California Cybersecurity Education Summit 2026
Overview
Resilience, Innovation, and Cyber Readiness for the Golden State.
The California Cybersecurity Education Summit is where the state’s top public-sector minds unite to lead the charge against cyber threats. Designed for government executives, IT security professionals, and education leaders, this high-impact event delivers cutting-edge insights, strategic collaboration, and real-world solutions tailored to California’s complex cybersecurity landscape. From protecting sensitive data to building resilient infrastructure, attendees will explore what’s next, and what’s necessary, to safeguard the systems that power the Golden State. If you're serious about defending the public sector in one of the world's most targeted markets, this is where you need to be.
Speakers
Agenda
Thursday, October 8 |
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8:00 am Pacific |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area |
9:00 am Pacific |
Welcome and Opening Remarks |
9:15 am Pacific |
Keynote – Hacking the Hackers: Strategies for Building Cyber Resilient OrganizationsAs cyber threats grow more sophisticated, organizations must stay ahead to protect their data, operations, and reputation. This session offers a glimpse into a hacker’s mindset, revealing both common and lesser-known threats. Attendees will learn practical strategies to strengthen system defenses, reduce vulnerabilities, and foster resilience. The session also explores the human side of cybersecurity, emphasizing the ways in which leaders can empower their people to play their role in upholding the organization’s cyber defense strategy.
Tarah Wheeler, Cybersecurity Expert, White Hat Hacker |
10:15 am Pacific |
General Session |
11:00 am Pacific |
Networking Break in Exhibit Area |
11:30 am Pacific |
Concurrent SessionsThe Future of Security Operations: Building the AI-Enabled SOCArtificial intelligence is reshaping how security operations teams detect threats, investigate incidents, and respond at machine speed. As organizations adopt AI-assisted workflows, automation, and orchestration, security leaders are redefining the role of analysts while building resilience against increasingly sophisticated attacks. This session explores how agencies are modernizing security operations and preparing for the next generation of cyber defense.
Inside Cyber Dawn: Building Better Cyber ExercisesCyber exercises help organizations prepare for more than technical incidents. They strengthen coordination, test decision-making, and build confidence before a real event occurs. Drawing on lessons from California's Cyber Dawn exercise, panelists will discuss practical approaches to designing meaningful exercises, engaging executive leadership, improving cross-functional collaboration, and turning after-action findings into stronger incident preparedness.
Who Goes There? Building Trust in the AI WorkflowAI agents are beginning to perform tasks on behalf of users, creating new challenges around identity, trust, visibility, and control. As we prepare for a future where people and AI agents work side by side, security leaders must establish trusted identities, define appropriate access, and develop the guardrails needed to securely manage this new digital workforce. Hear strategies for adopting AI agents while strengthening Zero Trust and preparing for concepts like Know Your Agent (KYA).
Building a Statewide Roadmap and Framework for Cybersecurity Workforce in the AI EraCybersecurity professionals are being asked to develop new technical capabilities while strengthening communication, leadership, strategic thinking, and the preparation process. Organizations are rethinking workforce development, career pipelines and pathways, succession planning, and continuous learning to prepare employees for rapidly changing applied and emerging technologies. Hear how leaders are building a roadmap and framework for security teams that can adapt, grow, and thrive as AI transforms the profession.
Keith Clement, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Criminology, California State University, Fresno Post-Quantum Readiness: Where Do You Start?Advances in quantum computing are prompting organizations to begin preparing for a future where today's encryption standards may no longer provide the same level of protection. While standards, guidance, and timelines continue to evolve, agencies can take practical steps today to assess cryptographic dependencies, prioritize risks, and begin planning long-term readiness. We'll discuss post-quantum preparedness, helping organizations understand where to start, what to prioritize, and how to adapt for what's ahead.
Data Minimization in the Age of AIAs organizations adopt AI, understanding what data should be collected, retained, and shared has become a critical part of cybersecurity and privacy. Panelists will discuss practical approaches to data minimization, privacy-by-design, AI governance, and the resources available to help agencies reduce risk while supporting innovation.
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12:30 pm Pacific |
Lunch |
1:30 pm Pacific |
Bits & Bytes – The Cyber Career JourneyBehind every cybersecurity professional is a unique story. Join this informal conversation as panelists share how they entered the profession, the challenges they overcame, the lessons they learned, and the advice they would give to others building careers in cybersecurity. Designed to inspire and encourage, this session celebrates the many paths that lead to meaningful careers in cybersecurity.
Jennifer Elliott, Agency Information Security Officer, Environmental Protection Agency, State of California Albert Lam, Agency Chief Information Security Officer (Acting), Health and Human Services Agency, State of California Bradley Ponce, Chief Information Security Officer, Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, State of California |
1:50 pm Pacific |
Short Break |
2:10 pm Pacific |
Concurrent SessionsOn the Front Lines: A Cyber Threat BriefingThe cyber threat landscape continues to change as threat actors adapt their tactics, exploit new opportunities, and target organizations in different ways. This session provides a current threat briefing from leaders on the front lines, on notable campaigns and evolving risks while discussing what they mean for government organizations and their cybersecurity strategies.
Does It Add Up? The AI Investment EquationAI is reshaping cybersecurity, but successful adoption requires more than selecting the right technology. Organizations are evaluating deployment models, infrastructure, licensing, operational and financial considerations as they determine where to start. Leaders will share their approach to key investment decisions, and the tradeoffs that security leaders are navigating as AI becomes part of everyday cybersecurity operations.
