The Speakers and Panelists
Sharing Knowledge with the Tampa Bay Tech Community
Mrunal Gangrade
VP Software Engineering - JPMorgan Chase
Mrunal Gangrade is a Vice President at JPMorgan Chase and a recognized leader in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and technology governance. She is an IEEE Senior Member, researcher, speaker, and advisor whose work centers on explainable AI, responsible innovation, and secure digital transformation in regulated environments. Through her leadership, writing, and speaking engagements, she helps organizations bridge innovation with trust, compliance, and real-world impact.
James Gress
Emerging Technology Director, North America Advanced Technology Centers, Accenture
James is the Emerging Technology Lead for Accenture's Advanced Technology Centers in North America, specializing in Generative AI. With over 30 years of experience in software delivery and as a certified Senior Technology Architect, James leads global teams in developing, prototyping, and implementing groundbreaking Generative AI solutions. His extensive expertise spans AI, DevOps, architecture, modern engineering, and developer experience practices, allowing him to collaborate on innovative projects across multiple industries and platforms.
An active leader in the tech community, James organizes and leads meetups on Generative AI, AI, DevOps, and Platform Engineering. He is also a lead organizer for DevOpsDays Tampa Bay. He shares his insights through speaking engagements and industry forums, inspiring technological innovation and strategic solutions. His passion for AI not only drives technological advances but also energizes and motivates a new generation of tech enthusiasts.
Angela Polania
CEO · Elevate Consult | Speaker at ISACA
Treasurer & Board Member, South Florida CIO Council · Member, ISACA
Angela Polania is the CEO of Elevate Consult, a U.S.-based advisory firm specializing in Cybersecurity, Privacy, Internal Controls, and AI Governance. With over 20 years of professional services experience, she has guided hundreds of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to technology startups, through complex compliance, audit, and risk transformation engagements across Financial Services, Healthcare, Legal, Government, Aerospace, and B2B SaaS.
She holds a Postgraduate degree in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Advanced Machine Learning from the University of Texas at Austin, along with dual bachelor's degrees in Accounting and Management Information Systems from Florida International University. Her professional certifications include CPA, CISA, CISM, CRISC, CDPSE, CAISS, CMMC Registered Practitioner, CHSPP, and ITIL V3. Angela also serves as Treasurer and Board Member of the South Florida CIO Council and is an active member of ISACA.
She has become a recognized expert in AI Governance and AI Risk Management, leading audit and advisory engagements for clients navigating the rapidly evolving AI regulatory landscape. Her deep expertise spans frameworks including FedRAMP, CMMC, SOC, ISO 27001, ISO 42001, HIPAA, SOX 404, GDPR, GLBA, and CMS EDE.
Mark Simos
Lead Cybersecurity Architect - Microsoft
Mark Simos is Lead Cybersecurity Architect for Microsoft where he leads the development of cybersecurity reference architectures, best practices, reference strategies, prescriptive roadmaps, CISO workshops, and other guidance to secure organizations in the digital age.
Mark helps organizations meet cybersecurity and digital transformation goals by combining learnings from across Microsoft customers with Microsoft’s experience operating and protecting hyper-scale cloud services.
Mark is co-author of the Zero Trust Playbook (http://zerotrustplaybook.com) and co-host of the Azure Security Podcast. Mark actively contributes to open standards and publications including the Zero Trust Reference Model, Zero Trust Commandments, Security Principles for Architecture, NIST Guide for Cybersecurity Event Recovery (800-184), NIST Guide to Enterprise Patch Management (800-40), Microsoft Digital Defense Report, and Microsoft Security blogs.
Mark also chairs the Security Forum and co-chairs the Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) working group at The Open Group and has presented numerous conferences including Black Hat USA, RSA Conference, Gartner Security & Risk Management, BSides, Microsoft BlueHat, Microsoft Ignite, and Financial Executives International.
@MarkSimos | https://aka.ms/Markslist
Shadya Maldonado
Co-Founder & CEO - ArcQubit
Shadya Maldonado is the Co-Founder and CEO of ArcQubit Inc., a Tampa-based Quantum AI software company. She brings 17 years of experience in security operations, technology modernization, and risk management across U.S., international, and military domains. A combat veteran with notable service in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, Shadya held senior engineering and leadership roles at Sandia National Laboratories and Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory before her assignment to establish a cyber systems engineering team within NASA's extravehicular activity and human surface mobility program.
She has earned multiple degrees as a first-generation college graduate, including a Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity from The George Washington University, and is now
nearing the end of her doctoral candidacy in Quantum Computing. Her career spans work with DARPA, DOE, IAEA, NASA, and multiple branches of the Department of Defense, and she has authored more than twenty publications across IEEE, American Nuclear Society, and international cyber-physical security and regulatory forums.
Bryson Bort
Founder & CEO - Scythe
Bryson is the Founder of SCYTHE, a start-up building a next-generation threat emulation platform, and GRIMM, a cybersecurity consultancy, and Co-Founder of the ICS Village, a non-profit advancing awareness of industrial control system security. He is a Senior Fellow at the National Security Institute, USMA EECS Advisory Board member, and Adjunct Senior Technical Advisor for the Institute of Security and Technology. As a U.S. Army Officer, he served as a Battle Captain and Brigade Engineering Officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom before leaving the Army as a Captain. He is recognized as a 'Top 50 in Cyber' by Business Insider, 'Security Executive Finalist of the Year' by SC Media, was awarded 'Tech Titan' three times and is the 2023 SANS Difference Maker Award Winner for Innovator of the Year.
Bryson received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with honors from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He holds a Master's Degree in Telecommunications Management from the University of Maryland, a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Florida, and completed graduate studies in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Texas.
Dr. Katrina (Katya) Rosseini
Managing Partner of Queens GMBT Ventures
Dr. Katrina Rosseini is a leading strategist in cybersecurity, quantum computing, and AI. She
advises policymakers, venture capital leaders, and founders on positioning the United States in
the global technology competition with national security at the core. She is also a fellow at the
National Security Institute (NSI), contributing to research and policy focused on the threats
facing the United States and its allies across intelligence, defense, homeland security, and
cybersecurity. Her work bridges innovation, governance, and security, helping leaders translate
emerging technology risk into real-world strategy and execution.
She has briefed the nation’s largest public pension fund, participated in congressional and United
Nations forums, and authored a quantum trade and implementation brief following her work with
the Congressional Quantum Consortium. That brief outlined concrete policy, investment, and
execution pathways to strengthen U.S. competitiveness across quantum technologies, with a
focus on supply chain resilience, workforce readiness, and enterprise adoption.
