Sharon Morris is the Chief Data & Analytics Officer (CDAO) at the U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command (CECOM) Software Engineering Center (SEC), where she leads enterprise-wide efforts to harness data as a strategic asset for national security. With decades of experience across the public and private sectors, Sharon brings a rare blend of mission alignment, technical rigor, and executive leadership to the evolving field of data and AI.
 
Prior to joining the federal government, Sharon launched and led the first data science practice at PGIM, a global asset management firm, where she built innovative solutions to drive business value and transform decision-making. Her career has spanned financial services, consulting, and real estate, with a consistent focus on unlocking the power of data to drive measurable outcomes.
 
Sharon is currently pursuing a doctorate in engineering and cybersecurity analytics. She is also a university educator and an advocate for data-driven leadership rooted in trust, equity, and national service.
 

Ms. Tamara North is the Director of Information Warfare Readiness (DIWR) at Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR). She is responsible to the Navy’s Information Warfare Type Commander for IW Readiness across the Navy, including Fleet Units such as Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station (NCTAMS), Naval Communication Telecommunication Stations (NCTS), and Maritime Operation Centers (MOCs). Also, for afloat IW Readiness in support of the Information Warfare Commanders (IWCs) and their teams in Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) and Amphibious Readiness Groups (ARGs). Readiness of the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), United States Tenth Fleet (C10F), and Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC), and NAVIFOR’s subordinate shore commands are also included in this responsibility.

Ms. North has served the Navy for over 30 years, as an Enlisted Sailor, a Cryptologic Warfare Officer, and in Civilian Federal Service. She is a Defense Acquisition expert, serving at PEO C4I as the Assistant Program Manager (APM) for multiple programs, including Distributed Common Ground System-Navy (DCGS-N) Increment 1 (ACAT I), Spectral (ACAT II), and the initial transition of the current Ship's Signal Exploitation Equipment Modification (SSEE MODS) program (ACAT II) from Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group (NCWDG) and Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to PMW 120.

She served in myriad active duty Navy tours, including as the Force Information Warfare Officer
(IWO) at Naval Surface Forces Pacific (CNSP) from 2011-2014. Additionally, she served as the
Combat Systems Assistant Department Head and the C4I Division Officer at Afloat Training
Group Pacific (ATGPAC) from 2004-2007. Other highlights include a tour conducting
Cryptologic Direct Support (DIRSUP) operations at Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) San
Diego, where she deployed with Carrier Strike Group Three (CCSG-3) onboard the USS
ABRAHAM LINCOLN in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom
from 2002-2003.

Ms. North is DAWIA Program Management (PM) Level III certified and was selected as an ASN
(RDA) SIGMA by Secretary Geurts in October 2018, a cohort of promising acquisition
professionals driving innovation in Defense Acquisition. She was selected as the NAVIFOR
Senior Civilian of the Year in 2019 and awarded the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award.
Her personal military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, and numerous Navy
Commendation and Achievement medals. Ms. North holds a Master’s of Science Degree in
Computer Information Systems Management.

Marlin McFate serves as Public Sector Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer for Cohesity, bringing more than 20+ years of engineering, leadership and technology experience leading long-term technical initiatives. In his role as Public Sector CTO/CISO, he explores emerging technologies, and recommends strategies, through research and collaboration with business and technology leaders across the company and public sector organizations. He is the strategic and supportive voice for customers, partners and team members, ensures successful secure solution delivery and advises on the direction of Cohesity’s research and development of its ML/AI powered data security and management solutions. An engaged leader, marlin is an Army veteran and an experienced technologist focused on mission success.

Sean Applegate currently serves as Chief Technology Officer for SwishData, a customer-centric technology and engineering services provider. In this role, Sean leads innovation strategy, solutions, and services. Sean is passionate about delivering life cycle services to ensure clients realize maximum value for technology investments.
 
Sean is life-long student of culture, specifically the creation of innovative, high-velocity organizations that empower employees to experiment, learn quickly, and push themselves to new levels.
 
Prior to joining Swish, Sean spent nine years with Riverbed Technology helping large enterprises understand, optimize and control performance of global IT architectures. He filled several technical leadership roles at Riverbed, including Senior Director of the Portfolio Solutions Group and Public Sector Technology Strategist.
 
Before Riverbed, Sean worked with several OEMs doing business in the Public Sector. He has also worked as a technology consultant, and served as an active duty United States Marine.