2021 Speakers
Check back often for speaker additions.
Keynote and Featured Speakers:
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander who is focused on getting things done that will make a difference in people’s lives. She’s an attorney, an educator, former prosecutor, state representative, and state senator. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for all and governed through unprecedented, colliding crises.
As Gov. Whitmer has led Michigan through this extraordinary time, she’s remained focused on doing the right things: acting decisively, following science, and listening to experts. Her leadership helped get the once-in-a-century pandemic under control and laid the groundwork to rebuild Michigan’s economy back stronger than ever.
The governor ran on fixing the damn roads, cleaning up drinking water, and expanding opportunity for all. In two years, the Whitmer administration has created 11,000 new auto jobs, while working to diversify the economy; made the largest investment in K-12 schools in state history, without raising taxes; established the Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners programs to create a more dynamic, educated workforce; and is fixing crumbling roads and water infrastructure, while creating 7,500 jobs in the process.
She remains dedicated to investing in small businesses, the lifeblood of our communities, making sure they have the support they need to stay afloat and help rebuild our economy. The governor is also taking bold steps to improve schools, build a more skilled workforce, and create better jobs for Michiganders. She’s made historic investments in education and is offering free community college and job training to adults over the age of 25 and essential workers, making education accessible to those who can’t afford it.
Gov. Whitmer achieved this progress alongside the most diverse cabinet in state history and three dynamic elected leaders: Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
The Whitmer administration will continue working to ensure that every Michigander has a great public education and a path to a good-paying job; every community has clean, safe drinking water; and everyone can drive to work or drop their kids at school safely, without blowing a tire or cracking a windshield. She will keep fighting for Michiganders every day and tackling the big challenges Michigan faces with bold solutions and decisive leadership.
Gov. Whitmer earned a bachelor’s degree and law degree from Michigan State University. A lifelong Michigander, Gretchen Whitmer is honored to serve as Governor of Michigan.
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist has dedicated his career to solving problems. An engineer by training, he uses thoughtful innovation, progressive reform, and efficient modernization of policies and programs to make life better for hardworking families. From spearheading campaigns for equality and justice to harnessing technology to solve real problems, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist has consistently focused on serving the public and getting things done.
He brings a lifetime of experience to the task, receiving his first computer at age five and setting up a computer lab in a Detroit community recreation center using computers that he built himself at age 16. Lt. Governor Gilchrist studied computer engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan, graduating with honors, and later had a successful career as a software engineer at Microsoft, helping to build SharePoint into the fastest growing product in the company’s history.
Lt. Gov. Gilchrist spent the next several years of his career as a social entrepreneur and community organizer who helped people in communities across America realize their full economic and political potential. Upon returning home to Detroit, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist worked in local government to build systems that made the government more responsive, transparent, and accountable to city residents. This experience prepared him for a key priority: to bring Michigan’s state government fully into the 21st century on every level.
As part of the Whitmer administration, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist has sought to address injustice and inequity across our state at every level. From co-chairing the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration to helming the Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist’s leadership on these task forces has saved lives and protect our most vulnerable populations. Lt. Gov. Gilchrist’s approach to addressing these disparities is deeply rooted in fact-based practices, science, and connecting with individuals across Michigan.
Chris DeRusha
Federal CISO
The White House
In January 2021, Chris DeRusha was appointed as the Federal Chief Information Security Officer in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer (OFCIO). Before coming back to federal government, DeRusha served as the Chief Information Security Officer for the Biden for President campaign. Prior to joining the campaign in June 2020, he served as the Chief Security Officer for the State of Michigan. DeRusha has extensive experience managing cybersecurity and critical infrastructure programs and operations both in the public and private sectors. DeRusha led Ford Motor Company's Enterprise Vulnerability Management program and has over eight years of Federal Government experience working both at the Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He holds a Master’s in Security Studies from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from James Madison University.
Julia Dale
Director
Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Julia Dale was named director of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in October 2021. In this role, Dale sets the strategic direction for the agency and ensures the timely delivery of services and IT support to nearly 50,000 state employees and 10 million Michigan residents. With an annual budget of $1.6 billion, DTMB employs 3,000 staff in IT, procurement, cybersecurity, facilities administration, and other business services.
During her career in public service, Dale has successfully managed large and complex government operations. Throughout her career, she has placed specific emphasis on service delivery and employee growth.
Prior to being named director of DTMB, she served as an assistant attorney general and section head of the Business and Charities Section of the Office of the Attorney General. Dale has also worked in various high-level roles for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, including as director of the Corporations, Securities, and Commercial Licensing Bureau. She began her career with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
Dale holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and earned her juris doctorate from Wayne State University Law School. She and her husband, Rob, have two daughters together.
Laura Clark
Chief Security Officer & Deputy Director, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
As chief security officer for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget, Laura Clark brings a unique blend of strengths that include leadership, vision, and strategic and tactical planning, along with the ability to promote collaboration at all levels to support high-level, critical statewide projects to successful completion.