In response to the growing “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” threat, Dr. Rosseini developed the
first-generation QUEEN Framework, a quantum governance model that turns cryptographic and
data longevity risk into clear, board-level action. The framework is designed to help enterprises
assess, govern, and prepare for quantum-related risk across cryptographic transition, data
longevity, and decision authority, translating emerging threats into practical governance and
execution pathways for executives and boards.
Dr. Rosseini is the Managing Partner of Queens GMBT, where she leads strategy and advises
across quantum computing, AI, and cybersecurity. She works closely with founders, investors,
and market leaders as these technologies reshape national security, the global economy, and the
future of the workforce.
She leads Critical Effect California, a California-based expansion of ICS Village’s Critical Effect
D.C. conference, focused on national and state policy, cybersecurity, workforce development,
and infrastructure resilience. The conference convenes senior leaders from government and the
private sector to address security, talent, and resilience challenges through practical policy
dialogue and cross-sector collaboration.
As Chair of the Civilian Reserve (CR-ISAC), Dr. Rosseini oversees initiatives to strengthen the
resilience of vital services including energy, healthcare, transportation, and water, leveraging a
skilled and vetted volunteer workforce of civilians and veterans to anticipate and respond to
cyber threats. Her work blends deep technical insight with operational and governance strategy.
She co-founded a cybersecurity company focused on securing IoT devices at the chipset level,
leading pre-seed fundraising and product development through market entry, culminating in first
place recognition at The George Washington University’s 2025 New Venture Competition. She
also advises startups across healthcare AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing, helping
translate complex technologies into clear business, governance, and risk outcomes.
Her doctoral research led to the development of SECUREGRID, a context-aware methodology
for prioritizing critical vulnerabilities in industrial control systems, designed to protect essential
systems from advanced and nation-state threats.
A member of the Fast Company Executive Board, Dr. Rosseini contributes thought leadership on
emerging technology governance, adoption, and risk. She serves as Head of Strategy at the
Ascendant Group, advising on technology adoption, governance, and organizational
transformation, and previously served for 14 years on the Board of Directors of St. Rose
Hospital, including as Chair of the Finance Committee.
Dr. Rosseini holds a Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics from The George
Washington University, an MBA in Finance from Colorado Technical University, and a B.A. in
Business Organization and Managerial Economics from the University of California, Davis. She
also completed the Harvard Business School Accelerating Board Diversity program and Oxford
Saïd Business School’s Blockchain Strategy program.
Her work and commentary have been featured in Forbes, S&P Global, Fast Company, DC
Journal, AI Journal, SecurityInfoWatch, and other leading publications
John Terbush
Vice President, Cyber Threat Intelligence - JP Morgan Chase
John TerBush is a VP of Threat Intelligence at a major financial institution, with a focus on detection engineering, malware and infrastructure analysis, and tracking malicious operations. He has worked in security operations for decades, with a transition to information security after many years working as a private investigator.
Kathleen (Kate) Mullin
CIO / CISO
Kate Mullin is an influential information security practitioner and international speaker with 25+ years of experience, including as a CAE. Kate provides CISO and Board consulting services. She served as CISO at various organizations, including privately owned (Cancer Treatment Centers of America), publicly traded (WageWorks), private equity-backed (HealthPlan Services), not-for-profit (Adventist Health), and government entities (Tampa Airport).
Throughout her career, Kathleen has volunteered and participated in maturing information security as a profession. She previously was on the ISACA CGEIT Certification Committee (2011-2012) and the Committee Chair (2011-2012) and on the Credentialing Board (2011-2012), and was the West Florida Chapter of ISACA CISA, CRISC, and CISM, Instructor as well as former President, CISA, CISM, & CGEIT Coordinator. Currently, she is a member of the SABSA Liaison Council.
Kate has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida Metropolitan University, ISACA and ISACA Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and SABSA Chartered Security Architect – Foundation Certificate (SCF).
Nicholas DeMeo
CIO at Vista Clinical Laboratory
My career journey, culminating in my current role as Chief Information Officer, has provided me with a distinct advantage in tackling complex cybersecurity challenges. I am passionate about applying my versatile skillset to actively defend against cyber threats and foster secure digital environments. The continuous evolution of information technology fuels my commitment to lifelong learning, ensuring I remain at the forefront of cybersecurity advancements. I am dedicated to further developing my leadership capabilities as a CIO and am eager to collaborate with organizations and professionals who share my vision for elevating security leadership in healthcare and protecting our interconnected world.
Yukti Lnu
Senior Software Engineer / AI & Agentic AI Architect - KForce
Yukti Lnu is a Lead Software Engineer and AI innovator specializing in Agentic AI, AI/ML systems, cybersecurity, and cloud-native enterprise architecture. With deep expertise in .NET (Core/6+), C#, React, and Microsoft Azure, she designs and delivers scalable, secure, full-stack solutions that integrate machine learning models, LLM orchestration, and autonomous Agentic AI workflows into production-grade environments. Her work focuses on building intelligent systems that combine multi-model reasoning, secure API ecosystems, and Zero-Trust security principles to drive operational efficiency, risk intelligence, and data-driven decision-making—particularly within regulated industries such as insurance and healthcare.
A strong advocate for responsible and secure AI deployment, Yukti emphasizes governance, compliance alignment (including HIPAA and NIST CSF), model observability, and cybersecurity-by-design across all stages of development. She has authored and published research papers in AI/ML, fraud detection, graph-based analytics, and AI-driven cybersecurity, contributing to the advancement of applied artificial intelligence in enterprise systems. As an IEEE member and contributor, she actively engages with the professional community through research collaboration and technical discourse.
Beyond her engineering leadership, Yukti contributes to the broader innovation ecosystem as a keynote and panel speaker on Agentic AI, AI governance, and enterprise AI architecture, and as a national hackathon judge evaluating advanced AI/ML and cybersecurity solutions across U.S. institutions. She also mentors students through academic lectures and workshops, helping cultivate the next generation of AI engineers. Her multidisciplinary expertise across full-stack development, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and autonomous AI systems positions her as a trusted voice in the evolving landscape of intelligent, secure digital transformation.
Mikael Loefstrand
Cofounder - AI Data Defense
Mikael Loefstrand is a seasoned technology executive, entrepreneur, and AI strategist with a distinguished career spanning artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. With over two decades of leadership experience in both Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial ventures, Mikael has driven innovation at the intersection of AI, enterprise infrastructure, and security.
Currently, Mikael serves as Managing Partner at Agera Partner, where he advises companies on AI adoption, cybersecurity, and digital transformation strategies. He is also the Founder and CEO of AI Data Defense, a company focused on AI-driven data privacy, security, and compliance solutions. His expertise in AI governance, cloud security, and multi-cloud architectures has positioned him as a thought leader in the evolving AI and data protection landscape.
