Name: Michigan Cyber Summit 2026
Start: 2026-10-15T08:00
Location: Vibe Credit Union Showplace

Overview

Leading the charge in cybersecurity resilience.

The Michigan Cyber Summit returns as a premier gathering of 600+ cybersecurity leaders and innovators from across the public and private sectors. Hosted in partnership with the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB), this summit explores the strategies, technologies, and partnerships that are keeping Michigan at the forefront of cyber defense. From leveraging federal resources to navigating emerging threats, attendees gain practical insights to strengthen preparedness, accelerate response, and protect what matters most.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

We are excited to host yet another Michigan Cyber Summit. This event brings technology leaders and professionals across public and private sectors, offering a chance to build connections and explore how we can collaborate to protect the people of our state. The event will cover a wide range of topics and include opportunities to network, ensuring that we do our part to make cybersecurity easier for users and harder for hackers.

– Rex Menold, Chief Security Officer, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget

The 2026 Michigan Cyber Summit brings the opportunity for us to connect with cybersecurity professionals on a variety of key topics, including new technologies, emerging threats, and ways to better secure the entire digital ecosystem. Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and we need to make sure we continue keeping Michigan’s residents and data secure.

– Eric Swanson, Acting Chief Information Officer, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget

This is DTMB’s 15th year hosting the Michigan Cyber Summit, and this year’s event promises to be a great one. Michigan has long been a leader in cybersecurity, and this event brings professionals across the globe together to ensure Michigan’s cyber posture remains strong. Experience a full day of learning, collaboration, and conversation while diving into cybersecurity discussions designed to find ways to better secure our great state.

- Kyle Guerrant, DTMB acting director

Speakers

Caleb Buhs

Chief Deputy Director, Department of Technology, Management and Budget, State of Michigan 

Caleb Buhs serves as the chief deputy director for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), a position he was appointed to in 2023. In his role, Buhs directs the business and administrative operations for the agency of 2,800 employees, who provide information technology, business, and administrative services to Michigan residents, businesses, state agencies, state employees, and retirees.
Driven by a passion for public service, Buhs has spent nearly two decades working to improve government services for the benefit of all Michiganders. As a member of DTMB’s leadership team, he helps foster a culture of engaged employees to ensure the delivery of outstanding customer service, areas in which DTMB has consistently exceeded national benchmarks.
Buhs began his public service career with the State of Michigan in 2004 and has served as the public information officer and economic development advisor for the Department of Insurance and Financial Service, deputy press secretary for the governor, and communications specialist for the Department of Treasury.  Prior to being named chief deputy director, he served more than eight years as the communications director for DTMB.
Buhs holds a bachelor’s degree in integrative public relations from Central Michigan University. He maintains an active presence in his community, serving as a school board member for Charlotte Public Schools, including two terms as president, and having coached numerous youth sports teams. 

Rachel Wilson

Managing Director and Chief Data Officer, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Former NSA Senior Executive

Rachel Wilson is a Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Chief Data Officer. Her team of security professionals is responsible for protecting all sensitive client data from any type of theft, loss or compromise. She also oversees the resilience of Wealth Management’s critical infrastructure and the continuity of core business processes at times of turbulence. Additionally, Rachel supervises the client fraud risk program, which institutes technical and business controls to help prevent unauthorized access to or misuse of client funds. As a senior subject matter expert, Rachel regularly advises Wealth Management leadership and clients on the cyber threat landscape and mitigation strategies.
From 2017-2020, Rachel served as the first-ever Head of Wealth Management Cybersecurity. In this role, Rachel advised senior business and technology leaders on a range of cybersecurity issues, including secure code development standards, secure network architecture, vendor relationships, advanced persistent threat (APT) detection and mobile security. Her team drove innovation for new cybersecurity and authentication technology in the pursuit of protecting the integrity and confidentiality of firm and client data. In 2019, Rachel was recognized by Morgan Stanley Wealth Management as part of the MAKERS Class, a program that honors women who serve as groundbreakers, innovators and advocates. She was also named one of the Top Women in WealthTech 2020 by ThinkAdvisor.
Prior to joining the firm in 2017, Rachel spent 15 years at the National Security Agency (NSA), where she held several key senior executive-level leadership positions. Between 2008 and 2010, she ran NSA’s counterterrorism operations and led a global enterprise in detecting and disrupting terrorist plotting against the U.S. and its allies. Between 2010 and 2012, Rachel served as NSA’s Chief of Operations in the U.K., working out of the U.S. Embassy in London. In this role, she worked with U.K. intelligence services to counter terrorist and cyber threats to the 2012 Olympics. Returning to the U.S. in 2012, Rachel spent nearly five years leading NSA’s cyber exploitation operations as the Deputy and then Chief of the Remote Operations Center within NSA’s Tailored Access Operations. In this capacity, she led the planning and execution of thousands of cyber exploitation operations against a wide array of foreign intelligence, military and cyber targets, and served as the committing official for many of NSA’s highest risk and most important intelligence gathering activities.