As chief security officer, Clark is responsible for Michigan Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Services and the deployment of their resources. Through her effective leadership, her team can ensure that critical processes are audited, reviewed, and designed for maximum effectiveness, and that structures for all cybersecurity and infrastructure protection are effectively delivered and operationalized throughout the enterprise.
Speakers:
Paul C. Ajegba, P.E.
Director
Michigan Department of Transportation
Paul C. Ajegba has more than 31 years of experience with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and after 28 years with the department, he was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as director on Jan. 1, 2019. He previously served MDOT for three months as Metro Region engineer and before that as University Region engineer. During his seven years in the University Region, Ajegba oversaw his team's involvement in the planning, design and building of several major projects, including the US-23 Flex Route, a project nominated for the America's Transportation Award, landing among the top 12 national finalists. Other notable projects include the I-94 improvements project in Ann Arbor/Jackson, the I-96/US-23 interchange, and the I-75 freeway project.
Ajegba holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Prairie View A&M University and a master’s degree in construction engineering from the University of Michigan. He is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Michigan.
Ajegba is a member of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) and serves on the following boards: The Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), ITS America, Mcity, the University of Michigan Civil and Environmental Engineering Friends Association (serves as board chair), the Engineering Society of Detroit, and the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
Tracey Barnes
Chief Information Officer
State of Indiana
Barnes was appointed by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb in March 2020. In this role, Tracy oversees the Indiana Office of Technology and provides strategic oversight of the State’s technology portfolio, as well as leadership on technology and cybersecurity policy.
Tracy brings significant business leadership and information technology experience to his role, having previously served as Chief of Staff for the Lieutenant Governor, Deputy Auditor and IT Director for the Indiana Auditor of State. Additionally, he was president and chief executive officer for ENTAP, Inc. which designed and delivered effective enterprise focused information technology solutions to organizations in various industries across the globe.
Tracy has been recognized as Inc. Magazine's 9th Fastest Growing Black Entrepreneur and has received accolades from Top 50 Indiana Companies to Watch, the TechPoint MIRA awards and the IBE Governor's Award for Achievement in Technology.
Tracy holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Butler University, a certificate from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and a M.S. in Cybersecurity Law from University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Jim Beechey
Executive Director Security
Consumers Energy
Jim Beechey is the Executive Director, Security at Consumers Energy where he leads all aspects of physical and cyber security for the Company. During his 20 year career, Jim has held various technical and leadership positions focusing on IT Infrastructure and Cyber Security. Jim has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Business Management from Northwood University and a Master’s of Science in Information Security Engineering from the SANS Technology Institute. Jim is a regular presenter at security conferences and has served in an advisor/board member for several organizations including Center for Internet Security’s Critical Security Controls. Jim lives in Chelsea with his wife Tammy and four children.
Lt. Col. John Brady
272d Cyber Operations Squadron
Michigan Air National Guard
U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel John Brady is the commander of the 272d Cyber Operations Squadron, Michigan Air National Guard where he leads a team of trained and experienced cyber operators in defense of the DOD Information Network as tasked by U.S. Cyber Command and Air Forces Cyber. He is a member of Michigan Cyber Partners, the Michigan CSO Kitchen Cabinet, and the Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps (MiC3) advisory board. Lt. Col. Brady was previously the Director of Operations and the Chief of Operations Training in the 272d Cyber Operations Squadron. He also held the position of Chief of Operations Training and Flight Commander in the 273d Cyber Operations Squadron, Texas Air National Guard. Prior to this he was a cyber-security compliance assessor and penetration tester in the 92d Information Warfare Aggressor Squadron. He has nearly 20 years of experience in conducting and leading cyber operations and almost 26 years of military service.
Andy Brush
Cyber Partners Program Lead
Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Andy Brush works on cyber security partnerships for the State of Michigan. In this new role, Andy is seeking to improve the cyber security posture of governments across the State by finding innovative ways of working together across all sectors.
Chris Burrows
Chief Information Security Officer
Rock Central Detroit
Chris Burrows is Chief Information Security Officer of Rock Central, a Detroit-based professional services company. In this role, Chris is responsible for leading the vision, strategy and programs that ensure the people, information, assets and technologies for Quicken Loans and the Rock Family of Companies are securely protected.
Chris joined the Rock Central family in 2020 with more than 30 years of experience in risk management, information security and IT operations across multiple business sectors including government, utilities, manufacturing, healthcare, financial and small business. He has built and implemented multiple enterprise risk-based information security programs.
Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in business, management information systems from Central Michigan University and his MBA from Lawrence Technological University. He also earned several professional certifications, including Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GISCP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), ITIL and Certified Project Manager.
In addition to keeping Rock Central’s clients’ information secure, Chris has served and continues to serve on many IT security volunteer organization boards, including Michigan InfraGrad, Michigan Cyber Civilians (MiC3), Cyber Patriots Advisor, Detroit Cloud Security Alliance and Walsh College’s Cybersecurity Advisors Board.
Chris is a lifelong Michigan native who currently resides in metro Detroit with his wife and two children.
