Ritz Carlton Pentagon City
Arlington, VA

Northeast IT & Security Leaders Forum 2024

Date

April 07 – 09, 2024

By bringing together the top 80 Executives in the region, we will discuss the most pressing Technology and Leadership challenges we face in an ever-evolving corporate landscape.

Over the next two and a half days, we will nurture meaningful relationships and tackle the challenges inherent to IT in a smaller, more dynamic setting. You will learn from your peers through various workshops, panels, roundtables and presentations. Our closed-door policy fosters an environment where all discussions are confined within the Forum walls, enabling more genuine and engaged conversations.

Learn about the latest and most innovative technologies that can bridge some of your organizational gaps through qualified one-on-one engagements, scheduled strategically throughout the Forum and selected by you, based on your most pressing needs.

Build new relationships and nurture existing ones, share in your successes and commiserate in the challenges that we all face as IT Leaders.

Join us for the Northeast IT & Security Leaders Forum and leave ready to inspire action within your Organization!

Helen Knight

Master of Ceremonies

Helen Knight

Vice President, Information Technology, Legal Aid Alberta

Ritz Carlton Pentagon City

As Arlington’s premier luxury hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City offers an experience that beautifully blends modern luxury and traditional touches. Located minutes from Washington, D.C., this unforgettable Pentagon City, VA hotel allows guests to enjoy easy access to D.C.’s iconic landmarks, monuments, museums, and attractions.

Forum Agenda

Agenda may be subject to change. Click on each day to view full agenda

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
FORUM REGISTRATION & APP DEMONSTRATION

Get familiar with SINC Staff and the event layout. Secure your complimentary Swag Bag and learn how to use the Onsite Application for Peer Engagement and win great prizes!

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM EST
SINC WELCOME NETWORKING RECEPTION

Engage your Peers over canapes and cocktails

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST
SINC NETWORKING & ENGAGEMENT DINNER

Open seating buffet meal serving 5-star food and great Peer engagement before Day 1 kick’s off

7:00 AM - 7:50 AM EST
SINC IT LEADERS NETWORKING BREAKFAST

Full breakfast and lots of coffee available!

7:50 AM - 8:00 AM EST
SINC OPENING REMARKS

A Thank You from SINC – setting the tone for a great day!

8:05 AM - 8:45 AM EST
PANEL - IT's Role in the Future of Work

As organizations adapt to technological advancements, remote collaboration tools, and changing workforce dynamics, the CIO emerges as a key strategist, orchestrating digital transformation initiatives and ensuring seamless integration of technology into the fabric of the modern workplace. This Panel will discuss how CIOs can drive innovation, enhance cybersecurity measures, and foster a flexible and inclusive work environment to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by the future of work.

Moderator: Helen Knight, Vice President, Information Technology, Legal Aid Alberta 

Panelists:

Paul Williams, CIO, Commonwealth of Virginia

Neil Gomes, CDO, AmeriHealth Caritas

8:55 AM - 9:25 AM EST
WORKSHOP 1 - Cyber Defense Strategies for Earlier Detection and Faster Response

Delve into the flaws of the traditional cybersecurity landscape and how a modern SOC should focus on outcome-based services without relying on logs or the cost and complexity of a SIEM

Speaker: Hamlet Khodaverian, VP, Americas, LMNTRIX

Presented by: LMNTRIX

8:55 AM - 9:25 AM EST
WORKSHOP 2 - Wrangling Sensitive Data Sprawl: How to Shrink Your Data Protection Footprint

The footprint of sensitive data — such as PII, payment details and health information — is growing rapidly in many enterprises. Security officers contend by spreading their resources thinner, an impractical strategy in an era of scarce security talent and tight budgets. Join this interactive session to discuss the primary driver of sensitive data growth, the drawbacks of the common mitigation strategies, and an architectural paradigm shift that stops the sprawl of sensitive data while accelerating access to data for your most important innovators.

Speaker: Aaron Jensen, Senior Manager Solution Engineering & Devops Advisor, Delphix

Presented by: Delphix

9:35 AM - 10:05 AM EST
WORKSHOP 1 - Generative AI and it's Impact

Generative AI is revolutionizing the way we create content, from text and images to music and videos, by learning from vast datasets to produce new, original works. Its impact extends beyond the arts, influencing fields such as healthcare, where it can generate personalized treatment plans, and technology, by driving innovations in automation and user interfaces. However, this rapid advancement also raises ethical and societal concerns, including issues of copyright, privacy, and the potential for misuse in creating deepfakes or spreading misinformation.

