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Tune in July 30 at 2 pm EDT!
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are redefining how defense agencies gather intelligence, secure systems, and execute complex missions. But unlocking their full potential requires more than cutting-edge algorithms. It demands integration into a broader modernization strategy rooted in scalable infrastructure, strong data governance, and a Zero Trust architecture. As adversaries grow more sophisticated and operational demands intensify, defense IT leaders are under increasing pressure to deliver automation capabilities that are secure, adaptive, and mission-focused.
In this discussion, senior defense leaders will examine how to align AI adoption with Zero Trust principles while navigating evolving cybersecurity mandates across the Department of Defense. They’ll share how their agencies are advancing automation through unified platforms, phased modernization efforts, and secure data architectures—ensuring interoperability, consolidating legacy systems, and preparing cloud environments to support secure, scalable AI deployment.
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Speakers
Macy Dennis
CXO Advisor
Netskope
Macy is a Global Information and Cyber Security Executive with corporate security experience, focusing on all aspects of cyber, information, and physical Security. He has over 25+ years of experience in law enforcement, IT, Intelligence, and cybersecurity. He is a highly skilled communicator with the ability to work at all levels of the business, from “C-level” down to a “Security Professional/Practitioner”. He has a proven track record for building strong successful teams within many business verticals, including Financial Services, Pharmaceutical, Electronics, ISP, and Defense. Macy has a strong reputation as a Cyber and Information Security leader; he has been recognized by US Government agencies for building a team and program that has been nominated for the National Counterintelligence Award. With this nomination it puts his program and leadership in the top 1% of the more than 15,000 Cleared Defense Contractors in the nation. Macy drives operational efficiency and effectiveness in his programs to fund investment in security. He excels at team building, security strategy, and process improvement. He has built NextGen Security Operations Centers for military, DoD, and commercial entities. Macy has a unique skill set in which he has the expertise and background in building successful Cyber and Information Security programs along with an effective Executive Protection/Physical Security program and fully integrating the two teams together. He has done this in both the commercial and DoD space. He drives operational efficiency and effectiveness in his programs to fund investment in Security. He excels at team building, building strong relationships with the business, process improvement, and problem solving.
Alex Hornberger
Chief Engineer
Defense Information Systems Agency
Alex Hornberger is the chief engineer for the Zero Trust Portfolio for the Defense Information Systems Agency’s PEO Cyber. In this position, he spearheads the integration of Zero Trust architecture across DISA, the Fourth Estate, and other Department of Defense components.
Prior to joining DISA, Hornberger was the DISA team lead for the August Shell Enterprise, where he focused on delivering real-time operational awareness through big data capabilities to a diverse user base. Prior to that, he led impactful programs such as the Joint Regional Security Stack, classified mobility initiatives, and the development of security technical implementation guides.
Hornberger focuses on harnessing machine learning to enable real-time capability deployment. His vision for Thunderdome centers on providing an immediate, dynamic response to access requests, security incidents, and other critical operational events.
Hornberger is a graduate and undergraduate professor at Towson University, where he teaches computer science and cybersecurity.