Jayson Cavendish
Deputy Chief Security Officer
Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Jayson Cavendish has been involved at a professional level with Information Technology since 1989. Jayson has been an Application Developer/Software Engineer, Data Warehouse Business Intelligence Designer/Manager including Database Security Monitoring and Vulnerability Management, Information Assurance Architect, Threat Intelligence / Threat Hunter and Security Architect.
Most recently Jayson was involved with securing Enterprise Applications being built with Cloud Native technologies and DevSecOps practices. Jayson has also been involved with Mobile Device Management, Identity and Access management integrating Identity Providers with Service Providers to provide federated and centralized authentication and authorization systems.
Jayson was appointed to Deputy Chief Security Officer, Cybersecurity Infrastructure Protection, Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget in August 2021.
Jayson has three years of experience in state government and has steadily built his in-depth IT/security architecture knowledge while serving in various leadership positions his career including Information Security Management roles, Director of Technical Services, and Data Warehouse Manager/Architect roles. In addition, he has numerous certifications including CISSP, CISA, PMP and holds a Licensed Professional Investigator license in Michigan.
Rod Davenport
Chief Information Officer
Lansing Board of Water & Light
Rod Davenport joined the Lansing Board of Water & Light in 2018 as their Chief Information Officer after previously serving as the State of Michigan’s Chief Technology Officer. In his role current role, he oversees the corporate information technology strategy and operations for the state’s third largest electric and water utility. Mr. Davenport has more than 20 years of IT experience working in a variety of industries, including publishing, automotive, health care, government, and energy. Mr. Davenport holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Lawrence Technological University.
Ray Davidson, PhD
Office of the CSO
Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps
Ray Davidson, PhD served as dean at the SANS Technology Institute during its founding and accreditation. He now leads the Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps, which is currently the only completely civilian, state sponsored team of incident responders in the country. He continues to serve as a mentor, subject matter expert and technical reviewer for the SANS Institute, and for anyone else who will listen. He holds a doctorate in Chemical Engineering, and several infosec certifications. He started his career as a paperboy, graduated to phone operator, pharmaceutical research scientist, and he has led global security projects for a major pharma company. He has also been a college professor, and has cofounded a security startup. Mostly he is passionate about empowering others to do the right thing.
Eddie Doyle
Cyber Security Evangelist
Check Point Software Technologies
Eddie communicates with international leaders in cyber security, cyber forensics and cyber law enforcement, across the world & is an active delegate of the World Economic Forum’s Trusted Digital Agency committee. Taking best-practices for threat mitigation from the industry’s finest CISOs and from police and military cyber command, Eddie’s responsibilities include sharing cyber defense tactics with media, government agencies and enterprise corporations, via keynotes, panel discussions & as the editor of the blog CyberTalk.org.
Eddie’s unconventional background in education allows him to clearly explain technical topics to a diverse audience. With over 20 years of cyber security experience, Eddie holds a unique understanding of the security risks and challenges that organizations must overcome.
D/F/Lt. James Ellis
Cyber Command
Michigan State Police
Detective First Lieutenant Jim Ellis is the commander of the Michigan State Police (MSP) Cyber Section within the Intelligence and Operations Division. He leads a team of over 60 MSP cyber members in 7 offices throughout Michigan. He has oversight over the Michigan Cyber Command Center (MC3), Computer Crimes Unit (CCU), and the Michigan region of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) that consists of an additional 55 affiliate law enforcement agency members throughout Michigan. MSP Cyber specializes in high tech criminal investigations of all types, complex network intrusions, and forensic evidential data recovery in addition to cybersecurity prevention and awareness.
He is on the executive board of directors for the Michigan Healthcare Cybersecurity Council and the national Cybercrime Support Network. He works in collaboration with Michigan’s Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, the Michigan National Guard, and critical infrastructure in Michigan regarding cybersecurity.
Deb Fett
CIO
Ingham County Michigan
Deb Fett, who serves as CIO at Ingham County, has extensive information technology experience in private-sector, education, and government. With a background built on strategy, leadership, networking, programming, and cybersecurity, she shares her talents not only with Ingham County, but also on the boards of several IT organizations including Mi-GMIS where she serves as President, Capital Area IT Council where she serves as Chairperson. She is also a current member of the Data Dive Committee of the GMIS International organization and the former vice president of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) Lansing chapter.
Katrina Flory
State CIO/Assistant Director
Ohio Department of Administrative Service, Office of Information Technology
Ms. Flory has had a successful career in public service including Franklin County, the Ohio Department of Taxation and the Ohio Department of Administrative Services. She drives statewide efforts across organizations improving operational excellence and realizing transformational program outcomes. She was instrumental in building OIT from its roots and driving the technology agendas of four Governors and seven State CIOs.
She has led efforts to establish and communicate the strategic direction for OIT, oversee operations of critical enterprise shared services such as OAKS, the InnovateOhio Platform, Ohio Business Gateway and eLicense system, as well as act as a dynamic change agent for various technology initiatives.
