Name: Alabama Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit 2026
Start: 2026-06-04T08:00
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Montgomery

Overview

The Alabama Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit is where government defends the future.

This public sector-focused event brings together IT security leaders, risk managers, and public officials to tackle the evolving cyber threats facing state and local government. Through expert-led sessions, peer exchange, and real-world case studies, attendees gain practical strategies to strengthen cyber resilience, protect critical infrastructure, and lead with confidence in an age of constant risk. Designed specifically for the public sector, this summit delivers insights you can act on and alliances you can trust!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

After working closely with GovTech over the past ten years to host Alabama’s annual Digital Government Summit, the Office of Information Technology looks forward to expanding our partnership as we prepare for the State’s inaugural Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit. We are excited for this opportunity to bring together IT leaders and security professionals from across Alabama’s public sector to hear from an impressive lineup of nationally recognized cyber experts, as well as to network, collaborate, and learn from one another. We look forward to having you join us at the 2026 Cyber Summit in Montgomery this June!

- Daniel Urquhart, Secretary of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer, State of Alabama

As security leaders, we know that cyber threats are no longer hypothetical; they are persistent, increasingly sophisticated, and growing ever more common. Public sector security professionals must shoulder a seemingly endless range of responsibilities to ensure that our systems and data are as safe and secure as possible. Events like the Alabama Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit are invaluable because they equip security teams with practical knowledge, effective tools, and proven strategies that aid in the prevention of, response to, and recovery from cyber incidents. I hope you will make plans to attend!

- Chad Smith, Chief Information Security Officer, State of Alabama

Speakers

Chad Smith

Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

Chadwick Smith is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the State of Alabama, where he leads the State’s cybersecurity and privacy strategy with a mission to protect critical government infrastructure and sensitive data across diverse agencies and sectors.
Known for his ability to design and deliver cybersecurity initiatives with organizational goals, Smith brings over 26 years of public- and private-sector leadership experience in risk management, security operations, and digital transformation.
As CISO, Smith reports to the Secretary of Information Technology, Daniel Urquhart. He spearheads Alabama’s "whole-of-state" cybersecurity initiative, building frameworks that incorporate NIST standards while fostering collaboration across agencies and local government. His leadership spans cyber incident response, policy development, and regulatory compliance, and he frequently represents the State in federal dialogues on cybersecurity.
Prior to his current role, Smith held key technology and cybersecurity positions in banking, insurance, and global tech firms. At Cisco Systems, he spent 17 years advising Fortune 500 customers, working across verticals to design resilient architectures and develop cybersecurity programs. At Colonial Bank, he founded the bank’s first comprehensive information security program and served as regulatory liaison to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in Washington, D.C.
Throughout his career, Smith has consulted with industries ranging from finance and healthcare to manufacturing and law enforcement, applying business-aligned risk mitigation and secure system design. Notable projects include enhancing railroad emergency response systems, supporting real-time drone surveillance for law enforcement collaboration, and working with federal law enforcement on the apprehension of cyber adversaries.
A frequent speaker and trusted advisor, Smith has presented on cybersecurity topics to boardrooms, executive leadership teams, law makers, and industry groups. He has served on customer advisory boards for global technology companies, helping shape product roadmaps and market strategies. He actively serves on a non-profit board.

Hector Monsegur

Cyber Security Expert and Co-founder, SafeHill 

Hector Monsegur is an internationally-recognized expert on global cyber security issues and a leading voice on cyber attacks and cyber warfare. As Director of Research at Alacrinet and Co-host of Hacker and the Fed, Monsegur works to secure clients in technology, healthcare, finance, government, and other industries. In his leadership role, his unmatched technical experience is shared to both educate other operators and guide technical research. Formerly known by his online alias “Sabu,” Monsegur was once the technical expert behind the Anonymous/LulzSec hacker collectives. As a "black hat hacker", he highlighted critical vulnerabilities in numerous organizations, including governments, military organizations, and cyber security firms. Later, in working with the US Government, Monsegur identified key vulnerabilities—and potential attacks—against major federal infrastructure, including the US military and NASA. Since working with US government and commercial security executives around the world, he has helped prevent upwards of 350 cyber attacks against US government computer systems.