Previously, Mikael held senior leadership roles at SAP, Oracle, Dell, and Sun Microsystems, where he spearheaded technology strategies, enterprise cloud initiatives, and large-scale digital transformations. As Global Vice President & Chief Technology Officer of Multi-cloud Products at SAP, he played a pivotal role in developing SAP’s multi-cloud strategy, scaling its cloud presence across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. He co-founded SAP Data Custodian, a SaaS platform enhancing data security, compliance, and cloud governance for enterprises.
Mikael is the only Swedish citizen to receive the prestigious Distinguished Engineer recognition from Sun Microsystems, an exclusive technical honor awarded to only a handful of individuals in Europe. This recognition underscores his exceptional contributions to enterprise computing, networking, and cloud infrastructure at a global scale.
Beyond corporate leadership, Mikael has been actively involved in strategic advisory roles, startup mentorship, and digital twin innovations for industrial applications, including modernizing submerged marine robotics. He holds 16 patents spanning artificial intelligence, cloud security, and automation, underscoring his contributions to technological advancements.
Jim Lovett
Senior Manager of Engineering, Database Reliability
Jim is a seasoned engineering leader specializing in the intersection of large-scale database reliability and emerging AI technologies. Currently serving as a Senior Manager of Engineering, he oversees complex data architectures across Oracle, Postgres, and Snowflake environments, ensuring the robustness and scalability of mission-critical systems.
Beyond core infrastructure, Jim is a vocal advocate for the integration of agentic AI tooling within the enterprise. He is currently spearheading initiatives to implement codebase-certified AI solutions, focusing on driving operational efficiency while maintaining strict security standards. With a deep technical background of operationally securing the integrity of enterprise systems, Jim brings a pragmatic, reliability-first perspective to the evolving landscape of AI-driven engineering.
Alex Delgado
Data Engineering Senior Manager - PwC
Alex Delgado is a highly skilled Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Senior Manager in the Data Engineering team at PwC. With expertise in accounting principles and regulations, he designs and implements data engineering solutions to optimize financial processes and drive business growth. He excels in developing scalable data pipelines, automating workflows, and ensuring data quality. Alex's strong analytical skills and attention to detail enable him to extract valuable insights from complex datasets. With a commitment to continuous learning, Alex remains at the forefront of data engineering advancements, making him a valuable asset to PwC's Data Engineering team.
Alexei Chirokikh
CTO - Waterfall Bank
Alexei Chirokikh is CTO at Waterfall Bank. He previously was Vice President of Data Solutions at Citibank, where he lead strategic initiatives in enterprise data management, Generative AI integration, and intelligent document automation. He focuses on applying AI technologies to transform large-scale banking operations, including document management, translation workflows, and compliance automation across global markets.
With over two decades of international experience, Alexei has served as a CIO and CTO driving data strategy, digital transformation, and AI adoption across global financial institutions. Before joining Citibank, he was Global CTO at FINCA Impact Finance and Group CIO at Equity Bank, leading multi-country core banking modernization and digital channel transformation across Africa and Latin America.
Earlier, Alexei held CIO positions at Gazprombank and Uralsib Bank, overseeing enterprise systems, cybersecurity, and regulatory technology modernization. He also contributed to fintech innovation in Canada and Spain, focusing on digital assets, blockchain infrastructure, and cross-border payments.
Alexei holds a PhD in Physics, an MBA in Finance and International Management, and is TOGAF-certified.
Anna Bahvala, Ed.D.
Career Coach/ Student Success Specialist - USF Muma College of Business
Dr. Anna Bahvala is an Adjunct Professor and Career Coach at the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business, School of Information Systems. With over two decades of experience empowering professionals in the AI and Data Analytics fields, she helps individuals navigate the evolving world of work with confidence and clarity. Her coaching and research focus on mindset, resilience, and self-advocacy in job search, salary negotiation, and professional networking, blending data-driven insight with human-centered empathy.
Edward Nester
Cyber Integration Engineer ZT
Kentro, EDATE
He is a seasoned Professional, strategic leader, tinker, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and a “make it happen” kind of person, while ensuring innovative solutions that are the best fit and sustainable. With just an idea, I know how to find the breadth and depth of capabilities and assets. He can develop, deploy, maintain, and re-evaluate. He strives for my colleagues to work as a collaborative team, develop talent, and make the organization better. He is currently working on the USSOCOM EDAT contract, with a focus on Zero Trust. He previously served as the Cyber Program Manager/ Deputy Cyber Governance for USCENTCOM J6. He has been working on DoD networks since 2006 across different disciplines. He has led teams covering the help desk, satellite ground stations, custom networks, virtual computing, enterprise services, cybersecurity, and GRC. He has recently been involved in projects related to Zero Trust, DevSecOps, SCRM, DCWF/NICE, and AI. He is also the VP of Programs for the SCRA Tampa Bay Striker Chapter and runs the monthly Tampa/ MacDill AFB Orange Call, Networking Event & Tech Round Table. In his spare time, he enjoys mentoring Service Members who are leaving the Military and SCUBA diving.
WHY Statement-
To assist in architecting solutions to challenges as a team so that the customers' needs are met with the best fit at the right time and place.
Member of:
ISC2, ISACA, IEEE Computer Society, Cyber AB, InfraGard, ISSA, SCRA, AFCEA, AUSA, PMI, DRI
Current certifications:
ISC2 CISSP, CompTia Security+ CE, ITIL v4 Foundations, A-C|CISO, Registered DoD RMF Practitioner (RDRP), BlueDot Impact – AI Governance, IEEE SA – CertifAIEd Assessor, DRI – Certified Business Continuity Professional (CDCP), PMI PMP, PMI Business Continuity, IBM Enterprise Design Thinking, Certified Scrum Master, Certified Scrum Product Owner
Military Courses:
DISA AO, eMASS & ACAS, DTRA Mission Assurance Course, Joint C4 Planners Course (JC4PC), OPSEC Level II, ATO Level II, Security Cooperation Management-Action Officer, Army Knowledge Management Qualification Course
Sasha Vanterpool, PhD
Senior Cyber Workforce Consultant
Dr. Sasha Vanterpool’s professional experience is in cybersecurity workforce development, program and project management, and data-driven insights. As a Senior Cyber Workforce Consultant at
Skillrex
(formerly
under CyberVista, now N2K), Dr. Vanterpool specializes in cyber workforce data analysis, competency profiling, and job role capability alignment. Her work enables organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity teams’ skills, refine talent acquisition, implement
targeted training programs, and enhance retention strategies. Dr. Vanterpool earned her Ph.D. in Career and Workforce Education from the University of South Florida, where her dissertation research focused on supporting military veterans’ transition to civilian
careers. Previously at Cyber Florida at USF: The Florida Center for Cybersecurity, she managed their workforce development training program prioritizing underrepresented groups including military veterans transitioning into cybersecurity. She also supported
the center’s implementation of a $20 million FLDOE grant to expand Cyber and IT education and training programs across Florida. Passionate about advancing diversity in cybersecurity, Dr. Vanterpool is an active member of BlackGirlsHack, Cyversity, and currently
serves as the Director of Marketing for the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Florida Affiliate Chapter. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones. Connect with her on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/sashavanterpool.