Cal-Secure 2.0: Building the Next Generation of Cyber ResilienceCybersecurity is evolving from a compliance exercise to a continuous enterprise capability. As agencies begin implementing Cal-Secure 2.0, leaders are rethinking governance, workforce, technology, partnerships, and risk management to build stronger, more resilient organizations. This session explores how agencies are adapting their strategies to meet today's threats while preparing for tomorrow's challenges.
The Visibility Challenge: Know What You're ProtectingEffective cybersecurity starts with understanding your environment. As we manage increasingly complex applications, software dependencies, cloud services, third-party providers, and connected systems, maintaining an accurate inventory of enterprise assets has become essential to identifying vulnerabilities and managing risk. Panelists will discuss their approaches to reducing organizational blind spots, understanding software dependencies, improving attack surface visibility, and building the foundation for more effective vulnerability management and cyber defense.
Governing Security in the AI Era: GRC Under the MicroscopeAs AI and emerging technologies reshape cybersecurity, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) programs must evolve alongside them. This session will explore adapting governance frameworks, managing enterprise risk, enhancing privacy protections, and applying appropriate controls across the AI lifecycle. Panelists will discuss how organizations are modernizing GRC to support innovation while maintaining accountability and trust.
Afternoon Concurrent SessionDescription pending
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3:10 pm Pacific |
Networking Break in Exhibit Area |
3:40 pm Pacific |
Closing session: Hype or Not? A Cyber Reality CheckAI agents. Post-quantum cryptography. Passwordless authentication. Autonomous security operations. Which trends deserve the attention they're getting, and which still have something to prove? In this interactive closing session, cybersecurity leaders and the audience will weigh in on today's hottest topics, sparking lively debate, practical insights, and a few surprises along the way.
Ken Kojima, Chief Information Security Officer, CA Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Thea Man, Chief Information Security Officer, CA Office of Data and Innovation |
4:25 pm Pacific |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
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5:10 pm Pacific |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.
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Sheraton Grand Sacramento
1230 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 447-1700
Sheraton Grand Sacramento
Advisory Board
Government Representatives
Keith Clement
Professor
California State University, Fresno
Jennifer Elliott
Agency Information Security Officer
Environmental Protection Agency
State of Californa
Jeremy Espiritu
Cybersecurity Training Coordinator
Governor's Office of Emergency Services
State of California
Ryan Fogleman
Information Security Officer
Departmental Information Security Office, California Department of Technology
State of California
Matthew Forsberg
Statewide Cyber Defence Manager
Department of Technology
State of California
John Hanafee
Advisory Services Program Chief
Department of Technology
State of California
Monica Hernandez
Deputy Director, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
Department of Technology
State of California
Payam Hojjat
State of California Cyber Risk and Governance Chief
Department of Technology
State of California
Lloyd Indig
Chief Information Security Officer
Department of Justice
State of California
Tolgay Kizilelma
Chief Compliance Officer
State Transportation Agency
State of California
Ken Kojima
Agency Information Security Officer
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
State of California
Albert Lam
Cyber Defense Advisor
Health and Human Services Agency
State of California
Gerard Laygui
Cyber Operations Branch Chief
Governor's Office of Emergency Services
State of California
Thea Man
Chief Information Security Officer
Office of Data and Innovation
State of California
Robert Mayorga
Chief Security Officer
Franchise Tax Board
State of California
Dionna Mustybrook
Agency Information Security Officer
Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency
State of California
Mitchell Navarette
Cybersecurity Training Coordinator
Office of Emergency Services
State of California
Matt Nicholls
Cybersecurity Risk Officer
State Transportation Agency
State of California
Vitaliy Panych
State Chief Information Security Officer
Department of Technology
State of California
Daniel Pere
Chief Information Security Officer
State Controller's Office
State of California
Dylan Pletcher
Chief Information Security Officer
State Teachers' Retirement System
State of California
Bradley Ponce
Chief Information Security Officer
Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation
State of California
Amy Rodriguez
Chief, Stakeholder Relations
Department of Technology
State of California
Matt Sage
CALCSIC Commander
Governor's Office of Emergency Services
State of California
Sam Turner
Information Security Officer
Department of General Services
State of California
Vivian Yan
Deputy Chief Security Officer
Franchise Tax Board
State of California
Industry Representatives
David Affonso
Account Executive
Horizon3.ai
Jon Clay
Vice President
Threat Intelligence
Trend Micro Inc.
Joel Grein
Director of Sales
Tanium
Miriam Ingenito
Account Relations Director
KPMG
Kyle Larick
Regional Director
Zscaler
Logan Lemming
Solutions Consulting Manager
Palo Alto Networks
Shobha Mallarapu
President & CEO
Anvaya Solutions, Inc.
Debi Mohanty
Managing Director
Deloitte
Darrell Monette
Major Account Manager
Fortinet
Vaishali Patel
Account Executive - SLED
Halcyon
Richard Raines
Security Specialist
Ahead
Roger Schotsal
Cyber Security Account Executive
Google
Shelley Silvas
Client Executive
BlueVoyant
Jennifer Simic Rucker
Regional Director
Microsoft
Chul Yim
Sales Director, SLED West
SLED West
Socure
Registration Information / Contact Us
Event Date: October 8, 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:
Tabbie Pegoda
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1411
E-mail: tpegoda@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