Speakers

Ben Abramovitz
Director of Cybersecurity
Maryland Public Service Commission, State of Maryland

Ben Abramovitz
Director of Cybersecurity
Maryland Public Service Commission, State of Maryland

Darrell Andrews
Professor, Cybersecurity and IT
Northern Virginia Community College

Darrell Andrews
Professor, Cybersecurity and IT
Northern Virginia Community College

Daniel Austin
Senior Cybersecurity SME
U.S. Space Force

Daniel Austin
Senior Cybersecurity SME
U.S. Space Force

Mark Canter
Chief Information Security Officer
Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Mark Canter
Chief Information Security Officer
Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Dr. Jim Chen
Professor, College of Information and Cyberspace
National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense

Dr. Jim Chen
Professor, College of Information and Cyberspace
National Defense University, U.S. Department of Defense

Louis Eichenbaum
Former Chief Information Security Officer
U.S. Department of the Interior

Louis Eichenbaum
Former Chief Information Security Officer
U.S. Department of the Interior

Keith A. Hartung
Chief Security Officer
Pennsylvania Treasury Department

Keith A. Hartung
Chief Security Officer
Pennsylvania Treasury Department

Dr. Michael Hauck
Responsible AI Official + Deputy Chief Data Officer
National Science Foundation

Dr. Michael Hauck
Responsible AI Official + Deputy Chief Data Officer
National Science Foundation

Dr. Murat Kantarcioglu
Professor of Computer Science and CCI Faculty Fellow
Virginia Tech

Dr. Murat Kantarcioglu
Professor of Computer Science and CCI Faculty Fellow
Virginia Tech

Steve Pitcher
Former Senior Cyber Survivability Analyst
U.S. Department of Defense

Steve Pitcher
Former Senior Cyber Survivability Analyst
U.S. Department of Defense

Landon Shaw
Senior Enterprise Architect
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

Landon Shaw
Senior Enterprise Architect
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts


Max Silber
Vice President, Mobility and IoT
MetTel
Max is responsible for MetTel’s mobility operations and business development initiatives. He is a member of the Forbes Technology Council and has been highlighted recently in publications like CNN Business. With over 20 years of experience, he has served in a variety of product, sales, and business development positions with some of the world’s most innovative technology and telecommunications companies. Prior to joining MetTel, Max served as Senior Vice President of Business Development for IDT Corporation, where he led the company’s managed services and mobility business unit. Prior to IDT, he was Vice President of Business Development at Net2Phone Inc., and held similar management positions at Amtel and GTE Spacenet, Inc.

Dr. Merrick Watchorn
Co-Founder
Quantum Security Alliance (QSA)

Dr. Merrick Watchorn
Co-Founder
Quantum Security Alliance (QSA)

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

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

Mac Avancena
Field CISO
Check Point

Mac Avancena
Field CISO
Check Point


Cindi Carter
Field CISO
Check Point
Cindi Carter is a global, multi-industry Cybersecurity and Information Technology Executive who consistently delivers the optimal outcome. As a transformational leader from startups to enterprises she excels at building cybersecurity practices in highly regulated industries, turning strategic goals into action, and highly collaborative engagement to lead the organization in managing cyber risk.
At Check Point Software Technologies, Cindi is a Global Chief Information Security Officer in the Office of the CISO, leading Check Point’s Healthcare Center of Excellence where human safety is essential to care. With over two decades in the healthcare and financial industries, Cindi’s purpose is deeply rooted in human safety, bringing together the capabilities that protect the security and privacy of each individual.
Cindi is the founding President of Women in Security - Kansas City 501c(3), was honored in SC Media magazine’s “Women to Watch in Cyber Security”, and was also featured in Cybersecurity Venture’s book, “Women Know Cyber: 100 Fascinating Females Fighting Cybercrime.” She presents at conferences worldwide, holds several recognized IT, security, and project management certifications and has a Master of Science degree in Information Technology.


Glen Deskin
Head of Engineering, Verticals
Check Point
Glen Deskin is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 30 years of experience in Information Technology and Information Security. He has a proven track record of thought leadership and a deep understanding of enterprise security, which has made him a trusted advisor to organizations across various sectors.
Before joining Check Point Software, Glen managed complex network infrastructures for national healthcare providers and led the cybersecurity practice for a Check Point reseller/integrator. His extensive experience spans working with numerous Fortune 100 companies and a range of federal, state, and local government agencies, where he architected and managed high-profile network and security initiatives.
Currently, Glen leads Check Point’s engineering teams for Vertical Solutions, focusing on Telco/MSSP and Public Sector clients. In his role, he drives innovation and strategy, ensuring that Check Point's security solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each sector. His leadership continues to be instrumental in shaping the future of cybersecurity and enhancing Check Point’s position as a leader in the field.

Bill Diaz
Vice President, Verticals
Check Point

Bill Diaz
Vice President, Verticals
Check Point


Jared Vichengrad
Head of Public Sector (Fed and SLED, Americas GEO)
Check Point
Jared Vichengrad is the Head of Public Sector, Americas at Check Point Software, a leading provider of AI-powered, cloud-delivered cybersecurity platforms that protect over 100,000 enterprises and governments globally.
Mr. Vichengrad is responsible for strategic vision and execution in the America’s Public Sector Business Group at Check Point. He is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in Public Sector and Enterprise/Global Organizations. Throughout his career, he has successfully developed high-performing teams, delivered innovative solutions to meet the objectives and mission of complex client requirements, and contributed extensive Federal and SLED domain knowledge to support this community.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Vichengrad served as Vice President - Public Sector at Semperis and previously held the position of Vice President of SLED at Rubrik. Before that, he held various leadership roles at Veritas, leading their government, education, and healthcare teams. Additionally, he pioneered much of Lexmark International’s managed services and enterprise software focus in the SLED marketplace. Mr. Vichengrad is also actively involved in NASCIO, Educause, and organizations that bring public sector and industry IT leaders together.
Mr. Vichengrad holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut’s School of Business. He resides in Northern New Jersey, outside of New York City, with his wife, Pam, and their two children, Jadyn (20) and Gavin (17).

Heather Kuldell-Ware
Former Editor-in-Chief
GovExec

Heather Kuldell-Ware
Former Editor-in-Chief
GovExec