SecureWorld Dallas 2024

Glen Sorensen is a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) with Cyber Risk Opportunities. He has worn numerous hats in his career, in areas such as security engineering and architecture, security operations, GRC, and leadership. He has held a variety of roles as an analyst, engineer, consultant, auditor, regulator, and information security officer for a financial institution.

Glen approaches problems with practical solutions that bring good business value and has worked across many sectors, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and others. He has served as a consulting expert in a large legal case involving healthcare and cyber attack detection technology. He has been in IT and security for 15+ years, longer if you count years of misspent youth bending technology and countless hours of roleplaying games. He is a sucker for a good tabletop exercise and serves as an Incident Master for HackBack Gaming, the fun kind of TTX.

Tia Strombeck, MBA, CISSP, currently manages a risk management team focused on governance and cross-organizational programs. Tia has 20+ years experience in information security. She has focused on building cross-organizational relationships to help other business teams understand the importance and value of security initiatives. She has worked with the network teams to imbed security requirements into their new development and operating processes.

Michael R. Smith, MBA, CISSP, CFE, CISA, CIA, PMP, ITIL, is a Healthcare Information Technology Professional with over thirty years of IT experience. Michael is a Sr. I.S. Auditor at Parkland in Dallas, Texas, specializing in performing information security assessments and audits focused around IT governance and regulatory compliance.

Industry Certifications, Licensure, & Training
Certified Information Security Specialist (CISSP)
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Information Library Information Technology (ITIL)

Robert Cowans is a seasoned professional with a diverse background and a proven track record of success in various industries. Throughout his career in the United States Army, Dep. Of Homeland Security, and American Airlines. He has held numerous positions in leading organizations, where he has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive growth and deliver results.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Robert is known for his commitment to giving back to the community. Throughout his career, he has actively supported organizations such as Protect.org: Human Exploitation Rescue Operative (H.E.R.O. Corps) and a Cyversity as an Ambassador, leveraging his skills and expertise to make a positive impact.

Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Forensics and Digital Investigations from Champlain College and has continued to invest in his professional development through various certifications and industry-related courses. He stays abreast of the latest trends and best practices, ensuring that he remains at the forefront of his field.

Saleem Khan is a seasoned IT security leader with over 20 years of experience in enhancing organizational cybersecurity and aligning it with business objectives. His impressive career spans roles at ServiceNow, Emory University, AT&T, and The Coca-Cola Company, where he excelled in IT risk management and GRC processes. Known for his strategic vision and empathetic leadership, Saleem is a trusted advisor to executives and stakeholders.

He holds an Executive MBA from Georgia Tech, a BS in Computer Engineering from LSU, and certifications including CISA and Scrum Master. Saleem's expertise in bridging technical complexities with business strategy continues to drive innovation in cybersecurity.

Renaldo McKenzie is a seasoned professional & cybersecurity leader with a diverse background of proven success in various industries and critical sectors such as Information Technology, Healthcare, Communications, Financial, Transportation, and Government.

His knowledge and expertise are in program development, management, and advancement of Governance, Risk, and Compliance, Identity & Access Management, Security Operations, and Security Awareness Education & Training where he has successfully developed, managed, and transformed several organizational security programs through collaborative stakeholder engagement to drive change, align with business objectives, and scalability.

Renaldo conducted his studies at Navarro College and The University of Texas at Arlington and has continued his professional development & education through various courses, certifications, and hands on engagements.
In addition to his professional experience, Renaldo is known for often giving back to the community by serving as an advisor, mentor, and ambassador for several individuals and organizations.

Tennisha Martin is the Founder and Executive Director of BlackGirlsHack (BGH Foundation), a national cybersecurity nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and resources to underserved communities and increasing the diversity in cyber. She has worked in a consulting capacity for more than 15 years and in her spare time is a CEO, best-selling author, award-winning hacker, mentor, penetration tester, and advocate for diversity.

Bryce Carter is a nationally-recognized leader known for his transformative impact on organizational culture and his ability drive cybersecurity as a key business enabler. Bryce has not only developed groundbreaking security strategies that safeguard data, but has also focused on the broader welfare of communities. His visionary approach has earned him positions on multiple advisory boards, where he helps shapes next-generation policies and technologies. In addition, Bryce contributes to the growth of future leaders by mentoring upcoming executives and technology professionals. His achievements have helped lay the groundwork for a more innovative, resilient, and inclusive future.

Dynamic, strategic, results-driven Cybersecurity executive with deep proven experience in ensuring the security of business systems. Uses thoughtful analysis to reduce enterprise risk, cyber risk, and operational risk by deploying focused proven solutions. Leader in Cybersecurity, emerging technologies, data platforms and Governance Risk and Compliance operations. Experienced in implementing security tools, cloud technology, data and building regulatory governance programs like GDPR and CCPA. Currently pursuing CISM certification.