Wayne Aldrich

Director, Risk and Compliance Division, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Wayne Aldrich serves as director of Risk Compliance and Delivery within the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection division. He brings extensive experience in cybersecurity, risk management, compliance, technology, and public service leadership. Throughout his career, Wayne has focused on making complex technical and risk issues understandable and actionable for leaders, communicating what matters most to support practical business decision, building trusted partnerships, and developing teams that deliver meaningful results. He is passionate about simplifying processes, removing unnecessary friction, and helping leaders make informed decisions that support secure and effective government services.

Kristen Aldrich

Chief of Staff to the CTO, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Kristen Aldrich serves as Chief of Staff for the Office of the Chief Technology Officer at the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), where Kristen helps senior technology leaders turn priorities into action, connect the right people at the right time, and keep statewide initiatives moving forward.
In addition to Kristen’s work in Michigan, Kristen also serves as the Midwest Regional President for the National Association of State Technology Directors (NASTD), where Kristen works with technology leaders across the region to strengthen collaboration, advance shared initiatives, and support the mission of improving government service through technology.
Before joining DTMB, Kristen spent several years with the Michigan Senate, where Kristen led IT projects and cross‑department operational efforts. That experience shaped a practical, people‑focused approach to technology and public service: simplify where possible, communicate clearly, and make sure people understand not only what needs to happen, but why it matters.
A PMP‑certified professional, Kristen thrives in fast‑paced environments and believes technology is at its best when it makes government work better for the people it serves. Kristen is passionate about Michigan, public service, and creating the clarity and connections teams need to deliver meaningful results.

Troy Cogburn

Innovation Principal, Trace3

Troy Cogburn is an Innovation Principal at Trace3, where he helps executives and their teams stay ahead of the technology curve. With over a decade of experience in emerging technology research and advisory, he specializes in identifying disruptive technology and translating them into actionable opportunities for the enterprise. Prior to rejoining Trace3, Troy was Chief Technology Evangelist at Vation Ventures. He built their research team, delivering thought leadership and custom research to the high-tech ecosystem. He consulted with channel companies, including top distributors, solution providers, and systems integrators, on where technology was heading, helping them build credibility with customers and identify the disruptive companies worth taking to market. Troy calls Colorado Springs home, and outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, playing hockey, and writing music.

Ted Cotterill

Cybersecurity, Digital Trust and Ecosystems, Accenture

Ted Cotterill is an Associate Director at Accenture with a noted record of leadership in law, technology, and innovation. He was Indiana’s first State Chief Privacy Officer, served as General Counsel to the nation’s leading enterprise state data agency, and was a founding officer of GovRAMP, a nonprofit advancing secure digital government services across the U.S.
Cotterill helps organizations build digital trust as a foundation for innovation. His practice spans cybersecurity, privacy, governance, regulatory compliance, and ethics, with particular emphasis on the responsible use of data across AI, cloud platforms, complex technology partnerships, and product development.
He has been appointed to several high-profile policy roles, including as the State Senate’s lay appointee to the Indiana AI Task Force and in service to the GovRAMP Steering Committee on behalf of Accenture. Previously, Cotterill served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Indiana AI Task Force and as a member of the Council of State Governments’ Healthy States National Task Force. His contributions have earned recognition as a Top 25 Doer, Dreamer & Driver by GovTech and a recipient of the Indiana Lawyer’s Leadership in Law Award in 2022.
Cotterill holds a Juris Doctor from the Indiana University McKinney School of Law, is a licensed attorney in the State of Indiana, and is recognized by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) as a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), and Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP).

Heather Frick

Director, Agency Services, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Heather Frick is the Agency Services Director for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB), where she leads enterprise technology services for 20 state departments providing services to Michiganders, visitors, and businesses. With a background in law, finance, and IT, Heather has driven major statewide initiatives and champions innovation, process improvement, and workforce development. She is privileged to collaborate with diverse leaders and an exceptional team dedicated to delivering results. Heather holds a BA from Denison University and a JD from The Ohio State University.

