Speaker Bios
We are honored to have the following keynotes, conference speakers, panelists and workshop instructors contribute their expertise to the 2025 NY Metro Joint Cyber Security Conference.

Opening Remarks

  Steven Nunez, PhD (Candidate)
Director, Department of IT Training Programs at BMCC - Center for Adult Continuing Education and Workforce Development

A transformational workforce leader and strategist with over a decade of experience designing and scaling human-centered career pathway programs that bridge education, industry, and innovation. At the Center for Continuing Education, Steven has reimagined and championed a workforce model that brings accessibility and acceleration closing the talent gap in the high-growth tech sector. Under his leadership, BMCC has also launched its first-ever Office of Apprenticeships securing new registered trades in Computer Network, Cloud Engineer and Cybersecurity with the NY State Department of Labor. His approach has connected thousands of learners, educators and employers across the region strengthening ecosystems for talent, innovation, and economic mobility.

Keynote

  Richard Greenberg, CISSP
Hall of Fame, Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)

Richard Greenberg, CISSP is a well-known Cyber Security Leader and Evangelist, CISO, Advisor, and speaker.

Richard brings over 35 years of management experience and has been a strategic and thought leader in IT and Information Security. His Project Management, Security Management (CISO for 15 years) and Operations, Policy, and Compliance experience have prepared him for a role on the ISSA Board. He has previous experience on nonprofit International Boards, having been elected to the OWASP Global Board.

Richard's volunteer work is substantial:
  • ISSA Hall of Fame, Distinguished Fellow & Honor Roll
  • President of ISSA Los Angeles, ISSA Medium Chapter of the Year
  • Founder and Chair of the ISSA LA CISO Forum
  • Former OWASP LA Chapter Leader
  • Received award for volunteer work on the ISSA RFP Committee that created the RFP and selected a management company
Richard is dedicated to diversity in our field. He started and chairs the annual Women in Security Forum, and supports creating a more open and welcome community for all. He has worked diligently to bring together the various SoCal IT and InfoSec organizations to enhance their collaboration efforts, to help reach new IT and InfoSec professionals.

You may have heard Richard's interview as a Cybersecurity expert on Will Ferrell's Ron Burgundy podcast.

Conference Speakers

  Brice Daniels
Head of Northeast Offensive Security Services, Mandiant Consulting

Brice Daniels leads Mandiant's Offensive Security Services in the northeast region where he leads a team of penetration testers. He leads engagements involving red teams, penetration testing, and other related services. In that role, he jointly lead Mandiant's AI application assessment team. He has also led investigations. Brice joined Mandiant in December 2009.
  Herbert Decker III
Founder & Tech Career Coach, TreTechPro.com

Herbert Decker III is a cybersecurity professional with a unique blend of experience in both cyber defense and physical security. As a Software Support Engineer II for one of the world's leading technology companies, Herbert supports mission-critical systems, manages complex security integrations, and ensures the resilience of high-security environments.

He has led and contributed to multiple cybersecurity initiatives, including security patch management, vulnerability remediation, and integrating secure development lifecycle (SDLC) practices into enterprise workflows. These efforts have strengthened system resilience, reduced attack surfaces, and improved overall organizational security posture.

Holding a Master of Science in Information Technology Management and multiple industry certifications, including CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA PenTest+, and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), Herbert brings a cross-domain perspective to tackling modern threats. His career includes hands-on leadership in access control systems, surveillance infrastructure, and incident response giving him rare insight into the intersection of physical and cyber vulnerabilities.
  Brennan Lodge
Founder, BLodgic

Brennan Lodge is a cybersecurity leader with over 18 years of experience in data science, AI, and threat defense. He is Director of Information Security at the Manhattan Institute and founder of BLodgic, where he builds AI tools for compliance and security teams. Brennan has spoken at Black Hat, BSides, ISC, and other major conferences on AI, RAG, and cybersecurity. His work focuses on making advanced technology practical, measurable, and useful for security operations.
  Tom Ryan
Founder and CEO, Asymmetric Response

Thomas Ryan, CEO and Founder of Asymmetric Response is a leader in offensive cybersecurity with over 25 years of experience. A third-generation Navy veteran, Ryan's disciplined approach and strategic mindset are evident in his groundbreaking work, including the Robin Sage Experiment, which exposed social media vulnerabilities. His published CVEs and references in the MITRE ATT&CK framework highlight his impact on the field.

