Engage Public Sector - Agenda
Register    ➤

Agenda

5 MINS
5 MINS

Opening Remarks

Bill Diaz
Bill Diaz
Vice President, Verticals
Check Point
Bill Diaz
Bill Diaz
Vice President, Verticals
Check Point
Bill Diaz
Bill Diaz
Vice President, Verticals
Check Point
25 MINS
25 MINS

Opening Government Keynote

Adina Pantella
Adina Pantella
Executive Director
U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Adina Pantella
Adina Pantella
Executive Director
U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Adina Pantella
Adina Pantella
Executive Director
U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
40 MINS
40 MINS

AI Is the New Battlefield: How Public Sector Leaders Secure What’s Next

Paul Barbosa
Paul Barbosa
Vice President, Cloud & SASE
Check Point
Yochai Corem
Yochai Corem
General Manager, Exposure Management
Check Point
Chris Riley
Chris Riley
Global Vice President for Workspace Security Sales
Check Point
Rae Roberts
Rae Roberts
President of America Sales
Check Point

AI is not just another technology shift—it is redefining the threat landscape and the mission itself. Today, attackers are using AI as a force multiplier, dramatically increasing the speed, scale, and success of cyberattacks, while agencies simultaneously race to adopt AI across their operations. 
In this dynamic, leadership-led session, we’ll examine how security must evolve to meet this moment. You’ll hear how organizations are revalidating their security foundations and leveraging AI as both a defensive advantage and operational accelerator.

Read More
Paul Barbosa
Paul Barbosa
Vice President, Cloud & SASE
Check Point
Yochai Corem
Yochai Corem
General Manager, Exposure Management
Check Point
Chris Riley
Chris Riley
Global Vice President for Workspace Security Sales
Check Point
Rae Roberts
Rae Roberts
President of America Sales
Check Point

AI is not just another technology shift—it is redefining the threat landscape and the mission itself. Today, attackers are using AI as a force multiplier, dramatically increasing the speed, scale, and success of cyberattacks, while agencies simultaneously race to adopt AI across their operations. 
In this dynamic, leadership-led session, we’ll examine how security must evolve to meet this moment. You’ll hear how organizations are revalidating their security foundations and leveraging AI as both a defensive advantage and operational accelerator.

We will cover:

  • Why hybrid mesh architectures are critical to securing distributed government environments
  • How workspace security enables a mobile workforce without compromising compliance
  • The role of Continuous Threat Exposure Management in closing visibility gaps and getting ahead of threats
  • How to secure AI—from usage to infrastructure to applications

This session will challenge conventional thinking and provide a roadmap for securing AI transformation—without compromising speed, scale, or trust.

Paul Barbosa
Yochai Corem
+2
2 more speakers

AI is not just another technology shift—it is redefining the threat landscape and the mission itself. Today, attackers are using AI as a force multiplier, dramatically increasing the speed, scale, and success of cyberattacks, while agencies simultaneously race to adopt AI across their operations. 
In this dynamic, leadership-led session, we’ll examine how security must evolve to meet this moment. You’ll hear how organizations are revalidating their security foundations and leveraging AI as both a defensive advantage and operational accelerator.

Read More
Paul Barbosa
Paul Barbosa
Vice President, Cloud & SASE
Check Point
Yochai Corem
Yochai Corem
General Manager, Exposure Management
Check Point
Chris Riley
Chris Riley
Global Vice President for Workspace Security Sales
Check Point
Rae Roberts
Rae Roberts
President of America Sales
Check Point

AI is not just another technology shift—it is redefining the threat landscape and the mission itself. Today, attackers are using AI as a force multiplier, dramatically increasing the speed, scale, and success of cyberattacks, while agencies simultaneously race to adopt AI across their operations. 
In this dynamic, leadership-led session, we’ll examine how security must evolve to meet this moment. You’ll hear how organizations are revalidating their security foundations and leveraging AI as both a defensive advantage and operational accelerator.

We will cover:

  • Why hybrid mesh architectures are critical to securing distributed government environments
  • How workspace security enables a mobile workforce without compromising compliance
  • The role of Continuous Threat Exposure Management in closing visibility gaps and getting ahead of threats
  • How to secure AI—from usage to infrastructure to applications

This session will challenge conventional thinking and provide a roadmap for securing AI transformation—without compromising speed, scale, or trust.

