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Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II
State of Michigan
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist has dedicated his career to solving problems. An engineer by training, he uses thoughtful and fact-based practices to solve real problems and make government work better for Michigan families.
As part of the Whitmer Administration, Lt. Governor Gilchrist has focused on helping Michiganders in communities across our state realize their full economic and political potential. From co-chairing the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, to helming the Michigan COVID-19 Task Force on Racial Disparities, to leading efforts to connect over 23,000 unserved locations in Michigan to affordable high-speed internet, Lt. Governor Gilchrist is committed to building a more just, equitable, prosperous, and connected Michigan where everyone can thrive.
Lt. Governor Gilchrist and his wife, Ellen, reside in Detroit where they are raising their twins, Emily and Garlin III, and daughter, Ruby.
Chris DeRusha
Federal Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Management & Budget and Deputy National Cyber Director, Office of the National Cyber Director
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.
Laura Clark
Chief Information Officer
State of Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Laura Clark serves as the chief information officer (CIO) for the State of Michigan, directing the state’s technology and security efforts. As deputy director for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), she also oversees operations for the department, which provides information technology, business, and administrative services to state employees and stakeholders, as well as Michigan residents, visitors, and businesses.
During her 20-year career in public service, Clark has embraced a hands-on, adaptable approach to leadership. Since being appointed as CIO by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, she has helped the State of Michigan achieve success through many initiatives, such as the launch of the award-winning Michigan Secure mobile app and successfully securing $20 million in critical cybersecurity funding from the Michigan Legislature for statewide security enhancements.
In her day-to-day work, Clark values the contributions of every person on DTMB’s 5,000 member team and has the unique ability to connect her sense of purpose and service with the overall work and mission of directing the State of Michigan’s technology and security efforts. She leads by example, seeking out opportunities that will allow those around her to succeed. Throughout these efforts, Clark’s compassion, patience, experience, and skills as are helping DTMB and the entire state forge a successful path into the digital future.
Caleb Buhs
Chief Deputy Director
Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Caleb Buhs serves as the chief deputy director for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), a position he was appointed to in 2023. In his role, Buhs directs the business and administrative operations for the agency of 2,800 employees, who provide information technology, business, and administrative services to Michigan residents, businesses, state agencies, state employees, and retirees.
Driven by a passion for public service, Buhs has spent nearly two decades working to improve government services for the benefit of all Michiganders. As a member of DTMB’s leadership team, he helps foster a culture of engaged employees to ensure the delivery of outstanding customer service, areas in which DTMB has consistently exceeded national benchmarks.
Buhs began his public service career with the State of Michigan in 2004 and has served as the public information officer and economic development advisor for the Department of Insurance and Financial Service, deputy press secretary for the governor, and communications specialist for the Department of Treasury. Prior to being named chief deputy director, he served more than eight years as the communications director for DTMB.
Buhs holds a bachelor’s degree in integrative public relations from Central Michigan University. He maintains an active presence in his community, serving as a school board member for Charlotte Public Schools, including two terms as president, and having coached numerous youth sports teams.
You can follow Buhs on LinkedIn at @CalebBuhs.
Jayson Cavendish
Chief Security Officer
State of Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Jayson Cavendish is the Chief Security Officer for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget's (DTMB) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection.
Cavendish brings a unique blend of strengths to the role, including leadership, vision, and strategic planning, along with the ability to promote collaboration at all levels to support critical, high-level statewide projects to successful completion. As part of DTMB's leadership team, Cavendish has helped to formulate and implement policies, strategic plans, directives, and organizational structure. He also leads several cybersecurity and infrastructure protection committees, as well as programs at the local and state levels.
In his five years with the State of Michigan, Cavendish has steadily grown his IT and security architecture knowledge while serving in various leadership positions in his career including information security management roles, director of technical services, and data warehouse manager architect. In addition, he has numerous certifications including CISSP, CISA, PMP, and is a Licensed Professional Investigator in Michigan.
Cavendish is a graduate of Northwood University and Campbell University and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management and an associate degree in accounting.
Gabe Albert
Managing Director - Digital Identity Practice
Accenture
Gabe Albert is a Managing Director at Accenture's Identity and Access Management practice. With over 15 years of experience, he has assisted numerous large enterprise clients across industries in improving user experience and security posture. Gabe's expertise and leadership have led to the successful implementation of transformative IAM projects, benefiting organizations across the globe. Some recent examples include member identity for multiple large healthcare payers, policy holder and agent identity for a large insurance company, and customer identity for a large global media company. Gabe's recent thought leadership pieces focus on Passwordless, CIAM, IAM in Financial Services, and IAM in Zero Trust.
Jason Berland
Practice Director Identity and Access Management
Trace3
Jason is a leader in IAM with 22 years of professional experience including program management, technology engineering, and business process integration. Trace3 responsibilities include supporting new and existing client relationships, advancing the practice’s IAM service line offering and building out the go-to-market strategy.
Jason previously served as Managing Director of IAM at Morgan Franklin Consulting. In addition, he was the Practice Director for Fishtech Group, a data-driven cybersecurity solutions provider, where he focused on delivery and leadership of technology services, program and project management, strategic solutions and development, and business support in the Identity and Access Management Security space.
Jason also was the Senior Manager of Identity and Access Management for United Airlines where he managed strategy, resource allocation, work stream, program budget, and program deliverables for the airline’s IAM program. While at United, he played a key role in merging and integrating two major carriers’ HR technology, and he led the consolidation strategy of user identities of both organizations into one single source of truth. Jason was also the Senior Manager of Identity and Access and SAP Security at Grainger Inc. While at Grainger, Jason developed a strategy, roadmap, and an execution plan for the environments legacy outdated IAM platforms into a modern and streamlined IAM technology stack (SSOT).
Lt. Col. John Brady
Commander, 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 Networks 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 over 20 years of experience in conducting and leading cyber operations and 28 years of military service.