Jason Frost

General Manager, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan 

Jason Frost , General Manager of Infrastructure Hosting and Architecture, Department of Technology Management & Budget, State of Michigan.
With over 25 years of unwavering commitment to the realm of Information Technology, all within the dynamic landscape of the State of Michigan, I have forged a path marked by innovation, advocacy, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
My journey began as a Field Services technician, traversing the length and breadth of Michigan to ensure the smooth functioning of crucial DNR field offices. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for my deep understanding of the technological landscape and the power it holds to transform operations.
My tenure as one of the founding architects behind the creation of the standardized office environment, M1ADOPT, marked a turning point. This endeavor allowed me to cultivate a vision for seamless, cohesive technological solutions that transcend silos and enhance productivity across diverse domains.
In my subsequent role as a leader within Design and Delivery services, I embraced the opportunity to shape strategies and guide teams toward optimal outcomes. My focus on questioning the 'why' behind decisions has been a driving force, fostering a culture of critical thinking and a relentless pursuit of excellence within my teams.
Today, I stand as the General Manager of Infrastructure Hosting and Architecture —a role that encapsulates my passion for building the very foundation upon which the state government's technological infrastructure rests. My responsibilities encompass not only maintaining this vital framework but also crafting strategies that will propel our state's technological landscape into the future.
Central to my philosophy is the belief that technology should never be a barrier; it should be an empowering tool. I am dedicated to making technology accessible, understandable, and user-friendly for all. Whether through automation, comprehensive training, meticulous documentation, effective communication, or the integration of cutting-edge technologies, my goal is to enable efficiency and effectiveness at every turn.
I am driven by the conviction that progress is built on the pillars of innovation, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to understanding the needs of both individuals and organizations. I am excited to share my experiences, insights, and vision to inspire others to harness the power of technology in their own pursuits.
Join me on a journey to demystify technology and harness its potential to not only revolutionize operations but also to enhance the lives of those it touches.

J. Wolfgang Goerlich

Chief Information Security Officer, Information Technology, Oakland County

J. Wolfgang Goerlich is a CISO for Oakland County, Michigan. Prior to this role, he led IT and IT security in the healthcare, financial services, and tech verticals. Wolfgang has held senior positions at several consulting firms, leading security advisory and assessment practices. He is a strong presence in the security community, contributing to the establishment and organization of multiple groups and events. Wolfgang focuses on strategy, governance, identity and access management, and resilience.

Thomas Holt, Ph.D.

Professor, Director of Masters Degree Programs, Director of the Center for Cybercrime Investigation and Training, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University

Thomas J. Holt is a Professor and Director of Master's Programs in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University and Director for the MSU Center for Cybercrime Investigation & Training. His research focuses on computer hacking, malware, and the role of the Internet in facilitating all manner of crime and deviance. His work has been published in various journals including Crime and Delinquency, Deviant Behavior, the Journal of Criminal Justice, and Youth and Society. Dr. Holt is also a regular presenter at academic and practitioner conferences around the world.

Marshall Howard

State Division Administrator, Office of the Chief Technology Officer, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan 

Marshall Howard is the Director of the Cloud and Infrastructure Delivery (CID) division for the State of Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB), where his team supports DTMB by designing, deploying, and managing cloud infrastructure for agency applications that provide value to Michigan residents across Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure cloud environments. With more than 15 years of experience in public-sector technology, Marshall has worked supporting network operations, process automation, IT service management, application development, and financial budget and billing, before transitioning to application hosting and cloud infrastructure. Marshall has been instrumental in developing Michigan’s multi-cloud strategy and engagement plan, helping to drive application modernization and foster the adoption of DevSecOps principles in alignment with DTMB’s Cloud Smart strategic goal.

Stephanie Jeppesen

State Administrative Manager, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Stephanie Jeppesen serves as the State Administrative Manager for Business Services within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection division at the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB). She leads strategic business operations, administrative oversight, and process optimization efforts that support statewide cybersecurity and infrastructure protection initiatives. Stephanie is committed to strengthening organizational efficiency and fostering cross‑department collaboration to advance Michigan’s security mission.

Jon Ford

Director of State, Local and Education Service Deliver, Google Public Sector

Mr. Ford is 30-year veteran in cybersecurity, crisis response, and intelligence-led cyber operations in both government and commercial sectors. Prior to joining Mandiant, Mr. Ford served in executive leadership roles for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Mr. Ford served as the responsible executive to the U.S.
Cryptologic Centers for strategic and tactical oversight of global cyber operations and key asset protection. In these roles. Mr. Ford developed the framework used by the U.S. Government to manage risk of cyber threats supporting government and critical infrastructure capabilities receiving recognition by the White House National Security Council and the United States Congress.
Currently, Mr. Ford serves as the Head of Mandiant cyber security solutions to State, Local and Education markets as well as professional service solutions. Mr. Ford leads operations, strategy and solution for our global partners, and globally leads Mandiant’s Insider Threat risk offerings. Mr. Ford coaches boards and executives on how to measure and manage enterprise risk, regularly speaks at industry conferences. Mr. Ford is a member of the Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace and the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise. Mr. Ford is the founder of Mandiant's Elevate program to advance women in IT security into senior leadership and Board positions.
Mr. Ford serves as an adjunct professor teaching advanced curricula on cybersecurity and risk frameworks at St. Mary’s University. Mr. Ford is a graduate of Harvard, John F. Kennedy School on Cybersecurity Policy; and a graduate of Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Business in Strategic.

