The Future of IT & Cybersecurity

CIO & CISO Think Tank

October 24, 2024 - Dallas, TX

Visionaries

Vince Blake Zero Networks
Vince Blake

Customer Engineer

Zero Networks

Think Tank Speaker

Vince Blake is a Customer Engineer at Zero Networks (which means he'll be with you from pre-sale through post-sale and beyond as your partner). He comes to Zero following four years at CyberArk, where he began as an Enterprise Sales Engineer. He was later promoted to their newly formed Strategic team to provide a white-glove approach for the company's largest customers. Before that, he has another six years of experience acting as all forms of consultant and implementation engineer for various industry solutions. He has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and he's not always sure how he got here, either.

Tanweer Surve PNC
Tanweer Surve

Head of Cloud Center of Enablement (CCoE) & Solutions Engineering

PNC

Think Tank Speaker

Over 20 years of proven track record in IT & Business, executing various leadership roles as Technology CTO (Cloud), Head of Enterprise Architecture & Cloud Technologies, Director of IT Infrastructure Shared Services, Solutions Architect, and Business Development Manager. Constructively contributed to the ever growing analytical and technical Business scenarios conceptualizing, implementing and delivering complex Global IT Digital Transformation Programs across NORTAM, EMEA, LATAM and ASPAC with my Technical and Business Management expertise in Business Architecture, Infrastructure Systems Architecture, Data & Application Architecture and Information Security around Cloud Computing. Strategic and delivery focused Senior Technology Leader with deep subject matter expertise. Build cross functional teams by hiring, mentoring several team members and assisting with developing personnel career-paths. Drives alignment of resources, processes and systems to seamlessly support and advance the business strategy of the organization through technology. Adept at planning, leveraging, researching and implementing technologies and effective IT service delivery models to continuously improve all aspects of business. With experience in diverse lines of business across Financial, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail, Telecom & Technology, highly effective in understanding business requirements and translating them to Architectural Design Requirements which helps in resolving complex technical issues during implementation, quickly and effectively.

Jodi Watkins GTN Technical Staffing and Consulting
Jodi Watkins

Chief Commercial Officer

GTN Technical Staffing and Consulting

Think Tank Speaker

Responsible for client delivery and direction to our Fortune 500 companies. Determine and formulate policies and business strategies and provide overall direction for specialized recruitment teams. Plan, direct, and coordinate sales activities at the highest level of management. Prudently manage the organization’s goals and initiatives in Field Services, IT, Professional Services, MSP vendor relations. Company-wide committee facilitation including planning, production and staff. Assures that the organization and its mission, programs, and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive image. Promotes a culture that reflects the organization’s values, encourages good performance, and rewards productivity. Actively advocates for the organization, its beliefs, and its programmatic efforts. Acts as a liaison between the organization and the community, building relationships with peer organizations when appropriate. Oversees design, delivery, and quality of MSP programs and services. Collaborate to define and articulate the organization’s vision and to develop strategies for achieving that vision.

Robert Pace Invitation Homes
Robert Pace

CISO

Invitation Homes

Think Tank Speaker

Robert is the Vice President, Information Security and CISO for Invitation Homes. He is responsible for leading the Information Security program for Invitation Homes. Responsibilities include establishing a sound security strategy, governance, operations, service delivery, business integration and end-user awareness training. Robert’s career spans over 20 years in leading global teams in the delivery of IT Security operations. Robert has been influential in the leadership, design of security operations and delivery at First American Payment Systems, Dell Services, Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co., Bell Helicopter, Textron and Ameritech. Robert also has significant consulting experience obtained while working at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Robert has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Science Degree from Walsh College of Business and Accountancy. Robert has completed the Executive Leadership Program at Thunderbird - Gavin School of International Management. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO), ITILv3 and a Certified Six-Sigma Green Belt.

Shannon Rowbury US Olympics
Shannon Rowbury

US Olympian & WSG

US Olympics

Think Tank Speaker

For 15 years, I found myself defined by my accomplishments on the track. I’m proud of these achievements -- three-time Olympian, World Champion, World Record Holder, and 2-time World Bronze medalist -- but they do not fully define me. I have also excelled academically, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Duke before going on to earn my Master’s degree. A lifelong advocate in women’s sports, I was selected by the US Department of State to serve as a Sport's Envoy to Morocco. I have also worked with Nike and USATF to update maternity policies to make Track & Field more equitable. My long career in professional sports, including becoming a mother in 2018 and navigating a return to top form, offers a unique perspective into the full range of the athlete experience. As I move on from competition, my mission now is to find ways to share that insight with other dreamers and high achievers.