Rod Davenport
Chief Information Officer
Oakland County
Rod Davenport is a technology leader and innovator who has worked in both the private and public sectors. He is currently the Chief Information Officer of Oakland County, serving nearly 1.3 million people in 62 cities, villages, and townships across 907 square miles. Prior to joining Oakland County, he was CIO for the Lansing Board of Water & Light, a municipal utility in Michigan. He joined the utility in 2018, after serving as the Chief Technology Officer for the state of Michigan for nearly seven years. As the CTO of Michigan, Davenport was responsible for developing and implementing all technology strategies for the state, including infrastructure, operations, enterprise architecture, and cybersecurity. He was also recognized as one of the Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers of 2018 by Government Technology magazine for his achievements in modernizing the state's IT infrastructure and fostering a culture of innovation and learning among his staff.
Eric Dull
Managing Director and AI Fellow
Deloitte
Eric Dull is a Managing Director and AI Fellow in Deloitte’s Government and Public Services practice. He leads research, development, prototyping and delivery for US government clients in areas including AI/ML, analytics, large-scale data science, computer network analysis, applied graph analysis, and behavior-based anomaly detection. He also leads analytics-based product development for Deloitte. He has 20 years of experience using software and data analysis principles and techniques to research, develop, and demonstrate solutions to mission-driven problems. He holds a B.A. in Computer Science from Carleton College and a M.S. in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University.
D/F/Lt. James Ellis
Cyber Commander
Michigan State Police – Michigan Cyber Command Center
D/F/Lieutenant Jim Ellis is the commander of the Michigan State Police (MSP) Cyber Section within the Intelligence Operations Division. He leads a team of over 100 MSP and affiliate law enforcement members, two cyber K9 dogs, located in seven offices throughout Michigan. He established and has oversight of the Michigan Cyber Command Center (MC3), leads the Computer Crimes Unit (CCU), and the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC).
He is on the executive board of directors for the Michigan Healthcare Cybersecurity Council (MiHCC), the national Cybercrime Support Network (CSN), and participates with other national, state, and local groups. He works in collaboration with the State of Michigan; Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, the Michigan National Guard, and critical infrastructure to promote and advance Michigan’s cybersecurity.
D/F/Lieutenant Ellis earned a Bachelor of Science degree and is a 29-year member of the MSP. He maintains multiple cybersecurity industry certifications including being a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Deb Fett
CIO
Ingham County
Deb Fett, who serves as CIO at Ingham County, has extensive information technology experience in government, private-sector, and education. With a background built on strategy, leadership, networking, web, programming, and cybersecurity, she shares her talents not only with Ingham County, but also on the board of Mi-GMIS where she serves as Vice President and Past President. She is also Vice Chair of the Ingham County Broadband Committee, a member of the Innovation Committee of the GMIS International organization, and a member of the State of Michigan Cybersecurity Planning Committee. In the past, she was the former Chair of the Capital Area IT Council as well as the former Vice President of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) Lansing chapter.
Katrina Flory
State Chief Information Officer/Assistant Director
Ohio Department of Administrative Services
Katrina Flory is an accomplished IT professional with extensive experience in State government. As the state chief information officer (CIO) and assistant director of DAS, she oversees the DAS Office of Information Technology and sets the IT direction for the State of Ohio.
State CIO Flory is an original architect and leader of two transformational Ohio IT Initiatives, the now completed IT Optimization effort and the ongoing IT Innovation initiative. IT Optimization provided the standardization necessary to drive economies of scale through infrastructure consolidation (server, storage, mainframe, and network). The next step, IT innovation, streamlines and modernizes State IT through a focus on digital experience, cyber security, enterprise shared services, and collaboration.
In her role as State CIO, Flory is committed to delivering IT services and solutions that will support state agencies, boards and commissions in their efforts to provide vital services to Ohioans. The use of state technology assets to increase the well-being of Ohioans and their health, property, security, livelihood, and prosperity is essential.
Prior to becoming State CIO, Katrina Flory served in the deputy state CIO role for approximately 10 years. She led efforts to establish DAS OIT strategic direction and oversaw enterprise shared service operations such as the Ohio Administrative Knowledge System (OAKS), InnovateOhio Platform, Ohio Business Gateway (OBG), and the eLicense system.
Since joining DAS in 2000, she has been directly involved in driving the technology agendas of four Governors and seven State CIOs. Before her service at DAS, Flory was with the Ohio Department of Taxation and Franklin County.
State CIO Flory has a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Ashley Gelisse, CISSP, GIAC
Director of the Office of the CISO for Information Assurance
Michigan Medicine
Ashley Gelisse is the Director of the Office of the CISO for Information Assurance at Michigan Medicine. Information Assurance protects the systems, data, and identities that Michigan Medicine relies upon to enable excellence in its tripartite mission. In her role, Ashley is oversees the budgetary, strategic planning, project delivery, education and awareness, and business analysis functions of the department. She also partners on affiliate relationships to ensure alignment of Information Assurance functions across groups.
Prior to joining Michigan Medicine, Ashley was the Chief of Staff for the State of Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, which provides comprehensive information technology, communications, facility management, finance, procurement, fleet, and retirement services to more than 20 state agencies. Ashley also served as the Michigan Department of Treasury’s liaison to Detroit during the city’s bankruptcy, and worked as a policy analyst in the Michigan legislature for several years, focusing on economic development and state appropriations.
Kelley Goldblatt
Supervisory Cybersecurity Advisor for Michigan and Ohio
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Kelley Goldblatt is the Supervisory Cybersecurity Advisor for Michigan and Ohio 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.
Jack Harris
Chief Technology Officer
State of Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Jack Harris is the Chief Technology Officer for the state of Michigan. Harris previously served as the state's director of enterprise architecture and network strategies. Harris has been active in many areas of Information Technology for the State of Michigan since 1976. Over the years he has gained experience in business software design, database design and management, operating system management, transaction processing system design and management, network design and management, telecommunications management, and Enterprise Architecture development.
Shane Harsch
Senior Solutions Engineer
SentinelOne
Shane is an Information Security professional with over 25 years of experience ranging from military to manufacturing to security consulting and professional services. He has managed and architected SOCs for the military and managed service providers and is a commissioned officer in the US Army, Military Intelligence.
Shane holds degrees in business (MBA), computational linguistics (BA), and maintains the following certifications: Intrusion Analyst (GCIA), Incident Handling (GCIH), Enterprise Defense (GCED), and Information Security (CISSP).