At Asymmetric Response, Ryan has built a culture of excellence and innovation, delivering cutting-edge solutions across various sectors. His leadership, inspired by special operations principles, drives mission success and unwavering loyalty. Ryan is also a sought-after speaker and thought leader focused on AI risk, security, and hybrid IT/OT security. His contributions continue to shape the future of cybersecurity, inspiring the next generation of professionals.
  Matthew Webster
Founder / CEO / CISO, Cyvergence

A veteran cybersecurity leader bridging the gap between innovation and compliance. Matthew Webster's IT and cybersecurity journey began in 1997, rapidly ascending through the ranks at a university computer center. Soon, he was navigating the intricate landscapes of federal cybersecurity with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, mastering frameworks like NIST SP 800-53, IRS 1075, and SAS 70 with unwavering diligence. This rigorous environment, boasting up to 8 audits annually, honed his skills and propelled him to his first CISO role at Healthix, a regional health information powerhouse handling millions of daily records. Here, he built the cybersecurity program from scratch, expertly wielding frameworks like SOC 2, HITRUST, and MARS-E to safeguard sensitive data.

But Matthew's expertise extends beyond building secure environments. He holds a Master's degree and boasts over 20 industry certifications, including CISSP, CISA, and CRISC, making him a walking encyclopedia of cybersecurity knowledge. He continuously upskills by attending industry events like RSA and HIMSS, ensuring his finger remains firmly on the pulse of evolving threats and solutions.

Beyond his CISO roles, Matthew spent years in cybersecurity sales, evaluating hundreds of products and gaining invaluable insights from customers. This unique perspective grants him not just an understanding of organizational needs, but also a keen eye for the capabilities of the latest security solutions.

Matthew doesn't just understand compliance; he bridges the gap between innovation and regulation. He leads Cyvergence, a cybersecurity firm, with a laser focus on guiding organizations through their unique risk landscapes. Whether it's building robust programs, ensuring regulatory adherence, or implementing cutting-edge solutions, Matthew brings a balanced and insightful approach to every challenge.

Workshop Instructors

  Jayson Ferron, CEH, CISM, CISSP, C)PTE, C)ISSM CRISC, CVEi, MCITP, MCSE, MCT, MVP, NSA-IAM, ...
CEO, Interactive Security Training, LLC

Jay is a multi-certified Information Security Subject-Matter-Expert (SME) and with more than 30 years of professional experience, which includes Security & Compliance, Integration and Transformation Initiatives, IS Management Process and Operational Metrics Definition and Documentation. Customers include Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc. (CHNCT), Cigna Insurance, Microsoft, Rogers Communications, GM, AT&T, USMC, US Air Force, US ARMY and DISA. Other customers include banks, government agencies, health agencies and providers. Jay is Past President of Greater Hartford Chapter of ISACA.

Career Mentors

  Adrianna Iadarola
Vice President of Sales, VerTalents

Adrianna Iadarola is the Vice President of Sales at VerTalents, where she leverages her extensive experience in cybersecurity and talent management to bridge the gap between top-tier cybersecurity professionals and leading organizations. With a strong background in sales and client services, Adrianna excels in cultivating relationships that drive growth and innovation. Before joining VerTalents, she served as the Managing Director of Client Services at CyberSN, a renowned cybersecurity jobs and career marketplace. In addition to her role at VerTalents, Adrianna is an active advocate for diversity in the tech industry, serving as an Ambassador for Secure Diversity, and hosting events for The Cyber Breakfast Club, where she fosters connections and learning opportunities within the cybersecurity community. Adrianna's passion for empowering women in tech and her commitment to professional development have made her a respected leader in the industry.

Featured Sponsors

  Doug Jose Santos
Director, Advanced Threat Intelligence, Fortinet

Leading Fortinet's Advanced Threat Intelligence division, Doug's focus is on pioneering projects that advance cyber threat intelligence for detection and response. Doug's team's mission is to stay ahead of emerging security challenges, leveraging our expertise in threat hunting and our security tooling capabilities to make our threat response broader and more agile.

Collaborating with R&D, Doug strives for innovation and operational excellence. Doug has fostered critical partnerships across sectors, and my role in driving these initiatives has been instrumental in creating new security research projects. With a commitment to empowering our clients and the broader cybersecurity community, Doug's team's work with MITRE CTID exemplifies our dedication to elevating industry standards and practices.
  Mike Charobee
Founder, The Cyber Breakfast Club®

With a deep passion for cybersecurity, Mike Charobee is dedicated to protecting organizations against today's complex digital threats and minimizing cyber risk. As a cybersecurity advisor, analyst, and entrepreneur, Mike specializes in guiding clients through the landscape of advanced Cybersecurity SaaS solutions-helping them identify, select, and implement innovative technologies that combat evolving cyber threats.

Through founding CYBER BUYER® and The Cyber Breakfast Club®, Mike has built a dynamic network with industry leaders-ranging from startup founders and entrepreneurs to board members, CISOs, CIOs, and cyber venture capitalists. These ongoing connections keep me at the forefront of security innovation and empower my clients with strategic insights for their cyber investments.

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