Joey de Villa
Developer Relations
Joey is a long-time developer and developer advocate who’s worked at Okta, Shopify, and Microsoft. He currently runs Atypical Consulting in Tampa, manages the Tampa Bay AI and Python meetups, and publishes Tampa Bay’s weekly “official unofficial” list of tech events on his blog, Global Nerdy. If you’re in Tampa Bay and hear and accordion playing, it’s probably him.
Wilson Bautista
CEO, Jun Cyber | Lead Certified CMMC Assessor | U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Wilson Bautista Jr. is the CEO of Jun Cyber, a veteran-owned cybersecurity and compliance firm based in St. Petersburg, Florida, helping organizations prepare for and achieve compliance with frameworks such as CMMC, NIST 800-171, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and HIPAA.
A Lead Certified CMMC Assessor (CCA) and one of fewer than 350 assessors worldwide, Wilson brings deep expertise in guiding defense contractors through the evolving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program. His team has helped small manufacturers, technology companies, and defense suppliers translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, operational cybersecurity programs that drive both compliance and resilience.
Before founding Jun Cyber, Wilson served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, leading large-scale communications and cybersecurity operations in Afghanistan. That experience shaped his mission-driven leadership style and practical approach to risk management — focusing on people, process, and protection over paperwork.
Wilson is also the Executive Director of the Cyber Ohana Project, a nonprofit that helps veterans and career changers transition into cybersecurity careers, and the organizer of BSides St. Pete, one of Florida’s fastest-growing community-driven cybersecurity conferences.
At Tampa Bay Cyber + AI: GRC Edition, Wilson will discuss:
How CMMC 2.0 impacts the Defense Industrial Base in 2025
Lessons learned from performing real-world CMMC readiness and assessment engagements
The intersection of AI and compliance automation, and how emerging tools are reshaping evidence collection, reporting, and audit preparation
Johan Lidros
President - Eminere Group
Johan Lidros (CISA, CISM, CGEIT, CDPSE, ITIL-F, HITRUST CCSFP), President of Eminere Group, has significant experience working with organizations in many industries, assessing and auditing their IT, digital, and information security risks. He has led numerous cybersecurity engagements during the past 20 years and has a very comprehensive understanding of current IT governance and security standards such as COBIT, HITRUST, NIST, CIS, SABSA, HICP, and IS027000-series. Johan has performed many speaking engagements over the past two decades on various IT/cybersecurity and risk management topics at conferences, including ACUA, AHIA, EDUCAUSE, BSides, FHIMA, HCCA, HIMSS, IIA, and ISACA. Johan is an accredited ISACA instructor for CISA, CRISC, CISM, and CGEIT. He is a HIMSS Central North Florida board member and past President. Johan has been a member of the board for the Swedish General Standards Institution committee for ISO 27001 and is also a former member of the ISACA CGEIT Certification Committee. He is the current ISACA West Florida certification committee chair and President.
Beth Frasure
Risk and Compliance Advisor Lead
Beth Frasure is a Risk and Compliance Advisor Lead at a Fortune 100 financial institution with oversight of the Enterprise Resiliency Group (ERG). Her primary responsibility is to provide Risk Management and Compliance oversight of Business Continuity (BC), Disaster Recovery (DR), Crisis Management, BC/DR Exercises, Technology and Third-party resiliency Testing, BC/DR Planning, and ERG governance. In her previous roles as a consultant and BC program administrator, Beth has skillfully led teams and advised clients on best practices in the development of Resiliency programs. She has extensive experience in the full BC management cycle to include the creation and implementation of Plans, IT DR, Crisis Communication, Crisis Management, Training, Exercises, and Testing. Beth specializes in risk mitigation, resiliency, crisis management, and regulatory compliance. She holds a Master Business Continuity Professional (MBCP) license through DRI, a Bachelor of Science Business and Psychology, and is currently pursuing her MS in Enterprise Risk Management from Boston University.
Claude Williams
CEO - CyNtell
Claude L. Williams is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CyNtelligent Solutions, LLC (CyNtell). CyNtell is a world-class consulting and professional services company servicing the US DoD, US Civil Government agencies, and the private sector with cybersecurity and related IT governance, risk management, and compliance services. Complementary areas of expertise are in business continuity, data privacy, and cloud-based security solutions. Previously, Mr. Williams was the Head of Business Development for the renowned, premier provider of professional cybersecurity education and certifications, (ISC)2. He has over two decades of experience in information technology, cybersecurity, and certification education. Mr. Williams has a diverse management and information security background and has worked in the U.S. DoD environment as an integrator and executive consultant to various military and civilian agency CIOs. Mr. Williams has authored numerous white papers and case studies related to enterprise systems management and supporting business processes with information technology. He has authored curricula in collaboration with Microsoft, Novell, and numerous training organizations and academic institutions. He has successfully developed and administered customized cybersecurity programs for notable organizations in support of internal initiatives and industry compliance requirements including HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and SOC. Among those successes are the programs he managed for the American Red Cross, The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, and The U.S. Senate. • In 1993, Mr. Williams served on the Maryland Governor’s Education Advisor Council as a technology advisor. • Mr. Williams was a contributing member of the working group for the development of the National Initiative of Cybersecurity Education (NICE). • Mr. Williams aided in the development and promotion of a secure coding professional certification for IEEE Computer Society. • In 2010, Mr. Williams significantly contributed to the development of an Insider Treat Methodology while working as a research scientist at Carnegie Mellon University SEI CERT. • Currently, specializing in the area of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for DIB SMBs.
Eric Vogelpohl
Field CTO - PresidioData | AI/Machine Learning | GenAI
Eric Vogelpohl is a Field CTO specializing in the transformative power of data, analytics, and generative AI across various business sectors. With a strong engineering, data warehousing and data management background, he is dedicated to empowering data and data science teams through scalable solutions, data management patterns and platforms. His extensive career, spanning over 25 years, includes leadership roles in enterprise IT, startups, and large consultancies, with a primary focus on cloud computing, data, BI and more recently, GenAI ecosystems
Tracy Ingram
Chief Information Officer - NeuroEM Therapeutics
Tracy Ingram is Chief Information Officer at NeuroEM Therapeutics, where he spearheads innovative IT strategies to accelerate the commercialization of FDA-approved neurological healthcare breakthroughs. With over two decades of experience in strategic information management, he transforms complex challenges into streamlined, efficient solutions through cutting-edge technology implementation.