Chris Tarbell

Director, Cyber Security and Investigations, Berkley Research Group and Former FBI Special Agent

Chris Tarbell is a former FBI special agent and current Director of Cyber Security and Investigations at Berkeley Research Group. Tarbell has been called one of the most successful cyber security law enforcement officials of all time. He is the man responsible for infiltrating the hacker group Anonymous and taking down the notorious dark web drug trafficking site Silk Road, called “the most sophisticated and extensive criminal marketplace on the Internet.” He led the tracking and arrest of two of the most infamous figures in cyber space: Sabu, who was at one point the most influential hacker in the world, and Dread Pirate Roberts, who was later convicted for his involvement with Silk Road. With 17 years in law enforcement–including time in the FBI’s preeminent cyber crime squad–and extremely rare insight into the minds of the hacker community, Tarbell is one of the nation’s preeminent voices on cyber security, and the man that gives even the most notorious cyber criminals nightmares. 

Daniel Urquhart

Secretary of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer, State of Alabama

Daniel Urquhart serves on Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s Cabinet as Secretary of the State of Alabama Office of Information Technology (OIT). First formed through the passage of Senate Bill 117 and signed into law on May 21, 2013, OIT is responsible for the strategic planning, governance, and resource utilization of all IT for the state.
Prior to his appointment by Governor Ivey to lead the agency on July 1, 2023, Secretary Urquhart served the State of Alabama for more than two decades and spent the previous three years as Deputy Secretary of OIT.
Before joining OIT in 2020, Secretary Urquhart served as the CIO for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) where he played a vital role in working with industry partners to design, build, and implement a state-of-the-art criminal justice network that exceeded regulatory compliance requirements.
The first fifteen years of Secretary Urquhart’s professional career were spent in the private sector. He held various technical and leadership positions in the banking and finance, drug/medical wholesale, childcare services, restaurant concepts, and consulting industries where he led and implemented various business and decision-making systems and platforms.
Secretary Urquhart attended Auburn University at Montgomery where he earned a BSBA in Management Information Systems.

Jesse Craver

Director of Governance, Risk, and Compliance, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

Jesse Craver is the Director of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) for the State of Alabama’s Office of Information Technology (OIT), where he leads statewide cybersecurity governance, risk management, and policy initiatives. With more than two decades of experience across financial services, government, and critical infrastructure, Jesse specializes in building risk-based security programs aligned to frameworks such as NIST 800-53 and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework. In his current role, he is driving enterprise efforts around AI governance, data protection, and continuous audit readiness, helping agencies strengthen security while enabling innovation. Jesse is passionate about translating complex cybersecurity challenges into practical, business-focused solutions that improve resilience across the public sector.

Mark Craymer

Executive Director, Shared Services, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

Mark Craymer is an accomplished technology leader with more than 23 years of experience driving innovation and operational excellence in Alabama state government. Throughout his career, he has led strategic initiatives focused on modernizing enterprise infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity, and delivering scalable technology solutions that support critical public services.
He began his state service with the Administrative Office of Courts (AOC), where he held multiple systems and network administration roles and played a key role in advancing technology platforms that continue to support Alabama’s judicial system statewide. His work helped lay the foundation for more efficient, reliable, and accessible court operations through the thoughtful integration of technology.
Mr. Craymer’s expertise spans enterprise IT strategy, infrastructure modernization, and cross-agency collaboration, with a strong emphasis on aligning technology investments to mission-driven outcomes. His leadership has consistently contributed to improving service delivery, enhancing system performance, and supporting the evolving needs of government stakeholders and citizens alike.
Prior to his public service career, Mr. Craymer worked across the banking, finance, education, and commerce sectors, where he led initiatives to improve systems, optimize infrastructure, and implement forward-thinking technology solutions.
He holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Troy University, along with a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from Kaplan University.

