Florida Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit 2025 Banner

Overview

The Florida Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit focuses on addressing the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by the public sector. The event brings together government leaders and IT security professionals to discuss strategies for safeguarding sensitive information, enhancing cybersecurity infrastructure, and staying ahead of evolving threats. Attendees can expect expert insights, collaborative discussions, and practical solutions tailored to the needs of public sector organizations.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Shawnee Delaney

Shawnee Delaney

Founder and CEO, Vaillance Group

Shawnee Delaney is the founder and CEO of Vaillance Group and a globally recognized expert in human risk management, insider threat, and security investigations. As a decorated former Clandestine Services Officer with nearly a decade at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), she conducted human intelligence (HUMINT) operations worldwide, including four combat zone tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, ultimately serving as both Detachment Chief and Supervisory Branch Chief. After leaving DIA, Shawnee supported the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in protecting U.S. critical infrastructure with the Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) before leading the creation of insider threat programs at Fortune 500 companies such as Uber and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Shawnee has advised nation-states, multinational corporations, and startups alike on preventing, detecting, and managing insider threats and continues to be a highly sought-after keynote speaker and consultant on insider threat, cybersecurity, and risk management. Her insights have been featured by The Financial Times, Fox Business, The Hill, USA Today, The Cipher Brief, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance and numerous international outlets. She holds master’s degrees in Counter-Terrorism & Counter-Proliferation and Cybersecurity and is currently completing a third in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.

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Hansa Bernal

Hansa Bernal

Senior National Conference Director

Bill Carter

Bill Carter LinkedIn

Public Sector Cybersecurity Strategist, Fortinet

Bill Carter is a dynamic cybersecurity leader with a passion for securing the digital world and educating others on the evolving threat landscape. Currently serving as a public sector cybersecurity strategist at Fortinet, Bill previously protected Ohio’s 12 million citizens as the Chief Information Security Officer for the Department of Commerce and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for the State, overseeing security strategies across 80+ agencies.
With a career spanning additional roles as Field CTO, Senior Systems Engineer, and Technical Consultant, he brings deep expertise in cybersecurity strategy, infrastructure, and risk management.
A hands-on technologist and sought-after public speaker, Bill holds a master’s degree in Cybersecurity and multiple industry certifications, including CISSP, SecurityX, and all MITRE credentials. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity, and an active member of the Ohio Cyber Reserve and the FBI’s InfraGard. Beyond his professional pursuits, Bill is dedicated to philanthropy in serving as CEO for an80,000-person strong non-profit organization.

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Sumanth Kumar Gadde

Sumanth Kumar Gadde

IT Technical Project Lead, Data Expert 

Sumanth Kumar Gadde is an IT Technical Project Lead, Data Expert, and Transformation Strategist with over 14 years of experience delivering scalable IT and data engineering solutions across private and public sectors. He has played a pivotal role in large-scale database migrations, ensuring performance optimization and uninterrupted service. His expertise spans enterprise data architecture, complex system migrations, and analytics-driven modernization.
In Florida’s public sector, Sumanth has delivered high-impact strategic modernization and digital transformation initiatives that enhance citizen-focused services. He has worked on data protection strategies that comply with departmental requirements, safeguarding sensitive public data. He has implemented solutions that enhance system performance, simplify complex processes, and deliver effective services, while reinforcing data security and achieving significant operational savings for the state. His expertise in SAP ecosystems, advanced analytics, and secure information flows enables more agile, efficient, and citizen-focused government services.

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Brad Goodman

Brad Goodman LinkedIn

Senior Vice President, Technology Solutions Group, MGT

Brad Goodman is a Senior Vice President at MGT Is, leading professional and implementation services for the Technology Solutions Group. Since joining in 2011, he’s helped grow MGT’s managed services practice, delivering IT solutions for SLED and enterprise clients with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and long-term impact.