At NeuroEM Therapeutics, Tracy develops robust digital infrastructures supporting clinical research and operations by integrating emerging technologies, strengthening data integrity, and maintaining rigorous cybersecurity standards. His forward-thinking approach bridges the gap between technology and therapeutic innovation, enabling rapid adaptation in the dynamic Medtech landscape.
Before NeuroEM Therapeutics, Tracy established himself as a transformative leader through senior IT roles in bioinformatics and the military sectors. He consistently delivered innovative solutions to complex projects, and his strategic vision and consumer-focused approach significantly reduced support requirements. Tracy combines technical expertise with executive strategy through advanced Computer Science and Business Administration degrees. He actively champions diversity in tech and mentors emerging industry leaders.
A recognized thought leader in the IT community, Tracy regularly contributes to influential events, including Barcamp and Ignite. His dedication to community engagement and knowledge sharing fosters collaboration and innovation, inspiring the next generation of IT professionals and entrepreneurs. He demonstrates the transformative potential of open exchange and grassroots innovation through these forums.
Tracy's passion for technology advancement and community building continues to shape his impact at NeuroEM Therapeutics and across the broader IT ecosystem, ensuring both remain innovative and prepared for future challenges.
Angela Polania
CEO · Elevate Consult | Speaker at ISACA
Treasurer & Board Member, South Florida CIO Council · Member, ISACA
Angela Polania is the CEO of Elevate Consult, a U.S.-based advisory firm specializing in Cybersecurity, Privacy, Internal Controls, and AI Governance. With over 20 years of professional services experience, she has guided hundreds of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to technology startups, through complex compliance, audit, and risk transformation engagements across Financial Services, Healthcare, Legal, Government, Aerospace, and B2B SaaS.
She holds a Postgraduate degree in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Advanced Machine Learning from the University of Texas at Austin, along with dual bachelor's degrees in Accounting and Management Information Systems from Florida International University. Her professional certifications include CPA, CISA, CISM, CRISC, CDPSE, CAISS, CMMC Registered Practitioner, CHSPP, and ITIL V3. Angela also serves as Treasurer and Board Member of the South Florida CIO Council and is an active member of ISACA.
She has become a recognized expert in AI Governance and AI Risk Management, leading audit and advisory engagements for clients navigating the rapidly evolving AI regulatory landscape. Her deep expertise spans frameworks including FedRAMP, CMMC, SOC, ISO 27001, ISO 42001, HIPAA, SOX 404, GDPR, GLBA, and CMS EDE.
Mark Simos
Lead Cybersecurity Architect - Microsoft
Cybersecurity is a fundamentally human domain of conflict management and I believe many of the answers we need will be found by working closely with other parts of our organizations (all too often isolated into silos) and learning from other disciplines studying the human experience (economics, psychology, military doctrine, sociology, philosophy, criminal justice, creative arts, etc.)
For a link to many of works, see https://aka.ms/markslist
I have also reviewed or contributed to these books:
- Practical Cybersecurity Architecture by Ed Moyle and Diana Kelley
- Incident Response in the Age of Cloud by Dr. Erdal Ozkaya
- Exam Ref SC-900 Microsoft Security Fundamentals by Yuri Diogenes, Nicholas DiCola, and Mark Morowczynski
- Think Like a Hacker: A Sysadmin's Guide to Cybersecurity by Michael J. Melone
Shadya Maldonado
Co-Founder & CEO - ArcQubit
Shadya Maldonado is the Co-Founder and CEO of ArcQubit Inc., a quantum-AI software
company. She brings 17 years of experience in security operations, technology
modernization, and risk management across U.S., international, and military domains. A
combat veteran with notable service in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, Shadya held
senior engineering and leadership roles at Sandia National Laboratories and Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory before her assignment to establish a cyber systems
engineering team within NASA's extravehicular activity and human surface mobility
program. She earned multiple degrees as a first-generation college graduate, including a
Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity from The George Washington University, and is now
nearing the end of her doctoral candidacy in Quantum Computing. Her career spans work
with DARPA, DOE, IAEA, NASA, and multiple branches of the Department of Defense, and
she has authored more than twenty publications across IEEE, American Nuclear Society,
and international cyber-physical security and regulatory forums.
Bryson Bort
Founder & CEO - Scythe
Bryson is the Founder of SCYTHE, a start-up building a next-generation threat emulation platform, and GRIMM, a cybersecurity consultancy, and Co-Founder of the ICS Village, a non-profit advancing awareness of industrial control system security. He is a Senior Fellow at the National Security Institute, USMA EECS Advisory Board member, and Adjunct Senior Technical Advisor for the Institute of Security and Technology. As a U.S. Army Officer, he served as a Battle Captain and Brigade Engineering Officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom before leaving the Army as a Captain. He is recognized as a 'Top 50 in Cyber' by Business Insider, 'Security Executive Finalist of the Year' by SC Media, was awarded 'Tech Titan' three times and is the 2023 SANS Difference Maker Award Winner for Innovator of the Year.
Bryson received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with honors from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He holds a Master's Degree in Telecommunications Management from the University of Maryland, a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Florida, and completed graduate studies in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Texas.
Dr. Katrina (Katya) Rosseini
Managing Partner of Queens GMBT Ventures
Dr. Katrina Rosseini is the Managing Partner of Queens GMBT Ventures, dedicated to
advancing quantum computing, AI, and cybersecurity innovation and investments. In this
capacity, she leads strategy across deep-tech ventures, guiding founders, investors, and market
leaders as these technologies reshape national security, economics, and the future of the
workforce.
Dr. Rosseini is a recognized authority in cybersecurity, quantum computing, and AI. She advises
emerging-technology companies, venture capital firms, and capital-market leaders on highimpact innovation that strengthens digital resilience and long-term strategic advantage.
As Chair of the Civilian Reserve (CR-ISAC), Dr. Rosseini oversees initiatives that bolster the
resilience of critical infrastructure, including energy, healthcare, transportation, and water. Her
work bridges critical infrastructure insight, workforce development, and information sharing to
strengthen the nation’s defensive posture.
She co-founded a cybersecurity startup that secures IoT smart devices at the chipset level,
leading the pre-seed round through product launch and earning first place at The George
Washington University’s 2025 New Venture Competition.
Her doctoral research led to the development of SECUREGRID, a context-aware vulnerabilityprioritization methodology that strengthens the security of critical infrastructure against nationstate adversaries.