Jeff Hoffman

Detective Lieutenant, Michigan Cyber Command Center, Michigan State Police 

Detective Lieutenant (D/Lt.) Jeff Hoffman is an enlisted member of the Michigan State Police (MSP). D/Lt. Hoffman joined the State Police in July 1999. He served at the Lakeview Post and Sixth District Fugitive Team.  In 2011, D/Lt. Hoffman was assigned to the Computer Crimes Unit, Grand Rapids office.  In 2017, he transferred to the Michigan Cyber Command Center (MC3) as a detective trooper specialist.  The MC3 is responsible for cyber security coordination of cyber-related incidents, criminal investigations, and outreach to better secure networks within our state.  In 2018, he was promoted to detective sergeant as the team leader for the MC3. In 2021, he promoted to D/Lt. and is currently an assistant commander of MSPs Cyber Section, overseeing the MC3.

Richard Korn

Senior Solution Specialist, Comcast Business

Rich Korn, a Senior Security Solution Specialist for Comcast Business Global, has been in the industry for almost 30 years, selling hardware/software and services. Rich spent most of that time working in the Agent Community, founding CDW’s Agent Program in 1999. In 2018, Rich brought his skill set to Masergy, which was subsequently acquired by Comcast Business.
Rich has experience in the following areas: Internet, Wide Area Networks, Voice, Co-location, Cloud, Managed Services, and Security. Rich has been published on such topics as VoIP, MPLS, SD-WAN, SASE, and Security. He has also filled roles in Leadership and Training/Development.

Brian Pillar

IT Project Delivery Officer, Department of Technology, Management & Budget (“DTMB”), State of Michigan

Brian Pillar is the IT Project Delivery Officer and Operations General Manager for Agency Services within the State of Michigan, Department of Technology, Management and Budget, responsible for supporting agencies with IT project delivery, planning, execution, and completion as a top advisor on the formulation and implementation of project plans, governance structures, and communication practices. Prior to this role, he led teams providing support for the IT portfolios for the Michigan Department of Corrections, the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Brian is an alumnus of Michigan State University and began his professional career working for one of the university’s IT departments where he drove a major network operating system modernization project. He then pursued opportunities at a small, but global, software development company where he led the IT Operations teams in their journey to the public cloud. In 2018, Brian joined the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, accepting his present role in 2021. Since joining the State of Michigan, Brian has been passionate about driving portfolio modernization towards cloud friendly platforms and services while enabling reinvestment of IT budget savings into additional business system enhancements.

Manny Rosales

Chief Technology Officer, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Manny Rosales is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the State of Michigan. Prior to this role, Manny served as the General Manager for Agency Services within the Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB), where Manny oversaw IT delivery for several state-wide departments, including DTMB, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Manny also serves as a co-chair of DTMB’s AI Core Team, helping guide the state's AI strategy and governance for emerging technologies.
An alumnus of Michigan State University, Manny brings more than thirty years of experience across global telecommunications, software development, insurance, IT consulting, and state government. Throughout his career, Manny has held key leadership roles in strategic IT management, digital transformation, IT governance, and project and portfolio management.

Dark Web Intelligence Analyst, Cyber Section Michigan Cyber Command Center, Intelligence Operations Division, Michigan State Police 

Tarek Sasy is a Dark Web Intelligence Analyst for the Michigan State Police (MSP) - Michigan Cyber Command Center (MC3). Before joining the MC3, Tarek was a Unit Manager with the Michigan Public Safety Communication Systems (MPSCS) where he oversaw Systems Security and Incident response. He spent 4 years as an Endpoint Detection and Response admin with the Michigan Security Operations Center (MiSOC), he also has 10 years of experience in project management, server virtualization, systems architecture, and change management. He brings 16 years of public service, including work as a Corrections Officer on the Gang Intelligence Unit and as a reserve deputy with the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office. Tarek has a BA in Social Psychology and MS in Systems Engineering.

Benjamin Scott

Director of Critical Infrastructure and Operational Technology, Fortinet

Benjamin Scott is the Director of Critical Infrastructure and Operational Technology for Fortinet’s U.S. Public Sector, where he leads OT cybersecurity strategy, technical advisory, and capture initiatives for agencies overseeing critical infrastructure and cyber-physical systems.
With more than a decade of experience supporting schools, municipalities, state agencies, and essential services, Benjamin helps public-sector organizations transform cybersecurity strategies into practical, fundable solutions.
He also serves as an Ohio Cyber Reservist and Adjunct Professor and holds an M.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University. His mission is to strengthen critical infrastructure, advance cybersecurity education, and leave the cybersecurity community stronger through leadership, innovation, and collaboration.

Dr. Colin Soutar

Managing Director, Deloitte

Dr. Colin Soutar is a Managing Director in Deloitte and is based out of Arlington, VA. Colin is the Deloitte US and global leader for quantum cyber readiness. In 2013, he helped NIST to develop the Cybersecurity Framework and has since helped many leading private and public sector organizations implement it. Colin has also supported clients and NIST programs in the areas of IoT, biometric technologies, trusted identities, and privacy engineering. Prior to his current role, Colin served for more than 10 years as Chief Technology Officer for a Canadian-based biometric and trusted identity public company. Following his PhD studies in physics in Dundee, Scotland, he began his working career with a two-year post-doctorate fellowship at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, developing pattern recognition techniques for autonomous rendezvous and capture operations.