Speaker: Tanweer Surve, Executive Director, Cloud Control Management, Wells Fargo

9:35 AM - 10:05 AM EST
WORKSHOP 2 - USing Data to Transform Care

Check back for updates on this session.

Speaker: Neil Gomes, CDO, AmeriHealth Caritas

10:05 AM - 10:20 AM EST
SINC NETWORKING & REFRESHMENT BREAK

Circle back with your Peers on the content so far while grabbing a coffee or tea and a snack

10:20 AM - 10:50 AM EST
WORKSHOP 1 - Get Proactive About Security and Protection from Emerging Threats

Too often, organizations are just reacting to vulnerabilities. Fortunately, we have tools that help take a proactive stance with solid intel backed by precise real-time data and actions.

In this session, we will discuss the three steps necessary to respond quickly and effectively to critical and high-severity issues.

  • Visibility – Continually search and collect data on issues that could expose your environment to attacks and exploits originating at your endpoints.
  • Control – Provide effective measures directly to your endpoints, enabling you to take immediate control of emerging issues.
  • Remediation – Leverage relevant and actionable insights based on expert threat research team investigations.

When critical, highly exploitable, or zero-day vulnerabilities emerge, every second counts. We help our customers develop, verify, and test the content and actions to keep their environment safe.

Speaker: Nir Yosha, Director, Technical Account Management, Tanium

Presented by: Tanium

10:20 AM - 10:50 AM EST
WORKSHOP 2 - Unlock Next-level DevOps and ITSM with Next-Generation AI

The hype around generative AI is only the beginning. This game-changing technology is poised to disrupt high-tech industries. But with new AI tools popping up every day, choosing the wrong one can have profound effects on a company’s security, customer satisfaction, and productivity.

As a trusted partner, OpenText is pioneering the era of new possibilities where generative AI complements human creativity to become tomorrow’s solutions across DevOps and ITSM.

In our talk, we will cover how OpenText AI and automation:

  • Predicts and anticipates software delivery times.
  • Unlocks deep insights into projects and potential risks.
  • Addresses skilled staff shortages and optimizes service desk costs.
  • Minimizes manual repetitive tasks and resolves issues without ethical compromise.

Speaker: Eric Fisher, Senior Presales Consultant, OpenText

Presented by: OpenText

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST
WORKSHOP 1 - Navigating the Future: A Comprehensive Guide to Infrastructure Roadmap Success

Chak will discuss the integration of budget management, cutting-edge technology adoption, and innovative architectural practices to chart a path for robust infrastructure development. The session offers insights into optimizing financial resources to support sustainable and scalable projects while leveraging the latest technological advancements for efficiency and resilience. The guide further explores the role of forward-thinking architectural designs in enhancing operational effectiveness, ensuring that infrastructure projects not only meet current demands but are also adaptable to future needs and challenges.

Speaker: Chak Maturi, Vice President, Technology Services, AIG

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST
WORKSHOP 2 - Using Realistic Attack Scenarios and Simulations to Validate, Measure, & Optimize Security Controls

“Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) validates cybersecurity controls by safely conducting threat activities, tactics, techniques, and procedures in production environments. BAS provides security teams the ability to test security architecture, people, and processes for continuous assessment of cyber resilience.

This session will demonstrate the core capabilities of a breach and attack simulation platform so you can see a comprehensive and scalable solution for security leaders, regardless of your security posture maturity, to drive your continuous threat exposure management program and support both the technical and business requirements of scoping, discovery, prioritization, validation, and mobilization.”

Presented by: Cymulate

11:40 AM - 12:20 PM EST
PRESENTATION - Securing the Future: Navigating Technological and Cybersecurity Frontiers in the U.S. Northeast

In an era where technology’s rapid evolution reshapes industries, we present a pivotal workshop designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities at the intersection of innovation, security, and regulation. This workshop comprises three critical segments, each tailored to the primary sectors represented at the forum—financial, SLED (State, Local, and Education), and healthcare—focusing specifically on the U.S. Northeast region.

Speaker: Byron Estrada, Head of Global Cyber Threat Intelligence, Air National Guard

12:20 PM - 1:20 PM EST
SINC NETWORKING LUNCH

Open seating, Buffet-style lunch. Serving food for all tastes, palates, and preferences. Vegan, vegetarian, halal options available

1:25 PM - 2:15 PM EST
ROUNDTABLE + PANEL - Translating Cybersecurity Strategy into Action

During this session we will discuss how to bridge the gap between theoretical cybersecurity frameworks and their practical implementation within organizations. It offers insights into effectively translating high-level security strategies into actionable steps that can be understood and executed by IT teams and security professionals. The session emphasizes the importance of aligning cybersecurity measures with business objectives to ensure both are resilient against evolving digital threats.

