As the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at the State of Kansas Office of Information Technology Services, I manage and coordinate multiple disciplines in information security activities across multiple state agencies. I have over 20 years of experience in leading security, including information assurance, security architecture, security operations, SAP Security, Identity Management, User Access Management, Compliance Governance, Facility Badge Access, Cloud, and other Security Applications.
I am passionate about influencing the development, implementation, and maintenance of security policy and procedure for the State, based on the NIST & federal standards. I also consult with agency executives on significant security events and support internal assessment of policy and control implementation. Additionally, I oversee the day-to-day operations of firewalls, intrusion protection, and security analysis for the Kansas Information Security Office. My goal is to ensure the highest level of security and compliance for the state of Kansas and its citizens.

Eric Albright, BS in Computer Engineering, Security+, for the past 12 years has created the infrastructure and security for Sherman County Kansas’s information systems. Eric has served as the entire IT department along with being the county’s ambulance biller.  Eric also serves as the Local Agency Security Officer for the County’s 911 center. Eric has learned how to toe the fine line between being budget conscious and justifying expensive security technologies. Prior to his time at Sherman County, Eric was a supervisor and implementation manager with UPS Supply Chain Solutions where he managed equipment repair teams and was part of the implementations team on-boarding new business to UPS.

Samuel Alva serves as the Cybersecurity Advisor for region VII. As a CSA, Samuel contributes to the development of the national risk picture by assisting with the identification, assessment, monitoring, and minimizing of risk to critical infrastructure. Samuel engages as a physical and cyber technical security advisor with Federal, State, local, tribal and territorial government mission partners and members of the private sector stakeholder communities. CSAs serve as the link to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) infrastructure protection resources; coordinate security and resiliency assessments, training, and provide a vital link for information sharing in steady-state and during incident response.
Prior to DHS, Samuel worked in the civilian sector as director of business development and weapons and tactics. His roles included developing new and continuing business in the State of Kansas. He also conducted numerous risk and vulnerability assessments to include physical and cyber infrastructure analysis. Samuel is a subject matter expert in Operational Technology (OT) to include industrial control systems, physical access control systems (PACS), business automations systems (BAS), intrusion detection systems (IDS) and advanced sensor technology. Samuel also assisted in developing the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency first cyber-physical systems curriculum. Samuel also is a co-author for Interagency Security Committee First Security Convergence: Achieving Integrated Security guide. Samuel also taught cyber-physical system fundamentals at Wichita States University, it’s a first of its kind, bridging the gap between cyber and physical security.
Samuel is also a retired member of the Kansas Air National Guard, with over 21 years of service. Samuel served many roles in Air Force and Kansas Air National Guard to include Security Forces Team Member, Phoenix Raven Team Member, and a Member of 177th Information Aggressor Squadron. As a Phoenix Raven, Samuel helped detect, deter, and counter threats to AMC aircraft by performing close-in aircraft security, advising aircrews on force protection measures. The 177th Information Aggressor Squadron is an NSA-certified Red Team unit, responsible for conducting full-spectrum threat assessments to identify and mitigate physical and network vulnerabilities for participating Department of Defense units.
Samuel has earned an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from the Community College of the Air Force, Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Security Management from Southwestern College, and a Master of Arts degree in Security Administration from Southwestern College.

Kazi Arif is a Lead Professional Services Consultant at AT&T Cybersecurity Consulting who works with AT&T customer organizations across all industry verticals to understand their unique business challenges within the context of business environment and industry regulations, and then proposes solutions to align business objectives with the relevant compliance standards. Kazi has a track record of innovating and implementing various tools and technologies to solve trending challenges in the threat landscape, as well as experience performing a variety of Cyber Security risk assessments in alignment with NIST CSF, ISO 27001, HITRUST, and HIPAA. Kazi’s current areas of focus within Cybersecurity includes Vulnerability and Threat Management, Penetration Testing, OT/IOT Security, Cloud Services Technology, and Telephony Voice Fraud Services.

Alyssa has a diverse background, transitioning from an Emergency Communications Dispatcher to a Network Administrator over 15 years with Dickinson County. She’s had experience handling both routine and crisis situations, giving her many learning opportunities. Outside of work, she enjoys indulging in fiber arts projects, making soap, playing video games, and traveling with loved ones. Attending conferences allows her to share her expertise and glean insights from others experiences, which she values greatly.

