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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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Agenda

Tuesday, September 23

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

9:00 am Eastern

Opening Remarks

9:15 am Eastern

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

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

10:45 am Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

The Double-Edged Sword of AI

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.

Collaborative Cyber Crisis Management

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.

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

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.

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

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.

11:45 am Eastern

Lunch

12:45 pm Eastern

General Session – Bits and Bytes

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

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.

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

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

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.

2:30 pm Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

2:50 pm Eastern

General Session - Cyber Smarts Showdown: A Team Trivia Challenge

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

3:30 pm Eastern

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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