Amy Horowitz Informatica
Amy Horowitz

VP of Data Governance and Data Integration

Informatica

Think Tank Speaker

Amy Horowitz is the VP of the Data Governance and Data Integration solution sales team for Informatica. With more than 25 years of leadership experience in the technology industry, Amy's passion for Data Governance, Integration and Data Management led her to Informatica. Amy's role at Informatica is to help customers realize the transformative power of data with the Informatica Intelligent Data Management Cloud- specifically with Data Governance and Data Integration. Armed with a master's degree in leadership and ethics, Amy brings a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership to her roles. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a passion for leveraging data to drive business success. Her adeptness in navigating the complexities of Data Governance and Data Integration has earned her a reputation as a trusted leader in the industry. Her ability to bridge the gap between IT and Sales has been a key factor in her success, enabling organizations to seamlessly integrate data solutions into their business strategies. Prior to Informatica, Amy spent over a decade in IT Leadership as well as leading Enterprise Sales teams. Amy is a native Texan who loves all things data! Outside of work, Amy spends time mentoring students and participating on an Advisory Board at Texas State University for the CIS program. Amy is based in the vibrant tech hub of Austin, TX.

October 24, 2024

Agenda

All times Central Time

8:30 AM-9:00 AM

Registration


9:00 AM-9:25 AM

Morning Networking


9:25 AM-9:30 AM

Opening Remarks


9:30 AM-9:55 AM
Keynote

Medalist Mindset

Created by Olympians Shannon Rowbury OLY & Lauren Gibbs OLY, the Medalist Mindset™ philosophy takes sports performance techniques leveraged by Olympians and translates them into the business space to optimize performance.

Participants learn how to adopt a Medalist Mindset™ so that they can reach their full potential at any business or life goal. The groundbreaking workbook illuminates the “5 keys of an Medalist Mindset™” through a combination of firsthand accounts paired with worksheets, each of which helps readers to integrate new learnings into their daily life.


10:00 AM-10:40 AM
Panel

Next-Level Innovations: Unveiling GenAI - The Hype, The Reality, and The Future

We will explore the evolution of Generative AI, from its inception to its transformative impact across various industries. Experts will discuss the disparity between the media-driven hype and the technology's real-world capabilities, sharing case studies and addressing current challenges. The conversation will also cover the economic and ethical implications of Gen AI, providing insights into its future advancements and regulatory landscape. Attendees will gain a nuanced understanding of Gen AI's potential and the strategic considerations necessary for its successful integration into diverse sectors.


10:45 AM-11:00 AM
Disruptor

Bridging the Cybersecurity Skills Gap: Cultivating a Talent Pipeline that Reduces Risk and Prevents Attacks

Demand for technology workers is exploding. Tech occupation employment over the next 10 years is expected to grow at about twice the rate of overall employment across the economy in the U.S. Organizations are adopting a skills-based approach to fill their needs through hiring and upskilling. This is especially important in cybersecurity, where the preparedness and expertise of employees are paramount in preventing, identifying, and resolving cyber risks and attacks. However, 38% of C-suite leaders report cybersecurity as the area with which they have the greatest difficulty hiring. We’ll explore the value of upskilling, reskilling, and certifications in bridging the IT and cybersecurity skills gap and discuss how leaders can cultivate a strong talent pipeline.

In partnership with:
CompTIA

11:00 AM-11:20 AM

Coffee Break


11:20 AM-12:05 PM
Panel

Building Cyber Fortitude: CISO Strategies for Resilient Cybersecurity

In the realm of building cyber resilience, organizations confront increased risk exposure amidst bold moves and evolving external challenges. Despite investments in technology and data, risk leaders, including CISOs, express difficulty in keeping pace with the persistent threat of cyber crises. However, in today's business landscape, discussions of digital transformation or reinvention are inseparable from considerations of cybersecurity. Looking ahead, stakeholders, from the board to frontline cybersecurity operations, pose critical questions about resiliency. This includes inquiries about the adequacy of efforts to safeguard the company and its customers in the face of cyber attacks. The focus shifts to identifying opportunities to minimize the impact on business and shareholder value through effective threat response. Embracing cybersecurity as a whole-of-business endeavor, organizations are urged to align themselves with business owners, adapting to changes in the cyber landscape and fortifying resilience against disruptions. Building confidence in the cybersecurity program becomes paramount in navigating the dynamic and challenging cyber landscape effectively.