Willie Fields

Deputy Secretary, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

Willie Fields is Deputy Secretary for the Alabama Office of Information Technology (OIT). He joined OIT in 2021 as the Director of Network Engineering. Previously, Mr. Fields served as the CIO for the Alabama Department of Corrections. 
Before working with the state of Alabama, Mr. Fields served 22 years as a Cyberspace Operations Officer in the U.S. Air Force.
Education: MS in Administration and a Graduate Software Engineering Certificate from Central Michigan University; BS in Computer Science from the University of Alabama

James Fuller

Chief Information Officer, City of Calera

James Fuller brings a proven track record of transforming public sector IT into engines of innovation and service excellence. As Chief Information Officer for the city of Calera, Alabama. James leads a forward-thinking team dedicated to aligning technology with citizen needs and organizational goals.
Under his leadership, the IT department received the 2025 GMIS G2C (Government to Citizen) Award for Innovation, honoring their impactful efforts to modernize citizen-facing services. Through strategic collaboration with users across departments, James championed solutions that streamlined government-to-citizen interactions and improved responsiveness, accessibility, and efficiency.
He is known for fostering a culture of proactive problem-solving, urging his team to step beyond day-to-day maintenance and engage deeply with the people their systems serve. By encouraging hands-on interaction with end users, James has helped shift his department from reactive support to creative partnerships, achieving measurable gains and an energized staff committed to continuous improvement. James also takes a proactive approach to upgrading hardware and software to best serve the employees and citizens.

Jay James

Cybersecurity Operations Manager, Auburn University

Jay James is the Cybersecurity Operations Manager at Auburn University, where he founded and leads the institution's inaugural Security Operations Center (SOC) and chairs the AI Cybersecurity and Governance Working Committee. He co-leads enterprise security technology procurement alongside the Chief Information Security Officer, shaping the tools, partnerships, and architecture that defend a complex R1 research environment.
Under his leadership, Auburn's SOC integrates leading SIEM, XDR, and cloud security platforms into a unified detection and response capability supported by SOAR-driven automation and criticality-based response playbooks. His work emphasizes scalable security operations, AI-informed threat strategy, and the development of student analyst pipelines that strengthen institutional defenses while preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Beyond Auburn, Jay holds national roles in cybersecurity workforce development and AI governance. He serves as adjunct faculty at Purdue University Global and as a learning facilitator for MITxPro's Cybersecurity Certificate program, and he was selected as an EDUCAUSE Next Leaders Fellow. He has spoken at Splunk GovSummit, Tech Tactics, and EDUCAUSE on cloud-scale security architecture, modern SOC strategy, and AI readiness in higher education. He is recognized by EDUCAUSE and ISC2 for his contributions to cybersecurity leadership and AI literacy in higher education.
Jay holds the CISSP and PMP certifications and the Trusted AI Safety Expert (TAISE) certificate from the Cloud Security Alliance and Northeastern University. He earned a Master of Science in IT Cybersecurity and a Master of Business Administration and is completing doctoral coursework in instructional technology at Auburn University Montgomery.

Eric Jones

Response Bureau Chief, Alabama Emergency Management Agency 

JoEric Jones joined the Alabama Emergency Management Agency in 2018 as the Logistics Section Chief and has served as the Director of Operations of the Response Bureau for the Agency since February 2019. He formerly served as the Director of the Elmore County Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security Office for 14 years. He received his B.S. degree in Environmental Science from Auburn University Montgomery. He is a graduate of the inaugural Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy and FEMA’s Advanced Academy. He was among the first group of people to be awarded Certified Local Emergency Manager for the State of Alabama in 2007. He has been active in emergency services over the last 29 years as he has served as a volunteer and career Firefighter, EMT and Hazardous Materials Technician in addition to his 20 years as a career emergency manager. He remains active in the Alabama Association of Emergency Manager’s (AAEM) where he has previously served the AAEM, as President, and 7 terms as the Area Director and served on a number of committees of the Association. He has also served on numerous public safety and emergency management committees with the National Association of Counties and the International Association of Emergency Managers. In his time away from work he loves spending time with family.