Art Thompson

Chief Information Officer, City of Detroit 

Art Thompson III is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the City of Detroit. In 2021, Mayor Mike Duggan appointed Thompson to the role, making him the youngest CIO in the city’s history at just 34 years old. As CIO, he leads the City’s Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), overseeing information technology strategy, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure that support city services for Detroit residents.
During his tenure, Thompson has led several high-impact initiatives, including managing the technology, cybersecurity, and technical security infrastructure for the 2024 NFL Draft, the largest draft event in NFL history. He also oversees an annual departmental budget exceeding $61 million, successfully maintaining a balanced budget while expanding the City’s technological capabilities and security posture.
Prior to becoming CIO, Thompson served as the Director of Public Safety and Cybersecurity for DoIT. In that role, he led the implementation of Detroit’s first police body camera program and strengthened the City’s cybersecurity and public safety technology systems.
Thompson has more than sixteen years of experience in IT management and operations. He earned a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management from Eastern Michigan University and holds a Certificate in Cybersecurity from Harvard University.

Nathan Willigar

Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft

Mr. Willigar serves as Microsoft’s Customer Security Advisor for the State, Local, and Education sector, where he advises CISOs, CIOs, and executive leaders on security strategy, helping align Microsoft’s vision and solutions to customer needs while building trusted relationships.
Previously, he was the Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Maine, overseeing the security of the State’s IT infrastructure. Over more than six years, he strengthened Maine’s cybersecurity posture by maturing its security program, protecting citizen data, and supporting agency missions through tailored IT solutions. He collaborated closely with state and federal partners to identify threats, mitigate risk, and enhance enterprise-wide security capabilities.
Mr. Willigar served on the Maine Cyber Security Advisory Council and MS-ISAC. He holds a CISM, an MBA from Thomas College, a BA from Husson College, and completed the FBI CISO Academy.

Bari Wood

Deputy Privacy Officer, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Bari Wood is the Chief Privacy Officer for the state of Michigan. This role sits in the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics (MCDA) in Michigan’s Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB). As the state’s lead privacy official, Ms. Wood is responsible for directing a statewide privacy program and overseeing legal compliance across MCDA projects. Before serving as Chief Privacy Officer, Ms. Wood was an Assistant Attorney General in Michigan’s Department of Attorney General where she focused on data sharing and privacy-related transactional matters initially representing the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) and then DTMB. Ms. Wood is a long-time public servant and has been an attorney for over 18 years, first being licensed in California. She holds credentials as a Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) and Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) from the IAPP.

