Brett M. Holmgren is a seasoned national security and intelligence leader with over two decades of experience spanning the highest levels of government and the private sector. Most recently, he served as Acting Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), where he led the U.S. government’s premier counterterrorism agency and advised the President on national security threats. Previously, as Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) at the U.S. Department of State, he spearheaded major digital transformations and governance reforms. Holmgren has also held key intelligence roles at the White House, CIA, and Defense Intelligence Agency, shaping U.S. counterterrorism and cybersecurity strategies. His expertise in risk management extends to the private sector, where he served as Vice President and Acting Chief Technology Risk Officer at Capital One. A recipient of numerous distinguished service awards, Holmgren continues to be a leading voice in intelligence modernization, cybersecurity, and national security strategy.

Dennis Kraft is an accomplished cybersecurity leader with over 15 years of experience driving innovation and excellence across diverse sectors, including federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and entrepreneurial ventures. As the CEO of Cyberkraft LLC, he has transformed the organization from a startup into a leading cybersecurity training provider, delivering programs to thousands of professionals and forging key partnerships with industry and government entities. A former Army officer and experienced enterprise cybersecurity architect, Dennis holds certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, and CEH, along with a proven track record of strategic growth, compliance success, and operational leadership. His dedication to fostering secure, innovative solutions and empowering teams has established him as a trusted leader in the cybersecurity field.

David Cook is a seasoned executive with extensive experience as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), advisor, and mentor, specializing in developing and leading world-class security programs for both startups and large enterprises. With a proven track record of scaling a company from $100 million to over $30 billion, Cook has successfully implemented security frameworks such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, HiTRUST, and FedRAMP across multiple organizations. He excels in aligning security strategies with business objectives, driving compliance, and enhancing operational efficiency. His expertise spans information security architecture, risk management, and IT operations, making him a trusted leader in the cybersecurity domain. Currently, as CISO at Sequoia Consulting Group, Cook is responsible for safeguarding the company’s physical and digital assets, while his advisory roles at Wiz and Gigamon further underscore his influence in the industry.

Paul Hewitt is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in professional services and business development, specializing in helping organizations navigate complex challenges in security, risk, and compliance. As Senior Partner at Edgile-Wipro, Paul leads global initiatives that enable enterprises to harness cloud and cybersecurity solutions as strategic enablers of business growth. His career has been marked by successful transformations, from overseeing multi-million-dollar projects to driving operational excellence for Fortune 500 clients. Paul is deeply committed to delivering measurable business outcomes, fostering strong client relationships, and leveraging technology to drive long-term success.

Rod Richardson is a dynamic operations and technology leader with over 20 years of experience in scaling startups and driving business growth across various industries. Specializing in Cyber Security, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), and International Business Strategy, Rod has successfully led organizations through transformative digital changes, product innovations, and strategic expansions. He has helped businesses achieve significant revenue growth, including increasing profits for three startups to over $150 million in under three years, and has consulted for private equity firms on high-stakes M&A projects, boosting organizational efficiency and profitability. With global experience working in countries such as Germany, China, Israel, and India, Rod excels at navigating complex international markets and building high-performing teams. Passionate about fostering diversity and collaboration, he is now seeking opportunities to contribute his expertise to a board, helping companies scale and thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

I am excited to share my professional journey in Identity and Access Management, where I’ve developed expertise in security, compliance, and process optimization across multiple industries. With a focus on building robust IAM frameworks and fostering collaboration across teams, I am driven to create secure digital environments. Here is my biography.

Ben Abrams, a seasoned Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) based in Las Vegas, NV, is a dynamic leader known for his extensive expertise in cybersecurity, security engineering, and team development. With a proven track record of protecting company assets and reducing security risks, Ben specializes in building secure IT infrastructures and developing agile solutions to safeguard proprietary data. As the Owner & Principal Consultant of his tech consulting firm since 2003, and through his impactful roles at industry-leading companies like Doximity and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Ben has saved millions in security costs, enhanced operational efficiency, and established best-in-class security protocols. A thought leader in the tech space, Ben is also a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from DevOps culture transformation to the evolution of cloud management, continually bridging the gap between technology and business strategies.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, cybersecurity must advance to counter increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Drawing from my extensive experience in cloud-native security, I will delve into the latest trends shaping the cybersecurity landscape and predict what the future might hold. We'll explore emerging AI-driven threats, the critical role of Zero Trust Architecture, the rise of Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPP), the persistent human element in cybersecurity risks, and the integration of security within DevOps processes. By understanding these trends and proactively adapting, we can build a safer digital world, integrating security across every layer of enterprise IT to stay ahead of cyber adversaries.

I’m thrilled to update my LinkedIn profile with a comprehensive overview of my career. With a passion for cybersecurity and a background in military leadership, I've had the privilege of leading impactful projects at renowned organizations like Mandiant and Google Cloud. From overseeing strategic initiatives and cybersecurity solutions to supporting veteran job placement, my journey has been driven by a commitment to addressing complex challenges and driving innovation.