Phil Nero

Principal Solutions Consultant, Sailpoint 

Phil Nero, CISSP is a Principal Solutions Consultant at SailPoint Technologies, helping organizations in highly regulated industries solve hard identity problems at scale. He specializes in turning security, compliance, and operational pressure into pragmatic Identity Security outcomes that actually work in production environments. Phil is a trusted subject-matter expert and advisor across SailPoint’s portfolio, including Identity Security Cloud, Non-Human Identity Security, Observability & Insights, and Non-Employee Risk Management. Before joining SailPoint in 2020, Phil spent more than a decade building and running Identity and Access Governance programs for healthcare and financial institutions—giving him deep, firsthand perspective on what succeeds, what fails, and why. He brings a practitioner’s mindset to every conversation, grounded in real-world constraints, regulatory scrutiny, and measurable results.

Nick Sellers

Associate Director and COO, McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, Auburn University

Nick Sellers is the Associate Director and Chief Operating Officer of the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security at Auburn University, where he leads all strategic and day-to-day operations of the institute across its applied research, policy, and communications platforms. Nick serves as the principal executive for the DOE-funded Southeast Region Cybersecurity Collaboration Center (SERC3) and the Alabama Cybersecurity Intelligence Center (ACIC), overseeing McCrary's unified Edge Lab — a dual-engine platform that pairs OT/ICS testbed research in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory with enterprise-grade field deployment services for state, local, and rural critical infrastructure operators. Under his leadership, McCrary executes state and federal cybersecurity programs with a focus on defending the energy grid, water systems, transportation, state and local governments, and other US critical infrastructure.
Prior to joining Auburn, Nick spent more than 20 years as a senior executive at Alabama Power and Southern Company, where he held multiple vice president and senior vice president roles across operations, regulatory affairs, project development, and federal relations. Nick holds a J.D. from Birmingham School of Law and a B.A. from the University of the Pacific, and is a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute.

Jonathan Sherk

State and Local Program Manager, McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, Auburn University  

Jonathan serves as a State and Local Programs Manager at Auburn University’s McCrary Institute, managing cybersecurity programs funded by federal grants, contracts, and congressional adds. He brings extensive expertise in cybersecurity from leading red team assessments as a Department of the Army Civilian in Intelligence and as a veteran of Army Special Operations in 7th Special Forces Group and 112th Signal Battalion. Jonathan earned a B.S. in Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland, an M.S. in Information Systems Management from Auburn University, and holds certifications: CISSP – ISSMP, C|EH, and RTAC.

Randy Stone

Consulting Director, Palo Alto Networks 

Randy Stone is a Consulting Director for Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42 IR Team, where he leads investigations into the world’s largest and most complex cyber incidents. With a focus on incident command and leadership, Randy manages "teams of teams" to resolve high-stakes matters including nation-state intrusions, high-impact ransomware attacks, and large-scale APT investigations.
A veteran leader, Randy previously served as a Director at Stroz Friedberg and an Engagement Lead on the SecureWorks and IBM IR Teams. His deep expertise is informed by 23 years in law enforcement as a digital forensics detective and 24 years in the US Army Reserve, where he retired as a Master Sergeant providing IT security assessments for DoD missions. Randy is also a globally recognized instructor, serving as the IACIS chair and primary developer for Cyber Incident Forensic Response (CIFR) and Enterprise CIFR (eCIFR) training.

Jason Truett

Information Security Manager, Huntsville City Schools

Craig Whittinghill, Ph.D.

Deputy Director for Applied Research and Services, McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, Auburn University

Dr. Craig Whittinghill is the Deputy Director for Applied Research and Services for Auburn University's McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security. He is a Navy Veteran, retiring after 29 years of honorable service as a Naval Intelligence Officer. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. He is also a graduate of the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Space Systems Operations and a Master of Science degree in Astronautical Engineering. He also earned a PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering (Engineering Management concentration) from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Prior experience includes serving as Director of Intelligence of the United States Fleet Cyber Command/TENTH FLEET located at Fort Meade, Maryland, Commanding Officer of the United States Cyber Command Joint Intelligence Operations Center located at Fort Meade, Maryland, Information Warfare Commander for Carrier Strike Group THREE in Bremerton, Washington, and Director of Information Warfare of the United States Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia.

