Speakers

Zechariah Akinpelu is an award-winning cybersecurity executive with 15+ years of experience leading security strategy for Financial Institutions and Fintechs. A Forbes Tech Council member, he specializes in ethical hacking, Red Team Operations, and Cloud Security Architecture. He is highly certified (CISM, CRISC, CCISO) and a Co-Founder of a cybersecurity startup.

Mahesh Todkar is the CISO at Wilsonart and an experienced technical leader specializing in information security and risk management across manufacturing, finance, and semiconductors. He excels at aligning global security architecture, SOC operations, and risk-based controls with strategic business goals, while driving team development and strong executive communication.

Khamonte Johnson is the Head of Information Security & IT (CISO) at Red Oak and Vice President of the Cloud Security Alliance Austin Chapter. A U.S. Army veteran, he drives initiatives on Al security, governance, and enterprise risk management, while actively advocating for robust standards and ethical Al adoption.

Wyman Miles, MBA, CISSP, is the CISO at Universal Aviation. A technology executive specializing in global IT transformation and infrastructure modernization, he rebuilt the company’s fragmented global environment into a unified operating model. Wyman excels at building 24/7 security operations, driving Al enablement, and integrating complex M&A architectures.

Carlos Renteria is CISO at Southside Bank, bringing extensive security and technology expertise across the financial services, retail, and non-profit sectors. Holding an MBA focused on cybersecurity alongside multiple industry certifications, he specialises in IT infrastructure, risk management, regulatory compliance, and audits, delivering strong programme leadership that protects enterprise operations.

As a Cybersecurity Officer at Texas Department of Public Safety, I lead the implementation and oversight of cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices for the agency. I also manage the risk assessment, mitigation, and compliance activities for the information systems and networks under my purview. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in cyber and special operations, I have a proven track record of delivering effective and innovative solutions to complex and dynamic security challenges.

Jeremiah Clifton is Cybersecurity Officer, Digital Risk for the City of Austin, specialising in digital resilience, cyber governance, and strategic modernisation across complex institutional environments. A trusted advisor on Al risk and critical infrastructure, Jeremiah builds robust operational assurance programmes to safeguard mission-critical public-sector operations and mitigate enterprise digital risk.

Doug Rinehart is SVP and CISO at Marigold. A military veteran with 20+ years of global cybersecurity experience, he specializes in maturing enterprise-scale programs across SaaS, finance, and defense. He excel at navigating complex M&As, translating technical risk into Board-level strategy, and responsibly governing Al adoption to drive business value.

Vivek Menon is the CISO & Head of Data at Digital Turbine. With 25 years of experience leading security and data programs for public companies, he sits at the intersection of cybersecurity, data, and Al. Vivek focuses on enabling safe, rapid Al adoption and translating complex risks into board-level business value.

Landon Blum is the CISO and CSO at First National Bank of Bastrop, managing IT, information security, fraud, facilities, and corporate security. A Virginia Military Institute graduate and retired police officer with 20 years of law enforcement experience, Landon previously directed security and fraud operations for a Texas financial institution.

Sean Mack is CIO, CISO, and Managing Director at ISMG. A CIO100 honouree, he leads global teams and multi-million-dollar budgets to modernise complex technology environments. Specialising in cybersecurity, DevSecOps, and digital transformation, Sean focuses on scaling operations and leveraging artificial intelligence to automate governance and drive measurable business outcomes.

Joe Carroll is CIO and Head of Cybersecurity at CITGO Petroleum. A visionary strategist and change agent with 40 years of executive experience, he specialises in leading complex transformations through innovative technology. Known as an inspirational leader, Joe builds high-performing teams, drives commercial revenue, and regularly advises boards on cybersecurity risk and mitigation strategies.

Todd Pauley is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at FlexRadio Systems, bringing over 25 years of IT and cybersecurity leadership. Previously Director of Security and Compliance at Hornblower Group and Deputy CISO at the Texas Education Agency, he now leads FlexRadio’s strategic security, risk, and compliance initiatives.

Seasoned Cybersecurity leader with 19 years of experience in establishing and leading world-class Information Security, Infrastructure, IT/Operational Risk and Business Continuity Planning (BCP) functions for medium to large, global, multi-platform financial, Health care, Pharmaceutical, Utility and manufacturing corporations. Fostered trusted partnership between business and IT by aligning strategies and building strong relationships.

Eric Mims is the Executive Director, IT Security at the University of Houston System. With 30+ years of IT and security experience, he leads system-wide cybersecurity services, SOC operations, and incident response, specializing in tool consolidation, infrastructure modernization, and translating technical risks for executive leadership.

With 37+ years’ experience in the utility industry, James Brake currently leads Lower Colorado River Authority’s OT Cybersecurity Services team in support and oversight of the Wholesale Power Services division including electric power generation.

Linda Bough White is an enthusiastic, goal-oriented Cyber Security Professional and Director of Information Security at Axiom Medical. Leveraging diverse IT and security experience across startups, public sectors, and Fortune 500 enterprises, she delivers innovative, secure, customer-centric solutions that align with corporate initiatives, protect the enterprise, and drive revenue growth.

Alexanne Collison is a cybersecurity leader and Threat Operations Manager at Cargill, the world’s largest privately owned company. With over 14 years of experience, including six years with the NSA Red Team, she brings deep expertise in advanced threat intelligence and adversary emulation. She is committed to driving security posture improvements for a safer digital world.

Dr. Vianney Chimezie is Director of Information Security and Al Governance at Centric Brands. A cybersecurity executive and Doctor of Computer Science, he specializes in building scalable security programs and responsible Al frameworks. Combining KPMG advisory experience with operational leadership, he translates complex technology and enterprise risk into durable, board-ready strategy.

Ernesto Ballesteros, JD, CISSP, CISA, is the CISA Cybersecurity State Coordinator for Texas. He serves as the principal federal cybersecurity liaison for non-federal entities. Previously, he was the Texas State Cybersecurity Coordinator. Ernesto is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at St. Mary’s University.

Stephen Coty is Director of Information Security at Waste Connections. A seasoned cybersecurity expert, he previously led cloud security and operations teams at Accenture, Alert Logic, and Rackspace. A frequent speaker at RSA and AWS Summits, Stephen is widely featured in top publications like Fortune and SC Magazine.

Yadu Singh, Senior Director is Head of Vulnerability Management & Offensive Security at GEICO.

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Joshua Knox is Principal Cybersecurity Strategist at Horizon3.ai.

Derek Booth is Director, Technical Services at TrendAI.

John Green is the Security Management Incident Response Manager and Cyber Security Officer at the Texas Workforce Commission. A veteran executive with over 16 years of public-sector CISO leadership, he pioneered an Al-native SOC transformation, migrating systems to Google SecOps under strict federal compliance. Through OFDM Technologies, he advises organizations on secure Al implementation.

Michael Smith is Solutions Engineer at CoreView.

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