In addition to his responsibilities as a Senior Solution Engineer at SentinelOne, Shane fosters new professionals to information security as a SANS Instructor and an Adjunct Instructor for the University of Michigan.
Bobby Hodges
Network Architect
Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency
Bobby Hodges serves as the Network Architect at Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency (Wayne RESA). In this role, he is responsible for securing IT infrastructure and data systems used by public schools and academies in Wayne County. Bobby has 22 years of experience supporting public education and local government in Michigan.
Bobby is an active member of the METL Cybersecurity Task Force and Michigan Cyber Partners, where he works closely with state and local leaders to drive the implementation of enhanced information security controls in schools. These efforts have led to the creation of resources such as the MISecure Quick Self-Audit and the Essential Cybersecurity Practices for K12 used by organizations across the state to improve and promote cybersecurity best practices. Bobby actively participates in work groups, committees, and regularly presents at K12-focused technology conferences in Michigan.
Lt. Col. Chris Kelenske
Commander of the Field Support Bureau and Deputy Director
Michigan State Police
Lt. Colonel Chris Kelenske is the commander of the Field Support Bureau and Deputy Director in the Michigan State Police. He is responsible for strategic leadership for the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, Intelligence Operations Division which includes the State of Michigan Fusion Center, Forensic Science Division, Biometrics and Identification Division, Information Technology Division, Criminal Justice Information Center, Office of Highway Safety Planning, Grants and Community Services Division, and 911 Administration Section.
Lt. Colonel Kelenske has held the position of Michigan’s Deputy Homeland Security Advisor since 2013 and served as the chair of the National Governor’s Association - Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council (GHSAC), National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) FEMA Region V Vice President, chair of the NEMA Homeland Security Committee, and tri-chair of the National Homeland Security Consortium. He currently is the chair of Michigan’s School Safety Commission, Governor appointee to the School Safety and Mental Health Commission, and executive board member of the GHSAC.
He has led the State of Michigan through numerous presidential and governor declared disasters/emergencies and has led the response to several large-scale special events, mobilizations, and incidents. He joined the MSP in 1995, has a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University, master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, graduated from the 235th session of the FBI National Academy, completed the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University Leadership in Homeland Security Program, as well as the U.S. Army War College Commandant’s National Security Program.
Major General Paul D. Rogers
The Adjutant General of Michigan
Michigan National Guard
U.S. Army Major General Paul D. Rogers is the Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard and serves as the Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. He commands and directs more than 150 units that comprise the Michigan National Guard (approximately 10,500 Soldiers and Airmen) and oversees the employment of more than 700 State and 300 Federal employees that make up the department’s branch operations which include Michigan Veteran Homes, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, State Operations and the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy.
MG Rogers received his commission through the Reserved Officer Training Corps as a graduate from Michigan Technological University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to being selected as Adjutant General for the Michigan National Guard, MG Rogers’ other notable assignments include Commander, 507th Engineer Battalion; Regimental Commander, 177th Regional Training Institute; and Deputy Commanding General, 46th Military Police Command. Operational assignments include Operation Iraqi Freedom, as Commander, 507th Engineer Battalion.
MG Rogers also served as Deputy Commander, US Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), Detroit Arsenal, Michigan and was responsible for the oversight of TACOM's industrial base to include its arsenals and depots. Dr. Rogers was responsible for implementing a comprehensive and cohesive strategy providing acquisition, logistics and sustainment support for over 3,000 Soldiers and ground weapons systems which directly influenced worldwide Army/Joint Defense operations and foreign allies through procurement, production, fielding and disposal of combat services and combat service support items. Leading a multi-disciplined enterprise that operated at ten major U.S. Army installations, 70 worldwide locations and industrial base operations at three depots and two arsenals, Dr. Rogers was directly accountable for an annual budget of over $4.7B and an additional $2B in foreign military sales. Dr. Rogers supervised a workforce of over 18,800 combined military and civilian employees and directly supervised personnel at the SES level.
His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf cluster and Army Achievement Medal.
Hector Roman
Chief Information Officer & Director Information Technology
Wayne County
Hector Roman is the Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Technology for Wayne County, MI. He was appointed in 2022 by Wayne County Executive, Warren C. Evans. He has spent nearly 20 years with Wayne County in various roles, with the most recent prior to his appointment being Director of Enterprise Computing and Infrastructure.
He is a strong leader with an extensive technical background and is looking forward to implementing strategic IT initiatives such as increasing digital services, application modernization and implementing automation to enhance productivity and efficiencies.
Hector is a graduate of Wayne State University with a bachelor’s in Computer Science.
Eric Swanson
Deputy Director
Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Deputy Director for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), Eric Swanson, is a seasoned executive with a unique blend of skills in leadership, strategic planning, collaboration, entrepreneurial spirit. Swanson began his career at the State of Michigan 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, DTMB’s Center for Shared Solution was launched in 2008 to provide cost-effective, state-of-the-art, shared solutions to all State of Michigan agencies and external partnership programs.
Throughout his career, Swanson has repeatedly undertaken sensitive and controversial challenges. He has been instrumental in building trust within traditionally disparate groups leading projects to successful implementations. These initiatives include multiple redistricting cycles, Next Generation 9-1-1 GIS Project, and the Statewide Aerial Imagery Program.
Swanson continues to play a critical role in establishing an enterprise-level service at the State of Michigan, where innovative technologies are coordinated, developed, governed, and delivered as part of the business model. This citizen centric approach crosscuts traditional organizational and technological boundaries - improving efficiency, promoting transparency, and providing value to Michigan’s residents.
Sarah Tennant
Senior Sector Development Director & Cyber Advisor
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Sarah Tennant is the Senior Sector Development Director & Cyber Initiatives at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Serving as the State's program expert and advisor to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Sarah collaborates with other government agencies, academia and industry on raising awareness and promoting the growth of the cyber ecosystem within the State of Michigan. Sarah’s focus is on cultivating cybersecurity talent through statewide education, with an emphasis on the emerging embedded systems security space while promoting a collaborative statewide approach to cybersecurity. Sarah also heads up the MEDC’ s broadband efforts with a focus on access, affordability and adoption, and a commitment to enabling equitable economic opportunities for all Michiganders.
