ghost Security, a cybersecurity entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience building and leading security companies. He founded ThreatStream (now Anomali), an early threat intelligence platform, and co-founded JASK, which pioneered autonomous SOC operations. Martin has advised the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service and NASA and is focused on transforming application security through AI and open-source innovation at Ghost.

Dr. Sean McElroy is chief risk officer at Lumin Digital, responsible for cybersecurity, risk management and privacy programs while tasked with securely scaling cloud-based digital banking across global data centers. He also co-founded Alkami Technology, where he served in roles ranging from CTO to CISO. He earned a doctorate in cyber defense from Dakota State University, a Master of Science in information security engineering from the SANS Technology Institute, and a BBA in management information systems from the University of Oklahoma. He holds CISSP, CISM and multiple GIAC certifications.

Enida Metaj brings over 13 years of extensive experience in auditing, governance, risk, compliance, law, cybersecurity, IT, and finance. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Oakland University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tirana.

Certifications in ISO standards, artificial intelligence (AI), and a Master’s Certificate in Enterprise Cybersecurity Leadership from the Professional Development Academy demonstrate Enida’s commitment to mastering cutting-edge technologies and industry best practices. Furthermore, she has refined her leadership skills through a certificate in Exercising Leadership from HarvardX.

As an award-winning cybersecurity leader, she brings innovative strategies to fortify digital infrastructures against evolving threats. Enida’s professional journey is characterized by a continuous pursuit of learning, innovation, and a relentless dedication to excellence, with a passion for driving organizational success.

Beyond her professional pursuit, Enida actively engages in community outreach initiatives, advancing cybersecurity awareness and education. Her goal is to extend her impact beyond corporate settings, fostering a safer and more secure digital ecosystem for all.

Julian Mihai is serving as the Chief Information Security Officer at Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, a leading academic medical center based in Philadelphia, PA, where he is responsible for all aspects of the enterprise cybersecurity program across clinical, research, and education lines of business. Julian has an extensive leadership experience in enterprise cybersecurity across several industries, helping organizations transform lagging security functions into cutting-edge cybersecurity programs and positioning cybersecurity as a key enabler of the organization’s mission. He is passionate about collaboration within the healthcare security community to disrupt the status quo, advising innovative security technology companies, and being engaged in innovative co-development opportunities. Julian holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and a M.S. and B.S. in Computer Science from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest.

Dr. Kelley Misata is a visionary leader in cybersecurity strategy, open-source innovation, and nonprofit security. As Founder of Sightline Security, she empowers nonprofits to build resilient cybersecurity. As President of OISF, she advances global network security through Suricata, a premier open-source technology. A recognized expert in translating complex cybersecurity challenges into actionable solutions, Dr. Misata channels her experience as a cyberstalking survivor into advocacy for security, privacy, and open-source practices. With a Ph.D. in Cyber and Information Security from Purdue University and an MBA from Bentley University, she blends technical expertise with strategic leadership to drive meaningful change in cybersecurity.

Niel Nickolaisen has held technology executive (CIO / CTO / CISO) and operations executive positions (COO); typically in turnaround roles. He has a passion for helping others deliver on what he considers to be the three roles of IT leadership: 1) Enable strategy and 2) Achieve operational excellence and 3) Create a culture of trust and ownership.

His outcomes include the transformation of a manufacturing company into a software company, the rapid modernization of a telecommunications company and the creation of a number of highly-successful technology products and artificial intelligence tools.

He has advised a number of established organizations and start-ups on architecture, agile and lean methods, products and technology.

He holds a MS in Engineering from MIT, a BS in Physics from Utah State University, and an MBA from Utah State University.

He is the author of “The Agile Culture” (2014, Addison Wesley) and “Stand Back and Deliver” (Addison Wesley, 2009). Niel is the winner of several IT leadership awards including the ProphIT award, CIO Magazine 100 and Golden Bridge and, in 2020, was named one of the 20 CIO’s changing the future of technology.

Murtaza Nisar currently serves as Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer for Clario, a global data and technology company that minimizes risk and uncertainty in clinical trials so that organizations can move ahead quickly – and with confidence. Clario has delivered more than 19,000 clinical trials in more than 120 countries and supported more than 70 percent of FDA approvals from 2019 to 2020.

Before joining Clario, Murtaza was the CISO for Elanco, the world’s second largest animal pharmaceutical company where he built the company’s cyber program from the ground up after the company became independent while also navigating a multi-billion dollar acquisition.

Murtaza is a transformative technology leader with a diverse background in cybersecurity and a deep appreciation of the role of cybersecurity as a Trust enabler.
Murtaza is also heavily involved with the broader cybersecurity community. He serves on the Advisory Board of Kennesaw State University’s Information Systems and Security department. He also is an investor and advisor to multiple cybersecurity startups and is on the advisory board for other cybersecurity organizations such as Cybersecurity Collaboration Forum and Evanta.

Patrick J. O’Guinn, Sr., is Maryland trial lawyer with the O’Guinn Law Firm specializing in high net worth divorces, estates and trusts and wrongful death accident litigation cases. A former UMGC Cybersecurity Program Director, he brings 28 years of higher education digital forensics cyber investigation expertise to the SC Awards process.

Sakthi is a seasoned Product and Cybersecurity Leader with 19+ years of combined experience in Security Product management, Product Incident Response, Cloud Security, Data Privacy, Risk Management, Audit and Compliance. He currently leads the Product Security Incident Response at Pure Storage. Prior to Pure Storage, Sakthi has held various security leadership roles at VMware, Juniper, IBM and Deloitte. He has helped fortune 100 companies improve their overall cybersecurity posture and create product differentiation and competitive advantage through security. Sakthi currently serves as President at the San Jose Institute of Internal Auditors. He also served as Board of Director at ISACA Silicon Valley chapter from 2018-2022. He has written various security articles and publications including speaking engagements on various security topics. He holds security and privacy certifications including CISSP, CISM, CISA, CIA and CDPSE.

