The Future of IT & Cybersecurity

CIO & CISO Think Tank

April 15, 2025 - Dallas, TX

Visionaries

Nicholas Grant Bank of America
Nicholas Grant

VP, Information Security Engineer

Bank of America

Think Tank Speaker

Bank of America Corporation is a multinational investment bank and financial services company. offering personal, business, and wealth management services. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Kevin Dunn U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners
Kevin Dunn

SVP, CISO

U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners

Think Tank Speaker

U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners is a technology-focused independent national financial services firm specializing in public school, governmental, corporate, union, and non-profit employee benefits plans and employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Tom Scott ADP
Tom Scott

Chief Architect Cloud Infrastructure

ADP

Think Tank Speaker

Currently at ADP as Chief Architect of Cloud Infrastructure. Future-focused technologist with over 35 years of technology innovation and experience. 2nd US Patent granted for Domain Transcendent File Cryptography Network securing multi-cloud workloads. 1st US patent granted for application development in mobile device technology for ABC News delivery. From building innovative workflow solutions for broadcast television to architecting enterprise cloud adoption and solutions. As a contributing member of the CSA Cloud Security Alliance and OACA Business Transformation Workgroup authoring and co-authoring numerous white-papers and documents ranging from the published Cloud Maturity Model through Integration and Business Strategy for Cloud Adoption. With an unstoppable passion for technology solutions and a pragmatic technologist, consistently implementing technology that drives business, leveraging over 30 years of technology expertise. Specialties: Cloud architecture, adoption, migration and integration.

Peeyush Patel XPO Logistics
Peeyush Patel

Global CISO

XPO Logistics

Think Tank Speaker

Founded in 1989, XPO Logistics is a provider of transportation logistics services. The company has three business segments: freight brokerage, expedited transportation, & freight forwarding. They serve customers in the manufacturing, industrial, retail, commercial, life sciences, & governmental sectors. XPO Logistics is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut.

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.

April 15, 2025

Agenda

All times Central Time

8:30 AM-9:00 AM

Registration


9:00 AM-9:30 AM

Morning Networking


9:30 AM-9:40 AM

Opening Remarks


9:40 AM-10:05 AM
Keynote

The Future of SASE: Key Predictions for 2025 Shaping Hybrid Workforce Security with SASE Today and Tomorrow

Join us as we dive into the evolving landscape of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and unveil the top five predictions for the year ahead.

  • Analyze key market trends, emerging technologies, and industry shifts shaping the future of SASE.
  • Explore how SASE is transforming cybersecurity strategies for modern enterprises.
  • Showcase upcoming innovations in SASE that can help you stay ahead in securing your hybrid workforce.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and a competitive edge in the fast-changing world of cybersecurity.

In partnership with:
Fortinet

10:10 AM-10:55 AM
Keynote Panel

2025 Executive Evolution: 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.


10:55 AM-11:15 AM

Coffee Break


11:15 AM-11:40 AM
Fireside Chat

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.


11:45 AM-12:00 PM
Disruptor

Data Revolution Leadership: CIOs at the Helm of Modernization for Strategic Value

This session explores the pivotal role of CIOs in modernizing data to unlock its full value. In the contemporary digital landscape, data stands as a strategic asset, and CIOs are at the forefront of harnessing its potential. The abstract emphasizes the CIO's responsibility in implementing cutting-edge technologies and data management strategies that go beyond mere storage, enabling organizations to derive actionable insights. By adopting innovative approaches, such as advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and cloud solutions, CIOs can transform data into a valuable resource, driving efficiency, innovation, and informed decision-making across the enterprise. The discussion delves into the evolving responsibilities of CIOs in leading the charge towards data modernization, ensuring organizations remain competitive and agile in an increasingly data-centric world.

In partnership with:
Deep Instinct

12:05 PM-12:20 PM
Vision Voices

Elevating Agility: The Strategic Imperative for CIOs in Prioritizing Cloud Engineering

In this session, we delve into the imperative for CIOs to prioritize cloud engineering in the contemporary digital landscape. As organizations increasingly rely on cloud computing for operational efficiency and innovation, CIOs play a central role in shaping robust strategies. The session emphasizes the strategic importance of cloud engineering in optimizing infrastructure, ensuring scalability, and fostering agile application development. Attendees will explore practical approaches to resource management, automation, and aligning cloud initiatives with overarching business goals. The discussion navigates the evolving realm of cloud technologies, highlighting how CIOs can strategically prioritize cloud engineering to drive competitiveness and resilience in the dynamic digital ecosystem.


12:20 PM-1:20 PM

Lunch & Networking


1:20 PM-2:05 PM
Panel

Cybersecurity Leadership in the Era of AI and ML: Navigating Innovation and Responsibility

In the dynamic realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), CISOs play a pivotal role in leveraging these advancements for enhanced cybersecurity. Strategic integration of AI and ML is essential for bolstering security measures, optimizing decision-making, and driving innovation. CISOs must adopt a comprehensive approach, considering the entire lifecycle of these technologies to ensure both efficiency and ethical use. Establishing robust governance frameworks becomes paramount, addressing biases, ensuring transparency, and minimizing unintended consequences.