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David Kim

David Kim

Principle of GRC, Security, Privacy and AI

Mr. David Kim “D K” is a Trusted Advisor, CISO, and GRC Principal Consultant, providing consulting services in AI Transformation, Governance, Risk, Compliance, Security, and Privacy.
His consulting career began after the AT&T divestiture, where he entered the field as a telecommunications consultant manually designing PBX trunks using Erlang charts. When LAN technology emerged, he became a Network System Administrator, which eventually led him to become a Cisco Certified Instructor designing IP data networks. From there, he built an Information Security Plan for the State of Tennessee, launching a career in regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, and privacy. Today, he brings that expertise into a rapidly evolving world filled with AI agents, virtual assistants, and chatbots.
A recognized thought leader in emerging AI risk governance, his recent work includes developing AI Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs), conducting AI risk assessments and ecosystem security audits, and advising organizations on explainability, bias, and regulatory readiness. His guidance helps clients integrate AI systems into broader IT governance and security programs while maintaining transparency and trust.
Beyond consulting, he is also an accomplished author. His publications include co-authoring Nortel/Avaya Press books VoIP Communications and Unified Communications, as well as Jones & Bartlett Learning titles Networking Communication Fundamentals – 4th Edition and Fundamentals of Information Systems Security – 5th Edition.

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Bryan Langley

Bryan Langley

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government 

Bryan J. Langley was appointed as the Senior Advisor at Cyber Florida to lead and coordinate public and private efforts developing Florida’s critical infrastructure risk assessment, to include writing a report to the Governor, Legislator, and the Cybersecurity Advisory Council with recommendations to protect FL’s critical infrastructure from major cybersecurity incidents and events.
Previously, Bryan served as the senior vice president of defense development at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, where he implemented the strategic plan for long-term state investment in the defense marketspace, with the goal of tripling federal defense investments by December 2024.
Bryan served as executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Advisory (HSA) for US DHS, where he oversaw the State Fire Marshalls Office, Emergency Management, State Building Commissioner and chaired Indiana’s School Safety and Cybersecurity Boards.
He served as global security manager at Columbus-based Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) and as a senior consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton Consulting. He also worked in the White House as the U.S. assistant chief of protocol under the George W. Bush administration.

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James Lewis

James Lewis

Customer Engineer, Security, Google Public Sector

Raj Prahast Maheswarapu

Raj Prahast Maheswarapu

IT Technical Project Lead, SAP ERP Expert, Florida Department of Revenue

Raj Prahast Maheswarapu is an IT Technical Project Lead and SAP ERP Expert with over 18 years of experience delivering secure and high-impact IT solutions. He has successfully led large-scale SAP transformation projects, including nine years with Deloitte Consulting, serving global clients such as Daimler, Caterpillar, Avnet, and International Paper.
At the Florida Department of Revenue, Raj leads the strategic modernization of the State’s Child Support Program. His work focuses on efficiency, performance, and the protection of sensitive citizen data. He has introduced SAP-based solutions that strengthen data security, ensure compliance with federal standards, and prevent fraud, building greater public trust in government systems.
Dedicated to public-sector transformation, Raj helps government agencies modernize legacy systems, digitize workflows, and create scalable solutions that deliver long-term value to organizations and the citizens they serve.

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John Wilgis, MBA, RRT

John Wilgis, MBA, RRT

Vice President, Member and Business Relations, Florida Hospital Association

John Wilgis has been with the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) since 2006 and currently serves as the vice president for member and business relations. He is a Registered Respiratory Therapist with extensive hospital administration and patient care experience. John has a diverse background incorporating business practices, teaching and lecturing, education coordination, professional mentoring, fund raising, finance administration, risk and emergency management, program and project management, and performance improvement and analytics.
In this role at FHA, John manages hospital outreach to communicate, promote and market FHA programs, initiatives, and services. He also works to create and administer business opportunities in support of FHA member needs and educational programs and meetings. He also provides emergency management services and coordination with Florida’s hospital community for disaster events.
John’s principal areas of interest involve business development, workplace and occupational safety, patient safety and clinical outcomes improvement, cybersecurity, supply chain coordination and aggregation, and hospital and health system emergency preparedness, planning, response, mitigation, and recovery.

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Wesley Withrow

Wesley Withrow

Senior Client Partner, Cybersecurity Solutions, Verizon

Wesley Withrow is a Senior Client Partner, Cybersecurity Solutions at Verizon. In this role, Mr. Withrow serves as a strategy leader, technical direction agent to governments, Fortune 500 account strategist, team director, and hands-on technology expert recognized for eliciting top performance in technical teams. Wes is a motivational and collaborative professional that collaborates with clients on the “art of the possible” to maximize and accelerate secure digital transformation.