Paul Barbosa
Yochai Corem
+2
2 more speakers
40 MINS
40 MINS

Securing Critical Infrastructure in Agencies' Cybersecurity

Darrell Andrews
Darrell Andrews
Professor, Cybersecurity and IT
Northern Virginia Community College
Daniel Austin
Daniel Austin
Senior Cybersecurity SME
U.S. Space Force
Dr. Jim Chen
Dr. Jim Chen
Professor, College of Information and Cyberspace
National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense
Mac Avancena
Mac Avancena
Field CISO
Check Point
Tom Suder
Tom Suder
President
ATARC

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.

Darrell Andrews
Darrell Andrews
Professor, Cybersecurity and IT
Northern Virginia Community College
Daniel Austin
Daniel Austin
Senior Cybersecurity SME
U.S. Space Force
Dr. Jim Chen
Dr. Jim Chen
Professor, College of Information and Cyberspace
National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense
Mac Avancena
Mac Avancena
Field CISO
Check Point
Tom Suder
Tom Suder
President
ATARC

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.

Darrell Andrews
Daniel Austin
+3
3 more speakers

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.

Darrell Andrews
Darrell Andrews
Professor, Cybersecurity and IT
Northern Virginia Community College
Daniel Austin
Daniel Austin
Senior Cybersecurity SME
U.S. Space Force
Dr. Jim Chen
Dr. Jim Chen
Professor, College of Information and Cyberspace
National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense
Mac Avancena
Mac Avancena
Field CISO
Check Point
Tom Suder
Tom Suder
President
ATARC

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.

Darrell Andrews
Daniel Austin
+3
3 more speakers
40 MINS
40 MINS

Harnessing Gen AI for Smarter Government Operations

Dr. Hala Nelson
Dr. Hala Nelson
Professor of Mathematics
James Madison University
Avi Rembaum
Avi Rembaum
President of Technical Sales
Check Point Software Technologies
Howard Spira
Howard Spira
Chief Information Officer
Export-Import Bank of the United States
CDR Jonathan White
CDR Jonathan White
AI & Data Chief
U.S. Coast Guard
Tom Suder
Tom Suder
President
ATARC

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
Dr. Hala Nelson
Professor of Mathematics
James Madison University
Avi Rembaum
Avi Rembaum
President of Technical Sales
Check Point Software Technologies
Howard Spira
Howard Spira
Chief Information Officer
Export-Import Bank of the United States
CDR Jonathan White
CDR Jonathan White
AI & Data Chief
U.S. Coast Guard
Tom Suder
Tom Suder
President
ATARC

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
Avi Rembaum
+3
3 more speakers

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
Dr. Hala Nelson
Professor of Mathematics
James Madison University
Avi Rembaum
Avi Rembaum
President of Technical Sales
Check Point Software Technologies
Howard Spira
Howard Spira
Chief Information Officer
Export-Import Bank of the United States
CDR Jonathan White
CDR Jonathan White
AI & Data Chief
U.S. Coast Guard
Tom Suder
Tom Suder
President
ATARC

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
Avi Rembaum
+3
3 more speakers
25 MINS
25 MINS

Fireside Chat

Suneel Cherukuri
Suneel Cherukuri
Chief Information Security Officer
Government of the District of Columbia
Cindi Carter
Cindi Carter
Field CISO
Check Point
Suneel Cherukuri
Suneel Cherukuri
Chief Information Security Officer
Government of the District of Columbia
Cindi Carter
Cindi Carter
Field CISO
Check Point
Suneel Cherukuri
Suneel Cherukuri
Chief Information Security Officer
Government of the District of Columbia
Cindi Carter
Cindi Carter
Field CISO
Check Point
25 MINS
25 MINS

Government Keynote

Adam Nemethy
Adam Nemethy
Director (Acting), N-Wave, Office of the Chief Information Officer
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Adam Nemethy
Adam Nemethy
Director (Acting), N-Wave, Office of the Chief Information Officer
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Adam Nemethy
Adam Nemethy
Director (Acting), N-Wave, Office of the Chief Information Officer
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
40 MINS
40 MINS

AI in Security Programs: Navigating Benefits, Threats, and Oversight

Suneel Cherukuri
Suneel Cherukuri
Chief Information Security Officer
Government of the District of Columbia
Keith A. Hartung
Keith A. Hartung
Chief Security Officer
Pennsylvania Treasury Department
Steve Pitcher
Steve Pitcher
Former Senior Cyber Survivability Analyst
U.S. Department of Defense
Glen Deskin, CISSP
Glen Deskin, CISSP
Head of Engineering & Cybersecurity Evangelist, Office of the CTO
Check Point Software Technologies
Tom Suder
Tom Suder
President
ATARC