Previous to joining the MEDC Sarah was the DOD OEA Grant coordinator for the Macomb/St. Clair Workforce Development Board where she oversaw a $6.7 million dollar Southeast Michigan Defense Industry Adjustment grant, supporting 15 projects intended to identify and diversify Michigan’s defense portfolio, expand educational and workforce training for emerging markets including the cyber range hub expansion in Michigan, and provide opportunities for Michigan companies engaged in the defense economy.
Additionally, Sarah also serves on several non-profit boards and advisory committees and currently serves as an Advisor to the Board of Directors for the Women in Defense Michigan Chapter.
A Michigan transplant, Sarah is a proud graduate of the University of Windsor holding a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Luke Thelen
IT Specialist
State of Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Tagged as an inquisitive kid, he first got involved in technology by changing the clock on the VCR and downloading “Doom” on his newly established 14.4 Kbps internet connection with his best friend. As a result, he found a passion in using his skills to make things better. His recent endeavor is spearheading the Michigan Cyber Civilians (MIC3), a group of elite, highly qualified, Cyber Security volunteers. He has over 25 years in technology and solid experience in Cyber Security prevention and detection. Luke thrives on learning and challenges. Never a dull moment!
Art Thompson
CIO
City of Detroit
Art Thompson is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the City of Detroit, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT). Prior to this appointment, Art served as the Director of Public Safety and Cyber Security for DoIT. Art is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Supply Chain Management. He has over fifteen (15) years of technical experience with the public safety environment and managing both union and non-union employees across multiple areas.
Art’s strong technical skills include radio management, Cyber Security, mobile technology, and desktop installation, as well as software and hardware maintenance. His responsibilities included, but were not limited to, managing Desktop Support, Mobility Support, Network Administration and Cyber Security Teams all of which he confidently championed. Art began his career with DoIT as the Manager for Mobility Support. His accomplishments as Manager further revealed his advanced technical skills and managerial abilities, which lead to his promotion to Director. After serving nearly three (3) years as Director, he further excelled in management and in handling budgetary issues. Art’s vision, dedication, motivation, and commitment to the City of Detroit, ultimately lead to his appointed as CIO.
Starting his career in the emergency response sector, Art quickly learned how to operate in the rapidly changing and demanding medical field. Quickly rising through the ranks to grow and develop in the private industry. Frequently traveling and working with various partners across the Midwest to help grow companies thru technical advancements.
CIO Thompson is a result-driven, motivated and efficient technology professional. He is an effective communicator and presenter recommending solutions for top-level management. He is a resourceful big-picture thinker who confidently accomplishes business objectives through outstanding technical direction. Art is a proactive and committed individual recognized for his multi-tasking ability and getting the job done!
Meredith Ward
Deputy Executive Director
National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO)
Meredith Ward is the Deputy Executive Director for the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) and has served at the association since 2013. Meredith has 20 years of experience in state, local, federal and international professional associations. Prior to her current position, Meredith worked in government and media affairs in Washington, DC, and acquired over 10 years of experience building relationships with Members of Congress, their staff and members of the media. Meredith has worked extensively on issues related to cybersecurity, IT acquisition, criminal justice, workforce and state technology. Meredith holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, with an emphasis on Government, from Centre College.
Breakout Session Speakers
Todd Austin
CEO
Agita Labs, Inc.
Todd Austin is the S. Jack Hu Collegiate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. His research interests include computer architecture, robust and secure system design, hardware and software verification, and performance analysis tools and techniques. Prior to joining academia, Todd was a Senior Computer Architect in Intel's Microcomputer Research Labs, a product-oriented research laboratory in Hillsboro, Oregon. Todd is co-author (with Andrew Tanenbaum of Vrije Universiteit) of the undergraduate computer architecture textbook, "Structured Computer Architecture, 6th Ed." In addition to his work in academia, Todd is founder of SimpleScalar LLC, and co-founder of Agita Labs Inc. and InTempo Design LLC. In 2002, Todd was a Sloan Research Fellow, and in 2007 he received the ACM Maurice Wilkes Award for "innovative contributions in Computer Architecture including the SimpleScalar Toolkit and the DIVA and Razor architectures." Todd is an IEEE Fellow, and he received his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin in 1996.
Phil Bertolini
SVP, Government Technology
e.Republic
Phil Bertolini is Senior Vice President of e.Republic. Previously, he served as deputy county executive and CIO for Oakland County, Michigan.
During his 31-year tenure, Phil built a world-class IT organization in the second-largest county in Michigan, just north of Detroit. As Oakland County CIO, he oversaw more than 150 employees serving over 1.2 million residents. In 2005, he was also promoted to deputy county executive, holding dual positions until his retirement.
Phil’s efforts earned the county national attention, winning numerous awards for technology innovation and excellence. He was named one of Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year and Government Technology Magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers. He was also honored by the President Obama White House as a Champion of Change for 2012.
William J. Byrne
Deputy Federal Security Director
State of Michigan Transportation Security Administration
Bill is the Deputy Federal Security Director for the State of Michigan. He was selected for this position in January 2022 and reports to the Federal Security Director. Bill provides leadership and support to all aspects of TSA operations, compliance, mission support stakeholder engagement and community outreach. In this capacity Bill also oversees the security of 17 individual airports which includes APN, AZO, CIU, CMX, DTW, ESC, FNT, GRR, IMT, IWD, LAN, MBL, MBS, MKG, PLN, SAW and TVC.
From 2014 to 2021 Bill was the Assistant Federal Security Director Screening at William P Hobby Airport in Houston and the spoke of Beaumont, Texas.
Bill was the Chief of Staffing and Scheduling at TSA headquarters from 2009-2014 where he was responsible for the allocation of a $3 billion staffing budget with a workforce of 52,000 employees at more than 450 airports nationwide. Byrne is also a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt in quality and process improvement.
He is a 2021 graduate of the DHS, Senior Executive Service program. For his SES certification Bill worked at FEMA and DHS headquarters in the Office Strategic Integration and Policy Planning and led the DHS Strategic Plan development.