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Agenda

Tuesday, September 23

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Atrium

9:00 am Eastern

Opening Remarks

Room 208 (Auditorium)

9:15 am Eastern

Keynote – Spy vs. AI: Defending Against Artificial Intelligence's Threats to Your Life, Loved Ones and Livelihood

Room 208 (Auditorium)

Have you heard of a deep fake? Would you or your family fall for one? Dive into the dynamic world of artificial intelligence and its intricate relationship with the insider threat landscape. As AI continues to reshape industries, it simultaneously introduces new dimensions of vulnerabilities within organizations that insiders can exploit. In this engaging and insightful keynote, we’ll explore the evolving threats of AI, from deepfakes to voice cloning, and how they can impact individuals, families, and businesses. With real-world examples and case studies, we'll break down the tactics malicious actors use and, more importantly, provide practical tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from these emerging dangers. By the end, you'll not only understand the risks but walk away empowered with actionable strategies to safeguard your digital lives in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Shawnee Delaney, Founder and CEO, Vaillance Group

10:15 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Atrium

10:45 am Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

The Double-Edged Sword of AI

Room 103

AI is transforming cybersecurity, offering tools that can both protect and pose risks to organizations. But how do we navigate this double-edged sword? This session delves into the dual nature of AI—how it serves as a powerful force for good, enhancing security operations and fortifying defenses, while also being exploited by cybercriminals to launch sophisticated attacks. Through this dual lens, we'll explore strategies to harness AI's potential for securing your organization while staying vigilant against its misuse. Join us to gain insights into leveraging AI responsibly to create a safer digital world.

Moderator: Robin Jordan, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Bill Carter, Public Sector Cybersecurity Strategist, Fortinet

Wesley Withrow, Senior Client Partner, Cybersecurity Solutions, Verizon

Collaborative Cyber Crisis Management

Room 101

When a cyber incident strikes, a fragmented response can cause delays and confusion. This session highlights the need for a unified crisis management strategy that brings together IT, security, legal, and communications teams. Through expert insights and real-world examples, attendees will learn how to break down silos, strengthen collaboration, and build a resilient response plan that ensures fast, coordinated action in any cyber crisis.

Keith Pruett, MA, Deputy Executive Director, Florida Division of Emergency Management, State of Florida

Cyber Sovereignty in the Florida Public Sector: Protecting Data, Power, and Policy

Room 201

As digital infrastructure becomes a cornerstone of government operations, the concept of cyber sovereignty—maintaining control over data, digital assets, and cybersecurity decision-making—is rising in importance. This session will explore how Florida’s public sector can strengthen its cyber sovereignty through local data governance, strategic technology partnerships, and policies that guard against foreign threats and digital dependency. Attendees will gain insights into emerging risks, proactive defenses, and frameworks to ensure secure, sovereign digital governance across state and local entities.

Sumanth Kumar Gadde, IT Technical Project Lead, Data Expert

Raj Prahast Maheswarapu, IT Technical Project Lead, SAP ERP Expert, Florida Department of Revenue

Strengthening Identity Management: Securing Public Sector Access in a Zero Trust Era

Room 205

With cyber threats on the rise, managing digital identities is essential for protecting government systems and services. How can agencies reliably validate identities and reduce the risk of fraud in complex, interconnected environments? This panel will explore actionable strategies for public sector identity management, including zero trust architecture, identity verification protocols, and the role of data governance in building secure access frameworks.

Ashley Falls, PhD, CISSP, Director of Information and Technology, Florida Prepaid College Board

James Lewis, Customer Engineer, Security, Google Public Sector

11:45 am Eastern

Lunch

Room 208 (Auditorium)

12:45 pm Eastern

Bits and Bytes

Room 208 (Auditorium)

In these TED- style lightening talks, we’ll hear public sector and private sector use cases, success stories and lessons learned.

1:20 pm Eastern

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:30 pm Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Cybersecurity Awareness: Internet and Mobile Safety

Room 103

As government operations increasingly rely on mobile connectivity and online platforms, safeguarding digital interactions becomes more critical than ever. How can public sector teams ensure secure browsing, data protection, and mobile device hygiene across their workforce? This session will unpack practical strategies for minimizing risks in internet and mobile usage, promoting security-first habits, and empowering employees with the awareness needed to protect sensitive information and uphold public trust.