Thomas Wootton

Sr. Principal Cybersecurity Consultant, Iron Bow Technologies 

Senior cybersecurity advisor, practitioner, human sill teacher, experienced servant leader, and most importantly focused on the people first to ensure that the teams are inspired to accomplish the mission. 

Frank Yarnell

Director of Information Security, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

Frank Yarnell, a seasoned professional with three decades of engineering prowess and leadership honed in diverse military and corporate environments, embodies a pragmatic approach in his daily endeavors. Frank possesses extensive expertise in Information security and Cybersecurity, complemented by a robust background in Telecom and infrastructure. As the driving force behind Simplex LLC, Frank dedicates himself to leveraging his extensive training and expertise to provide trusted, premium services in InfoSec and Cybersecurity. Founded with a clear mission, Simplex LLC is dedicated to delivering unparalleled expertise and insights, ensuring clients receive robust security solutions tailored to their specific needs.

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Agenda

Thursday, June 4
8:00 am Central	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Main Lobby and Embassy Salon ABC
9:00 am Central	Opening Remarks Embassy Ballroom I/II Daniel Urquhart, Secretary of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer, State of Alabama
9:10 am Central	Cybersecurity State of the State Embassy Ballroom I/II This session provides a comprehensive update on Alabama’s current cybersecurity posture, top risks, and key initiatives, including progress and lessons learned from recent incidents. Attendees will gain an Alabama-specific view of evolving threats, available resources, and priority actions shaping the state’s response. Emphasizing a whole-of-state approach, the session highlights why cybersecurity extends beyond any single agency and features real-world examples that illustrate today’s risk landscape and the path forward to strengthen Alabama’s digital resilience. Chad Smith, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama
9:40 am Central	Keynote – Cyberchat Q&A: Insights for Elevating Cyber Resilience in Your Organization Embassy Ballroom I/II Once adversaries in the cybersphere, Hector Monsegur and Chris Tarbell have joined forces to help organizations confront today’s most pressing cyber threats. Drawing on their extraordinary experiences - one as a former black-hat hacker, the other as an FBI special agent - their conversation offers a rare, dual-lens view of the modern threat landscape. In a dynamic, audience-driven discussion, Monsegur and Tarbell break down the most significant risks facing organizations today, how real-world attacks unfold, and where defenses most often fail. Together, they share practical insights and actionable frameworks that leaders can apply to strengthen security, reduce risk, and protect operations from disruptions that can cripple organizations and erode trust. Chris Tarbell, Director, Cyber Security and Investigations, Berkley Research Group and Former FBI Special Agent Hector Monsegur, Cyber Security Expert and Co-founder, SafeHill
10:35 am Central	Cyber Hackathon Kickoff Embassy Ballroom I/II This hands-on session kicks off the Summit’s hackathon experience, introducing the environment, rules of engagement, and safety expectations. Attendees will jump into starter challenges designed to build an attacker’s mindset while reinforcing ethical practices. The lab stays open throughout the event, offering continued access to challenges, mentoring, and real-time coaching as you sharpen your skills. Isaiah Velez, SLED Account Executive, Hack The Box
10:50 am Central	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Embassy Salon ABC
11:20 am Central	Concurrent Sessions Incident Response Planning – Ready, Set, Respond! (The VIRTEx Tabletop Experience) Embassy Salon E Security is a team sport and communication is usually the first thing to break. Watch and learn as experts from EMA, ALEA, and OIT navigate a high-stakes, simulated cyber-attack in real-time. This interactive tabletop exercise offers a "behind the curtain" look at how state and local agencies coordinate, giving you a blueprint for how to coach your own team through a crisis. Session Leader: Frank Yarnell, Director, Information Security, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama Eric Jones, Response Bureau Chief, Alabama Emergency Management Agency Adam Rose, Chief Information Security Officer, Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), State of Alabama Jonathan Sherk, State and Local Program Manager, McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, Auburn University Randy Stone, Consulting Director, Palo Alto Networks Trea Wilson, Information Technology Bureau Chief, Alabama Emergency Management Agency Governance That Works: Turning Frameworks into Action Embassy Salon F Frameworks only matter if they drive real outcomes. In this panel, leaders share how to turn governance from theory into action – adopting and operationalizing frameworks to manage risk, meet compliance demands, and strengthen security posture. Walk away with practical strategies to align with evolving standards and embed governance into day-to-day operations for enterprise-wide impact. Moderator: Jesse Craver, Director of Governance, Risk, and