Looking ahead, as AI and ML continue to advance, CISOs face evolving challenges and regulatory considerations. Proactive engagement involves staying informed about changing regulations, particularly in areas such as data privacy and ethical AI practices. CISOs should strive for a tech-enabled understanding of AI and ML systems, encompassing deployment, impact, and security measures. This approach positions organizations to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively, ensuring responsible and competitive integration of AI and ML into cybersecurity strategies.


2:10 PM-2:45 PM
Fireside Chat

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


Executing on GenAI Transformation in a meaningful way requires asking the right questions. Enterprises need to understand how to extract real value, mitigate risks, and leverage data to guide AI Transformation effectively through the digital noise from supplier ecosystem. This presentation/panel discussion will explore how business leaders can approach AI strategically, ensuring thoughtful implementation that aligns with organizational goals.


2:50 PM-3:05 PM
Disruptor

Navigating the Cyber Frontier: CISO Strategies for Effective Risk Management

In the context of effective cyber risk management, the challenge lies in keeping up with evolving technology, particularly during cloud or technology transformations. The adoption of threat intelligence,GenAI, the metaverse, and machine learning presents both opportunities and challenges, with a need for technology leaders to grasp the security implications. While these technologies enhance cyber risk management, they also offer efficiencies through task automation. Striking a balance between risks and rewards is crucial for gaining trust and staying competitive. Looking forward, organizations must explore innovative approaches to cyber risk management, emphasizing resilience against third-party risks. Collaboration with the leadership team is essential to take an enterprise-wide view of current and future threats, develop action plans, safeguard critical assets, and facilitate quick recovery. Early collaboration with the executive team is encouraged to integrate risk management into transformation strategies and extract maximum benefits from emerging technologies.


3:05 PM-3:25 PM

Networking Break


3:05 PM-3:25 PM

Networking Break


3:25 PM-3:40 PM
Disruptor

Data Empowerment: A CISO's Guide to Unlocking Strategic Value Safely

CISOs are challenged to redefine their role not only as guardians of security but also as enablers of responsible and innovative data utilization. This directive emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between data protection and leveraging the full potential of organizational data assets. CISOs must collaborate with stakeholders to establish robust data governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations while facilitating the ethical and strategic use of data. By unlocking the value of data, CISOs contribute to the organization's competitiveness, innovation, and overall digital transformation. This session explores strategies for CISOs to harness the power of data responsibly, thereby positioning cybersecurity as an integral driver of business success in the data-driven era.


3:30 PM-3:45 PM
Vision Voices

Revolutionizing Tomorrow: A Deep Dive into Innovation through Emerging Technologies

In this strategic session designed for Chief Information Officers (CIOs), we delve into the transformative realm of "Innovate through Emerging Tech." As technology stewards, CIOs play a pivotal role in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things. The session provides CIOs with actionable insights into leveraging these technologies to drive innovation within their organizations. Attendees will explore practical strategies for implementation, addressing potential challenges, and ensuring ethical considerations in adopting these disruptive technologies. Join us to empower your role as a technology leader and discover how CIOs can strategically leverage emerging tech to propel their organizations into the forefront of innovation.


3:45 PM-4:00 PM
Vision Voices

Innovation Unleashed: Navigating the Future through IT Evolution with CIOs at the Helm

In this session, embark on a transformative exploration of the evolving landscape of IT operations. Delving into the strategic imperative for Chief Information Officers to reshape and modernize their IT operating models, the discussion unfolds the critical role technology plays in driving business success. Participants will gain practical insights into the adaptive strategies CIOs can employ to enhance organizational agility, foster innovation, and align IT with overarching business goals. Join us for a dynamic conversation that unveils the power of evolving IT operating models, empowering organizations to thrive in the ever-evolving digital age.


4:05 PM-4:40 PM
Fireside Chat

Cultivating Inclusive Excellence: Driving Diversity in Technology Leadership

Let's explore the imperative of diversity in technology leadership roles, particularly within the CIO and Security domain. From gender and ethnicity to varied professional backgrounds, diverse perspectives foster innovation, resilience, and better decision-making in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape. Join us as industry leaders share their experiences, insights, and strategies for promoting inclusivity, breaking down barriers, and empowering underrepresented groups in technology leadership roles. From fostering inclusive cultures within organisations to implementing proactive recruitment and mentorship initiatives, attendees will gain actionable insights to drive meaningful change and cultivate diverse, high-performing technology teams. Let's chart a course towards inclusive excellence in technology leadership together.


4:40 PM-4:45 PM

Closing Remarks & Raffle Giveaway


4:45 PM-5:30 PM

Cocktail Networking


In Partnership With