Shawn Tuma is an internationally recognized cybersecurity, computer fraud and data privacy law attorney, areas in which he has practiced for two decades. He is Co-Chair of Spencer Fane’s Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice where he regularly serves as cybersecurity and privacy counsel advising a wide variety of businesses ranging from small and mid-sized companies to Fortune 100 enterprises. Shawn has been named a Cybersecurity Law Trailblazer by the National Law Journal, SuperLawyers Top 100 Lawyers in DFW, and Best Lawyers in Dallas. He serves as the Practitioner Editor for Bloomberg Law’s Texas Privacy & Data Security Law, among many other activities.

Anmol Agarwal is a security researcher at a Fortune 500 Company and is focused on securing AI and Machine Learning in 5G and 6G. She holds a doctoral degree in cybersecurity analytics from George Washington University and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Texas at Dallas. She previously worked at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in the High Value Asset Program Management Office. In her free time, she enjoys giving back to the community and is an active industry mentor.

Kathryn Patterson supports the Global Cybersecurity & Fraud Management organization at TIAA. In prior roles, she managed 3rd Pty Assessment, Regulatory Exam Mgmt and Audit support, and RCSA. Her career spans three industries: healthcare, telecommunications, and financial services, with additional background in program management, business resiliency and internal investigations. She prioritizes collaboration with business partners on best practices, communications, training, and development. Kathryn holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from the University of Oklahoma with a concentration in Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Analysis.

Brittany George, CISA, CISM, PCIP, QSA, has over two decades of experience, including former Big Four experience with a focus on public company audits. Her current focus includes cybersecurity, system and organization controls (SOC) reporting, evaluation and testing of IT general controls (ITGCs) and regulatory compliance (including Payment Card Industry and Sarbanes-Oxley). She is also deeply experienced with system integration and user acceptance testing. Having spent the beginning of her career with TXU/Capgemini Energy, she has a deep understanding of utilities and the energy industry. She also has extensive government experience, having led IT audit activities for numerous municipalities and school districts. Additional industry experience includes technology service providers, financial services, oil and gas, health care and banking.

Brittany is a member of the IIA, AFCOM and Tech Titans, for which she serves on the Cybersecurity Forum. She is also a member and past president of the North Texas chapter of ISACA. Highly respected in her field, she has been a guest lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin and University of Oklahoma and often presents on security and other IT advisory topics, including having presented at the PCI North America Community Meetings, Infosec World, various ISACA chapter meetings, the IIA, Allinial Global, SecureWorld and TXCPA meetings.

A Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Payment Card Industry Professional (PCIP) and a PCI Qualified Security Assessor (QSA), she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in management information systems from the University of Oklahoma and a professional graduate certificate in cybersecurity from Harvard.

A 20+ year information security veteran, Ian has served in many leadership positions to include CIO/CISO. Ian also led a multi-billion dollar mission charged with developing and operating advanced cyber capabilities for the Undersecretary of Defense (Intelligence), the DoD Chief Information Officer, and the Secretary of the Air Force. In this role he led high impact global teams and advised the US Congress and Executive Branch, resulting in a coordinated, funded national approach to resolve the highest cyber concerns of Government leadership. In the financial sector, Ian has led strategic capabilities to protect critical infrastructure from cyber-attack.

Jeremy Rucker leads businesses through the evolving and complex landscape of data privacy, security, and incident response. As a data privacy and cybersecurity attorney, Jeremy regularly counsels clients in all industries on the emerging federal, state, and international data laws and regulations, and also serves as a breach coach to guide organizations through national data breach notification processes and resultant regulator investigations.

Jeremy is a frequent speaker on data privacy and cybersecurity matters and is certified by the International Association of Privacy Professionals as a Privacy Law Specialist. Additionally, Jeremy holds double certifications as a Certified Information Privacy Professional for United States law (CIPP/US) and European law (CIPP/E); and a certification as a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM – IAPP).

Ahmer Mirza is a seasoned Solutions Architect at Aqua Security, where he has been making significant contributions for the past three years. With a robust background in computer engineering technology, his role at Aqua Security involves implementing cutting-edge security solutions and leveraging his expertise to address complex challenges in the ever-evolving field of cloud native security. Ahmer’s blend of technical acumen and innovative problem-solving makes him an asset to his team and a trusted advisor to clients seeking to safeguard their cloud environments.