A member of the Fast Company Executive Board, Dr. Rosseini is a frequent contributor on
emerging-technology topics, and she regularly speaks at conferences on national security and the
economic impact of quantum computing, cybersecurity, and AI. Her work helps organizations
adopt transformative solutions while strengthening governance, resilience, and long-term growth.
She also serves as Head of Strategy at the Ascendant Group, where she advises CEOs and
founders in healthcare and innovation.
Dr. Rosseini previously served for 14 years on the Board of Directors of St. Rose Hospital,
including as chair of the finance committee, where she led initiatives across strategic funding,
board governance, and M&A oversight. She also serves on the stakeholder committee for The
George Washington University’s Open-Source Program Office (OSPO) as a cybersecurity
domain expert and participated as a speaker at the United Nations OSPO global symposium,
focused on advancing open-source collaboration for public benefit.
She earned a Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics from The George Washington
University, an MBA in Finance from Colorado Technical University, and a B.A. in Business
Organization and Managerial Economics from the University of California, Davis. She
completed Harvard Business School’s Accelerating Board Diversity Program and Oxford Saïd
Business School’s Blockchain Strategy Program, developing a healthcare-focused blockchain
use case.
Her thought leadership and commentary appear in Forbes, S&P Global, Fast Company, DC
Journal, AI Journal, SecurityInfoWatch, and leading industry publications.
John Terbush
Vice President, Cyber Threat Intelligence - JP Morgan Chase
John TerBush is a VP of Threat Intelligence at a major financial institution, with a focus on detection engineering, malware and infrastructure analysis, and tracking malicious operations. He has worked in security operations for decades, with a transition to information security after many years working as a private investigator.
Kathleen (Kate) Mullin
CIO / CISO
Kate Mullin is an influential information security practitioner and international speaker with 25+ years of experience, including as a CAE. Kate provides CISO and Board consulting services. She served as CISO at various organizations, including privately owned (Cancer Treatment Centers of America), publicly traded (WageWorks), private equity-backed (HealthPlan Services), not-for-profit (Adventist Health), and government entities (Tampa Airport).
Throughout her career, Kathleen has volunteered and participated in maturing information security as a profession. She previously was on the ISACA CGEIT Certification Committee (2011-2012) and the Committee Chair (2011-2012) and on the Credentialing Board (2011-2012), and was the West Florida Chapter of ISACA CISA, CRISC, and CISM, Instructor as well as former President, CISA, CISM, & CGEIT Coordinator. Currently, she is a member of the SABSA Liaison Council.
Kate has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida Metropolitan University, ISACA and ISACA Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and SABSA Chartered Security Architect – Foundation Certificate (SCF).
Nicholas DeMeo
CIO at Vista Clinical Laboratory
My career journey, culminating in my current role as Chief Information Officer, has provided me with a distinct advantage in tackling complex cybersecurity challenges. I am passionate about applying my versatile skillset to actively defend against cyber threats and foster secure digital environments. The continuous evolution of information technology fuels my commitment to lifelong learning, ensuring I remain at the forefront of cybersecurity advancements. I am dedicated to further developing my leadership capabilities as a CIO and am eager to collaborate with organizations and professionals who share my vision for elevating security leadership in healthcare and protecting our interconnected world.
Yukti Lnu
Senior Software Engineer / AI & Agentic AI Architect - KForce
Yukti Lnu is a Lead Software Engineer and AI innovator specializing in Agentic AI, AI/ML systems, cybersecurity, and cloud-native enterprise architecture. With deep expertise in .NET (Core/6+), C#, React, and Microsoft Azure, she designs and delivers scalable, secure, full-stack solutions that integrate machine learning models, LLM orchestration, and autonomous Agentic AI workflows into production-grade environments. Her work focuses on building intelligent systems that combine multi-model reasoning, secure API ecosystems, and Zero-Trust security principles to drive operational efficiency, risk intelligence, and data-driven decision-making—particularly within regulated industries such as insurance and healthcare.
A strong advocate for responsible and secure AI deployment, Yukti emphasizes governance, compliance alignment (including HIPAA and NIST CSF), model observability, and cybersecurity-by-design across all stages of development. She has authored and published research papers in AI/ML, fraud detection, graph-based analytics, and AI-driven cybersecurity, contributing to the advancement of applied artificial intelligence in enterprise systems. As an IEEE member and contributor, she actively engages with the professional community through research collaboration and technical discourse.
Beyond her engineering leadership, Yukti contributes to the broader innovation ecosystem as a keynote and panel speaker on Agentic AI, AI governance, and enterprise AI architecture, and as a national hackathon judge evaluating advanced AI/ML and cybersecurity solutions across U.S. institutions. She also mentors students through academic lectures and workshops, helping cultivate the next generation of AI engineers. Her multidisciplinary expertise across full-stack development, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and autonomous AI systems positions her as a trusted voice in the evolving landscape of intelligent, secure digital transformation.
Mikael Loefstrand
Cofounder - AI Data Defense
Mikael Loefstrand is a seasoned technology executive, entrepreneur, and AI strategist with a distinguished career spanning artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. With over two decades of leadership experience in both Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial ventures, Mikael has driven innovation at the intersection of AI, enterprise infrastructure, and security.
Currently, Mikael serves as Managing Partner at Agera Partner, where he advises companies on AI adoption, cybersecurity, and digital transformation strategies. He is also the Founder and CEO of AI Data Defense, a company focused on AI-driven data privacy, security, and compliance solutions. His expertise in AI governance, cloud security, and multi-cloud architectures has positioned him as a thought leader in the evolving AI and data protection landscape.
Previously, Mikael held senior leadership roles at SAP, Oracle, Dell, and Sun Microsystems, where he spearheaded technology strategies, enterprise cloud initiatives, and large-scale digital transformations. As Global Vice President & Chief Technology Officer of Multi-cloud Products at SAP, he played a pivotal role in developing SAP’s multi-cloud strategy, scaling its cloud presence across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. He co-founded SAP Data Custodian, a SaaS platform enhancing data security, compliance, and cloud governance for enterprises.
Mikael is the only Swedish citizen to receive the prestigious Distinguished Engineer recognition from Sun Microsystems, an exclusive technical honor awarded to only a handful of individuals in Europe. This recognition underscores his exceptional contributions to enterprise computing, networking, and cloud infrastructure at a global scale.
Beyond corporate leadership, Mikael has been actively involved in strategic advisory roles, startup mentorship, and digital twin innovations for industrial applications, including modernizing submerged marine robotics. He holds 16 patents spanning artificial intelligence, cloud security, and automation, underscoring his contributions to technological advancements.