Byrne holds a Bachelor of Science degree from State University of New York, post graduate studies at the University of Michigan. Bill is married with three children and five grandchildren who live in Michigan. He also has several family members who reside in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Trent Carpenter
Chief Information Security Officer
Sparrow Health System
Trent has more than 25 years of experience in Information Security and is currently the CISO for Sparrow Health System. Prior to that he was the CISO for the State of Michigan and oversaw the State’s Cyber Security Operations Center (SOC). Trent is currently a Michigan InfraGard Board member and co-facilitates it’s Sector Chief program. He is also InfraGard's Michigan Healthcare Sector Chief, helping to facilitate partnerships and information sharing between the FBI and Michigan’s Healthcare industry. In addition, Trent participates on numerous cybersecurity focused workgroups and committees to help improve Michigan's information security posture.
Doug Copley
Chief Information Security Officer
AtlantiCare Health System
Doug Copley is a security and privacy veteran with 30+ years’ cross-industry experience in information security, data privacy, IT, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Doug is currently the CISO at AtlantiCare Health System and has specialized experience building and managing security, IT and privacy programs with specific expertise in the healthcare industry. Doug has led many organizations and advised many other organizations and internal teams in these areas, from extremely small companies to large enterprise organizations. As Founder and past Chairman of the Michigan Healthcare Cybersecurity Council, Doug is passionate about cybersecurity preparedness and cross-company collaboration. Doug now spends most of his time advising and guiding IT and Security teams, and helping organizations mature their existing IT, Security and Data Privacy programs.
Joseph Daw, CISSP, CCSP, CIPM
Principal Security Architect
IBM
Joe Daw (CISSP, CCSP, CIPM) is a Principal Security Architect for IBM North America and the Public Sector.
Mr. Daw has 20+ years of experience in Firm Information Security leadership (CISO), which included Jones Day, a top global law firm, and Farmers Insurance (Security Manager).
He is Principal Security Architect, Author and National Public Speaker on Security Strategy, Practical Zero Trust and how to be ‘the Complete Security Professional’ (@ISC2 Congress, OH Info-Sec-Summit, Digital Government Summits – FL, MO, TX, MI).
Mr. Daw is a CISSP, CCSP and CIPM, as well as a founder and active board member for the local Cleveland, OH ISC2 chapter program. He serves on the Cyber Security Advisor Council for University Hospitals and Cyber Security Advisory Council for the Public sector of state CIO/CISOs and other National Committees.
Brian S. Dennis
Principal Technologist for the Public Sector
Akamai Technologies
Brian S. Dennis is the Principal Technologist for the Public Sector at Akamai Technologies, where he provides insight and strategic guidance on cybersecurity issues that the entirety of the public sector is facing. Prior to joining Akamai, he worked with university systems building the nation’s first Cybersecurity Center for Business. While in the education world, he created cybersecurity programs for the US Department of Defense and the US Department of Labor and created an accessible cyber-defense range for students and businesses.
John Evans
Chief Technology Officer, State & Local Government & Education
World Wide Technology
John Evans serves as a Chief Technology Advisor (CTA) for State & Local Government & Education (SLED) at World Wide Technology (WWT).
In this role, Evans engages with clients on strategy, innovation, and transformation to develop and deliver solutions that are tailor-made for government. He is highly consultative and knowledgeable and focuses on tangible operational and business outcomes at enterprise scale.
Prior to joining WWT, Evans served as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Deputy Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the State of Maryland, where he helped lead statewide technology and security initiatives. Evans brings 20 years of technology expertise with extensive experience in security, cloud, and mission critical applications.
Prior to his role within the State of Maryland, Evans worked in various executive-level positions and is an Adjunct Professor – Graduate School, Cybersecurity for University of Maryland.
Fadi Fadhil
US SLED Field Strategist
Palo Alto Networks
Fadi is a seasoned IT executive with a 20+ year track record of digital transformation, business strategy, and partnership building in K12 education. Fadi served as the CIO of the CIO of Minneapolis Public Schools as well as the City of Minneapolis, and Director of St. Paul School IT Services. He also served as the Lead Technology Architect and Liaison between the US Army and the new Iraqi government in Baghdad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II 2003-2005. Fadi offers a unique combination of strategic vision and wealth of knowledge and experience in cybersecurity, and IT operations. Today, Fadi is Field Technology Officer for Palo Alto Networks empowering organizations and governments to effectively protect our digital way of life.
Gus Fernandez
Advanced Security Solutions Architect
Barracuda Networks
Gus Fernandez currently works as an Advanced Security Solution Architect for Barracuda Networks. He has over 20 years of networking experience and has spent the majority of his career highly focused on the engineering side of the house. He has been at Barracuda for 7 years and currently helps assist all network security enterprise sales across the Americas.
Jon Ford
Sr. Practice Leader, SLED Solutions
Google Public Sector
Mr. Ford is a 25-year veteran in cybersecurity, incident response, and intelligence led cyber operations in both government and commercial sectors. Prior to joining Mandiant, Mr. Ford served in executive leadership roles for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Mr. Ford served as the responsible executive to the U.S. Cryptologic Centers for strategic and tactical oversight of global cyber operations and key asset protection. In these roles. Mr. Ford developed the framework used by the U.S. Government to manage risk of cyber threats supporting government and critical infrastructure capabilities receiving recognition by the White House National Security Council and the United States Congress.
Currently, Mr. Ford serves as the Senior Executive to Mandiant’s multi-lateral partnerships and Pinnacle
clients. Mr. Ford leads operations, strategy and solutions for our global partners, and globally leads Mandiant’s Insider Threat risk offerings. Mr. Ford coaches boards and executives on how to measure and manage enterprise risk, regularly speaks at industry conferences. Mr. Ford is a member of the Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace and the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise. Mr. Ford is the founder of Mandiant's Elevate program to advance women in IT security into senior leadership and Board positions.
Mr. Ford serves as an adjunct professor teaching advanced curricula on cybersecurity and risk frameworks at St. Mary’s University. Mr. Ford is a graduate of Harvard, John F. Kennedy School on Cybersecurity Policy; a graduate of Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Business in Strategic Change Leadership; and a graduate of Carnegie Melon University’s series on Insider Threats.