Ed has over 20 years’ experience in cybersecurity, covering SSL/VPN, Intel chip security technologies, endpoint protection, DLP, data at rest/in motion encryption technologies, key management, and managed security services. Based in Austin, Texas, Ed is a member of the Entrust Digital Security Solutions Center of Excellence for Data Protection Solutions. Prior to Entrust, Ed served in strategic alliance roles at Thales DIS and Symantec, where he worked with Global System Integrators. Earlier, he held leadership roles software products at Dell, semiconductors at Britestream Networks, and networking products at Compaq and Motorola.

I am an innovative technology executive with extensive leadership experience within a diverse portfolio of technology-driven public and private companies. I am results driven with considerable experience leading teams, implementing complex software products, IT projects, and administering large capital budgets.

I am a dynamic leader and designer of innovative and high-performing teams that contribute strategically across organization initiatives. I am a strong communicator with focus on team success through a professional and meticulous approach to leading initiatives with uncompromising leadership, organizational development, and business operations skills.

I have a successful track record of commercial/SaaS product and technology delivery that produces business growth, garnering awards and industry-wide recognition. I am a flexible team leader willing to take risks, adopt new methods, and seek opportunities for improvement of systems and processes.

I have been a leader of a variety of software product management and product development teams of all sizes, through all phases of Internet, mobile and software product management, product development, quality assurance, program and release management and DevOps deployment. I have also included the leadership of Information Technology infrastructure and operations teams responsible for enterprise IT System operations, development, and enterprise deployment.

Teresa Merklin is a Principal Information Assurance Engineer for Cybersecurity Engineering at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, where she is responsible for technology identification and evaluation for aeronautics platforms. Teresa holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma State University, a Masters of Software Engineering from Texas Christian University, an MBA in Information Assurance from the University of Dallas. She is a CISSP and CSSLP.

Chris has been aligning people, processes and technology to drive companies forward for over 20 years. He has a decade of cybersecurity experience in product marketing and product management. His passion is helping businesses succeed through the strategic use of technology. Most recently he was helping customers accelerate their Zero Trust journey at Appgate, Inc. His background also includes experience in operations, sales, and new business development.

Highly effective and successful senior executive with 25 years in the energy industry. Experience and knowledge spans different markets, products, business models and disciplines. Proven track record of:
Driving resolution of the top challenges facing different groups, companies or individuals, whether as a member of its management team or as an outside expert;
Acting as change agent to effect turnaround situations and solve critical problems;
Balancing between an entrepreneurial culture and the discipline to achieve the high standards and controls of a large public company; and
Doing more with less (PAALP ranked #5 in Forbes 500 in revenues/employee in 2009)

Parrish is currently SVP & CISO of Sunflower Bank and has more than 25 years of technology experience and more than 14 years in cybersecurity. During this time, Parrish has worked in various functions of technology, risk management, infrastructure services and support, audit and compliance, incident response, and cybersecurity / information security. His experience also includes working in multiple industries including financial services, telecommunications, chemical manufacturing, real estate, and retail. In addition, he has worked in both global Fortune 500 companies and small start-up-based companies.

During his tenure as a CISO, he has been involved in the creation, staffing, building, and management of comprehensive information security programs for various companies across diverse locations and personnel. In all these companies, he has implemented programs based on risk and threat analysis and has implemented controls, services, and processes that have not only met the needs of the company but also the regulatory and compliance requirements of the company including incident response capabilities.

Parrish holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas Christian University and certifications as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), and Professional Project Manager (PMP).

Brock Bauer is a Security Architect from the Incident Response Team at Varonis. He helps customers achieve their security goals through the Varonis platform by enabling them to detect and respond to threats, reduce their attack surface, and mature their security programs. Brock has worn various hats during his career in Enterprise IT Administration, Software Security Architecture, and Incident Response.

Todd has been providing IT services nationally for over 25 years and draws inspiration and insight from participation in a wide range of executive boards and industry associations. He has an extensive background in strategic planning and implementation of business technology solutions, and founded his firm Envision Technology Advisors. As a presenter, Todd speaks throughout the country on a variety of technology and business topics including: Modern Workplace, Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity, and Evolving Digital Culture to fit the Modern Workforce.

In his free time, Todd works with several non-profits and is also an avid sailor, wood worker, and scuba diver.

Meet Dillon White, a Solutions Engineering whiz and the driving force behind sales engineering at KMicro Tech. With a knack for hybrid cloud solutions and services, Dillon combines his extensive industry experience with a dash of innovation to spark business growth. Before diving into the tech world, Dillon served eight impactful years in the United States Coast Guard, adding a unique perspective to his expertise.
From cybersecurity to Microsoft Dynamics 365, Azure, and Modern Work, Dillon has seen it all. He's your go-to guide for digital transformation, helping businesses—big and small, retail and federal—navigate the tech maze and come out on top. His strategic insights and customer-first approach have consistently empowered organizations to hit new heights.