Compliance, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama Matt Holmes, Governance and Compliance Manager, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Jason Truett, Information Security Manager, Huntsville City Schools Emerging Tech and Security: The Speed of Change Embassy Salon D Innovation moves fast, but attackers often move faster. As technologies like OpenClaw reshape the landscape, our traditional security playbooks are becoming obsolete overnight. This session explores how to maintain a resilient security posture when the "underlying tech" is shifting beneath your feet, providing strategies for agile defense in an era of rapid-fire releases. Moderator: Jay James, Cybersecurity Operations Manager, Auburn University Scott Brandhuber, DevOps Manager, Department of Transportation, State of Alabama Matthew Hudnall, Associate Professor of Management Information Systems, Information Systems, Statistics, and Management Science, The University of Alabama Robert Nuckolls, Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Transportation, State of Alabama Kelly Miller Smith, Principal, Deloitte
12:20 pm Central	Lunch Embassy Ballroom I/II
1:15 pm Central	General Session – Cyber Reinforcements: Tools, Funding, and Strategies for Success Embassy Ballroom I/II Strengthen your organization’s cybersecurity posture in this practical, success-driven session! Hear from Auburn University’s McCrary Institute and a municipality that leveraged available resources and SLCGP funding to significantly improve their cyber posture. Attendees will also receive an update on current Security Operations Center (SOC) capabilities and future roadmap, along with clear guidance on what funding and support are available to local governments. James Fuller, Chief Information Officer, City of Calera Craig Whittinghill, Deputy Director for Applied Research and Services, McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, Auburn University
1:45 pm Central	General Session – Identity is the New Perimeter Embassy Ballroom I/II Forget the firewall – your credentials are the front line. Join lead architects from featured partners as they deconstruct how a single compromised "toehold" allows attackers to move laterally across your entire cloud ecosystem. Learn why identity is the primary target of modern breaches and how to build a defense that assumes the perimeter has already been infiltrated. Moderator: Mark Craymer, Executive Director, Shared Services, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama Phil Nero, Principal Solutions Consultant, Sailpoint Thomas Wootton, Sr. Principal Cybersecurity Consultant, Iron Bow Technologies
2:05 pm Central	General Session – Fight AI with AI – The Agentic SOC Embassy Ballroom I/II The focus of AI in cybersecurity has shifted from simple, prompt-based chatbots to autonomous, multi-step AI agents. This shift has created a double-edged sword: a powerful new defensive capability to run security operations at machine speed, balanced against an unpredictable, highly vulnerable new attack surface. Cody McPherson, Security Customer Engineer, Google Public Sector
2:25 pm Central	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Embassy Salon ABC
2:55 pm Central	General Session – From the Frontlines: A CISA Update for Alabama Embassy Ballroom I/II Representatives from CISA and federal leadership from Alabama will share insights into current priorities, emerging threats, and national initiatives. This session will highlight what these developments mean for Alabama and how they can shape a coordinated, whole-of-state approach to strengthening cybersecurity across our communities Moderator: Nick Sellers, Associate Director and COO, McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, Auburn University Kate Nichols, Regional Director/Deputy Regional Director R4, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
3:25 pm Central	General Session – Securing AI in Production Environments Embassy Ballroom I/II As agencies deploy AI platforms into production environments, security and governance must keep pace. This session explores real-world examples of how to secure enterprise AI deployments, including access controls, data protection, monitoring, and risk management strategies that support innovation without compromising security. Moderator: Willie Fields, Deputy Secretary, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama
3:55 pm Central	General Session – The Expanding Threat Landscape Embassy Ballroom I/II From ransomware and IoT vulnerabilities to third-party risk and the dark web, public-sector threat vectors are rapidly evolving in complexity and scale. This session examines current threat streams and trends targeting government services, businesses, and individual victims in Alabama. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of adversary behavior and defensive gaps — and practical reinforcement for the importance of implementing layered defense strategies to reduce individual and organizational risk. Supervisory Special Agent, Mobile Division, Cyber Squad, Federal Bureau of Investigation
4:25 pm Central	Closing Remarks + Hackathon Results Chad Smith, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama
4:40 pm Central	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area Embassy Salon ABC Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
5:10 pm Central	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Montgomery