Ms. Flory has a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Kelley Goldblatt
Cybersecurity Advisor
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Kelley Goldblatt is the Cybersecurity Advisor for Michigan with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). In this role, Ms. Goldblatt supports the mission of strengthening the cyber resilience and security of the nation’s critical infrastructure. Prior to joining CISA, Ms. Goldblatt worked for the State of Michigan as a member of the Michigan Cyber Command Center (MC3). Ms. Goldblatt has also worked for Washtenaw County. In both positions, Ms. Goldblatt focused on helping Michigan organizations and residents become more cyber secure. Ms. Goldblatt is originally from Michigan and is proud to call Michigan home.
Karl Heimer
Cybersecurity Consultant to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Karl Heimer is a cybersecurity consultant working with the State of Michigan (MEDC), and with the DOE, DHS, DOD, and various commercial entities. He is the founder of the CyberAuto Challenge, co-founder of the CyberTruck Challenge, and is working on similar events which shall begin in 2022 or as soon as COVID allows. He is also currently working with the Auto-ISAC on a DOT-NHTSA sponsored training initiative for professional cybersecurity training.
Karl’s previous roles include Sr. Research Director at Battelle Memorial Institute, Division Manager at Sparta, Sr. Program Manager at Lockheed Martin, and various roles in the US Army including OIC of the Army’s technical counterintelligence cyber-forensics laboratory and a commander. These roles focused on nationally important cybersecurity problems. He has also served as expert witness in transportation related cybersecurity cases.
When he isn’t working on cybersecurity for transportation and traditional IT systems, he is thinking about smart cities and how they will impact society and technology, reading history, playing violin, stage acting, and enjoying time with his family.
Poppy Hernandez
Chief Equity Inclusion Officer, Executive Officer of the Governor
State of Michigan
Poppy has a BA from UC Berkeley and an MA from Western Michigan University. For more than 20 years, Poppy’s work of strategic change management has been at the intersection of public health, education, community development and DEI. In 2019 she was appointed by Governor Whitmer as the Regional Director of Community Affairs serving the west side of the state. In 2020 she moved into her current role as the first ever Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer in the Executive Office of the Governor.
D/Lt. Jeff Hoffman
Michigan State Police Cyber Section
Detective Sergeant (D/Sgt.) Jeff Hoffman is an enlisted member of the Michigan State Police. D/Sgt. Jeff Hoffman joined the State Police in July 1999. He served at the Lakeview Post and Sixth District Fugitive Team. In 2011, D/Sgt. Hoffman was assigned to the Computer Crimes Unit – Grand Rapids. In 2017, he transferred to the Michigan Cyber Command Center (MC3). The MC3 is responsible for cyber security coordination, criminal investigations, and outreach to better secure networks within our state. D/Sgt. Hoffman was promoted in 2018 and is currently the team lead for the MC3.
Leah Hurley
Managing Director, Government & Public Services Cyber Risk Services
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Ms. Hurley, an Advisory Managing Director at Deloitte & Touche LLP, currently provides Cyber Security expertise to the United States Census Bureau as a Cyber leader in the Government and Public Services (GPS) practice. She is a seasoned Cyber security expert with over 20 years of experience within the Cyber and Information Assurance (IA) domains. She specializes in helping clients understand the cyber threat landscape and how to implement Threat Intelligence, Threat Analysis, Threat Hunting, Penetration Testing, and correlating technologies into programs. Her experience also includes strategy development and implementation for emerging and new markets; identifying, developing business cases, and executing internal investment activity; as well as growing and operating businesses located outside of the Continental United States. Ms. Hurley is passionate about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) and serves as the DE&I Champion for the Civil DE&I team and contributes to firm and GPS DE&I initiatives.
Shamia Jenkins
Senior Manager|Deloitte Consulting Human Capital Practice
Deloitte Consulting LLP
Ms. Jenkins is a Senior Manager in Deloitte’s Government & Public Services Human Capital practice. She has expertise in organizational change management, crisis communication, and project management. She is focused on helping Federal agencies prepare the cyber workforce of the future – enabling CIOs and CISOs to think bigger and bolder about ways to recruit, develop, and retain the right talent to address evolving threats. Ms. Jenkins has supported senior executive clients at the federal level across the US Census Bureau, United States Postal Service (USPS), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Education includes an MA in Public Communication from American University and a BA in Communication from University of Maryland, College Park.
Nate Johnson
Director of Engineering
Check Point Software Technologies
Since passing his CCNA at age 17, Nate Johnson has been fascinated with technology and its impact on organizations. With over 20 years’ experience, Nate has worked with organizations of all sizes and verticals, to help make informed decisions on their technology roadmaps as well as showing how cybersecurity can be a business enabler for them. Nate's passion for security drives his desire to educate the community in an effort to make technology safer for all.
