Thursday, June 6th, 2024

Eleanor J. Taylor, Program Manager IDEAL Workforce Development National and Homeland Security Directorate, Idaho National Laboratory: Eleanor Taylor is a Program Manager for IDEAL Workforce Programs within the National and Homeland Security directorate at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). In this role, she is responsible for accelerating and expanding interdisciplinary talent pipeline efforts and fostering academic engagements to address critical infrastructure cybersecurity challenges across the nation. By leveraging INL’s deep expertise and best in class research facilities, she leads initiatives designed to drive education, training, curriculum development and hands-on learning to help create a resilient and future-ready workforce. Before joining INL in 2019, Taylor held several leadership positions, including Director of Board Relations for the University of Chicago, Chief of Staff for Argonne National Laboratory, Vice President for Pathfinder Development and Global Business Intelligence Strategist for SAS Institute.

Ayan Islam, Director of Cyber Workforce, Office of the National Cyber Director: Ayan Islam serves as the Director of Cyber Workforce at the Office of National Cyber Director (ONCD) and supports the implementation of the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy. Previously, she was the Associate Policy Director for R Street’s Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats team, where she supported the oversight and development of the Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats program and provided subject matter expertise in public policy strategy development and implementation.

Dr. Andrew Wright, Pathways Healthcare Cybersecurity, University of Louisville: Andrew L. Wright is Assistant Professor and Chair of the Information Systems, Analytics, & Operations department in the College of Business at the University of Louisville. He joined the faculty in 1994 and has previously served as the university's Director of Academic Technology and was a founding member and Director of Learning Initiatives for the university's Digital Transformation Center. He teaches courses in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and software development and has helped lead grants from the National Science Foundation, National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, Department of Defense, and Department of Labor, among others.

Doug Jacobson, Professor, Dept. Electrical & Computer Engineering, Iowa State University: Utilities, Iowa State University: Dough is Director of the Iowa State University Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach and a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is the lead PI in the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity sponsored ReCIPE coalition which is focused on securing cyber-physical systems. Doug works with state and local governments on cybersecurity issues and tabletop exercises. Doug also created the Iowa Cyber Hub, which is dedicated to increasing the cyber workforce in Iowa. He has worked for years on ways to include cybersecurity in courses and the general population. Doug has given over 300 presentations in the area of computer security. He also created the cybersecurity ambassador program targeted at the general public, K-12 students, post-secondary students, and employees.

Micheal Tu, Cybersecurity Workforce Certification-based Training Program (CWCT), Purdue University Northwest

Eman El-Sheikh, Ph.D., Associate Vice President and Professor, Center for Cybersecurity, University of West Florida:       Dr. Eman El-Sheikh is Associate Vice President and Professor at the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity. Eman has extensive expertise and 30 years of experience in AI, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity education, research, and workforce development. She won over $26 Million in competitive grants and contracts, and several awards, including 2024 GISEC Global Educator of the Year, induction into the UWF Million Dollar Research Hall of Fame, and 2020 Women Leaders in Cybersecurity by Security Magazine. Dr. El-Sheikh leads several national initiatives, including the National 
Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program, CyberSkills2Work, and received numerous grants to enhance cybersecurity education, workforce development and capacity building. She launched the Cybersecurity for All® Program to enhance competencies and hands-on skills for evolving cybersecurity work roles. The program was recognized among the 2020 Innovations in Cybersecurity Education. Dr. El-Sheikh has published several books, including Computer and Network Security Essentials by Springer Publishing, over 100 peer-reviewed articles, and given over 150 keynote and invited talks and presentations. She teaches and conducts research related to the development, use, and evaluation of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Cybersecurity. Eman founded the Florida Women in Cybersecurity Affiliate and serves on its Advisory Board. She holds an M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Michigan State University.

Charles Rouse, Program Manager, Inland Empire Cybersecurity Initiative, California State University San Bernardino: Charles Rouse is the Community College Cyber Pilot (C3P) program manager for the Cybersecurity Center in the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). His appointment is a new department position, commissioned by the National Science Foundation to support the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program extension to community colleges across the Nation.  