Thursday, October 15
8:00 am Eastern	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Diamond Foyer + Platinum Ballroom
9:00 am Eastern	Welcome and Opening Remarks Diamond Ballroom Caleb Buhs, Chief Deputy Director, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
9:15 am Eastern	Keynote – Strengthening the Shield: Insights from the Trenches of National Security Diamond Ballroom There’s no question - public-sector leaders must continue to strengthen their cyber hygiene, foster cross-sector partnerships, and adapt to the evolving threat landscape. Join Rachel Wilson, former NSA cyber operations leader, for an engaging and action-driven keynote that bridges real-world cybersecurity expertise with the challenges of emerging technologies. Drawing on her experience safeguarding critical systems, Rachel explores the heightened risks posed by AI-enabled threats like ransomware, insider attacks, and credential exploitation. This session is a call to action for everyone, from CIOs to frontline technologists, to embrace a proactive and resilient approach to protecting critical assets in the age of AI. Rachel Wilson, Managing Director and Chief Data Officer, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Former NSA Senior Executive
10:15 am Eastern	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Platinum Ballroom
10:40 am Eastern	Concurrent Sessions When Machines Get Credentials: Securing Agents and Non-Human Identities Legacy 1 Artificial intelligence agents, automated services, application programming interfaces, bots, and service accounts are quickly becoming active participants in everyday operations. Unlike traditional users, these identities can act continuously, move at machine speed, and sometimes make decisions without waiting for direct human approval. This session examines how organizations of all sizes can authenticate, authorize, monitor, and contain non-human identities before automation expands beyond their control. Speakers will explore practical safeguards, ownership expectations, access limits, infrastructure requirements, and the warning signs that an agent may be behaving in an unexpected or unsafe way. Moderator: Art Thompson, Chief Information Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology, City of Detroit Troy Cogburn, Innovation Principal, Trace3 Thomas Holt, Ph.D., Professor, Director of Masters Degree Programs, Director of the Center for Cybercrime Investigation and Training, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University Andrew Sczygielski, Supervisory Special Agent of the Cyber Task Force, FBI Detroit Field Office The Art of the Cyber Story: Making Incidents Understandable Legacy 2 Every cyber incident has a technical story, but the details alone do not always help leaders, employees, customers, or the public understand what happened. This session will examine how organizations can clearly explain the attack path, the technology involved, the decisions made, and the lessons learned without creating unnecessary fear or confusion. Speakers will use real or anonymized examples to show how a strong incident narrative can support leadership decisions, insurance conversations, employee awareness, public communication, and future preparedness. The session will also explore how storytelling can help people recognize that they are part of the security process, not simply the audience for another annual training. Richard Korn, Senior Solution Specialist, Comcast Business Brian Pillar, IT Project Delivery Officer and Operations General Manager, Department of Technology, Management and Budget, State of Michigan Cybercrime Meets Automation: Responding When Attackers Move Faster Legacy 3 Attackers are using automation, synthetic content, scalable phishing, and artificial intelligence-assisted techniques to reach more targets with less effort. For smaller governments, schools, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and businesses, this creates a difficult reality: the threat may be highly automated even when the defense is handled by one person wearing several hats. This session brings together cybersecurity and law enforcement perspectives to examine emerging criminal tactics, practical defensive uses of artificial intelligence, evidence preservation, escalation paths, and when to call for outside assistance. It will also highlight resources available to Michigan organizations when their internal capacity is limited. Jeff Hoffman, Detective Lieutenant, Michigan Cyber Command Center, Michigan State Police Jake Roys, Information Technology Specialist Michigan Cyber Command Center, Michigan State Police Privacy and Security at the Same Table Legacy 4 Security teams need access to information to identify risk, investigate activity, and protect services. Privacy teams must ensure that information is collected, retained, shared, and used responsibly. Those goals do not have to conflict. This session explores how privacy and security professionals can make decisions together, particularly when evaluating artificial intelligence tools, reviewing retention policies, monitoring activity, conducting investigations, or introducing new data-driven services. The conversation will focus on finding responsible paths forward instead of defaulting to either unrestricted access or an automatic no. Moderator: Ruth Archer, Chief of Staff, Center for Data and Analytics, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan Jamie Bennett, Deputy Chief Security Officer, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan Bari Wood, Deputy Privacy Officer, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan From Alert to Playbook: Practical Artificial Intelligence for Cyber Defenders Legacy 5 Artificial intelligence can support cyber operations without replacing human judgment. This practical discussion will look at realistic ways defenders can use it to organize incident information, draft response playbooks, improve documentation, summarize technical findings, accelerate handoffs, and identify gaps in existing procedures. Speakers will also address where human review remains essential, what information should not be entered into external tools, and how to test outputs before they become part of an operational process. Jeremy Hunt, Cybersecurity Architect, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, MiSOC, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget, State of Michigan Benjamin Scott, Director, Critical Infrastructure and Operational Technology, US Public Sector, Fortinet Building a Security Function When Resources Are Limited Legacy 7 A mature cybersecurity program rarely appears all at once. It is built one decision, one relationship, and one control at a time. Designed for small businesses, nonprofit organizations, local governments, schools, and other organizations with limited staff, this session will explain how to establish a practical security function from the ground up. Topics will include identifying the most important services, setting achievable priorities, using shared resources and available contracts, documenting responsibilities, creating a basic incident process, and improving protection without requiring a large security department. Tarek Sasy, Dark Web Intelligence Analyst, Cyber Section Michigan Cyber Command Center, Intelligence Operations Division, Michigan State Police Greg Sieg, Chief Information Security Officer, Regional Health Network, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan
11:25 am Eastern	Lunch Diamond Ballroom