George Goble
George Goble is the former Vice President Information Security for McLaren Health Care. Mr. Goble has more than 35 years of experience in information technology infrastructure and more than 26 years of experience in information security. He has worked on numerous successful projects in the areas of healthcare, retail, manufacturing and financial services. Mr. Goble is responsible for the creation of the new information security services organization for McLaren Health Care.
Prior, Mr. Goble was the Director of Enterprise Information Security for Trinity Health where he also started their Information Security program. Mr. Goble has served as the senior global security architect at the Dow Chemical Corporation, responsible for the leadership, design and administration of the information technology security architecture. From 2000—2001, Mr. Goble worked at the Kmart Corporations, responsible for the leadership and administration of information technology security and architecture.
Mr. Goble worked as a security consultant with IBM information technology consulting and implementation services division. There, he specialized in the evaluation and design of security systems, enterprise systems management and networks within the client/server technology area. Prior, Mr. Goble worked at EDS supporting the GM account.
Mr. Goble is a co-patent holder for an Internet firewall. He holds an MBA from Michigan State University and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He also holds his CISSP certification.
Joni Harvey
Michigan State 911 Administrator
Michigan State Police
Joni Harvey is the State 911 Administrator for Michigan and oversees the State 911 Office (SNO). The SNO serves as the main point of contact for and provides resources to all PSAPs and other local, state, tribal, and federal agencies for all things 911 in Michigan. Responsibilities of the SNO also include areas such as state training certification for telecommunicators, 911 surcharge collection and remittance, legislative requirements and reports, and monitoring compliance with 911 laws and standards. Additionally, the SNO provides administrative support to the Michigan State 911 Committee and its subcommittees. Joni represents 911 on numerous workgroups and committees at various levels of government and champions fostering/facilitating 911 collaborative efforts in many ways.
Over the last 21 years Joni has fully committed herself to the overall success of public safety operations. She is an active member of many organizations and works diligently to continue moving 911 forward. She is a strong advocate of mentoring and providing opportunities for growth and learning. Joni is open-minded, a forward thinker, and believes in building positive relationships with industry partners of all kinds to enhance the overall success of 911.
David Holcomb
Director of Information Technology
County of Hillsdale
David Holcomb is the Director of Information Technology for the County of Hillsdale and has been in the County for 25 years. He is responsible for computer systems and computer security for 16 departments of the county including Central Dispatch. He and his staff of two also take care of the VoIP phone system and three websites. During his time at the County he has taken Hillsdale County’s internal network from 20 PCs and one server to more than 700 devices. He was involved in creating the inter-departmental GIS committee; a leadership role in the Hillsdale County Community Center – a county wide collaboration of cities, villages, townships and non-profit organizations for the creation and maintenance of a community web site; as well as serving on the Michigan Digital Government Summit advisory board for 21 years.
Prior to his current employment, he worked in accounting for 20 years, and was the City of Hillsdale’s first finance director 30 years ago. David attended Adrian College, and the University of Michigan; formerly served as member of the Jonesville Village Council; and is an officer in Michigan chapter of Government Management Information Sciences (Mi-GMIS).
Ann-Marie Horcher, Ph.D.
Cybersecurity Program Lead
Northwood University
Ann-Marie Horcher has a PhD from Nova Southeastern University in Information Systems Security. Prior to her PhD, she worked as an information architect for a large chemical company. She served on committees of industry professionals that wrote some of the early certification exams. Currently she is the program lead for cybersecurity studies at Northwood University. She did research on media literacy and cybersecurity during her Fulbright fellowship in Warsaw, Poland in 2022. Her most recent research is in using Virtual Personal Assistants (VPAs) like Google Home and Alexa secure, private and usable to all segments of users, and in designing usable mobile cybersecurity.
Fritz Jean-Louis
Principal Security Advisor
Info-Tech Research Group
Fritz is a Principal Cybersecurity Advisor with over 20 years’ experience in security, risk management, and privacy program management.
Throughout his operational tenure, Fritz worked primarily in regulated industries including financial, telecommunication, and oil and gas.
Prior to joining Info-Tech, Fritz was the Chief Information Security Officer for Globe and Mail, and previous experience included responsibility as a security officer for Toronto Dominion Bank, Blackberry, The ATCO Group, and Info-Tech Research Group.
Fritz has gathered a wide range of tactical cybersecurity experience, leading enterprise-wide initiatives around information security strategy, security policy, governance, compliance, and risk management.
Fritz has been a certified instructor with the Canadian Red Cross for over ten years, and he is a frequent guest lecturer on security and privacy, including delivering a recent workshop as a guest lecturer on data security at the University of Guelph and at the Toronto Chapter of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).
Fritz holds numerous industry certifications including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), Certified Data Privacy Solution Engineer (CDPSE), and Certified Disaster Management Instructor with the Canadian Red Cross. He is an active member of the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC²), the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), and the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).
Chris Jensen
Public Sector Business Development Executive
Tenable
Preston Chris Jensen is the Public Sector Business Development Executive at Tenable, where he develops and supports strategic cybersecurity initiatives and programs in federal, state, and local markets. Prior to joining Tenable in 2017, Chris served in a broad range of leadership roles in Public Sector IT contracting, including business operations, contract and program management, business development and capture. Chris began his professional career as an officer in the U.S. Navy. After leaving active service, he continued to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve until his retirement in 2008. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Chris also holds a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School.
Preston Jennings
EVP, Information Security & Chief Information Officer
Trinity Health
Preston Jennings is the EVP, Information Security and Chief Information Security Officer for Trinity Health, a $16.3 B healthcare provider with 120,000 employees, operating in 22 states. Preston joined Trinity Health in 2016 from PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he was the CISO of the US firm for 8 years, building their Information Security Program – including ownership of their Information Security Policy, Incident Response, and build out/implementation of their first Security Operations Center. Preston is a member of the Michigan Healthcare Cybersecurity Council (MiHCC).
Torey Johns
D/Sgt.
