SpeakerBios
We are honored to have the following keynotes, conference speakers, panelists and workshop instructors contribute their expertise to the 2023 NY Metro Joint Cyber Security Conference.
Omar Turner is currently the Managing Director of Cloud Security Architects and Engineers and regional CISO at Microsoft. With over 20 years of experience, he is a strategic executive delivering solutions for enterprise-wide information security systems. As a seasoned cybersecurity leader, Omar is a SME in threat intelligence feed integration, security services architecture, incident response, malware analysis, and endpoint detection. What sets me apart is my ability to both contribute technical expertise and strategically manage information security programs from concept to completion. Prior to Microsoft, Omar was the Manager of Cybersecurity Data Protection & Privacy Consulting at Ernst and Young.
Lisa Plaggemier Executive Director, National Cybersecurity Alliance
Lisa Plaggemier is Executive Director at the National Cybersecurity Alliance. She is a recognized thought leader in security awareness and education with a track record of engaging and empowering people to protect themselves, their families, and their organizations. Lisa has held leadership roles with the Ford Motor Company, CDK, InfoSec and MediaPRO. She is a University of Michigan graduate (Go Blue!) and while she wasn't born in Austin, Texas, she got there as fast as she could.
Elle O'Flaherty, JD, PCC, ACCG, CCSP, CPRW Founder, ADHD Coach and Executive Coach, Interlace Solutions
Elle O'Flaherty is an executive coach and global conference speaker with a focus on performance and ADHD. She founded Interlace Solutions, a coaching firm helping professionals and executives to fulfill their potential. Elle came to coaching after 17 years as a federal attorney and trade negotiator. Her work has been published in national and international media outlets and her groundbreaking course teaching career coaches how to work with ADHD clients has been lauded by participants and coaching educators.
Elle holds a J.D. from the College of William & Mary and a journalism degree from James Madison University. She is a subject matter expert on international agricultural trade and World Trade Organization dispute settlement, which doesn't come up much. She lives in Washington, DC with her family and the most beautiful dog in the world, Penny.
Conference Speakers
Jim Ambrosini, CISA, CISSP, CRISC vCISO, CompassMSP
Jim Ambrosini, CISA, CRISC, CISSP, is an Information Security and Risk executive with over 25 years of experience spanning the middle market to some of the largest companies in the world. Jim currently works for the CompassMSP as a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) for multiple organizations across various business sectors.
Before these roles, Jim was the head of Technology Risk for Consumer Lending and Digital Banking at a top U.S. Bank, responsible for implementing the Front-Line Risk function. Before that, Jim worked at global consulting firms for 20 years as a Technology Risk and Information Security professional. He served as the Managing Director for a national cybersecurity practice that he started. Jim worked on many high-profile cybersecurity projects, including assisting NYPD with a global internet crime, leading a well-publicized mega-breach investigation, and establishing global information security, governance and control functions across leading companies.
Jim was an Adjunct Professor at NYU and has held leadership positions in several professional organizations, including being a past President of the ISACA Metro New York Chapter. He was the 2022 recipient of ISACA's prestigious Wasserman Award - for his lifetime contributions to Information Security, Risk, and Governance Profession. He is a sought-after public speaker on Cybersecurity and Risk Governance and a
strategic advisor to several corporations.
He holds a Master of Science in Management from Stevens Institute of Technology, a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Communications from Washington & Lee University, and several security and technology certifications.
Huxley Barbee Organizer, BSidesNYC
Huxley Barbee is the organizer for BSidesNYC and security evangelist at runZero. Huxley previously worked at Datadog, where he formulated their Cloud Security Platform. Earlier at Cisco, he led a team that automated SecOps and IR playbooks. He holds both the CISSP and CISM certifications.
Kiran Bhujle, CISA, CRISC, CDPSE, CMMC RP Global Managing Director, SVAM Security
As the Global Managing Director at SVAM International, Kiran oversees SVAM's Security Advisory Group, which encompasses various areas such as cybersecurity consulting, proactive risk management, digital identity, cyber defense, response and remediation services, and managed security services, catering to all industries. With over 25 years of experience, he is a senior technology risk executive who has helped numerous organizations manage their technology risks and transformation programs. His extensive knowledge spans information security, ERP application security, identity, access management, and IT and business transformation. Additionally, he has successfully implemented compliance programs in adherence to enforcement actions and industry-recognized standards such as SOX, COBIT, HIPAA, FFIEC, NIST, and ISO 27001.