300 Tallapoosa Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
334-269-5055

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Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: June 4, 2026

Open to Public Sector only.

Registration - Free

If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.

This event is open to all individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

Contact Information

Need help registering, or have general event questions? Contact:

Raquel Figueira
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1341
E-mail: rfigueira@erepublic.com

Already a sponsor, but need a hand? Reach out to:

Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone:(916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@erepublic.com

Want to sponsor and stand out? Reach out to explore opportunities!

Heather Earney
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 365-2308
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

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Alabama Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit 2026

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Chad Smith

Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

Hector Monsegur

Cyber Security Expert and Co-founder, SafeHill

Chris Tarbell

Director, Cyber Security and Investigations, Berkley Research Group and Former FBI Special Agent

Daniel Urquhart

Secretary of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer, State of Alabama

Jesse Craver

Director of Governance, Risk, and Compliance, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

Mark Craymer

Executive Director, Shared Services, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

Willie Fields

Deputy Secretary, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

James Fuller

Chief Information Officer, City of Calera

Jay James

Cybersecurity Operations Manager, Auburn University

Eric Jones

Response Bureau Chief, Alabama Emergency Management Agency

Phil Nero

Principal Solutions Consultant, Sailpoint

Nick Sellers

Associate Director and COO, McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, Auburn University

Jonathan Sherk

State and Local Program Manager, McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, Auburn University

Randy Stone

Consulting Director, Palo Alto Networks

Jason Truett

Information Security Manager, Huntsville City Schools

Craig Whittinghill, Ph.D.

Deputy Director for Applied Research and Services, McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, Auburn University

Thomas Wootton

Sr. Principal Cybersecurity Consultant, Iron Bow Technologies

Frank Yarnell

Director of Information Security, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

Agenda

Thursday, June 4

8:00 am Central

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Main Lobby and Embassy Salon ABC

9:00 am Central

Opening Remarks

Embassy Ballroom I/II

9:10 am Central

Cybersecurity State of the State

Embassy Ballroom I/II

9:40 am Central

Keynote – Cyberchat Q&A: Insights for Elevating Cyber Resilience in Your Organization

Embassy Ballroom I/II

10:35 am Central

Cyber Hackathon Kickoff

Embassy Ballroom I/II

10:50 am Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Embassy Salon ABC

11:20 am Central

Concurrent Sessions

Incident Response Planning – Ready, Set, Respond! (The VIRTEx Tabletop Experience)

Embassy Salon E

Governance That Works: Turning Frameworks into Action

Embassy Salon F

Emerging Tech and Security: The Speed of Change

Embassy Salon D

12:20 pm Central

Lunch

Embassy Ballroom I/II

1:15 pm Central

General Session – Cyber Reinforcements: Tools, Funding, and Strategies for Success

Embassy Ballroom I/II

1:45 pm Central

General Session – Identity is the New Perimeter

Embassy Ballroom I/II

2:05 pm Central

General Session – Fight AI with AI – The Agentic SOC

Embassy Ballroom I/II

Cyber Security Expert and Co-founder, SafeHill 

Eric Jones

Response Bureau Chief, Alabama Emergency Management Agency 

Principal Solutions Consultant, Sailpoint 

Jonathan Sherk

State and Local Program Manager, McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, Auburn University  

Consulting Director, Palo Alto Networks 

Sr. Principal Cybersecurity Consultant, Iron Bow Technologies 