Michigan State Police
D/Sgt. Torey Johns is an enlisted member of the Michigan State Police. D/Sgt. Johns joined the Michigan State Police in 2014. D/Sgt Johns has spent the last seven years in the MSP Cyber Section. He currently works as a detective sergeant with the MSP Michigan Cyber Command Center (MC3) where he conducts cybercrime investigations, cryptocurrency investigations, and responds to cyber incidents. Prior to this position, he worked as a detective trooper specialist with the MSP Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, where he investigated a variety of technology facilitated crimes, including online crimes against children. His other primary duties consist of conducting digital forensics, gathering and analyzing open-source intelligence, identifying and researching emerging cyber trends and threats, and providing training and outreach to various law enforcement professionals as well as members of the public.
Jack Kufahl
Vice President
Michigan Healthcare Cybersecurity Council
Jack Kufahl is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and maintaining the Michigan Medicine information Assurance program. He directs all information assurance activity across the academic medical center to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic information and IT/Information Service (IS) resources critical to the tripartite mission of patient care, research, and education at Michigan Medicine.
Additionally, he is one of the incorporating officers of the Michigan Healthcare Cybersecurity Council and current vice-president. The MiHCC is a public-private partnership in the State of Michigan and the healthcare industry supporting the citizens, patients, workforce, and students of Michigan. MiHCC seeks to protect the critical healthcare infrastructure and institutions of Michigan by providing relevant knowledge, meaningful relationships, and information security services to the partnering individuals, agencies, organizations, and vendors.
Larry Marshall
Assistant Federal Security Director-Inspections
State of Michigan Transportation Security Administration
Larry C. Marshall serves as Assistant Federal Security Director for Inspections (AFSDI) for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Compliance—State of Michigan, and has held that position since March 2003.
Larry is currently detailed to TSA Security Operations (SO)-Compliance Operations (HQ) overseeing the SO-Compliance Cybersecurity Inspection Team (SCIT).
Larry graduated from Michigan State University in 1991 with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. From 1991-1996, he served as a Civil Aviation Security Inspector (CASI) with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Security Division in Detroit. In 1996, he graduated FLETC as a Federal Air Marshal, and served until 1997, then becoming a Supervisory CASI. In 2001, he was promoted to Manager of the Detroit FAA Civil Aviation Security Field Office, responsible for aviation regulatory oversight in the State of Michigan. In 2002 he assisted in the TSA federalization of BWI, DTW and Toledo, OH (TOL) airports. He currently serves on the TSA Compliance Advisory Board (CAB), and is a recipient of the TSA Leadership Award. He also completed the Duke University, Fuqua School of Business, Leadership Program, in 2010.
Michelle McClish
Senior Security Consultant – Michigan Cyber Partners
State of Michigan
Michelle McClish currently works with the Michigan Cyber Partners External Engagements as a Senior Security Consultant. The Cyber Partners work together to improve the cyber security posture of K-12 Education and governments across the State of Michigan using best practices and innovative ways to work across sectors. In this role, Michelle is responsible for the State Local Cybersecurity Grant Program and working with the Michigan Cybersecurity Planning Committee to help state, local, tribal, and territorial governments improve their cybersecurity postures and provide SLCGP grant funding opportunities.
Michelle previously worked as Director of Information Technologies for Jackson County Michigan and has extensive information technology experience in public-sector, private-sector, Healthcare, and government.
Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in Applied Organizational Technology and a Master of Business Administration in Executive Management from The University of Toledo.
Sean McKeever
Senior Security Researcher
GRIMM
Sean McKeever Is a Senior Security Researcher at GRIMM, previously he worked as a Cybersecurity Architect at global automotive OEM where he secured advanced transportation mobility platforms and served as the company’s Bug Bounty Program Manager. Outside of Sean’s employment, he co-founded the Detroit chapter of the Automotive Security Research Group (ASRG), developed the RoboCar Platform, and contributes to CTFs at DEFCON, GRRCon, Converge and BSides Detroit.
Joe Polasek
State E-rate Coordinator
Michigan Department of Education
Joe Polasek, a ten-year state employee, has worked as the State E-rate Coordinator at the Michigan Department of Education for the past seven years. Joe works with educational leaders, technology directors, and community groups around the state to improve access to broadband internet service for all residents of the state of Michigan, but especially for Michigan students. Joe supports E-rate applicants around our state by providing applicants with information and guidance to successfully navigate the E-rate program.
Joe, a Central Michigan University graduate, is a member of the Schools, Healthcare, and Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB), the State Educational Technology Director’s Association (SETDA), and is the current Treasurer of the State E-Rate Coordinators’ Alliance (SECA).
Aaron Rose
Security Architect, Office of the CTO
Check Point Software Technologies
Aaron Rose is a Cyber Security Evangelist, Security Architect, and a member of the Office of the CTO at Check Point Software Technologies. As a subject matter expert in Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and Application security, Aaron has dedicated his career to securing organizations and their resources beyond the traditional network firewall. Passionate about making cybersecurity education accessible to all, Aaron actively engages as a guest lecturer, mentors students, and assists in the development of cybersecurity courses.
An avid international traveler, Aaron spent three months in Tel Aviv, Israel, training with Check Point's research and development teams at the company's global headquarters.
Curtis Simpson
Chief Information Security Officer
Armis
As Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Armis, Curtis guides and advances the Armis enterprise vision, ensures the protection of the company’s information assets, and serves as a vital resource to his counterparts at Armis customers and throughout the technology sector.
Curtis brings more than 15 years of diversified information technology experience, with direct information security and management experience in positions of increasing responsibility at Sysco, a Fortune 50 corporation. As vice president and global CISO at Sysco, Curtis directed a portfolio of cost effective, business-focused security programs responsible for reducing security risks faced by a global organization. Curtis is an award winner of the Cyber Influencer Top 10 list by Enterprise Security Tech.
Reginald L. Stephens II
Federal Security Director
State of Michigan Transportation Security Administration
Mr. Reginald “Reggie” L. Stephens was selected as the Federal Security Director (FSD) for the State of Michigan on April 25th, 2023. In this role, Mr. Stephens is responsible for airport checkpoint baggage and canine screening, as well as air cargo, screening operations across 17 federalized airports throughout the State of Michigan which includes the Hub, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and accounts for over 1,250 TSA personnel.