12:25 pm Eastern	General Session – Beyond Siloed Security: An Agile Model for AI, OT, and Post Quantum Risk Diamond Ballroom AI risk, operational technology (OT) risk, and quantum risk are typically managed as three separate efforts, with different owners and timelines. In practice they converge on the same assets and with overlapping timeframes. AI has compressed attack timelines from days to minutes and is increasingly pointed towards physical control environments, while the transition to post-quantum cryptography sets a deadline against data that must remain confidential for years. This session examines why traditional, siloed approaches struggle, and presents an agile, NIST CSF 2.0–aligned model for governing all three risks together. Dr. Colin Soutar, Managing Director, Deloitte
1:25 pm Eastern	Short Break Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.
1:50 pm Eastern	Concurrent Sessions The Quantum Deadline: Preparing Your Organization for Post-Quantum Security Legacy 1 Quantum computing may still feel distant, but the transition to post-quantum cryptography cannot wait until a cryptographically relevant machine arrives. Organizations must first locate where encryption is used, understand which systems and contracts will be affected, and prepare for changes that may increase processing requirements, complexity, and cost. This session will examine how businesses, public agencies, schools, healthcare organizations, and nonprofit organizations can begin building a cryptographic inventory, evaluate vendor readiness, introduce post-quantum requirements into purchasing decisions, and plan around federal transition timelines. The goal is not to predict the exact arrival of quantum computing, but to ensure today’s technology decisions do not become tomorrow’s emergency. Moderator: Rex Menold, Chief Security Officer, Department of Technology, Management & Budget, State of Michigan Heather Frick, Director, Agency Services, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan Manny Rosales, Chief Technology Officer, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan Dr. Colin Soutar, Managing Director, Deloitte Beyond the Patch Cycle: Reducing Risk Across the Technology Supply Chain Legacy 4 Patching is essential, but it is not as simple as applying every update the moment it appears. Organizations must weigh urgency, testing, system availability, vendor trust, operational impact, and the possibility that a compromised update could introduce new risk. This session explores how to build a more disciplined vulnerability and patch management process that works across organizations of different sizes and industries. Speakers will discuss asset visibility, prioritization, exception handling, third-party dependencies, and how to avoid the slow accumulation of unresolved weaknesses that can eventually lead to a major incident. Jason Frost, General Manager Infrastructure and Architecture, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan Ready for Disruption: Building a Resilient Organization Legacy 3 Cyber resilience begins with accepting that even well-protected organizations may experience disruption. The real question is whether critical services can continue, teams can adapt, and recovery can begin without creating additional harm. This session will focus on the operational effects of an incident, including unavailable systems, disrupted communications, vendor dependencies, delayed services, and difficult decisions about what must be restored first. Speakers will share practical lessons from real situations, explain how organizations can develop a resilient mindset, and discuss how exercises, clear responsibilities, and realistic recovery plans help teams respond when conditions do not match the original playbook. Jon Ford, Director of State, Local and Education Service Deliver, Google Public Sector, Google J. Wolfgang Goerlich, Chief Information Security Officer, Information Technology, Oakland County The Cyber Workforce Pivot: Skills That Will Matter Next Legacy 2 Automation and artificial intelligence are changing how cybersecurity work is performed, but they are not eliminating the need for skilled people. Tomorrow’s professionals will need to interpret machine-generated findings, challenge automated recommendations, communicate risk, understand operations, and make sound decisions when technology cannot provide a complete answer. This session will explore how cyber roles are evolving, which skills are gaining importance, and how Michigan employers can continue developing entry-level talent even as routine tasks become automated. The discussion will also address certifications, continuous learning, college recruitment, career transitions, and the shared responsibility to build a workforce prepared for the next generation of security work. Moderator: Stephanie Jeppesen, State Administrative Manager, Business Services, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan Kristen Aldrich, Chief of Staff to the CTO, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan Nathan Willigar, Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft Buying Securely: Funding, Contracts, and the Questions That Matter Legacy 5 Cybersecurity decisions are often shaped by funding rules, contract language, legal requirements, grant restrictions, and purchasing timelines long before a tool is implemented. This session brings together security, finance, procurement, legal, and grants perspectives to explain how organizations can make stronger purchasing decisions. Panelists will discuss how to define security expectations, evaluate ongoing costs, confirm allowable uses of funding, assess cooperative purchasing options, and require vendors to provide meaningful evidence rather than general assurances. The session will help technical and business teams understand what each side needs to move a secure investment forward. Moderator: Kara Ortiz, Director Identity and Architecture, Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, State Police Headquarters, State of Michigan Simon Baldwin, Category Director IT, Central Procurement Enterprise Sourcing, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan Government Risk and Authorization Management Program Without the Guesswork Legacy 7 Cloud security assurance programs can help organizations evaluate risk, but only when leaders understand what a certification or authorization actually covers. This session will provide a practical introduction to the Government Risk and Authorization Management Program, formerly the State Risk and Authorization Management Program. Speakers will explain how the verification model works, what different statuses indicate, and how those designations can support vendor evaluation. The discussion will also examine Michigan’s position, the questions buyers should still ask, and why participation in an assurance program should inform due diligence rather than replace it. Moderator: Wayne Aldrich, State Division Admin XVII, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan Ted Cotterill, Cybersecurity, Digital Trust and Ecosystems, Accenture Marshall Howard, State Division Administrator, OCTO IHA Cloud and Infrastructure Delivery, Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan
2:35 pm Eastern	Networking Break in the Exhibit Area Platinum Ballroom
3:00 pm Eastern	General Session – Securing the Agentic Enterprise: Navigating the Next Frontier Diamond Ballroom Troy Cogburn, Innovation Principal, Trace3 Jon Ford, Director of State, Local and Education Service Deliver, Google Public Sector, Google
4:00 pm Eastern	Closing Remarks Diamond Ballroom
4:15 pm Eastern	Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area Platinum Ballroom Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
5:00 pm Eastern	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Vibe Credit Union Showplace