Jim Lovett
Senior Manager of Engineering, Database Reliability
Jim is a seasoned engineering leader specializing in the intersection of large-scale database reliability and emerging AI technologies. Currently serving as a Senior Manager of Engineering, he oversees complex data architectures across Oracle, Postgres, and Snowflake environments, ensuring the robustness and scalability of mission-critical systems.
Beyond core infrastructure, Jim is a vocal advocate for the integration of agentic AI tooling within the enterprise. He is currently spearheading initiatives to implement codebase-certified AI solutions, focusing on driving operational efficiency while maintaining strict security standards. With a deep technical background of operationally securing the integrity of enterprise systems, Jim brings a pragmatic, reliability-first perspective to the evolving landscape of AI-driven engineering.
Alex Delgado
Data Engineering Senior Manager - PwC
Alex Delgado is a highly skilled Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Senior Manager in the Data Engineering team at PwC. With expertise in accounting principles and regulations, he designs and implements data engineering solutions to optimize financial processes and drive business growth. He excels in developing scalable data pipelines, automating workflows, and ensuring data quality. Alex's strong analytical skills and attention to detail enable him to extract valuable insights from complex datasets. With a commitment to continuous learning, Alex remains at the forefront of data engineering advancements, making him a valuable asset to PwC's Data Engineering team.
Alexei Chirokikh
CTO - Waterfall Bank
Alexei Chirokikh is CTO at Waterfall Bank. He previously was Vice President of Data Solutions at Citibank, where he lead strategic initiatives in enterprise data management, Generative AI integration, and intelligent document automation. He focuses on applying AI technologies to transform large-scale banking operations, including document management, translation workflows, and compliance automation across global markets.
With over two decades of international experience, Alexei has served as a CIO and CTO driving data strategy, digital transformation, and AI adoption across global financial institutions. Before joining Citibank, he was Global CTO at FINCA Impact Finance and Group CIO at Equity Bank, leading multi-country core banking modernization and digital channel transformation across Africa and Latin America.
Earlier, Alexei held CIO positions at Gazprombank and Uralsib Bank, overseeing enterprise systems, cybersecurity, and regulatory technology modernization. He also contributed to fintech innovation in Canada and Spain, focusing on digital assets, blockchain infrastructure, and cross-border payments.
Alexei holds a PhD in Physics, an MBA in Finance and International Management, and is TOGAF-certified.
Anna Bahvala, Ed.D.
Career Coach/ Student Success Specialist - USF Muma College of Business
Dr. Anna Bahvala is an Adjunct Professor and Career Coach at the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business, School of Information Systems. With over two decades of experience empowering professionals in the AI and Data Analytics fields, she helps individuals navigate the evolving world of work with confidence and clarity. Her coaching and research focus on mindset, resilience, and self-advocacy in job search, salary negotiation, and professional networking, blending data-driven insight with human-centered empathy.
Edward Nester
Cyber Integration Engineer ZT
Kentro, EDATE
He is a seasoned Professional, strategic leader, tinker, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and a “make it happen” kind of person, while ensuring innovative solutions that are the best fit and sustainable. With just an idea, I know how to find the breadth and depth of capabilities and assets. He can develop, deploy, maintain, and re-evaluate. He strives for my colleagues to work as a collaborative team, develop talent, and make the organization better. He is currently working on the USSOCOM EDAT contract, with a focus on Zero Trust. He previously served as the Cyber Program Manager/ Deputy Cyber Governance for USCENTCOM J6. He has been working on DoD networks since 2006 across different disciplines. He has led teams covering the help desk, satellite ground stations, custom networks, virtual computing, enterprise services, cybersecurity, and GRC. He has recently been involved in projects related to Zero Trust, DevSecOps, SCRM, DCWF/NICE, and AI. He is also the VP of Programs for the SCRA Tampa Bay Striker Chapter and runs the monthly Tampa/ MacDill AFB Orange Call, Networking Event & Tech Round Table. In his spare time, he enjoys mentoring Service Members who are leaving the Military and SCUBA diving.
WHY Statement-
To assist in architecting solutions to challenges as a team so that the customers' needs are met with the best fit at the right time and place.
Member of:
ISC2, ISACA, IEEE Computer Society, Cyber AB, InfraGard, ISSA, SCRA, AFCEA, AUSA, PMI, DRI
Current certifications:
ISC2 CISSP, CompTia Security+ CE, ITIL v4 Foundations, A-C|CISO, Registered DoD RMF Practitioner (RDRP), BlueDot Impact – AI Governance, IEEE SA – CertifAIEd Assessor, DRI – Certified Business Continuity Professional (CDCP), PMI PMP, PMI Business Continuity, IBM Enterprise Design Thinking, Certified Scrum Master, Certified Scrum Product Owner
Military Courses:
DISA AO, eMASS & ACAS, DTRA Mission Assurance Course, Joint C4 Planners Course (JC4PC), OPSEC Level II, ATO Level II, Security Cooperation Management-Action Officer, Army Knowledge Management Qualification Course
Sasha Vanterpool, PhD
Senior Cyber Workforce Consultant
Dr. Sasha Vanterpool’s professional experience is in cybersecurity workforce development, program and project management, and data-driven insights. As a Senior Cyber Workforce Consultant at
Skillrex
(formerly
under CyberVista, now N2K), Dr. Vanterpool specializes in cyber workforce data analysis, competency profiling, and job role capability alignment. Her work enables organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity teams’ skills, refine talent acquisition, implement
targeted training programs, and enhance retention strategies. Dr. Vanterpool earned her Ph.D. in Career and Workforce Education from the University of South Florida, where her dissertation research focused on supporting military veterans’ transition to civilian
careers. Previously at Cyber Florida at USF: The Florida Center for Cybersecurity, she managed their workforce development training program prioritizing underrepresented groups including military veterans transitioning into cybersecurity. She also supported
the center’s implementation of a $20 million FLDOE grant to expand Cyber and IT education and training programs across Florida. Passionate about advancing diversity in cybersecurity, Dr. Vanterpool is an active member of BlackGirlsHack, Cyversity, and currently
serves as the Director of Marketing for the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Florida Affiliate Chapter. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones. Connect with her on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/sashavanterpool.
Joey de Villa
Developer Relations
Joey is a long-time developer and developer advocate who’s worked at Okta, Shopify, and Microsoft. He currently runs Atypical Consulting in Tampa, manages the Tampa Bay AI and Python meetups, and publishes Tampa Bay’s weekly “official unofficial” list of tech events on his blog, Global Nerdy. If you’re in Tampa Bay and hear and accordion playing, it’s probably him.