Prior to his selection as FSD, Mr. Stephens served as the Assistant Federal Security Director for Screening Operations (AFSD-S) for DTW for 5 years. As the AFSD-S, Mr. Stephens served as the principal advisor to the FSD on all aviation security screening measures and was responsible for the consolidation of TSA screening operations for the State of Michigan in 2022.
Since joining TSA in 2002, Mr. Stephens has held various positions ranging from Transportation Security Officer, Transportation Security Manager, Deputy AFSD-S, and Program Analyst. Mr. Stephens served as a Program Analyst for Operations & Metrics assisting the TSA Regional Director from 2016 to 2018 with providing strategic oversight to checkpoint & checked baggage screening operations, managing security capabilities, and technology deployment throughout the Midwest. As a Transportation Security Manager, he played an integral role in several projects including coordinating the opening of TSA Operations at the DTW Evans Terminal in 2008, and the implementation of risk based security programs such as TSA PreCheck at multiple airports across the country.
Mr. Stephens currently serves on TSA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Change Agents Council and TSA’s Field Advisory Council. Mr. Stephens’ TSA career has included service as the Acting Federal Security Director for Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in 2021.
Mr. Stephens earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Union College (KY) in Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Sociology.
Teri Takai
Senior Vice President
e.Republic | Center for Digital Government
Teri Takai is the Senior Vice President of the Center for Digital Government, a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. She worked for Ford Motor Company for 30 years in global application development and information technology strategic planning. From Ford, she moved to EDS in support of General Motors.
A long-time interest in public service led her to the government sector, first as CIO of the State of Michigan, then as CIO of the State of California, and subsequently the CIO of the U.S. Department of Defense, the first woman appointed to this role. She then served as the CIO for Meridian Health Plan. She is a member of several industry advisory boards.
Teri has won numerous awards including Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year, CIO Magazine’s CIO Hall of Fame, Government Technology Magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers, the Women in Defense Excellence in Leadership Award, and the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
Maria Thompson
Executive Government Advisor, Cybersecurity
Amazon Web Services
As an Executive Government Advisor, Maria specializes in helping customers establish a security first baseline within their environments. Maria works with security and technology leadership for customers, identifying trends, best practices, and assisting them in developing holistic security strategies. Maria also works with Amazon Web Services (AWS) security partners and supports state and local government (SLG) policy and regulatory. Prior to joining AWS in 2021, Maria was the State Chief Risk and Security Officer for the State of North Carolina. Maria also worked in federal and joint military organizations in various security roles including Senior Security Architect and Security Operations Center lead. Maria retired after 20 years of service from the United States Marine Corps, as the Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Chief.
Carissa VanderMey
Senior Liaison Officer to CISA and Cybersecurity Coordinator for Security Operations
Transportation Security Administration
As Carissa VanderMey was selected as the TSA Senior Executive Liaison Officer to DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Cybersecurity Coordinator for TSA’s Security Operations (SO), in March 2022. As the Agency’s principal liaison to the CISA Ms. VanderMey serves as primary point of contact to support and guide CISA on behalf of TSA; responsible for coordination across all pillars within TSA and provides advice to TSA and CISA leadership on a broad range of transportation cybersecurity issues. Ms. VanderMey provides leadership and guidance during SO’s pivot towards cybersecurity and the development and implementation of U.S. transportation cyber security programs. In addition, she works across the policy, planning, and strategy communities to identify solutions to improve the industry’s response to cybersecurity attacks. As a TSA’s advocate, she ensures TSA equities between partners in driving operations and mitigating cybersecurity risks to realize their common mission.
Most recently, Ms. VanderMey served as the Senior Advisor within the Office of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). She provided scientific, technical, and engineering expertise for S&T, advice to the DHS Secretary, DHS components, first responders, and members of the Homeland Security Enterprise. Ms. VanderMey worked across the Homeland Security Enterprise to identify operational gaps, identify policy solutions, and deliver operational results to improve the security and resilience of the nation. Ms. VanderMey led the establishment of the Department’s Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS); working across the Department to develop and ensure a risk-based approach implementing Secretarial Approved C-UAS activities. As Senior Program Manager for Energy Security at Sandia National Laboratory where she led several infrastructure analysis projects and authored a cyber-security white paper for NNSA’s National Nuclear Deterrence program. Ms. VanderMey brings 10-years of experience in energy infrastructure security with the Department of Energy (DOE) where she supported improved reliability, survivability and resiliency of energy infrastructure through collaboration with strategic international and domestic partners and other government agencies that resulted in several international agreements. She also served as DOE’s lead representative to the National Security Council’s CIRR PCC, working with Department of State and DHS to advance global energy security.
Ms. VanderMey established her security expertise while serving as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Her work included contingency planning, facility/vessel inspection, disaster response, and investigation. Ms. VanderMey finished her Coast Guard career providing instruction and curriculum development in Contingency Planning, Exercise Development, Port Security, Command and Control as well as NIMS/ICS for international military officers and senior level staff from the Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and DoD.
Trina Zanow
Chief Information Officer and Administrator, Division of Enterprise Technology
State of Wisconsin
Trina Zanow is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the State of Wisconsin and Administrator for the Division of Enterprise Technology (DET). She is driven to continue building a forward-thinking future for the State and its involvement with information technology (IT).
With nearly twenty-five years serving the State of Wisconsin in IT services, Trina worked her way through the various ranks of state service. Her skillset and knowledge within the IT community has been an unmatched asset to the State of Wisconsin.
She has served various leadership roles in the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), the Department of Health Services (DHS), and the Department of Administration (DOA). Most recently, she was the Deputy Chief Information Officer for DET and was a part of the State Emergency Operations Center throughout Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response by leading the team that built the state’s only Alternate Care Facilities with FEMA and the Army Corp of Engineers.
Trina quickly developed a keen sense for building sustainable relationships through continual, supportive engagement and open communication with anyone she encountered. It was through her focus on these relationships that made her a natural leader within the workplace. To this day, Trina actively uses her private and public sector experiences to create her own legacy of organizational change, transparency, and improvement within IT for the State of Wisconsin.
Trina holds a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and a Master’s in Project Management from the University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Business.