Speakers

Mark Canter is the Chief Information Security Officer at GAO. In his capacity, he oversees the compliance, governance, and security operations. Previously, he served as Assistant Director in the Information Technology and Cybersecurity (ITC) team at the Government Accountability Office (GAO). His portfolio at GAO includes a diverse list of engagements on such topics of financial and information systems internal control auditing, cybersecurity, emerging technologies such as blockchains, AI, and safeguarding/privacy of information. In addition, he has authored several compliance tools and published several common vulnerabilities and exploits.

DATE OF RANK: 1 Aug 2023

SELECT GRADE: N/A

MOS/AMOS:  0602 Communications Officer

                          8848 Data Systems Management Officer

BILLET ASSIGNED: Operations Officer, Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Group

Rotation Date: Summer 2025

CIVILIAN EDUCATION/DEGREES/SCHOOL YEAR:

- Master of Science in Information Technology Management, Naval Postgraduate School, 2014

- Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, 2006

MILITARY SCHOOL/PME COMPLETED:

- Marine Corps Command and Staff School, 2018

- Expeditionary Warfare School, 2013

- Communications Officer Course, 2008

- The Basic School, 2008

PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENTS/BILLETS (CHRONLOGY):

- Director, Enterprise Operations Division, Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Group, Marine Forces Cyberspace Command, 2023-2024.   

- Section Head/Action Officer, Information Networks, Services, and Strategy, Information Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Division, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps Section, 2021-2023

- Executive Officer, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, 2020-2021

- Operations Officer, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, 2018-2020

- Student, Marine Corps Command and Staff, 2017-2018

- Information Systems Officer, Marine Air-Ground Task Force Staff Training Program,       2014-2017

-Information Technology Management Student, Naval Postgraduate School, 2012-2014

-Commanding Officer, Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 2011-2012

-Assistant Operations Officer and Communications Officer, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 2010-2011

-Operations Officer and Communications Advisor (OEF), Embedded Training Team 3-7, 4th Marines, 2009-2010

-Platoon Commander, 3rd Marine Logistics Group Communications Company, 2008-2009

Richard Grabowski is the Deputy Branch Chief of Capability Implementation (CI) and the Deputy Program Manager for the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) Program within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Cybersecurity Division. Through partnerships with agencies and industry, the CDM Program fortifies the cybersecurity of civilian government data and networks by providing capabilities that deliver relevant, timely and actionable information. CDM enables cybersecurity professionals to manage risks by providing innovative tools, processes, governance and training required to defend against cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.

In his role, Richard has specific responsibilities for managing portfolios to deliver CDM capabilities and services to program-participating federal agencies. As the chief engineer of the program, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the technical implementation efforts within the projects under the program as well as the strategic direction of the CDM Architecture.

Prior to Richard’s current role, he led the CDM Program’s senior technical staff as the Architecture team lead. He started with CDM in 2014 as a Systems Engineer supporting the CDM Dashboard and the Dynamic and Evolving Federal Enterprise Network Defense (DEFEND; formerly Task Order [TO2]) Group C agencies. Previous to this, Richard spent over nine years providing client/server Windows administration and virtualization integration services to the federal government. Richard also served as the acting CDM program manger throughout most of 2021 and 2022, when he led the successful execution of high visability initiatives that spun off of EO 14028, including enterprise EDR and the complete deployment of the modernized, rearchitected CDM Dashboard platform across the FCEB.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems and Information Engineering from the University of Virginia and a Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering from The George Washington University. He has received numerous industry certifications and recognitions, including Meritalk’s Cyber Defenders and the Federal 100 awards.  

Mr. Daryl Haegley's distinguished career includes over 30 years of military, federal, civilian, and commercial consulting experience.  In his last assignment within the Office of the Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, his role encompassed overseeing strategic cyber efforts to protect the control systems and operational technology (OT) enabling the Department of Defense's (DoD) critical missions.

Significant accomplishments include leading a multi-Federal Department coordination and writing of the report to the President addressing cyber physical systems skills and training gaps and drafting the DoD's Control Systems Cyber Defense Reference Architecture. His current role is the first DoD Senior Executive Service position created to focus on OT, Technical Director-Control Systems Cyber Resilience, he serves as the senior Air Force and Space Force expert providing policy and technical oversight for Air and Space Force world-wide operations dependent upon critical infrastructure control systems. Established the Cyber Resilience Office for control Systems (CROCS) overseeing and prioritizing security for all installation OT.

For over decade, Mr. Haegley is readily recognized as DoD's leading champion in bringing awareness and critical thinking to the ever-increasing cyber threat to control systems.

Mr. Lacy is a Senior Foreign Service Security Engineering Officer with the Diplomatic Security Service currently serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Assistant Director for Cyber and Technology Security. He assumed this position in April 2021. The Directorate is a crucial part of the Department of State’s law enforcement and security strategy that brings together cybersecurity, technology security, and investigative expertise to support the conduct of U.S. Foreign Policy.

