CISO Think Tank

Joined Health Care Service Corporation, the nation’s largest customer owned health insurer offering Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in Illinois, Montana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas, in September of 2017 as DVP Information Security Architecture and Design. In this role, John was responsible for driving the future state Cyber Security Architecture with a focus on securely enabling HCSC’s use of the public cloud for sensitive workloads, overall modernization of HCSC’s Member facing and Enterprise Identity & Access Management products and enhancements to Cyber Defense capabilities. Promoted to Deputy CISO / Head of Information Security for Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) in Fall of 2021. John is responsible for delivering a fiscally responsible and pragmatic Information Security program that securely enables the HCSC enterprise, systems development entities, and strategic initiatives. He is an Information Services Security thought leader with over twenty-five years combined experience with Fortune 500 firms in life sciences, healthcare and consumer products industries. Actively participates on Executive Customer Advisory Boards and Healthcare Industry Executive Leadership forums. John has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Temple University and holds CISSP certification.

Genuine Cable Group (GCG) is a major value-added distributor of wire, cable, and related products to a variety of niche markets, including Industrial Automation, Building Infrastructure, Communications and Industrial OEM. GCG also has cable assembly operations and is proud to be a leading wire and cable provider to the U.S. Navy.

Founded in 1906, Ingredion together with its subsidiaries, refines corn and produces sweeteners and starches. The company also provides animal feed products; edible corn oil; refined corn oil to packers of cooking oil and to producers of margarine, salad dressings, shortening, mayonnaise, and other foods; and corn gluten feed used as protein feed for chickens, pet food, and aquaculture. The company is headquartered in Westchester, Illinois.

Erik Hart oversees global information security for Cushman & Wakefield, one of the world’s largest commercial real estate services firms. A recognized thought leader with more than 20 years of experience in providing information security services to various industries and organizations, he also serves in an advisory role for numerous companies and organizations in the information security field, including Mimecast, CrowdStrike, InfraGard Chicago Members Alliance and Western Illinois University. Before joining Cushman & Wakefield in 2018, he served as CISO and Director of IT Risk Management for Zebra Technologies, a provider of mobile, logistics and point-of-sale technology and systems to retail, health care, transportation, manufacturing and other industries. Erik earned his Bachelors from Western Illinois University and Masters from Western Governors University.

Cole Sinkford the Global CISO at Globalfoundries Inc. Prior to this he was GE Renewable Energy’s Global Chief Information and Product Cyber Security Officer, responsible for cybersecurity across the organization. In this role, he is responsible for all aspects of cybersecurity strategy and operations for Renewable Energy products and enterprise. Prior to his current role, Cole served as the Deputy Chief Information Security officer of Renewable Energy, establishing Renewables’ standalone Cybersecurity capabilities. Prior to that, Cole spent 3 years as part of GE’s Corporate Audit Staff, leading numerous projects and audits across the Digital Technology and business environments. Cole began his career as an Aviation DTLP located in Cincinnati, OH and now resides in Chicago, IL. Cole holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.

Mr. Richard Rushing is the Chief Information Security Officer for Motorola Mobility LLC.; Richard participates in several corporate, community, private, and government Security Council’s and working groups setting standards, policies, and solutions to current and emerging security issues. As Chief Information Security Officer for Motorola Mobility, he has led the security effort by developing an international team to tackle the emerging threats of mobile devices, targeted attacks, and cyber-crime. He organized developed and deployed practices, tools and techniques to protect the intellectual property across the worldwide enterprise. A much-in-demand international speaker on information security Richard has presented at many leading security conferences and seminars around the world.

Innovative executive that has experience making sound business decisions and can think rationally in difficult situations. Visualizes the big picture and provides proper context and perspective tailored for the target audience. Clearly articulates the mission, standards, and priorities to achieve strategic and tactical objectives.

Dynamic and results-driven IT and Cybersecurity professional with a proven track record in risk management, compliance assurance, third-party security, and governance. Adept at building high-performing teams and implementing innovative technology compliance programs. Experienced in leading audits for global organizations, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations such as PCI DSS, SOC1, SOC2, ISO 27001, ITSOX, and GDPR. Skilled in developing information security policies, risk management, third-party security, and driving positive change. Holds certifications including CISA, CDPSE, and PCI Internal Self Assessor. Currently serving as Head of Technology & Cybersecurity Risk and Compliance Assurance at DoorDash, driving impactful decision-making and building scalable programs.

Mr. Chekuri is a serial Silicon Valley entrepreneur and technology leader, Raju founded and leads Netenrich, Inc. Previously, he was a Founder and Chairman at OpsRamp, eventually navigating its acquisition by HPE. Additionally, as a founder of Velio Communications, Inc. he led its acquisition by LSI Logic and Rambus. He also serves as investor and advisor at early-stage startups, Two Brothers Organic Farms and the Department of Lore. Currently serving as Chairman, President and CEO at Netenrich, Mr. Chekuri earned his MBA at St. Mary’s College of California and a Bachelor of Technology at Kakatiya University.