Daniel Jones
Manager, Deloitte Cyber & Strategic Risk Government & Public Services | Zero Trust SME
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Daniel Jones is a manager in Deloitte’s Cyber & Strategic Risk practice focused on Government & Public Services. Daniel is a strategic focused Security Engineering SME who specializes in high-level system architecture and integrated technical design, enabling client success through policy compliance and improved efficiency. He has deep experience in ICAM tools and Architecture development, Risk Management Framework (RMF), and Security Engineering. Trusted advisor to Executive level clients, Daniel has worked across federal agencies, state government, and commercial enterprises across key cyber disciplines. Daniel has been focused on Zero Trust Security and Workload Protection as the industry has seen dramatic growth in this space.
Daryl Knopf
Senior Solutions Architect
GitLab
Daryl is a Senior Solutions Architect at GitLab and has been working with Security Software for over 25 years in multiple roles. Before joining GitLab in 2019, Daryl worked as a technical strategic leader with government and commercial customers both nationally and internationally. Daryl lives in northern VA with his wife and two daughters.
Michael Kosonog
Partner, Cyber Risk Services
Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Mike is a Partner in Deloitte & Touche LLP based in Detroit, MI. He is the lead partner for our Risk & Financial Advisory practice for the State of Michigan. Mike also serves as the Energy, Resources, & Industrials Cyber Offering Portfolio leader for Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory.
In the prior six years, Mike has served several roles in Deloitte as Cyber Operations/Finance leader, Application Security Solution Leader, and an Alliance leader in Cyber Risk Services. Mike has more than 26 years of cyber risk services experience. He specializes in cybersecurity and digital transformation with a focus on packaged and cloud application security services. He has worked with clients on large-scale technology and business transformations, cyber assessments, privacy, compliance, governance, and security and control strategy and implementation initiatives.
Bridget Kravchenko
Chief Information Security Officer
Meritor
Bridget Kravchenko is the Senior Director, Chief Information Security Officer for Meritor responsible for information security, IT risk and compliance globally for Meritor, Inc. She has responsibility for developing a strategic security plan, security metrics, security programs, risk management and incident response. Bridget has served in a CISO or equivalent role for the last 9 years across multiple industries including manufacturing, health care and government. She has served on the MI InfraGard Board for the past 6 years and she is always looking for opportunities to support the cybersecurity community. She is a CyberPatriot coach for the Bloomfield Hills, Michigan High School. She is a living Kidney Donor and celebrates 16 years for her Dad's new kidney. She is a proud Mother of an Eagle Scout with hopefully with a second one coming soon.
Douglas LaGore
US – Midwest Security Lead, Managing Director
Accenture Security
Doug is responsible for all of Accenture’s security work in the Midwest where he leads and drives clients' digital identity and cyber program initiatives in an effort to provide enhanced security services that are agile and ready, yet easy to understand and consume. Programs typically address identity governance, technology platform delivery, designing supporting target operating models, and positioning clients so they can realize expedited and real program value.
Mark McIntyre
Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft’s Security Solutions Area
Microsoft
Mark McIntyre is a Chief Security Advisor in Microsoft’s Security Solutions Area. Mark supports US and allied governments’ information assurance and cybersecurity efforts by helping CISO and mission teams modernize their security, compliance and identity strategies and investments. Focusing on areas like Zero Trust, cloud-first identity and SOC operations, Mark helps CISOs understand Microsoft’s perspectives on the evolving cyber threat landscape and how Microsoft defends its enterprise, employees, and users around the world. Mark is based in Bellevue, WA.
Mark previously ran the Government Security Program, Microsoft’s global trust and transparency initiative for information assurance and national security bodies. Mark also the Security Cooperation Program, Microsoft’s cyber threat-information sharing program for global CERTs; and the Child Exploitation Tracking System (CETS) initiative, through which Microsoft partnered with international law enforcement to combat the online sexual exploitation of children.
Mark joined Microsoft in June 2007, after 11 years in the US government working on counterterrorism, information operations and regional security issues. Mark has an MA from the University of Washington, a BA from the University of Wisconsin, and a certificate in Korean language from Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. He also holds CISSP and CCSP designations from ICS2.
U.S. Representative Peter Meijer
Peter is a proud fourth generation West Michigander, born and raised in Grand Rapids. Peter's grandfather, Fred Meijer, instilled in Peter a love for West Michigan and inspired him to pursue a path of purpose and service.
After graduating high school, Peter enlisted in the Army reserves and deployed to Iraq as a non-commissioned officer, postponing his studies to serve with an intelligence unit at joint US-Iraqi bases in the Baghdad area.
After returning from Iraq in 2011 and finishing his studies at Columbia University, Peter joined Team Rubicon, a veteran-based disaster response organization. With Team Rubicon, Peter led humanitarian efforts in South Sudan dealing with a refugee crisis. He also led operations in New York after Superstorm Sandy, Oklahoma after a series of devastating tornadoes, and in the Philippines after Super Typhoon Yolanda.
While in the Philippines, Peter accepted a job with a conflict analysis NGO in Afghanistan.
Peter ran the NGO’s advisory operations in southern Afghanistan from Kandahar City, managing a large team to help aid workers safely provide relief to the Afghan people. Peter last served as acting Deputy Director for Afghanistan, delivering emergency assistance to aid workers after kidnappings and targeted killings.