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
Suneel Cherukuri
Chief Information Security Officer
Government of the District of Columbia
Keith A. Hartung
Keith A. Hartung
Chief Security Officer
Pennsylvania Treasury Department
Steve Pitcher
Steve Pitcher
Former Senior Cyber Survivability Analyst
U.S. Department of Defense
Glen Deskin, CISSP
Glen Deskin, CISSP
Head of Engineering & Cybersecurity Evangelist, Office of the CTO
Check Point Software Technologies
Tom Suder
Tom Suder
President
ATARC

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
Keith A. Hartung
+3
3 more speakers

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
Suneel Cherukuri
Chief Information Security Officer
Government of the District of Columbia
Keith A. Hartung
Keith A. Hartung
Chief Security Officer
Pennsylvania Treasury Department
Steve Pitcher
Steve Pitcher
Former Senior Cyber Survivability Analyst
U.S. Department of Defense
Glen Deskin, CISSP
Glen Deskin, CISSP
Head of Engineering & Cybersecurity Evangelist, Office of the CTO
Check Point Software Technologies
Tom Suder
Tom Suder
President
ATARC

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
Keith A. Hartung
+3
3 more speakers
20 MINS
20 MINS

Frontline Cyber Intelligence for the Public Sector

Sergey Shykevich
Sergey Shykevich
Group Manager
Check Point

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
Sergey Shykevich
Group Manager
Check Point

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
Sergey Shykevich
Group Manager
Check Point

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.

40 MINS
40 MINS

Zero Trust in 2026

Mark Canter
Mark Canter
Chief Information Security Officer
Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Landon Shaw
Landon Shaw
Senior Enterprise Architect
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
Rudolf Rojas
Rudolf Rojas
Information Technology Manager
U.S. Department of Agriculture

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
Mark Canter
Chief Information Security Officer
Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Landon Shaw
Landon Shaw
Senior Enterprise Architect
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
Rudolf Rojas
Rudolf Rojas
Information Technology Manager
U.S. Department of Agriculture

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
Mark Canter
Chief Information Security Officer
Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Landon Shaw
Landon Shaw
Senior Enterprise Architect
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
Rudolf Rojas
Rudolf Rojas
Information Technology Manager
U.S. Department of Agriculture

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.

25 MINS
25 MINS

Closing Government Keynote

Aaron Welch
Aaron Welch
Director of IT Security (Former)
City of Chattanooga, Tennessee
Aaron Welch
Aaron Welch
Director of IT Security (Former)
City of Chattanooga, Tennessee
Aaron Welch
Aaron Welch
Director of IT Security (Former)
City of Chattanooga, Tennessee

3:30 PM EDT

1.5 HRS
3:30 PM EDT 1.5 HRS
Washington Commanders

Networking Reception

Washington Commanders

In addition to supporting DC Public Schools through our onsite book drive, attendees are invited to stay for the networking reception in the expo area featuring a special Meet-and-Greet with Washington legends Gary Clark and Fred Smoot. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite Washington football gear — jerseys, hats, footballs, and memorabilia — for the opportunity to have items signed during the event. It’s a fun way to wrap up the day, connect with peers, and take home a memorable experience from Engage Public Sector.

In addition to supporting DC Public Schools through our onsite book drive, attendees are invited to stay for the networking reception in the expo area featuring a special Meet-and-Greet with Washington legends Gary Clark and Fred Smoot. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite Washington football gear — jerseys, hats, footballs, and memorabilia — for the opportunity to have items signed during the event. It’s a fun way to wrap up the day, connect with peers, and take home a memorable experience from Engage Public Sector.

In addition to supporting DC Public Schools through our onsite book drive, attendees are invited to stay for the networking reception in the expo area featuring a special Meet-and-Greet with Washington legends Gary Clark and Fred Smoot. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite Washington football gear — jerseys, hats, footballs, and memorabilia — for the opportunity to have items signed during the event. It’s a fun way to wrap up the day, connect with peers, and take home a memorable experience from Engage Public Sector.

In addition to supporting DC Public Schools through our onsite book drive, attendees are invited to stay for the networking reception in the expo area featuring a special Meet-and-Greet with Washington legends Gary Clark and Fred Smoot. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite Washington football gear — jerseys, hats, footballs, and memorabilia — for the opportunity to have items signed during the event. It’s a fun way to wrap up the day, connect with peers, and take home a memorable experience from Engage Public Sector.