Brittany George, CISA, CISM, PCIP, QSA, has over two decades of experience, including former Big Four experience with a focus on public company audits. Her current focus includes cybersecurity, system and organization controls (SOC) reporting, evaluation and testing of IT general controls (ITGCs) and regulatory compliance (including Payment Card Industry and Sarbanes-Oxley). She is also deeply experienced with system integration and user acceptance testing. Having spent the beginning of her career with TXU/Capgemini Energy, she has a deep understanding of utilities and the energy industry. She also has extensive government experience, having led IT audit activities for numerous municipalities and school districts. Additional industry experience includes technology service providers, financial services, oil and gas, health care and banking.

Brittany is a member of the IIA, AFCOM and Tech Titans, for which she serves on the Cybersecurity Forum. She is also a member and past president of the North Texas chapter of ISACA. Highly respected in her field, she has been a guest lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin and University of Oklahoma and often presents on security and other IT advisory topics, including having presented at the PCI North America Community Meetings, Infosec World, various ISACA chapter meetings, the IIA, Allinial Global, SecureWorld and TXCPA meetings.

A Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Payment Card Industry Professional (PCIP) and a PCI Qualified Security Assessor (QSA), she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in management information systems from the University of Oklahoma and a professional graduate certificate in cybersecurity from Harvard.

Shelly is the Southcentral Zone Regional Manager within Marsh’s Cyber Practice in Dallas, TX. Responsibilities include advising a number of Marsh’s clients across various industries on risk transfer solutions and helping clients tactically navigate the evolving cyber and technology landscape. Shelly strives to cultivate strong relationships with clients and markets.

Shawn Tuma is an internationally recognized cybersecurity, computer fraud and data privacy law attorney, areas in which he has practiced for two decades. He is Co-Chair of Spencer Fane’s Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice where he regularly serves as cybersecurity and privacy counsel advising a wide variety of businesses ranging from small and mid-sized companies to Fortune 100 enterprises. Shawn has been named a Cybersecurity Law Trailblazer by the National Law Journal, SuperLawyers Top 100 Lawyers in DFW, and Best Lawyers in Dallas. He serves as the Practitioner Editor for Bloomberg Law’s Texas Privacy & Data Security Law, among many other activities.

Accomplished Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst and expert threat hunter with a robust background in cybersecurity, holding certifications in Penetration Testing and Bug Bounty. Proficient in Incident Response, Threat Hunting, Intelligence, Computer Forensics, Red Teaming, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessment, and Audits. Skilled in designing SOCs, managing SIEM systems, conducting Risk Analysis, and developing Global Security Policies. Demonstrates expertise in Malware Analysis and Remediation, adept at enhancing security across complex IT environments to mitigate risks and protect organizational assets.

Gabriel Nwajiaku is a seasoned cybersecurity expert, army veteran, and community leader. Holding a diverse array of certifications including CISM, PMP, Security+, and CySA+, Gabriel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. His journey began in the military, where he honed his skills in strategic planning and risk management, serving his country with distinction.

After transitioning from the military, Gabriel continued his pursuit of excellence in cybersecurity, earning multiple certifications to further solidify his expertise. His commitment to continuous learning and professional development has enabled him to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats and challenges.

In addition to his impressive professional achievements, Gabriel is also deeply engaged in his community. As the Commissioner of the City of Austin's Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission, he plays a vital role in shaping policies and initiatives that promote digital inclusion and access to technology for all residents.

With a passion for empowering individuals and organizations to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, Gabriel brings a unique perspective to the table. His insights into establishing purpose and direction in this nebulous terrain are sure to inspire and enlighten audiences at the conference.

Cedric Leighton is a CNN Military Analyst and a retired United States Air Force Colonel. On CNN, he has provided incisive commentaries on the Israel-Hamas War, the War in Ukraine, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and numerous other conflicts around the world. His analysis has been seen by millions of viewers around the world and provided much needed context to some of the most pressing national security issues of our time. As a U.S. Air Force officer, Colonel Leighton served at U.S. Special Operations Command, the Joint Staff, and the National Security Agency, where he helped train the nation's cyber warriors. A Middle East combat veteran, he is the recipient of numerous military awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Bronze Star. After serving 26 years as a U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer, Col. Leighton founded a strategic risk consultancy and became the co-founder of CYFORIX, where he advises multinational businesses on developing better cyber strategies designed to reduce risk and unpredictability.