After leaving Afghanistan, Peter pursued his MBA at New York University then returned to Michigan to work in urban redevelopment and real estate. A passion for service, and for West Michigan, compelled Peter to continue to serve his community by running for Congress.
With the support of his family and wife Gabriella, Peter Meijer was sworn in as the Congressman for Michigan's 3rd Congressional District on January 3rd, 2021.
Richard Melick
Director, Product Strategy for Endpoint Security
Zimperium
Richard Melick has spent over a decade advancing through the security industry with his considerable experience and considerable focus on the stories surrounding ransomware, hacking, and cyber attacks. He has been a security speaker on five continents and has even advised royalty on how to make and distribute ransomware. He is currently the Director of Product Strategy for Zimperium, focusing on mobile endpoint risks, threats, and attacks.
Ty’Kyra Napoleon
Equity and Inclusion Officer
Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Ti’Kyra Napoleon is the Equity and Inclusion Officer at the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB). In this role, she is responsible for leading the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) advisory council and committee, and developing and administering the diversity and inclusion programs for the department in alignment with the organization’s mission, strategic direction, values, and goals. Her passion for DEI is in promoting awareness and accountability around DEI and belonging through identity development, driving employee engagement, and DEI in hiring, retention, and promotion practices. Prior to her work at DTMB she received her Master of Science in Human Resources and Organizational Development from Eastern Michigan University and led efforts in higher education/student affairs and financial services.
Brad Pagratis
Information Management Division Director
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy
Brad Pagratis is the Information Management Division Director for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. He is responsible for overseeing the department’s FOIA processes, information technology initiatives, GIS efforts, and EGLE’s public and employee websites.
A recent new-comer to the Department in 2019, Brad has experience in all 3 Quality of Life agencies, starting his career in the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and most recently working in the Executive Division of Department of Natural Resources. Throughout all his positions there has been a common thread of connecting programs with technology and supporting improved processes.
With nearly 25 years of state government experience, Brad has extensive experience with system development, process improvement, customer service, and developing and leading successful teams. He has also built strong relationships with Department of Technology, Management, and Budget employees while leading the customer-facing divisions of the Client Service Center and Field Services.
Brad graduated from Hope College with majors in Mathematics and Philosophy. He resides in Dansville with his wife and two children. Brad enjoys coaching and playing soccer, and spending time enjoying Michigan’s great natural resources through hunting, fishing, and camping.
Helen Patton
Advisory CISO
Cisco
With more years working in the Security, Risk, Privacy and Resiliency professions than she cares to say, Helen Patton advocates using information risk, security and privacy to enable the mission of organizations and to support society at large. Helen is an Advisory CISO at Duo Security (now CISCO), where she shares security strategies with the security community. Previously she was the CISO at The Ohio State University where she was awarded the ISE North American Academic/Public Sector Executive of the Year, and an Executive Director at JPMorganChase. Helen actively encourages collaboration across and within industries, to enable better information security and privacy practices. She believes in improving diversity and inclusion in the workforce, and mentors people interested in pursuing careers in security, privacy and risk management. Helen has a Master’s degree in Public Policy and has earned Certified Information Systems Auditor and Certified In Risk and Systems Control certifications from ISACA. She serves on the State of Ohio Cybersecurity Advisory Board and is a founding board member of the National Technology Security Coalition.
Suzanne Pauley
eMichigan Director
State of Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Suzanne Pauley serves as the director of eMichigan, the state office responsible for the vision, development, and design of Michigan’s digital imprint. eMichigan brings citizen-centric government to the Michigan’s residents and businesses, providing GIS, mobile, and web technology resources while ensuring a secure portal to connect residents with government online services. In her role, she oversees the team that has earned Michigan placement among the nation’s top 10 state websites every year since 2015. In 2017 and 2018, StateScoop editors chose Suzanne as one of the "Top 50 Women in Technology.”
Pauley began her tenure as a student assistant with the state of Michigan in 2000. Over the course of her career, she worked as an application developer and project and program manager before being named eMichigan director in 2014.
U.S. Senator Gary Peters
Senator Gary Peters has been honored to represent the State of Michigan in the U.S. Senate since 2015. He has focused on uniting our communities by fighting for the things we all agree on — a stronger economy, good-paying jobs, affordable health care, a secure retirement and an opportunity for everyone to succeed. In the 117th Congress, Gary is the Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which oversees the Department of Homeland Security and is the Senate’s top oversight committee. He also serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
In the U.S. Senate, Gary is recognized as one of the most effective and bipartisan Senators, according to the non-partisan Center for Effective Lawmaking (University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University) and the Lugar Center (Georgetown University). During the last Congress (2019-2020), Gary was recognized as the #1 most effective Senator in the U.S. Senate, despite serving as a member of the minority party – an achievement that hadn’t been accomplished since the non-partisan Center for Effective Lawmaking began collecting data over 50 years ago. The Center for Effective Lawmaking cited a key to Gary’s success was his effectiveness in coalition-building. In those two years, Gary was the principal sponsor and author of more standalone bills signed into law than any Democratic or Republican member serving in either the Senate or House. Some of his bills signed into law include: increasing protections for the Great Lakes and securing historic funding for restoration efforts, increasing our nation’s security at our borders, addressing rising water levels and shoreline erosion in Great Lakes communities, expanding apprenticeships for veterans, improving the VA Caregivers Program and saving taxpayer dollars.