He holds various certifications, such as CISA, CRISC, CDPSE, and CMMC RP, and actively participates in the cybersecurity community. He is a lecturer at Columbia University for IT Risk Management and Data Privacy and Strategic Communication course for the Enterprise Risk Management graduate program, a Cybersecurity Advisory Board for Harvard Business Review member, and an Executive member of the Forbes Technology Council. He serves on the Board of Directors for Green Guerilla, a non-profit organization.
Donald Borsay Director of Security Solutions, HCH Enterprises LLC
Donald Borsay is a thought leader, consultant, and educator, with over 40 years in IT and 20 years dedicated to Cybersecurity. Prior to speaking here, Borsay has spoken at SecureWorld, CIO & CISO Strategies Boston, SC Congress, IoT Security Summit, ISSA, ISACA, and Infragard. Donald is the Director of Security Solutions at HCH Enterprises and sits on the board of ISACA Rhode Island.
Kathy Braun, MBA, CCE Director/Business Information Security Advisor for Cyber Security & Information Technology, WheelsUp
Kathy Braun is an experienced Cybersecurity Professional in the areas of Computer Forensics, E-discovery, and developing Risk Management programs with a specialty in proactive services. She has over 18 years of experience working with both the government and private sector providing services in both criminal and civil litigation. She has a degree in Information Technology, a BS in Criminal Justice, an MBA in Technology, and is a Certified Forensic Examiner (CCE). Additionally, she served on the Board of Directors and as Vice President for InfraGard.
Joel Caminer Senior Director, Center for Cybersecurity (CCS), NYU
Joel Caminer is a Senior Director in the NYU Center for Cybersecurity (CCS), Faculty Director for the MS in Cybersecurity Risk & Strategy program (MS-CRS), and was previously the Director of the Applied Learning Initiative Stackable Credentials Program as part of Cyber NYC, a $100 million suite of public-private investments to establish New York City as a global leader in cybersecurity. Joel has 20+ years of experience in Financial Services, IT, and Consulting, and has led many strategic initiatives across the IT Risk and cybersecurity spectrum. He previously served as the Global Head of Technology Risk Management at TD Securities; VP of Information Risk Management and CISO of GS Bank at Goldman Sachs; and Manager at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture). Joel holds a BSE in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and an MS in Cyber Security from NYU.
John C. Checco, C|CISO, CISSP, CSSLP, CCSK, QTE Resident CISO, Proofpoint
John C. Checco is an information security professional providing subject matter expertise across various industries. He currently resides as leader for the CISO Advisory Board on Financial Services for Proofpoint, and President Emeritus of the New York Metro InfraGard Members Alliance (an FBI public/private partnership program). John specializes in the areas of Zero-Trust Strategies, Responsible Automation, Biometric Security and Cyber-Physical coordinated threats on critical infrastructures.
Robert Cioffi Co-Founder, Progressive Computing
Robert Cioffi is a key principle at Progressive Computing, a company he co-founded in 1993 to provide technology services to small and mid-sized businesses. He is an International Keynote Speaker for various IT peer groups, vendors, and associations, and is widely regarded as an expert public speaker on a variety of business and technology topics. His pragmatic and sometimes quirky personality is evident in many of his thought provoking LinkedIn posts.
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.
Mark Francis Tech & Data Partner at Holland & Knight LLP
Mark advises clients on a wide array of counseling, transactional and litigation matters. In connection with his practice, Mark advises on information governance, cybersecurity, data privacy, third party risk management, intellectual property, artificial intelligence, adtech and data strategy.
Mark is currently serving on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee, as well as on the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Certification Advisory Board.
Ali N. Khan Field CISO, ReversingLabs
Ali N. Khan is a Field CISO @ ReversingLabs with 18 years of experience in enterprise technology delivering cyber risk advisory services, threat informed defense, and cloud security architecture by helping national critical infrastructure organizations that are heavily regulated manage operational cyber risk. He has held leadership positions at several large organizations such as FS-ISAC, Conquest Cyber, Booz Allen Hamilton, TimeWarner, and helped build cybersecurity startups. Ali transitioned to cybersecurity 10 years ago by helping build the STIX/TAXII protocol along with DHS S&T, MITRE, ISACs, and OASIS which were the foundations of the ATT&CK framework. Ali has been a long time member and advocate of CTI sharing communities and collective defense strategies to cyber defense. Ali has helped many organizations as a vCISO and serves as a board advisor for several cybersecurity organizations and lives in the SF Bay Area.