Charles fulfills a vital role in shaping the training structure and career development for the Armed Forces Veterans and bachelor's degree-holding scholarship recipients pursuing associate degrees or certifications in Cybersecurity. Charles is also the advisor of the CSUSB chartered Pan-African STEM Society, Coyote Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Club, Coyote Karate Club, and Cyber Squad outreach programs of CSUSB's Cyber Intelligence & Security Organization (CISO). He is a U.S. Army veteran and CSUSB Business/Cybersecurity alumnus.

Dale Marsden, Founder/Chief Visionary, Tomorrow's Talent

Christian Hendrick, Associate CISSP, Cloud/Sec + CE, Booz Allen Hamilton: Retired Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Chief Master Sergeant (CMS) 2021. I retired as the principal advisor to a 2-Star General. I completed an 11-week Corporate Fellowship Program (CFP) with Hiring Our Heroes and Booz Allen Hamilton after which I was brought onboard as a full-time employee. Was able to participate in the Cyberskills2Work Program during my CFP with Booz Allen. I am currently a Cyber and IT Project Manager, but also split my time as an AI Change Champion and Data Science Team Mentor. https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrick-christian/

Rudy Pamintuan, Chief Office of Lt. Governor of State of Nevada

Leah M. Olson, Senior Security Advisor, N Point Strategies: Leah M. Olson, CISSP is a distinguished leader in national security, specializing in critical infrastructure. As CEO and CIO of N Point Strategies, she brings over 20 years of experience across banking, healthcare, and utilities. Leah's leadership as Vice President of Technology and Marketing underscores her proficiency in team building and strategic innovation. Beyond her corporate roles, Leah actively shapes industry standards as Chair of the National Rural Electric Association (NRECA) Cyber Security Member Advisory Group. Her leadership in the Michigan Electric Cooperative Information Technology (MECIT) event highlights her commitment to advancing technological solutions in the energy sector. Dedicated to education, Leah volunteers in community schools, focusing on leadership and technology. Outside of work, she Chairs an Annual Charity Fun Run, supporting literacy and physical activity for youth. Leah M. Olson's career embodies a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service in national security and critical infrastructure.

Kevin Gowen, Chief Information Security Officer, Synovus Financial Corp: Kevin Gowen serves as Chief Information Security Officer for Synovus and is responsible for information and cyber security, fraud, financial crimes, and physical security. He was named Chief Information Security Officer in 2015. Gowen earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He was a recipient of the James H. Blanchard Leadership award, was named Tech Exec Networks’ Information Security Executive of the Year in 2022, was a finalist for Technology Association of Georgia’s Technology Executive of the Year and received HMG Strategy’s Global Leadership Award as Mid-Cap CISO of the Year in 2023. Gowen is an alumnus of Leadership Columbus and serves as a board member of the National Technology Security Coalition along with serving on multiple advisory boards and in industry group leadership roles.

Brian Williams, Missile Warnings Operation Technician, InDyne, Defense and Space Manufacturing company

Justin Rhoads, Dragos

Inland Empire Cybersecurity Initiative (IECI)

Tomorrow's Talent

Cybersecurity Workforce Certification-based Training Program (CWCT)

CyberSkills2Work

ReCIPE

Nice Challenge / XP Cyber

Skills-Based Training and Hiring - Lead by Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, University of West Florida

AI Impact on the Workforce - Lead by Dr. Vincent Nestler, California State University, San Bernardino

The role/need of micro-credentials by employers - Lead by Doug Jacobson - Iowa State University

Industry skill requirements for hiring - Lead by the Program Manager Office

Industry's most popular work roles - Lead by the Program Management Office

IDEAL Workforce Programs - Lead by Eleanor Taylor, Idaho National Laboratory. IDEAL Workforce Programs are designed to attract, develop and retain a diverse, high-achieving, skilled next generation workforce that includes women and underrepresented minorities in STEM, to support the U.S. national security mission areas.

Dr. Tony Coulson, CAE Community