Gary was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, where he served on the Financial Services Committee. While in his first term and one of the most junior members of the House, the Speaker appointed Gary to serve on the conference committee that wrote and finalized the sweeping Dodd-Frank Wall Street and Consumer Protection Act.
Gary began his public service as a Rochester Hills City Councilman in 1991. In 1994, Gary was elected to the Michigan State Senate and served two terms. During his eight years of service, he authored and passed more bills signed into law than any other member of his party.
Gary volunteered for the U.S. Navy Reserve at age 34, where he earned a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist designation and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After the September 11th terrorist attacks on our country, he volunteered again for drilling status and served overseas as part of his Reserve duty.
Gary worked in the private sector for over 20 years as both a financial advisor and in a variety of management positions with two major financial service firms. He was an assistant vice president at Merrill Lynch before working at UBS/PaineWebber as a vice president.
His combination of business and policy experience prompted then-Governor Granholm to appoint Gary to run the Michigan Lottery. As State Lottery Commissioner, he managed a multi-billion dollar business and consistently raised record amounts of money for the state School Aid Fund.
Gary is a product of Michigan schools. After graduating from Rochester High School, he attended Alma College, where he earned a B.A. in Political Science. While working a full-time job, he went on to earn an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Detroit Mercy, an M.A. in political science from Wayne State University, an M.A. in Philosophy from Michigan State University with a focus on the ethics of development and a law degree (J.D.) from Wayne State University Law School. He also earned a diploma from the College of Naval Command and Staff, U.S. Naval War College.
Gary was born in Pontiac, Michigan. His father, a World War II veteran, worked as a public school teacher and NEA union member for more than 30 years. His mother – who survived Nazi occupation of France and met Gary’s father while he served in Europe during the war – worked as a nurse’s aide at a local nursing home. She helped organize her workplace and became an SEIU union steward. Growing up, Gary learned the importance of hard work and fairness from his parents. He started his own small business delivering newspapers at age 11. In junior high, he bused tables at a Big Boy restaurant, and in high school and college, he worked at a local retailer and on a grounds crew. Gary is an Eagle Scout and in 2019, he was humbled to receive the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America.
Gary and his wife, Colleen, live in Oakland County and have three children: Gary Jr., Madeleine and Alana.
Dan Rainey
Chief Information Officer
City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department
Dan Rainey serves as Chief Information Officer for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department. Dan started with DWSD in March 2013 and today has more than 25 years of experience leading and transforming IT organizations. As DWSD's CIO Dan is part of the executive leadership team that is changing the way Detroit's local water utility operates; becoming more customer focused, leaner and more efficient as it transitions into a digital organization. Recent utility improvements under Dan's leadership include partnering with the Detroit Fire Department on a paperless fire hydrant management system, installing 40 new payment kiosks and implementing a new mobile and Alexa compatible customer portal.
Anthony Rodgers
Director of Technology Transformation Services, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Self-proclaimed bureaucracy hacker, and vocal proponent of digital services, technology transformation, and Agile practices in government IT.
With over 25 years in enterprise information technology, more than 20 of in public service, I continue to provide strategic leadership in all areas of information technology to peers and executives alike. As a strong advocate for human-centered design, cross-functional agility, and a product mindset in enterprise IT service delivery, integrating IT industry best practices into government program delivery, to provide human-centered services to residents in a secure and cost-effective way.
Working for Dell and Microsoft in Europe, and a Cisco VAR, Microsoft Solution Partner, and a municipal government in Canada. The last 7 years of public service has been with the State of Michigan Department of Technology Management and Budget, as the Director of Technology Transformation Services.
U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin
Representative Elissa Slotkin is honored to serve the residents of Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, a district that includes Ingham, Livingston, and North Oakland Counties.
Rep. Slotkin has spent her career in national service. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which took place during her first week of graduate school in New York City, Rep. Slotkin knew that national service would define her career. She was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to be a Middle East analyst and went on to devote her career to protecting the United States from national security threats. In her role at the CIA, Rep. Slotkin worked alongside the U.S. military during three tours in Iraq as a militia expert. In between her tours in Iraq, Rep. Slotkin held various defense and intelligence positions under President Bush and President Obama, including roles at the White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. In 2011, Rep. Slotkin took a senior position at the Pentagon and, until January 2017, she served as Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. In this role, Rep. Slotkin oversaw policy on Russia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at the Pentagon and participated in negotiations on some of the country’s most pressing national security issues.
