Conference Sessions

This session will examine the growing importance of information advantage in modern military operations and national security. Drawing on the research and operational perspectives of scholars from the Information Advantage Scholars Program at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the panel will explore how data, artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, intelligence, and influence operations shape decision-making and operational outcomes in today’s complex security environment. Panelists will discuss how military leaders integrate these capabilities to compete in contested information environments and support strategic objectives. Participants will gain insights into emerging challenges in information warfare, the opportunities and risks associated with data-driven decision-making, and the importance of collaboration among government, industry, and academia to prepare future leaders for an increasingly digital and information-centric battlefield.

Peter Im, Professor, U.S. Army Command and Staff General College

This session will highlight how AI is being deployed at enterprise scale across the VA to enhance clinical decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and support innovation in patient care while addressing the challenges of implementation, governance, and responsible use of emerging technologies.

Sushant Govindan, MD, MSc Associate Professor

In this session, two FBI agents will walk attendees through a major cybersecurity case that was successfully solved by the agency. They will share how the investigation unfolded, the strategies and tools used, and the challenges encountered along the way. Participants will come away with practical insights into modern cyber‑investigative techniques and how these methods can strengthen their own security practices.

Alex Vance, Special Agent, FBI Leland Blank, Taskforce Officer, FBI

In anticipation of the upcoming World Cup and NFL games, this panel will bring together experts to examine the complex security landscape surrounding large-scale sporting events. Panelists will address emerging threat vectors, coordination between local and federal agencies, and the role of technology in event security. The discussion will also explore strategies for ensuring the physical safety of players, fans, and surrounding communities, as well as the growing importance of cyber-physical system resilience in modern venue operations.
This session will offer timely insights and best practices for organizations involved in planning, security, emergency response, and technology support for high-visibility events.

Kyle Postell, Director of Safety & Security, KC 2026 World Cup

Kevin Higgins, Vice President of Information Technology, CISO, Kansas City Chiefs

Brian Gregory, Director of Information Technology, Sporting KC

Jon Kramer, Chief Technology Officer, Torch.AI

Externalities can be illustrated by pollution. When a paper factory discharges effluent into a river, it creates an externality: the factory imposes a cost on society—such as harm to downstream fishermen—without bearing that cost itself. In the case of ransomware (malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a payment is made), externality is linked to the act of paying. If a company pays for the ransom, it incentivizes hackers, encouraging more attacks and potentially emboldening them to target critical infrastructure like power plants. Conversely, if the ransom is not paid, essential services may fail, for example; a city’s electricity could go dark—causing widespread disruption and chaos.

Debabrata Dey, Harper Professor of AI & IS, KU School of Business

Operational Technology (OT) systems are increasingly targeted by cyber threats that can disrupt critical infrastructure, manufacturing, and essential services. This presentation explores the challenges affecting OT environments and highlights the need for a skilled cybersecurity workforce capable of defending industrial systems.

Steven M. Graves, Cornerstone Integration

RJ Pericola, Enterprise KC

Join us for an engaging fireside chat exploring the evolving landscape of cybersecurity within government. This conversation with AD Leatherman and George Schultzel, Legal Attaché Bucharest, FBI will discuss their experience in national security, policy development, and cyber defense. Together, they will discuss the shifting threat environment, the role of federal in protecting critical infrastructure, and the growing need for public‑private collaboration.

Brett Leatherman, Assistant Director of the Cyber Division, FBI

George Schultzel, Law Attaché Bucharest, FBI

In an era defined by relentless digital threats and rapidly evolving adversaries, effective cybersecurity demands more than reactive defenses. This keynote explores how intelligence‑driven operations, real‑time crisis response, and cross‑sector collaboration are transforming the way organizations protect critical assets. Drawing on lessons from both government and commercial environments, the session provides a strategic look at modern threat landscapes, the shifting balance between offense and defense, and the operational frameworks needed to anticipate, withstand, and recover from cyber incidents. Attendees will gain actionable insights into building resilient security programs, enhancing decision‑making through intelligence, and navigating high‑pressure scenarios with clarity and confidence.

Jon Ford, Global Government Senior Executive for Mandiant & Director of Google Public Sector, Google Inc.

This session will explore how a multidisciplinary cybersecurity team manages risk, enforces data privacy, implements proactive defenses, and responds to threats to protect enterprise systems, communications, and assets, ensuring the resilience of complex, mission-critical operations.

Shawn Geib CISO, Honeywell & National Security Campus

This session will examine the FBI’s role in defending against evolving cyber threats and safeguarding critical infrastructure. Participants will learn how the agency collaborates with government, international, and private-sector partners to disrupt malicious actors and strengthen cyber resilience. The discussion will provide insights into emerging challenges in cybersecurity and strategies for effective threat response.

Brett Leatherman, Assistant Director of the Cyber Division, FBI

Cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, impacting organizations of all sizes across every sector. This keynote will explore the most significant trends shaping the cybersecurity landscape today, including the rise of AI-enabled attacks, ransomware evolution, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the growing sophistication of social engineering tactics.
Through real-world examples and emerging threat intelligence, the session will examine how cybercriminals are adapting their strategies and what organizations can expect in the coming years. Attendees will gain insight into the broader risk environment as well as practical considerations for strengthening cyber resilience.
Designed for business leaders, policymakers, and technical professionals alike, this presentation will provide a clear view of the current cybersecurity landscape and highlight key steps organizations can take to better anticipate, mitigate, and respond to modern cyber threats.

Andy Piazza, Senior Director of Threat Intelligence, Palo Alto Networks

This panel brings together cybersecurity experts, legal professionals, and business leaders to explore the intersection of cyber threats and corporate responsibility. Panelists will discuss strategies for responding to cyber incidents, understanding regulatory and legal obligations, and protecting both company assets and customer data. Attendees will gain practical insights into managing risk, coordinating with law enforcement, and navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding cyber events in the business world.

Christina Arnone, Partner, Stinson LLP

Dylan Meadows, Supervisory Special Agent, FBI

Thomas Bunton, Associate Vice President and CIO, Kansas State University

Global events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 boost digital activity, commerce, and media attention—but also create cybersecurity risks for small businesses. The presenters will explore real-world threats such as phishing, payment fraud, and ransomware, and share practical, cost-effective strategies for resilience. Attendees will gain actionable insights to protect their operations, customers, and reputation during high-profile events.

Alex Bardas, Associate Professor & Gary Minden Scholar, KU School of Engineering

Enoch Laudie, Special Agent, FBI

This session will explore strategies for advancing cybersecurity and digital transformation within state government. Attendees will learn how to modernize technology, strengthen information security, translate complex technical challenges into actionable solutions, and foster talent development to drive organizational success.

John Godfrey, Chief Information Technology Officer, State of Kansas

This session will demonstrate how US universities can play a key role in national cyber defense by leveraging government, industry, and other academic partners to help provide “work-ready” graduates, relevant workforce development programs across sectors, applied research focused on current security challenges, unbiased advice to policymakers, and affordable and effective cybersecurity services focused at the local level (by utilizing university students trained & led by experts). The session will provide specific examples of how the Georgia Cyber Innovation & Training Center has developed and leveraged their unique ecosystem to drive impressive mission outcomes across military, law enforcement, and other security-oriented organizations – and how other universities can emulate that success, and why it matters to national security.

Colonel T. Eric Toler, Executive Director, Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center