Moderator: Nish Majmudar, CISO, Mathematica

Panelists:

Ajish George, Managing Director, Cyber Data & Analytics, State Street

Jay Nerger, Director, Risk Solutions, The Clearing House

Shai Perez, Global Head of Permitting, CISO, Citi

Diane Huff, Senior VP, Technology, Triangle Services

2:25 PM - 2:55 PM EST
PRESENTATION - The Role of ERP in Security and AI

The ERP is the backbone of most organizations. Software packages from large vendors such as Oracle and SAP are essential for back-end business operations. But how do they fit into emerging technology strategies such as Cloud, AI/ML, Security, and other competitive growth initiatives? Come to this session to learn about the intersection of ERP and emerging technology and ways to find the right allocation of resources between operations and innovation.

Speaker: Eric Helmer, Chief Technology Officer, Rimini Street

Presented by: Rimini Street

2:55 PM - 3:10 PM EST
SINC NETWORKING & REFRESHMENT BREAK

Circle back with your Peers on the content so far while grabbing a coffee and a snack.

3:10 PM - 3:40 PM EST
WORKSHOP 1 - The 5 Disfunctions of a Team

Check back for updates on this session. 

Speaker: Steve Demeritt, Global Head of IT Service & Delivery, Black & Veatch

3:10 PM - 3:40 PM EST
WORKSHOP 2 - The Cybersecurity Pie: Protect, Prevent and Predict

Let’s dive into each slices of this pie to identify various different controls and build a comprehensive cybersecurity program with multiple layers of defense.

Speaker: Nish Majmudar, CISO, Mathematica

3:50 PM - 4:20 PM EST
WORKSHOP - Balancing AI With The Indispensable Human Element in Cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence is a pervasive part of our lives today, and cybersecurity teams and adversaries alike have learned to harness the speed and power of machines to strengthen their capabilities. With machine learning becoming one of the most important tools of defense, leaders must balance the overwhelming speed and accuracy advantage of AI with the need for measured and intuitive interactions with a real-world human element.

Join this session to discuss:

  • What these trends mean for the hands-on practitioner
  • What happens when the velocity of innovation outpaces the capabilities of human intellect
  • The evolving role of automation in the effective practice of securing our digital world

Speaker: Michael Leland, Chief Cybersecurity Analyst, SentinelOne

Presented by: SentinelOne

3:50 PM - 4:20 PM EST
FIRESIDE CHAT - Attracting IT Talent, Building Better Teams & Retaining your Top Performers in the Public and Education Sectors

This session explores the complexities of building cohesive and effective IT teams in the public and education sectors, highlighting the challenges of attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive landscape dominated by the private sector. It addresses the hurdles posed by budgetary constraints, bureaucratic hiring practices, and the difficulty in offering competitive compensation and benefits, while also emphasizing the critical role of a positive organizational culture and ample professional development opportunities. The discussion further underscores the importance of strategic team-building initiatives in creating an environment that not only draws but also retains high-performing IT professionals, ensuring the long-term success and innovation of public and educational institutions.

Speakers:

Chaim Yudkowsky, CIO, AIPAC

Washington Ricardo Izquierdo, CIO/CISO, Pillar College

4:25 PM - 5:15 PM EST
ROUNDTABLE + PANEL: Driving The Business Through Technology

It is no secret that technology is changing the fabric of business operations and outcomes, and collaboration between IT and the business is more important than ever before. The conversation is no longer about how to align IT with the business, however in many cases technology is still viewed as a commodity rather than an enabler. So what can we do to successfully change this mindset both within our own organizations and across the industry as a whole? During this session, we will discuss the various challenges IT and digital leaders face when undergoing this cultural shift.

Moderator: Karl Forsberg, Senior Director IT, Infrastructure & Operations, North American Partners in Anesthesia

Panelists:

Anthony Almanzar, Vice President & Senior Technical Program Manager, State Street Global Advisors

Deshard Stevens, Senior Director of IT, NAACP LDF

Sholom Ellenberg, CIO, JASA

Tiffany Welsh, Director, Organizational Change Management, Omnicom Media Group

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST
SINC NETWORKING RECEPTION

Engage your Peers over canapés and cocktails

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST
SINC NETWORKING & ENGAGEMENT DINNER

Open seating buffet meal serving 5 star food and great Peer engagement

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM EST
SINC IT LEADERS NETWORKING BREAKFAST

Full Breakfast and lots of coffee available!