With over 15 years of IT experience, Jacqueline Brown currently is the Network Administrator II at the Riley County Police Department since 2015. Her experience spans various sectors, including healthcare as an IT/HIM Leader, and local government, where she served as the IT Coordinator for a small Chicago suburb before moving to Kansas in 2009.
She also serves as the Terminal Agency Coordinator at the Riley County Police Department, coordinating the security posture to align with CJIS and KCJIS requirements and participating in the triennial audits. Her expertise continues to expand in constructing robust IT infrastructure and assisting organizations in navigating the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Jacqueline graduated from Fort State Hays University with a bachelor’s degree in technology leadership, and has completed multiple technology courses in VMware, Linux, HPE Synergy, among others.

Dr. Thomas Bunton is the Associate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Kansas State University. In this role, he provides information technology leadership throughout the university, including teaching, learning, research, and administrative environments.
Before this role, Bunton was the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer at New Mexico State University and the Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He also held various leadership roles at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and Purdue University, where he led large-scale technological and organizational transformations that included implementing centers of excellence, drafting and executing IT strategic plans, and rationalizing and integrating complex IT portfolios.
Bunton is passionate about higher education and its role in society, particularly social mobility. He spearheads efforts and outreach to increase affordability, access, and student success. His outreach efforts include mentoring high school students interested in information technology careers and being a regular lecturer to incoming first-generation students. He’s strongly committed to illuminating and providing frictionless educational pathways for students who may otherwise lack experience navigating the sometimes confusing and unfamiliar environments associated with higher education.

Amber serves as a Senior Special Agent assigned to the Cyber Crime Unit for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. In this role she responds to cyber related investigations throughout the State of Kansas, working with state, local and federal partners. With a background in digital forensics and over thirteen years of experience with the KBI, Amber is able to lend a technical skill set and focus to the investigations worked by the Cyber Crime Unit. She currently holds the GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) and GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE) certifications and through the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) is recognized as a Certified Cyber Crime Investigator and Examiner.

With over 20 years of IT experience, I currently lead Sedgwick County’s IT Infrastructure as the Director and CISO.  I started with Sedgwick County in 2005 and have held positions with desktop support, server and systems administration, and leadership roles including Customer Support Manager and SysAdmin and Telecom Manager.  This experience culminated in my current position.  My background is diverse, also encompassing roles at Universal Computer Systems in Houston, TX as a network technician and telecommunications technician, and 11 years of service in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard as a logistician.

Fadi is a seasoned IT executive with 20+ years track record of digital transformation, business strategy, and partnership building in K12 education. Fadi served as the CIO of the CIO of Minneapolis Public Schools as well as the City of Minneapolis, and Director of St. Paul School IT Services. He also served as the Lead Technology Architect and Liaison between the US Army and the new Iraqi government in Baghdad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II 2003-2005. Fadi offers a unique combination of strategic vision and wealth of knowledge and experience in cybersecurity, and IT operations. Today, Fadi is the Director of Public Sector Field Strategy for Palo Alto Networks empowering organizations and governments to effectively protect our digital way of life.

John joined the Kansas Information Security Office from LionHeart Cybersecurity Advisors in Kansas City, KS. As the CISO-in-Residence and Founder of the organization, he worked with clients to develop and implement IT and cybersecurity strategies, advise them on governance, compliance, audit, and capability strategies, and guide them on technology planning and cybersecurity alignment.
Prior to his time at LionHeart, John spent 10 years with The University of Kansas Medical Center where he served in multiple roles, including 6 years as CISO and Associate Vice Chancellor for Information Security.

Jeff was appointed Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO) in October 2023. He has been with the State of Kansas since 2009, most recently serving as the State’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
Jeff brings a wealth of experience to the role. In his 12 plus years with the State, he has forged relationships with agency leadership and the legislature. His work on cybersecurity from a whole-of-state approach has improved the cyber posture of Kansas and created collaborative opportunities for how state, local, and critical infrastructure work together.
While with the State, he’s received several awards including recognition in 2022 as a top Global CISO by Cyber Defense Magazine. He holds licenses and professional certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK). In addition, Jeff serves as a Cyber Defense Systems Operations Craftsman for the Kansas Air National Guard.

Erin joined the Kansas Information Security Office in 2021 as a Business Continuity/ Disaster Recovery Analyst. When the opportunity presented itself, she stepped into the role of Director of Cyber Collaboration and Preparedness where she works to bring the whole state approach to all cyber/technology-based entities across the state. Erin’s division works to bridge the gap between the Emergency Management world and the Cyber world and works closely with cities, counties, schools, and public infrastructure, in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from Cyber events. Erin previously had worked with training, physical planning, and disasters at the Kansas Division of Emergency Management as the State Training Program Manager and State Training Officer. She was a certified Kansas Certified Emergency Manager and instructed multiple courses across the state. Erin briefly left State Service to work with the private sector in a Micro Bio startup as the Director of Human Resources and IT.