Olivia Rose is an award-winning Cybersecurity leader and three-time global Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Olivia Rose is the founder of the Rose CISO Group (www.rosecisogroup.com), a boutique Security company delivering exceptional vCISO, Board Communications, and Strategic services to Fortune 1000 companies.

Before founding Rose CISO Group , Olivia was a 21-year Security industry veteran, including CISO roles with Mailchimp and Amplitude, and 17 years as a virtual CISO and strategic advisor for Fortune 1000 companies.

Olivia sits on the Board of Directors for Cyversity, an organization dedicated to the consistent representation of women and underrepresented minorities in the cybersecurity industry through programs designed to diversify, educate, and empower. At Cyversity, Olivia launched and now leads the Mentorship Program with over 500 participants.

Olivia holds numerous IT, Privacy, and Security certifications, and is an active participating member of several industry groups. Olivia is frequently requested at speaker events and podcasts, and is regarded as a thought leader in the industry.

Marcus (Marc) Sachs is the Senior Vice President and Chief Engineer at the Center for Internet Security. He is a retired US Army Officer and was a White House appointee in the George W. Bush administration. His private sector experience includes serving as the Deputy Director of SRI International’s Computer Science laboratory, as the Vice President for National Security Policy at Verizon Communications, as the Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, and as the Chief Security Officer of Pattern Computer. He most recently was the Deputy Director for Research at Auburn University’s McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security.

John Taylor has nearly 30 years of experience in technology, encompassing CIO, CTO and CISO positions across sectors including technology, energy, manufacturing, insurance, health care and government. He has extensive international experience working with top-five FTSE and top-20 ASX organizations. He is the field CTO for APAC at Mimecast, helping customers address the human risk element of cybersecurity.

Solomon is a visionary cybersecurity leader with over 15 years of experience forging secure enterprises across diverse information security domains including, penetration testing, cybersecurity  auditing, network and application security design and verification, architecting secure enterprises, securing payment systems. He is an expert in establishing enterprise information security management systems. He has led information security in a startup and at mature global organizations. He is currently a Director for Governance, Security and Compliance in global automation giant – Rockwell Automation, where he guides executives in managing cybersecurity risk and deploying information security as a business enabler.

Vandana Verma Sehgal is a security leader at Snyk and a global expert in application security, AI and LLM security, and supply chain risk. She has trained more than 90,000 learners and speaks widely at leading conferences. A former OWASP global chair, she contributes to the OWASP LLM and MCP Top 10 initiatives.

As Chief Information Security Officer, Jon Washburn leads the firm’s information governance and security program in alignment with established international standards and cyber security and risk management frameworks. Jon acts as the firm’s compliance officer, working directly with the Chief Operating Officer and Firm Counsel to ensure policies, controls, operational processes and training programs reduce IT risk and meet client and regulatory requirements.

A resource for the firm’s Privacy & Data Security practice, Jon draws on his more than 20 years of IT, information security and information governance experience to assist the team with performing risk assessments, responding to incidents, identifying information governance policy and process improvements, and evaluating information systems architecture and security controls to determine how well they might reduce the likelihood and impact of a data breach.

Since 1997, Jon has held a number of IT infrastructure, security and information management leadership roles, successfully deploying robust technology, business continuity and data governance solutions. Outside the office, Jon spends considerable time volunteering with the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) and the Legal Services Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (LS-ISAO), where he collaborates with other leaders to transform the cybersecurity capabilities and culture of the legal industry.

As a transformative, servant leader, Corey is a proven entrepreneur focused on innovating and creating new paradigms in the security industry and life. His leadership style is focused on an employee first approach because of the positive impact of happy employees to their customer relationships. Corey has chosen to take a people centric approach to life and to let all outcomes be driven by that philosophy.

Twenty-nine years of experience in the security industry has seasoned him to create the next exponential evolution. As Founder and Chief Experience Officer, Corey has created Cyvatar.ai to enable
vendor partners to deliver reliable, repeatable, and measurable business outcomes to clients through an outstanding customer experience. This also allows the partner to engineer out complexity, improve renewal/upsell/cross-sell opportunities, and increase their customer satisfaction and referrals.

Susan Whittemore is a leader and business founder with a career that spans over twenty years in technology risk and cybersecurity. Throughout her career, Susan has worked with large and small companies to establish and improve cybersecurity functions, develop risk management programs, and engage with business and technology teams to ensure strong disciplines and compliance readiness. She is well versed in privacy, industry standards and regulatory requirements such as ISO27001, NIST, HIPAA, HiTrust, GDPR, CCPA and PCI.

Susan has held leadership positions in technology risk and governance, security operations, vulnerability management, application security, business line Information Security Offices, vendor risk management, customer protection, business resiliency and consulted for enterprises and small businesses. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and music.

Gregory Wilson is the global CISO at Whirlpool. Prior to joining Whirlpool, he served as CISO at Putnam Investments and Pioneer Natural Resources and as head of information security at 1st Global. He led IT compliance and security at TPG Capital and Lehigh Hanson. Wilson holds CISSP, CISM, CGEIT, CDPSE, PSM and PMP certifications, as well as Series 7 and 24 licenses. He also serves as an adviser for Menlo Ventures and the CNBC Technology Executive Council.