9:00 AM - 9:40 AM EST
CISO PANEL - The Rapidly Evolving Threat Landscape

Aggressive attacks on Enterprise computer networks are continuing with increased frequency and threatening economic and national security. Actions like vulnerability reduction and passive defenses on their own simply are not cutting it and there needs to be a functional shift in the way we mitigate this substantial threat. Companies can seek to protect their most sensitive data by implementing an environment of actionable intelligence and detection to bring the fight to the adversaries and ensure a proactive approach to securing data. This session will discuss best practices in managing the constant evolution in the security environment.

Moderated by: Cyera

Panelists:

Montae Brockett, CIO/CISO, DC Department of Health Care Finance

Jeff Ericson, CISO/VP, MedRisk

Bradley Schaufenbuel, CISO, Paychex

09:50 AM - 10:20 AM EST
WORKSHOP 1 - Cybersecurity for the AI Revolution

User identities, endpoints, applications, and networks have all turned into attack vectors, expanding the attack surface and elevating business risk.

Point security solutions target an area but often fail to integrate well with others. This leads to a false sense of security, leaving security gaps and exposing organizations to cyber risks and costly remediation efforts.

Join us to:

  • Discover key considerations when building an AI-powered Zero Trust security architecture
  • Learn how best-in-class integrated solutions provide superior security and improve operational efficiencies
  • Hear from our customers on how to future-proof your security investments as threats evolve in the face of AI
  • Watch integration demos showcasing real-life scenarios that empower security teams on how to build robust end-to-end protection

Speaker: Gaurav Ranjit, Senior Customer Success Manager, Okta

Presented by: Okta

10:20 AM - 10:35 AM EST
SINC NETWORKING & REFRESHMENT BREAK

Circle back with your Peers on the content so far while grabbing a coffee and a snack

10:40 AM - 11:10 AM ESTWORKSHOP - Steering Organizations in the Age of AI

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, leaders are faced with the daunting task of navigating the complexities of the digital age. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and redefine the nature of work, leaders must embrace a futurist mindset to drive innovation and success. This presentation will empower leaders to embrace the role of futurist leaders and leverage the potential of AI to propel their organizations forward into the future.

Speaker: Dr. Valarian Couch, Director of InfoSec Ops, Planned Parenthood

11:20 AM - 11:50 AM EST
WORKSHOP 2 - Digitalization in the Nonprofit Sector

In social profit, there is often a gap between Leadership vision & the perceived capability of Information Technology to enable mission. Learn from internationally renowned Nonprofit Technology visionary Helen Knight as she presents social service case studies of technology transformations that enabled measurable social improvements.

Key takeaways:

  • Learn how to deliver meaningful change even when facing significant technical debt & budget limitations
  • Learn how your technical & leadership skills can make a positive difference in the nonprofit sector today

Speaker: Helen Knight, Helen Knight, Vice President, Information Technology, Legal Aid Alberta

12:00 AM - 12:30 PM EST
WORKSHOP - How the Technology Leader has Become the Business Leader

Technology leaders are now key players in strategic decision-making processes. Their insights are crucial for identifying new business opportunities, assessing risks, and making informed decisions that balance innovation with sustainability. They play a vital role in developing strategies that capitalize on digital transformation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to drive growth and efficiency.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM EST
SINC NETWORKING LUNCH

Open seating, Buffet-style lunch. Serving food for all tastes, pallets and preferences. Vegan, vegetarian, halal options available. Serving to-go boxes for those in a hurry!

Northeast Executive Advisory Council

Eugene Kogan

Global IT Director, Head of IT and Security

Population Council

Michael Marsillio

CISO

Paradies Lagardere

Ashok Narayan

Global Director of Applications and Emerging Technology

Tosca Services

Gina Bennett

Director of Enterprise Solutions

YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta

Kenneth Foster

Global Head of Architecture

Adient

Kenneth Viciana

VP, Global Data & Analytics Products

TSYS

Lorenzo Hines

Global SVP of Information Technology

Citi

Bradley Schaufenbuel

VP & CISO

Paychex, Inc

Stephen Demeritt

Global Head of IT Services & Delivery

Black & Veatch

Mitesh Patel

VP of IT

JP Morgan

John Whiting

Global Director Cyber Risk

Omnicon

Michael Onuoha

Head of Engineering & Architecture, Risk, Fraud & Collections

Citi

Nish Majmudar

VP & Chief Information Security Officer

Mathematica

Andy Flatt

SVP & CIO

National Healthcare

Deena Swatzie

VP, Head of Technology Risk

LPL Financial

Karl Forsberg

Senior Director IT, Infrastructure and Operations

North America Partners in Anesthesia

Forum Speakers