Prior to this appointment, he served as Director of the Countermeasures Program Division in the Office of Security Technology, where he managed the domestic and overseas technical countermeasures program and served as the Department’s point of contact for technical countermeasures operations within the United States Intelligence Community.

Mr. Lacy served as Regional Director for Security Engineering for Near Eastern Affairs (Middle East and North Africa) from 2016 to 2019. He served as the Branch Chief of Security Engineering Services (2012-2015) where he oversaw the technical security advance operations for the traveling Secretaries of State. He was posted overseas as Officer-in-Charge of ESC Baghdad, Iraq (2015-2016), ESO Bogota, Colombia (2010-2012), and ESO Brussels, Belgium (2007-2010). He also opened both the ESOs in Brasilia, Brazil (2002-2005) and Lagos, Nigeria (2000-2002).

Mr. Lacy is the individual recipient of four of the Department’s Superior Honor Awards including one for Security Engineering Officer of the Year.

Through varied tours, Mr. Lacy always sought to support the wonderful people of the Department. He was chair of the American Embassy Baghdad Employee Association, the largest in the service and a critical part of the morale and well-being of the personnel at the world’s largest embassy.

Mr. Lacy is a proud native of Washington, DC. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Katerina Megas is Program Manager for the NIST Cybersecurity for Internet of Things (IoT) and the AI and Cybersecurity programs. With a Masters in Information Systems, PMP and ScrumMaster certifications, she has over 25 years of experience developing and leading technology and corporate strategies for organizations in both the private and public sectors. She has over 25 years of experience working in a wide range of technology areas ranging from organizations' development and execution of technology strategies to achieving their CMMI certification.

She loves traveling and appreciates her wonderful colleagues who cover for her at work while she piles her family into a minivan taking road trips across Europe and the U.S. in search of the non-touristy experience.

Ms. Victoria Yan Pillitteri is a supervisory computer scientist in the Computer Security Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Ms. Pillitteri is the Manager of the Security Engineering and Risk Management Group and leads the Risk Management Framework team/Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) Implementation Project. In that role, she develops the suite of risk management guidance used for managing cybersecurity risk in the federal government and coordinates the associated stakeholder outreach and public-private sector collaboration efforts.

Ms. Pillitteri leads the Joint Task Force working group, a partnership with the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and Civilian Agencies to develop a unified security framework to protect the U.S. Government from cyber-attacks, and is co-chair of the Federal Cybersecurity and Privacy Professionals Forum hosted by NIST. Ms. Pillitteri previously led programs in smart grid and cyber-physical systems cybersecurity, worked on the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, the Privacy Framework, and served as a program analyst in the NIST Office of the Director.

Ms. Pillitteri holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland and an M.S. in Computer Science with a concentration in Information Assurance from The George Washington University. She has completed the Key Executive Leadership Program at American University and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program, receiving an SES certification by the OPM Qualifications Review Board. Ms. Pillitteri is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Jessie Posilkin serves as the Acting Executive Director of the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) at the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). The TMF is an innovative technology investment program that enables federal agencies to deliver services to the American public more securely, equitably, and effectively.

Posilkin has previously served as Customer Experience Portfolio Director for the TMF, and led the Acquisitions Consulting Team at 18F, working to improve the way that the government buys technology by developing the use of the Agile Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). She has also worked in a variety of non-profits as an organizer and technologist, supporting her colleagues to become stronger users of technology and finding ways for online systems to help social workers, lawyers, and food pantry managers help their clients

CAPT Daniel P. Rogers manages the Coast Guard’s Office of Data & Analytics, reporting to Mr. Campo, the senior official responsible for Data & Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The Office of Data & Analytics champions, advances, and matures data governance, data management, and advanced analytics, while coordinating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency.

CAPT Rogers is unique in that he’s the last officer on active duty having served as a District Organizational Performance Consultant. In this capacity, CAPT Rogers was responsible for assisting Coast Guard Sectors, Air Stations, Support Centers, Cutters, and Stations in the Coast Guard Seventh District (South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and the Caribbean) to improve overall mission performance and effectiveness.

CAPT Rogers reports to the Coast Guard Office of Data & Analytics after having served as Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Base New Orleans, LA, where he was the senior mission support professional for the Eighth District, which encompasses 26 states and more than 6000 personnel. He also served as Executive Officer of Base Kodiak, AK, providing mission support to the Seventeenth District, the Last Frontier. Other staff roles include program analyst for the Department of Homeland Security Joint Requirements Council and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Military Campaign Office, where he was responsible for rapid implementation of the Coast Guard’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Strategic Plan. CAPT Rogers was also the Coast Guard’s Industrial Program Manager, where he provided policy support, integration, and business transformation of the Coast Guard’s Naval Engineering Support Units, Industrial Production Facilities, and Maintenance & Weapons Augmentation Teams, comprised of 1000 personnel at 21 facilities across the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard operational roles include service aboard Coast Guard Cutter DILIGENCE, Logistics Department Head of Sector Boston, MA, birthplace of the Coast Guard, and multiple incident responses for oil spills, Mississippi River floods, a Haitian earthquake, and Hawaiian vaccination efforts. Support roles include New Orleans Industrial Manager during Hurricane Katrina, Procurement Branch Chief of Surface Forces Logistics Center Industrial Operations, visiting instructor at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, aide to the Seventh District Commander, and facilitator for the Commandant’s Leadership Excellence and Diversity (LEAD) Council.