William R. McKeen Special Agent, Cyber Crime Investigations at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Will McKeen is a Special Agent on the FBI's Cyber Crimes Task Force in New York. Will specializes in Business Email Compromise, criminal computer intrusion investigations, and Insider Threat cases. Through this work, Will has seen the impact of cyber criminal networks, both on victims and young actors in this space. Will's background working with victims of crimes, and those behind the keyboard sparked a keen interest in developing new solutions to youth in cyber. Will is also a Cyber Instructor for the FBI and a member of the FBI New York Office's Crisis Negotiation Team.
COL(R) Thomas Pike CEO, Spectrum Shield
Tom Pike is CEO of Spectrum Shield, a consulting firm that enables the competitive edge for businesses through a convergence of risk mitigation, resilience, and information advantage. He is a retired Amy Colonel who specialized in intelligence and security operations as well as emergency response. He has a Master's in Strategic Intelligence and over 30 years of experience as an intelligence officer. He was trained in strategic Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and supported the U.S. Intelligence Community while at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, CIA and DIA where he served as the Associate Deputy Director of Operations.
Overseas, Tom served as the Director for Counterintelligence and HUMINT for the U.S. and NATO commands in Afghanistan. His duties included collection, security operations and insider threat. He served as a Defense Coordinating Officer for four years supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in its emergency response planning for New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He coordinated the Department of Defense (DOD) response for COVID at eleven public hospitals in New York City in 2020, and later, numerous vaccine sites located in the region.
Other responses he participated in include DOD support during a series of earthquakes in Puerto Rico and support for 50,000 Afghans living on Ft. Dix, New Jersey when they relocated to the United States after the fall of Kabul.
Thomas Ryan Founder, Asymmetric Response
With over two decades of experience in both cyber and physical security, Thomas Ryan stands as a highly accomplished and sought-after expert in the field. His specialties encompass a wide range of areas, including cybersecurity mergers and acquisitions, special projects, red team operations, application supply chain security, and personal protection. Thomas's prowess stretches across offensive and defensive security operations, significantly impacting both public and private organizations.
As the Founder of Asymmetric Response, a boutique security firm, Thomas has carved a unique niche in cybersecurity. Beyond his leadership role at Asymmetric Response, he also dons the hat of a Board Advisor for numerous influential companies. This vast array of roles equips him with an unparalleled depth of knowledge, which, when shared, can drastically bolster an organization's overall security posture and risk management programs.
In 2010, Thomas was thrust into the global limelight with his groundbreaking research on the dangers and threats posed by social media - widely recognized as the "Robin Sage Experiment". The resonance of this research is undiminished even today. Its concepts are now being imparted in 28 esteemed universities worldwide and have found mentions in hundreds of pivotal security research papers. Furthermore, in acknowledgment of his relentless pursuit of cybersecurity excellence, Thomas has been credited with several CVEs for the exploits he discovered. His exceptional work has earned him accolades and has found its way into being referenced thrice in the prestigious MITRE ATT&CK Framework.
Thomas's contributions to the world of cybersecurity are profound and enduring, making him an invaluable asset to any organization or conference seeking to elevate its understanding of digital threats and defenses in today's dynamic environment.
Gautam "Gotham" Sharma Executive Director, Cybersecurity Education and Training, AccessCyber
Gotham's time is mostly divided between writing, speaking, teaching, investing/advising, and consulting... all things Cybersecurity, all the time. His career has ranged from advising multinational banks (JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs) on digital security best practices, to recruiting CISOs, and interviewing world famous hackers. Gotham has had several unique opportunities that provided me with a unique, holistic view of the information security space - across engineering, management and leadership, journalism and media, recruiting, training, and marketing.
Currently, he serves as Executive Director of Cybersecurity Education and Training at AccessCyber.co, a leading digital publication focused exclusively on cybersecurity career, training, and education resources. Everything we do is summed up in our mission statement: "Preparing Digital Defenders". He is also having a blast writing cyber-satire over at BruteFarceAttack.com
Patrick J. Slattery Professor, Texas Tech University (Costa Rica)
Adjunct Professor, CUNY New York City College of Technology
Patrick works in the realm of aligning information, decision-making, work processes and the foundation of technology which supports it all. Driving efficiency in the talent supply chain to raise the level of cybersecurity talent globally. His dedication focuses on two things:
Working with talented individuals to propel their team's success;
Putting pieces together for an effective result.