Wilson Bautista
CEO, Jun Cyber | Lead Certified CMMC Assessor | U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Wilson Bautista Jr. is the CEO of Jun Cyber, a veteran-owned cybersecurity and compliance firm based in St. Petersburg, Florida, helping organizations prepare for and achieve compliance with frameworks such as CMMC, NIST 800-171, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and HIPAA.
A Lead Certified CMMC Assessor (CCA) and one of fewer than 350 assessors worldwide, Wilson brings deep expertise in guiding defense contractors through the evolving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program. His team has helped small manufacturers, technology companies, and defense suppliers translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, operational cybersecurity programs that drive both compliance and resilience.
Before founding Jun Cyber, Wilson served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, leading large-scale communications and cybersecurity operations in Afghanistan. That experience shaped his mission-driven leadership style and practical approach to risk management — focusing on people, process, and protection over paperwork.
Wilson is also the Executive Director of the Cyber Ohana Project, a nonprofit that helps veterans and career changers transition into cybersecurity careers, and the organizer of BSides St. Pete, one of Florida’s fastest-growing community-driven cybersecurity conferences.
At Tampa Bay Cyber + AI: GRC Edition, Wilson will discuss:
How CMMC 2.0 impacts the Defense Industrial Base in 2025
Lessons learned from performing real-world CMMC readiness and assessment engagements
The intersection of AI and compliance automation, and how emerging tools are reshaping evidence collection, reporting, and audit preparation
Claude Williams
CEO - CyNtell
Claude L. Williams is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CyNtelligent Solutions, LLC (CyNtell). CyNtell is a world-class consulting and professional services company servicing the US DoD, US Civil Government agencies, and the private sector with cybersecurity and related IT governance, risk management, and compliance services. Complementary areas of expertise are in business continuity, data privacy, and cloud-based security solutions. Previously, Mr. Williams was the Head of Business Development for the renowned, premier provider of professional cybersecurity education and certifications, (ISC)2. He has over two decades of experience in information technology, cybersecurity, and certification education. Mr. Williams has a diverse management and information security background and has worked in the U.S. DoD environment as an integrator and executive consultant to various military and civilian agency CIOs. Mr. Williams has authored numerous white papers and case studies related to enterprise systems management and supporting business processes with information technology. He has authored curricula in collaboration with Microsoft, Novell, and numerous training organizations and academic institutions. He has successfully developed and administered customized cybersecurity programs for notable organizations in support of internal initiatives and industry compliance requirements including HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and SOC. Among those successes are the programs he managed for the American Red Cross, The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, and The U.S. Senate. • In 1993, Mr. Williams served on the Maryland Governor’s Education Advisor Council as a technology advisor. • Mr. Williams was a contributing member of the working group for the development of the National Initiative of Cybersecurity Education (NICE). • Mr. Williams aided in the development and promotion of a secure coding professional certification for IEEE Computer Society. • In 2010, Mr. Williams significantly contributed to the development of an Insider Treat Methodology while working as a research scientist at Carnegie Mellon University SEI CERT. • Currently, specializing in the area of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for DIB SMBs.
Beth Frasure
Risk and Compliance Advisor Lead
Beth Frasure is a Risk and Compliance Advisor Lead at a Fortune 100 financial institution with oversight of the Enterprise Resiliency Group (ERG). Her primary responsibility is to provide Risk Management and Compliance oversight of Business Continuity (BC), Disaster Recovery (DR), Crisis Management, BC/DR Exercises, Technology and Third-party resiliency Testing, BC/DR Planning, and ERG governance. In her previous roles as a consultant and BC program administrator, Beth has skillfully led teams and advised clients on best practices in the development of Resiliency programs. She has extensive experience in the full BC management cycle to include the creation and implementation of Plans, IT DR, Crisis Communication, Crisis Management, Training, Exercises, and Testing. Beth specializes in risk mitigation, resiliency, crisis management, and regulatory compliance. She holds a Master Business Continuity Professional (MBCP) license through DRI, a Bachelor of Science Business and Psychology, and is currently pursuing her MS in Enterprise Risk Management from Boston University.
Tracy Ingram
Chief Information Officer - NeuroEM Therapeutics
Tracy Ingram is Chief Information Officer at NeuroEM Therapeutics, where he spearheads innovative IT strategies to accelerate the commercialization of FDA-approved neurological healthcare breakthroughs. With over two decades of experience in strategic information management, he transforms complex challenges into streamlined, efficient solutions through cutting-edge technology implementation.
At NeuroEM Therapeutics, Tracy develops robust digital infrastructures supporting clinical research and operations by integrating emerging technologies, strengthening data integrity, and maintaining rigorous cybersecurity standards. His forward-thinking approach bridges the gap between technology and therapeutic innovation, enabling rapid adaptation in the dynamic Medtech landscape.
Before NeuroEM Therapeutics, Tracy established himself as a transformative leader through senior IT roles in bioinformatics and the military sectors. He consistently delivered innovative solutions to complex projects, and his strategic vision and consumer-focused approach significantly reduced support requirements. Tracy combines technical expertise with executive strategy through advanced Computer Science and Business Administration degrees. He actively champions diversity in tech and mentors emerging industry leaders.
A recognized thought leader in the IT community, Tracy regularly contributes to influential events, including Barcamp and Ignite. His dedication to community engagement and knowledge sharing fosters collaboration and innovation, inspiring the next generation of IT professionals and entrepreneurs. He demonstrates the transformative potential of open exchange and grassroots innovation through these forums.
Tracy's passion for technology advancement and community building continues to shape his impact at NeuroEM Therapeutics and across the broader IT ecosystem, ensuring both remain innovative and prepared for future challenges.
Eric Vogelpohl
Field CTO - PresidioData | AI/Machine Learning | GenAI
Eric Vogelpohl is a Field CTO specializing in the transformative power of data, analytics, and generative AI across various business sectors. With a strong engineering, data warehousing and data management background, he is dedicated to empowering data and data science teams through scalable solutions, data management patterns and platforms. His extensive career, spanning over 25 years, includes leadership roles in enterprise IT, startups, and large consultancies, with a primary focus on cloud computing, data, BI and more recently, GenAI ecosystems
Anantha Krishnan Thandalam Madapui Sreeraman
Associate Director - Raymond James
Anantha Sreeraman is a technology leader overseeing multiple enterprise data platform applications and driving next-generation innovation through Generative AI initiatives. With deep expertise in data engineering, scalable analytics systems, and automation, he brings a strategic perspective to building intelligent, AI-augmented business ecosystems. Anantha focuses on practical and high-impact GenAI applications, including enterprise knowledge automation, productivity acceleration, and AI-assisted decision systems. Passionate about making AI accessible and meaningful, he bridges hands-on execution with visionary thinking, helping organizations navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape with clarity and purpose.