A native of Odessa, Texas, CAPT Rogers is a 2000 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering. He holds a Master of Science in Industrial Administration from Purdue and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University. He is a licensed engineer, a Naval & Industrial Engineering Program Evaluator for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, and a Committee Chair for the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. He is also primary author for two books: “The Review for Professional Engineers’ Examination in Industrial Engineering, Fifth Edition” and “Leadership Devotionals for the Christian Executive”. His military awards include the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Coast Guard Commendation Medal, and Coast Guard Achievement Medal (two awards).

Rachel Wilson is a Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Chief Data Officer. Her team of security professionals is responsible for protecting all sensitive client data from any type of theft, loss or compromise. She also oversees the resilience of Wealth Management’s critical infrastructure and the continuity of core business processes at times of turbulence. Additionally, Rachel supervises the client fraud risk program, which institutes technical and business controls to help prevent unauthorized access to or misuse of client funds. As a senior subject matter expert, Rachel regularly advises Wealth Management leadership and clients on the cyber threat landscape and mitigation strategies.

From 2017-2020, Rachel served as the first-ever Head of Wealth Management Cybersecurity. In this role, Rachel advised senior business and technology leaders on a range of cybersecurity issues, including secure code development standards, secure network architecture, vendor relationships, advanced persistent threat (APT) detection and mobile security. Her team drove innovation for new cybersecurity and authentication technology in the pursuit of protecting the integrity and confidentiality of firm and client data. In 2019, Rachel was recognized by Morgan Stanley Wealth Management as part of the MAKERS Class, a program that honors women who serve as groundbreakers, innovators and advocates. She was also named one of the Top Women in WealthTech 2020 by ThinkAdvisor.

Prior to joining the firm in 2017, Rachel spent 15 years at the National Security Agency (NSA), where she held several key senior executive-level leadership positions. Between 2008 and 2010, she ran NSA’s counterterrorism operations and led a global enterprise in detecting and disrupting terrorist plotting against the U.S. and its allies. Between 2010 and 2012, Rachel served as NSA’s Chief of Operations in the U.K., working out of the U.S. Embassy in London. In this role, she worked with U.K. intelligence services to counter terrorist and cyber threats to the 2012 Olympics. Returning to the U.S. in 2012, Rachel spent nearly five years leading NSA’s cyber exploitation operations as the Deputy and then Chief of the Remote Operations Center within NSA’s Tailored Access Operations. In this capacity, she led the planning and execution of thousands of cyber exploitation operations against a wide array of foreign intelligence, military and cyber targets, and served as the committing official for many of NSA’s highest risk and most important intelligence gathering activities.

As a cybersecurity visionary, Sumedh is passionate about making the world’s digital journey safer. His education and early experiences as a coder led him to Qualys, where he rose from engineer to president and CEO. He joined Qualys in 2003, shortly after the company’s founding and in an era when organizations started using the cloud but didn’t know what to call it. His contributions and leadership helped propel Qualys to its current success in cybersecurity.

Sumedh became president and CEO in 2021. In 2019, he was named president, and prior to that, he was chief product officer, driving the company’s vision of making enterprise security more efficient and disrupting the VM space with integrated capabilities like patch management and cybersecurity asset management. A “product fanatic and engineer at heart,” Sumedh was instrumental in dramatically expanding the original Qualys platform’s scope, integrations, and automations. He also scaled the company’s engineering talent internationally with a global 24x7 follow-the-sun product team. He is a co-inventor of five U.S. patents for cybersecurity technology in Qualys offerings.

Previously, Sumedh was an engineer at Intacct, an early cloud-based financial and accounting software provider. He also worked at Northwest Airlines developing complex algorithms for its yield and revenue management reservation system. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering with distinction from Savitribai Phule Pune University.

Heather Kuldell-Ware is a freelance editor and writer who has covered government technology and cybersecurity for the last 15 years. Her work has appeared in Nextgov, C4ISRNET, Federal Times, GCN and other government-focused publications. When she’s not thinking about cloud computing or AI advancements, she is playing with consumer gadgets for Popular Science and AP Buyline.

Anna Pettyjohn is the Executive Vice President of Product & Strategy at GovExec, where she leads product innovation and business development across events, custom content, and digital experiences. With a focus on enhancing audience engagement and driving growth, she oversees strategic initiatives that align with GovExec’s mission to deliver impactful content, creative and marketing programs for the public sector. Anna also plays a key role in shaping the company's vision, ensuring that GovExec's offerings remain cutting-edge in a rapidly evolving market.