Patrick's specialties: strategy, strategic program management; resilience, IT risk management and cybersecurity; service delivery model design; management and team motivation; planning, forecasting and performance management; predictive modeling; machine learning; talent development; Business Intelligence (BI); Enterprise Resource Management (ERP); protection of assets; RPA; interactive data, semantic web, XBRL, et al.
Niloufer is am a risk management professional, leading system and process improvements with business owners to reduce risk. Guide business teams on Third-Party compliance and vendor assessment for risk mitigation to achieve business objectives. She anticipates bottlenecks and manage escalations; and uses data to manage risk, quantify the impact, and translate risk metrics for business stakeholders. Her remit is to help business owners execute cybersecurity strategies and accept risks appropriately based on quantified risk appetite. With over 15 years of experience identifying, assessing, and driving remediation for information security professional risks in applications, Niloufer understanda unique client challenges across multiple industries.
I am a sought-after resource to review risks in emerging tech like cloud security, blockchain, AWS security, and complex risk assessments.
Niloufer holds multiple certifications in IT Security (CISSP, CCSP), Risk (OPEN Fair), Privacy (CDPSE), Audit (CISA, CIA), and Fraud (CFE). She is a Certified Public Account licensed to practice in New Jersey. And a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Niloufer has authored two patents for System For And Method of Generating Visual Passwords (US 9,171,143 B2) and Establishing An Alternate Call Path Using Short-Range Wireless Technology (US 9,392,523). Niloufer teaches part-time at Rutgers University, the state university of New Jersey, and is the organizer of the largest cybersecurity career MeetUp group and creator of the YouTube Channel "Cybersecurity Career Talks." Niloufer co-founded two nonprofits Step Up Skill in 2020 and (ISC)2 New Jersey Chapter in 2012.
Viral Trivedi Co-Founder, [Stealth Startup]
Viral Trivedi possesses over 22 years of exceptional experience in the cybersecurity landscape, delivering comprehensive strategies across diverse industries. His expertise spans from cultivating robust information security programs to navigating regulatory compliance, all while aligning security with business objectives. With a rich industry portfolio, Viral's insight encompasses Financial, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Energy, and Government sectors. His technical acumen includes IoT, Solution Architecture, DevSecOps, and Cloud Security across platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP.
Viral's journey of excellence includes roles at Ernst & Young, Verizon, General Electric and AT&T Corp. He possesses proficiency in ISO 27001, NIST standards, and possesses deep technical insights into cybersecurity tools and practices.
Viral's academic journey features a B.S. in Management Information Systems from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, complemented by Executive CISO Program at Carnegie Mellon University. His leadership and technical prowess continue to make a profound impact in the cybersecurity arena.
Munish Walther-Puri (he/him) is the VP of Cyber Risk at Exiger, where he focuses on supply chain and cyber risk. He is the former Director of Cyber Risk for New York City Cyber Command. He also teaches on cyber resiliency and cybersecurity at NYU Center for Global Affairs and Columbia SIPA.
Prior to working for the City of New York, he worked at a dark web monitoring company, advised startups, and consulted on technology, geopolitical risk, and intelligence analysis. Munish is a CFR member, Cyversity board member, and Fletcher Political Risk Group advisor. He is an ally for the #ShareTheMicInCyber campaign and an Eagle Scout.
Eric Woodruff, Microsoft Security MVP Product Technical Specialist, Semperis
As a Microsoft Security Most Valuable Professional (MVP) and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), Eric has held a mix of roles through his 23 plus years in the IT field. He has been a technical manager in the public sector, a Sr. Premier Field Engineer at Microsoft, and a Security and Identity Architect in the Microsoft partner ecosystem. Eric is currently a Product Technical Specialist at the ITDR pioneer Semperis, where his unique history from "different sides of the fence" strengthen and influence his Microsoft identity expertise and his views on the identity and security industry. In support of the professional community, Eric has spoken about identity security topics, participates on the IDPro Body of Knowledge Committee, and blogs about Entra and related cloud security topics.