Ryan is a Managing Director with Accenture Security based in Detroit, Michigan. He has over two decades of global experience in developing, managing and advising clients on digital transformation, consolidations, migrations & integration programs including cyber security, technology and risk management with focus in Financial Services. His experience encompasses areas such as including cyber strategy consulting, digital identity, cloud and application security, cyber defense and managed security services.
He has led many Security practices in the past with significant organization and team building experience and technology change/transformation experience.
Ryan is seen a Cyber Security Leader providing solutions to customers. Currently Ryan is overseeing a team covering next generation digital transformation services which include Cyber Security Services, Identity Solutions and Application Security service for North America. He is well versed with the principles of Cloud Ops, DevSecOps and the integrated Security requirements.
He brings in over two decades of experience in Technology Transformations. A Solid understanding of Technology and Digital Next-Gen, Cloud areas. Technically-savvy & Self-Motivated leader with specific experience in managing complex solutions/programs and implementations.

In the past four years Mark has protected student and research data in his role as Chief Information Security Officer at Wichita State University. With over twenty years in information security in high tech manufacturing and defense in the private sector, Mark is working to help grow the next generation of cyber defenders and bring attention to the value of public service. 3. Please see the attached photo.

Leticia holds two degrees from Emporia State, undergrad and MBA, and has worked in various capacities for the university for 13 years, 9 of which have been in the School of Business & Technology. In the past 16 months ramping up the new CyROC or Cybersecurity Research and Outreach Center, Leticia has gained extensive experience and interest in cybersecurity. As the Director, she has built CyROC from the ground up collaborating with all areas of partnership, facilities, contractors, and the in-house IT department. Leticia is passionate about all forms of education, providing growth opportunities for individuals in any capacity, especially technology and cybersecurity.

Chancy's career in emergency management spans over 18 years with Dickinson County, as their Emergency Management Director.
Under Chancy's capable leadership, Dickinson County has faced numerous disasters, including seven presidentially declared emergencies, five devastating floods, one crippling ice storm, and several destructive tornadoes, notably the devastating tornado strike in the City of Chapman in 2008.
Recognized as a Kansas Certified Emergency Manager, Chancy's expertise in the field is backed by an associate's degree in Emergency Management from Barton County. Chancy has left a lasting impact on the emergency management community, having served as the president of the Emergency Management Support Association of Kansas (EMSAK) and played a pivotal role as a charter member of the North Central Kansas Incident Management Team and the IMT Working Group.
Chancy also actively contributes to the safety and security of the North Central homeland security region by serving on the North Central Homeland Security Council. Furthermore, his dedication to promoting excellence in emergency management is evidenced by his four-year tenure as Vice President of the North Central Kansas Emergency Management Association (KEMA).

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Analyst for the CyberSecurity Collaboration & Preparedness Division of the Kansas Information Security Office
As the Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Analyst for the Kansas Information Security Office, Eric works closely with State Agencies, Counties and Municipalities to promote Cybersecurity awareness, good Cyber hygiene practices and Cyber training classes and opportunities, including Tabletop and Functional Exercises.
Prior to joining the State of Kansas in 2022, Eric was in the private sector as a Network Administrator, Business Analyst and Project Manager for more than 30 years. His experience includes bringing live one of the nation's first automated bill payment systems and twice managing replacement of Capitol Federal Bank's ATM fleet. Eric currently holds certifications as Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), and Associate Cyber Resilience Practitioner (ACRP).
Eric served for 12 years as a Volunteer In Police Service (VIPS) for the Topeka Police Department, more than 10 years as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer for Shawnee County, and is a Kansas Certified Emergency Preparedness Instructor.

Dave Young serves as the Deputy Homeland Security Advisor for Kansas, where he is responsible for homeland security-focused net assessment, systems analysis and the development of statewide strategy.  He additionally serves as the Executive Director of the Kansas Intelligence Fusion Center.  He is a retired military officer and has previously served in positions in the Kansas governor's office, Kansas lieutenant governor's office, Kansas secretary of state's office, Kansas Senate majority leader's office and the United States Senate.  He is a frequent speaker and advisor on disruptive technologies, novel crises, system complexity, error reduction, innovation, continuity of operations and strategy development.