It is this same mission-focus that Rep. Slotkin brings to issues affecting citizens of Michigan’s 8th congressional district. For Rep. Slotkin, this means ensuring that everyone has access to healthcare they can afford, lowering the price of prescription drugs, protecting access to clean water and Michigan’s Great Lakes, and returning decency and integrity to politics. Rep. Slotkin’s background in national security contributes to the urgency and passion she brings to increasing government integrity and accountability and passing campaign finance reform. To learn more about Rep. Slotkin’s legislative priorities, click here.
A third-generation Michigander, Rep. Slotkin spent her early life on her family farm in Holly, Michigan. The generations of Slotkins before her worked in the family business, Hygrade Foods, which was headquartered in Detroit and produced iconic foods loved by Michiganders, like the Ballpark Frank first sold at Detroit’s Tiger Stadium. The values that made the family business successful instilled in Rep. Slotkin an enduring commitment to integrity, decency, and hard work that guided her to a career of service. The Slotkin family business is well represented in Rep. Slotkin’s office, with hot dog figurines and artwork proudly displayed. Rep. Slotkin attended Cornell University (BA) and Columbia University in the City of New York (MA).
Rep. Slotkin’s home is her family farm in Holly. Rep. Slotkin’s husband, Dave, is a retired Army colonel who served for 30 years as an Apache helicopter pilot. Her two stepdaughters have pursued their own lives of service, one as a physician and the other as an Army officer.
Kern Smith
Vice President, Americas Pre-Sales Organization
Zimperium
As a distinguished mobile security expert and technical sales leader, Kern has been selling and deploying mobile security solutions into large enterprise and government accounts for ten years. Kern is passionate about building, training, and leading high-performing technical sales teams to support and drive company growth, and to drive value for customers.
Amanda Stoel
Department Specialist
Michigan Department of Education
Amanda Stoel is a Department Specialist at the Michigan Department of Education. She works with educational leaders across the state to explore the effective use of technology to support learning and learners. It is her vision to bring awareness of, remove barriers to, and enhance the security and use of technology through authentic collaboration.
Amanda administered Michigan’s largest state funded technology grant, titled the Technology Readiness Infrastructure Grant, and continues to support the sustainability and growth of the initiative beyond grant funding. She also administered the state’s first educational cybersecurity grant program 99k and lead the federal ESSER, ESSER-Education Equity, and GEER grant review process. Amanda currently administers Michigan’s 99h: Robotics Grant, Digital Literacy Assessment Grant, and the Girls Exploring Together-Information Technology (GET-IT) Clubs grant. She is a staff member for the MiSTEM Network, serving as lead to the Strategic Partnership Committee. She also serves as the lead of the MDE-MiStrategyBank initiative. She has been a member of the National Governors Association – SecureMI initiative, now titled the Michigan Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Framework. Her role with all of these programs is to be a coalition builder that ensures system integration for high-quality, secure learning opportunities for all Michigan Citizens.
Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Community Development from Central Michigan University and was an Education Policy Fellow at Michigan State University in 2018-19. She is currently enrolled in the Advanced Education Policy Leadership Program through Michigan State University.
Srini Subramanian
Principal, Government & Public Services Risk & Financial Advisory Leader
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Srini is a Deloitte & Touche LLP principal in the US Government and Public Services (GPS) practice and leads the Risk & Financial Advisory practice for the State, Local, and Higher Education Sector. Srini serves as the GPS Industry Leader for the Global Risk Advisory practice.
Srini has more than 33 years of technology experience and more than 23 years of cyber risk services experience in the areas of technology and cyber strategy, innovation, digital identity, and cyber detect & respond services.
As a cyber principal practicing in GPS, Srini is committed to improving cyber risk management of our government and society. Srini is a co-author of the biennial Deloitte - NASCIO Cybersecurity Study publication with the National Association of State CIOs (NASCIO) since 2010. The recent 2020 Deloitte-NASCIO Cybersecurity Study and States At Risk publication can be found at: The cybersecurity imperative in uncertain times.
Eric Swanson
Director, Center for Shared Solutions
Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Eric Swanson is a seasoned executive with a unique blend of skills in leadership, strategic planning, and collaboration. Eric began his career as a student intern where he has steadily built the Center for Shared Solutions, the organization he now directs. One of the first of its kind, the Center for Shared Solutions (CSS) provides cost-effective, state-of-the-art, shared solutions to all State of Michigan Agencies and external partnership programs.
Throughout his career, Eric has been instrumental in building trust within traditionally disparate groups leading projects to successful implementation. Within Michigan and nationally, Eric is known for his innovative leadership in facilitating collaboration among local, state and multi-state to develop cross-boundary solutions. In 2010, Eric was recognized by Government Technology Magazine as a Top 25 Doers, Dreamers, & Drivers for his collaborative vision and entrepreneurial approach.
Eric continues to play a critical role in establishing an enterprise-level service where innovative technologies are coordinated, developed, governed, and delivered as part of a business model. This citizen centric approach cross-cuts traditional organizational and technological boundaries - improving efficiency, promoting transparency, and providing value to Michiganders.