Robert Zarnetske Vice President for Public Consulting, HCH Enterprises LLC
Robert Zarnetske is a seasoned change leader with over 30 years of experience in government administration, consulting, contracting, and compliance. He is an expert in policy development, program execution, and evaluation, and has a strong track record of delivering government performance improvements in federal agencies and state and local governments. Robert has extensive expertise in financial analysis, budget planning, and operational budgeting, and is a skilled team leader who inspires his colleagues to achieve their best.
In his current role as Vice President for Public Sector Consulting at HCH Enterprises, Robert established and developed the firm's public sector consulting practice, building and growing all aspects of its operations and business development. He has also provided advisory services to municipal and county governments across several states and played a key role in shaping the firm's strategy for public sector consulting. Previously, Robert served as Senior Economic and Policy Advisor for the State of Rhode Island's Office of Pandemic Recovery, where he played a critical role in implementing the American Rescue Plan Act. Prior to that, he was Town Manager for the Town of South Kingstown, RI, and New England Regional Administrator and National Lead Executive on State/Local Programs for the U.S. General Services Administration. Robert holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Oregon, a Master of Education Policy and Administration from Harvard University, a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Connecticut, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Eastern Connecticut State University.
Deidre Diamond, founder and CEO of CyberSN, transformed the cybersecurity job search and
hiring process by launching a deepjobs matching platform and standardizing all cybersecurity
job functions into a common taxonomy of 45 roles. Deidre also founded SecureDiversity.org and
the Day of Shecurity conference to help promote diversity in cybersecurity. Deidre has 29+ years
of experience in technology and staffing, leading teams at Rapid7 and Motion Recruitment. She
received the Top 25 Women in Cybersecurity award by Cyber Defense Magazine, and is a
sought-after speaker who inspires individuals to join the cybersecurity industry while driving
change in the industry.
Adrianna Iadarola Ambassador, Secure Diversity
Adrianna Iadarola is Managing Director for Client Services at CyberSN. From online matching to full service recruitment, CyberSN provides professionals and hiring teams with the expertise, information, tools, connections and servicesthey need to maximize career success, job satisfaction, and team performance, diversity and retention. Adrianna's specialties include: Security Management and CISO's, Security Analysts, Cloud Security, Penetration Testers, Security Architecture, Sales Engineers, Network/Systems Security, Administrators/Engineers, Risk Management, Compliance, Threat Management, and Security Executives.
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.
Guy Hermann Owner, GSA Training
Guy Hermann is an enterprise architect, developer and technical trainer with 30+ years of experience consulting, designing, testing, implementing, managing and securing software solutions and network infrastructures to provide cost-effective solutions for business. His focus has been primarily on Microsoft software and solutions. His focus has been on leveraging and securing Microsoft software products and operating systems. He has worked with some of the largest ISP's in the World, designing their infrastructure and evaluating their security. His irreverent and refreshing style will wake you up to the potential of new technologies to solve your toughest challenges.
Rod Soto Senior Principal Security Research Engineer, Splunk
Over 15 years of experience in information technology and security. He has spoken at ISSA, ISC2, OWASP, DEFCON, RSA Conference,Hackmiami, DerbyCon, Splunk .CONF, Black Hat,BSides, Underground Economy and also been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine, Pentest Magazine, Univision, BBC, Forbes, VICE, Fox News and CNN. Rod Soto was the winner of the 2012 BlackHat Las Vegas CTF competition and Red Alert ICS CTF at DEFCON 2022 contest. He is the founder and lead developer of the Kommand && KonTroll/NOQRTRCTF competitive hacking Tournament series. Rod is also Secretary of the board of Hackmiami %27, Co-founder of Pacific Hackers Silicon Valley meetup. Founder & President Pacific Hackers Conference (www.phack.org)
Bob Withers Master Trainer, Global Knowledge
Bob Withers is a trainer and consultant with more than 30 years of cybersecurity and network infrastructure experience. Bob is a sought-after dynamic speaker, and has taught world-wide for Microsoft, Intel, IBM, and local and national training companies. He has also worked with the US Air Force, US Army, and defense contractors. Bob teaches Offensive and Defensive Cybersecurity, Cyber-Forensics, Cryptography, and Network Infrastructure. Bob holds the CISSP and C|CISO certifications, in addition to C|EH, C|HFI and other EC Council accreditations. Bob is also a Microsoft MCSE and Certified Trainer
