Agenda
Times are subject to change.
As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, securing critical infrastructure has become a top priority for agencies tasked with protecting national interests. This panel will explore strategies to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of vital systems, as well as dive into topics such as risk mitigation, cross-agency collaboration, and the integration of emerging technologies to detect, defend, and recover from potential attacks. Tune in to this conversation to gain insight into how federal leaders are advancing resilience and operational continuity across the most essential components of government infrastructure.
As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, securing critical infrastructure has become a top priority for agencies tasked with protecting national interests. This panel will explore strategies to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of vital systems, as well as dive into topics such as risk mitigation, cross-agency collaboration, and the integration of emerging technologies to detect, defend, and recover from potential attacks. Tune in to this conversation to gain insight into how federal leaders are advancing resilience and operational continuity across the most essential components of government infrastructure.
Ben Abramovitz
Director of CybersecurityMaryland Public Service Commission, State of Maryland
Darrell Andrews
Professor, Cybersecurity and ITNorthern Virginia Community College
Daniel Austin
Senior Cybersecurity SMEU.S. Space Force
Dr. Jim Chen
Professor, College of Information and CyberspaceNational Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense
Mac Avancena
Field CISOCheck Point
Tom Suder
PresidentATARC
Generative AI is transforming the government by streamlining operations, enhancing decision-making, and improving service delivery. This discussion will examine its wide-ranging applications—from automating tasks and analyzing large datasets to strengthening cybersecurity and enabling predictive insights. Government leaders are using Gen AI to drive innovation, boost transparency, and allocate resources more effectively. Panelists will explore strategies for implementing Gen AI at scale, while addressing key challenges such as data privacy, security, and integration with legacy systems.
Generative AI is transforming the government by streamlining operations, enhancing decision-making, and improving service delivery. This discussion will examine its wide-ranging applications—from automating tasks and analyzing large datasets to strengthening cybersecurity and enabling predictive insights. Government leaders are using Gen AI to drive innovation, boost transparency, and allocate resources more effectively. Panelists will explore strategies for implementing Gen AI at scale, while addressing key challenges such as data privacy, security, and integration with legacy systems.
Dr. Hala Nelson
Professor of MathematicsJames Madison University
Avi Rembaum
resident of Technical SalesCheck Point Software Technologies
CDR Jonathan White
AI & Data ChiefU.S. Coast Guard
Tom Suder
PresidentATARC
Suneel Cherukuri
Chief Information Security OfficerGovernment of the District of Columbia
Cindi Carter
Field CISOCheck Point
Adam Nemethy
Director (Acting), N-Wave, Office of the Chief Information OfficerNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in security operations, agencies must weigh the transformative benefits against emerging risks. AI enhances threat detection, automates incident response, and improves decision-making across security ecosystems. However, its use also introduces new vulnerabilities, such as adversarial manipulation and opaque decision processes. Recent executive orders on AI governance and safety are reshaping how government programs develop, deploy, and monitor AI tools, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and risk mitigation. This panel will bring together experts to explore the evolving landscape of AI in security, focusing on balancing innovation with responsible oversight.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in security operations, agencies must weigh the transformative benefits against emerging risks. AI enhances threat detection, automates incident response, and improves decision-making across security ecosystems. However, its use also introduces new vulnerabilities, such as adversarial manipulation and opaque decision processes. Recent executive orders on AI governance and safety are reshaping how government programs develop, deploy, and monitor AI tools, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and risk mitigation. This panel will bring together experts to explore the evolving landscape of AI in security, focusing on balancing innovation with responsible oversight.
Suneel Cherukuri
Chief Information Security OfficerGovernment of the District of Columbia
Keith A. Hartung
Chief Security OfficerPennsylvania Treasury Department
Steve Pitcher
Former Senior Cyber Survivability AnalystU.S. Department of Defense
Tom Suder
PresidentATARC
This Check Point Research briefing focuses on the most pressing cyber threats facing the public sector today. Drawing on real-world research and global threat intelligence, this session will examine emerging threats driven by the rapid AI transformation, as well as recent activity by Iranian nation-state actors targeting the United States. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable takeaways to help agencies strengthen resilience, reduce risk, and better prepare for the evolving threat landscape.
This Check Point Research briefing focuses on the most pressing cyber threats facing the public sector today. Drawing on real-world research and global threat intelligence, this session will examine emerging threats driven by the rapid AI transformation, as well as recent activity by Iranian nation-state actors targeting the United States. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable takeaways to help agencies strengthen resilience, reduce risk, and better prepare for the evolving threat landscape.
Sergey Shykevich
Group ManagerCheck Point
As cyber threats continue to evolve, federal agencies are accelerating efforts to implement Zero Trust Architecture as a foundational element of their security strategies. This panel will examine the state of Zero Trust in 2026, highlighting progress made, lessons learned, and remaining challenges in achieving full adoption across government environments. Join us to explore how panel experts are operationalizing Zero Trust to enhance resilience, protect critical assets, and meet federal mandates in an increasingly complex threat landscape.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, federal agencies are accelerating efforts to implement Zero Trust Architecture as a foundational element of their security strategies. This panel will examine the state of Zero Trust in 2026, highlighting progress made, lessons learned, and remaining challenges in achieving full adoption across government environments. Join us to explore how panel experts are operationalizing Zero Trust to enhance resilience, protect critical assets, and meet federal mandates in an increasingly complex threat landscape.
Mark Canter
Chief Information Security OfficerGovernment Accountability Office (GAO)
Landon Shaw
Senior Enterprise ArchitectAdministrative Office of the U.S. Courts
Rudolf Rojas
Information Technology ManagerU.S. Department of Agriculture
Aaron Welch
Director of IT Security (Former)City of Chattanooga, Tennessee
Underwriter
Stay for the networking receoption in the expo area, where we'll host a fun Meet-and-Greet with a Washington Legend. It's the perfect way to wrap up the day, connect, and enjoy the experience.
Stay for the networking receoption in the expo area, where we'll host a fun Meet-and-Greet with a Washington Legend. It's the perfect way to wrap up the day, connect, and enjoy the experience.