12:10 PM-12:55 PM
Panel

Build AI Success on Trusted Data

Artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) are crucial for staying competitive and driving efficiency and innovation. While GenAI introduces new capabilities, AI success depends on navigating regulatory landscapes like the European Union AI Act and ensuring data is trusted, governed, holistic and democratized. Understanding the impact and challenges of AI and GenAI is essential for data leaders.  

  • AI and GenAI’s impact and common pitfalls 
  • Considerations for successful AI implementation    
  • Requirements for AI-ready data and how to scale AI projects  
  • Best practices around data management for AI  
In partnership with:
Informatica

12:55 PM-1:55 PM

Lunch & Networking


1:55 PM-2:10 PM
Disruptor

Funding Cyber Security (Time More Than Money) by Addressing Low Hanging Fruit

Security costs and is absolutely necessary to protect both brand and customers.  

As much as we ensure the popular and sexy parts of the org are well covered, at times we must revisit our business-critical systems to ensure the latest available options are being used.  In this session we will explore a very real situation faced by a multi-national corporation whose technical debt was becoming so cumbersome that upon analysis they found and corrected thousands of security flaws, saved millions of dollars and reclaimed over 60% of their DevOps teams’ cycles spent on vulnerability (mostly false positives) triage.

In partnership with:
Azul Systems

2:15 PM-2:50 PM
Fireside Chat

Securing Mission Critical Networks: Enhancing OT Security by Prioritizing, and Protecting, your Operations.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital business landscape, safeguarding mission-critical networks is more crucial than ever. This panel, will delve into the complexities and challenges of securing Operational Technology environments. The discussion will explore the latest strategies and technologies for prioritizing and protecting operations within mission-critical sectors, including medical facilities, data centers, and academic institutions. Attendees will gain insights into the importance of standardization, the integration of cutting-edge security solutions, and the critical role of leadership in maintaining resilient and secure OT networks. This session is essential for professionals and executives committed to enhancing the security and reliability of their organization’s most vital systems.

In partnership with:
AXYS

2:55 PM-3:10 PM
Disruptor

Beyond Detection and into True Cyber Prevention: A Cultural Shift

In the last decade, the "assume breach" mindset has dominated cybersecurity strategies, leading organizations to heavily invest in detection and response technologies. While this approach is necessary, it often results in a reactive posture that only addresses symptoms rather than root causes. It's time for a paradigm shift.

This session will focus on the necessity of a cultural transformation within organizations, and will delve into the limitations of the current cybersecurity paradigm and introduce a proactive, quality-driven approach. By integrating quality management principles into cybersecurity, we can uncover and address the fundamental issues that lead to breaches. We will discuss how focusing on root causes, rather than just patching up problems, can lead to more robust, business-aligned security solutions. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how this shift can enhance risk management, reduce long-term costs, and ultimately improve business outcomes.

Join us to explore how moving beyond mere detection and response to true cyber prevention can fortify your organization's cybersecurity posture and drive sustainable success.

In partnership with:
Zero Networks

3:10 PM-3:30 PM

Networking Break


3:30 PM-4:15 PM
Panel

CIO Nexus: Mastering the Art of Business-Technology Harmony

Bridging the gap between business and technology is not easy and requires discipline and balance between technology, people, and business. For so many organizations today, technology is the business. Technology needs to be understood as a critical enabler in every part of the organization from the front line to the back office. It creates new value by crunching data to deliver new insights, it spurs innovation, and it disrupts traditional business models.

For business and technology leaders alike, new actions and behavioral changes can help their organizations make this shift. CIOs and CISOs must take responsibility for problems, they should convey that when technology fails, many people typically share responsibility.


4:15 PM-4:25 PM

Closing Remarks & Raffle Giveaway


4:25 PM-5:30 PM

Cocktail Hour