Brad Goodman, Senior Vice President, Technology Solutions Group, MGT

Plan, Prepare, Protect: Interactive Incident Response for Public Sector Resilience

Room 101

Cyber incidents don’t wait! Are your teams truly ready to respond when the clock starts ticking? This dynamic tabletop exercise puts public sector IT professionals in the driver’s seat, testing real-world decision-making under pressure. Participants will work through simulated scenarios that challenge coordination, communication, and escalation protocols. Learn how to refine your incident response plans, strengthen interagency collaboration, and build muscle memory for cyber crisis readiness.

Securing the Framework: Applying GRC to Strengthen Cybersecurity in Florida’s Public Sector

Room 201

This session will examine how Florida’s public sector can use GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) frameworks to enhance cybersecurity strategy and execution. Attendees will learn how aligning governance structures with risk management and compliance efforts can improve threat response, ensure regulatory readiness, and reduce organizational silos. The session will also explore practical approaches to integrating GRC into agency operations to support a more secure, resilient digital environment.

Todd Bayley, MPA, MAML, CPM, CGCIO, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Department, Pasco County

2:30 pm Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Atrium

2:50 pm Eastern

General Session - Cyber Smarts Showdown: A Team Trivia Challenge

Room 208 (Auditorium)

Think you know cybersecurity? Ready to put that knowledge to the test? Join fellow attendees for a fast-paced, team-based trivia game covering topics like cyber hygiene, threat actors, identity management, privacy, and real-world government use cases. This interactive session is a chance to collaborate, compete, and connect with peers from across the public sector. Whether you're in it to win or just want to sharpen your knowledge and meet new people, this is your moment to engage, learn, and have some fun

Hansa Bernal, Senior National Conference Director, GovTech

Brian Langley, Senior Executive Advisory, Critical Infrastructure Program, Cyber Florida

3:30 pm Eastern

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

Atrium

Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.

4:00 pm Eastern

End of Conference

Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Florida State Conference Center

555 W Pensacola Street
Tallahassee, FL 32306
(850) 644-3801

Get Directions To
Florida State Conference Center

Planning Committee

Representatives

Brian Abbondanza
Information Security Manager
Department of Children and Families
State of Florida

Mike Andrews
Network Manager
City of Leesburg

Will Armstrong
Information Security Manager
Agency for Health Care Administration
State of Florida

Todd Bayley
Chief Information Officer
Pasco County

Benita Byard-Williams
Information Security Manager
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
State of Florida

Raymond Chase
Manager, Information Security
City of Orlando

Curtis Coudeau
Acting Information Security Manager
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
State of Florida

Thomas Doredant
Information Security Manager
Department of Elder Affairs
State of Florida

Robin Jordan
Information Security Manager
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
State of Florida

Donald Kinchen
Information Security Manager
Department of Environmental Protection
State of Florida

Ryan May
Chief Information Security Officer
Department of Management Services
State of Florida

Peter Miller
Chief Information Security Officer
Division of Information Systems and Services
Orange County

Alan Russel
Cyber Security Manager
Office of Information Technology
Leon County

Stephanie Tanner
Information Security Manager
Department of Transportation
State of Florida

Peter Westrich
Information Security Manager
Executive Office of the Governor
State of Florida

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: September 23, 2025

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:

Lauren Schoenberger
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1408
E-mail: lschoenberger@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

Venue

Florida State Conference Center

555 W Pensacola Street
Tallahassee, FL 32306
(850) 644-3801

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Room Block

There is no room block set up for this event. There are a number of hotels nearby.

Event Parking

Event management has arranged for complimentary, reserved parking Event parking on LEVELS 2 – 5 of the St. Augustine Parking Garage located adjacent to the Conference Center during the attendant-monitored hours of 6:00am – 3:00pm.  Any remaining spaces outside of attendant-monitored hours will be available on a first-come, first serve basis.

Guests who arrive after this time will be responsible for securing individual parking in metered visitor parking (located on LEVEL 1) or by purchasing a parking pass directly from the Office of Parking Services.
Parking in areas other than those designated for the conference attendees without a parking pass may result in a citation.

Note: No trailers or RVs allowed.

Parking fees subject to change without notice.