46100 Grand River Ave
Novi, MI 48374
(248) 348-5600

Get Directions To
Vibe Credit Union Showplace

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Daniel Ayala
Managing Partner
Secratic LLC

Jamie Bennett
Deputy Chief Security Officer
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Caleb Buhs
Chief Deputy Director
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Nicole Bushong
Senior Executive Management Assistant
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Donna Davis
Secretary/Treasurer
Michigan CyberPatriot Program

Danielle Davis
Senior Executive Management Assistant
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Jack Drew
Director
Michigan State Police, Michigan Cyber Command Center
State of Michigan

Tiziana Galezzi
General Manager
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Shelley Jeltema
Assistant Professor CIT / Ceospatial Sciences
Lansing Community College
Lansing Community College

Stephanie Jeppesen
State Administrative Manager, Business Services Unit, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Michelle McClish
State Assistant Administrator and CIP External Engagement Lead
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Rex Menold
Chief Security Officer
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Brian Pillar
General Manager
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Manny Rosales
Chief Technology Officer
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Michael Sauer
Director
Northern Michigan Universiy - UP Cybersecurity Institute
Northern Michigan University - UP

Megan Schrauben
MiSTEM Executive Director
Law Enforcement
State of Michigan

Andrew Sczgielski
Supervisory Special Agent
Cyber Criminal Squad, CY-16
FBI Detroit Cyber Task Force

Eric Swanson
Chief Information Officer (Acting)
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Cheryl Wilson
Computer Science Consultant
Department of Education
State of Michigan

Ulrika Zay
State of Michigan
State of Michigan
State of Michigan

Industry Representatives

Tammie Buehler
Client Director
Trace3

Hugh Carroll
VP, Corporate Affairs
Fortinet

Kerry DeBano
Client Relationship Executive
Deloitte

Miguel Mickey
Account Executive
Microsoft

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: October 15, 2026

Registration is open to professionals from the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Registration Fees:

State of Michigan Employees: Free
Local Government & Non-Profit: $80.00
College Students: $50*

*Students must register with school issued email for verification.

Industry Registration Fee: $95.00**

**Companies providing IT or cybersecurity services in the government technology space are only eligible to attend under an event sponsorship. Private sector attendees must register using their company-issued email for verification.

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:

Sherri Tidwell
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1382
E-mail: stidwell@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

View Full Site

Michigan Cyber Summit 2026

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Caleb Buhs

Chief Deputy Director, Department of Technology, Management and Budget, State of Michigan

Rachel Wilson

Managing Director and Chief Data Officer, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Former NSA Senior Executive

Wayne Aldrich

Director, Risk and Compliance Division, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Kristen Aldrich

Chief of Staff to the CTO, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Troy Cogburn

Innovation Principal, Trace3

Ted Cotterill

Cybersecurity, Digital Trust and Ecosystems, Accenture

Heather Frick

Director, Agency Services, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Jason Frost

General Manager, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

J. Wolfgang Goerlich

Chief Information Security Officer, Information Technology, Oakland County

Thomas Holt, Ph.D.

Professor, Director of Masters Degree Programs, Director of the Center for Cybercrime Investigation and Training, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University

Marshall Howard

State Division Administrator, Office of the Chief Technology Officer, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Stephanie Jeppesen

State Administrative Manager, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Jon Ford

Director of State, Local and Education Service Deliver, Google Public Sector

Jeff Hoffman

Detective Lieutenant, Michigan Cyber Command Center, Michigan State Police

Richard Korn

Senior Solution Specialist, Comcast Business

Brian Pillar

IT Project Delivery Officer, Department of Technology, Management & Budget (“DTMB”), State of Michigan

Manny Rosales

Chief Technology Officer, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Tarek Sasy

Dark Web Intelligence Analyst, Cyber Section Michigan Cyber Command Center, Intelligence Operations Division, Michigan State Police

Benjamin Scott

Director of Critical Infrastructure and Operational Technology, Fortinet

Dr. Colin Soutar

Managing Director, Deloitte

Art Thompson

Chief Information Officer, City of Detroit

Nathan Willigar

Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft

Bari Wood

Deputy Privacy Officer, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Agenda

Thursday, October 15

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Diamond Foyer + Platinum Ballroom

9:00 am Eastern

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Diamond Ballroom

9:15 am Eastern

Keynote – Strengthening the Shield: Insights from the Trenches of National Security

Diamond Ballroom

10:15 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Platinum Ballroom

10:40 am Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

When Machines Get Credentials: Securing Agents and Non-Human Identities

Legacy 1

The Art of the Cyber Story: Making Incidents Understandable

Legacy 2

Cybercrime Meets Automation: Responding When Attackers Move Faster

Legacy 3

Privacy and Security at the Same Table

Legacy 4

From Alert to Playbook: Practical Artificial Intelligence for Cyber Defenders

Legacy 5

Building a Security Function When Resources Are Limited

Legacy 7

11:25 am Eastern

Lunch

Chief Deputy Director, Department of Technology, Management and Budget, State of Michigan 

General Manager, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan 

State Division Administrator, Office of the Chief Technology Officer, Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan 

Detective Lieutenant, Michigan Cyber Command Center, Michigan State Police 

Dark Web Intelligence Analyst, Cyber Section Michigan Cyber Command Center, Intelligence Operations Division, Michigan State Police 

Chief Information Officer, City of Detroit 