Name: Michigan High School Cyber Summit 2025
Start: 2025-10-22T08:00
Location: Suburban Collection Showplace

Overview

Cyber-attacks have increased dramatically in recent years. The 3^rd Annual Michigan High School Cyber Summit provides an opportunity for young people to learn about the latest efforts to defend against cyber criminals in both the public and private sectors. This event also creates an opportunity to showcase the variety of career opportunities available in cybersecurity and outline the path to secure those jobs.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

MI Cyber High School Day 2025: Quote
The Michigan High School Cyber Summit gives students from across the state the opportunity to explore careers in cybersecurity and IT, while outlining a path to land those jobs. Today’s students are tomorrow’s IT leaders, and this event helps us create a talent pipeline that will help ensure a safe, secure digital environment now and in the future.

- Laura Clark, Chief Information Officer, State of Michigan

The Michigan High School Cyber Summit attracts hundreds of high school students from across the state to take part in an engaging half-day agenda highlighting cybersecurity trends, best practices, and career opportunities. This summit gives students the chance to interact directly with cybersecurity experts and top industry professionals while collaborating and networking with their peers.

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

Speakers

Laura Clark

Chief Information Officer, Department of Technology, Management & Budget ("DTMB"), State of Michigan

Laura Clark serves as the chief information officer (CIO) for the State of Michigan, directing the state’s technology and security efforts. As deputy director for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), she also oversees operations for the department, which provides information technology, business, and administrative services to state employees and stakeholders, as well as Michigan residents, visitors, and businesses.
During her 20-year career in public service, Clark has embraced a hands-on, adaptable approach to leadership. Since being appointed as CIO by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, she has helped the State of Michigan achieve success through many initiatives, such as the launch of the award-winning Michigan Secure mobile app and successfully securing $20 million in critical cybersecurity funding from the Michigan Legislature for statewide security enhancements.
In her day-to-day work, Clark values the contributions of every person on DTMB’s 5,000 member team and has the unique ability to connect her sense of purpose and service with the overall work and mission of directing the State of Michigan’s technology and security efforts. She leads by example, seeking out opportunities that will allow those around her to succeed. Throughout these efforts, Clark’s compassion, patience, experience, and skills as are helping DTMB and the entire state forge a successful path into the digital future.

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Rex Menold

Chief Technology Officer, DTMB, State of Michigan

Rex Menold is an innovative and client-focused IT professional serving as the State of Michigan Chief Technology Officer. In this role, Rex leads a team of approximately 600 IT staff who strategize, develop, and deliver technology supporting 19 State of Michigan agencies; 47,000 State of Michigan employees; and digital services serving 10 million Michigan residents.
During his 25 years at the State of Michigan, Rex has led a variety of high-impact IT initiatives and has held a range of IT-focused roles, including oversight of cybersecurity, enterprise services, and application support. His leadership ensures the state’s technology is delivered with attention to security, privacy, and the business needs of all state agencies.
Through hosting DTMB High School Cyber Summits, coaching robotics, and other outreach opportunities, Rex encourages young people to pursue a career in both IT and government service. He is a tech enthusiast who genuinely appreciates the significance of public service.
Rex is married with three adult children, and he enjoys any activities that bring them together, including snowboarding, boardgames, and anything “nerdy.”
Rex holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Management Information Systems and Management from Northwood University, and he is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Michigan.

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Agenda

Wednesday, October 22
9:00 am Eastern	Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area Diamond Ballroom
9:30 am Eastern	Welcome and Opening Remarks Diamond Ballroom Rex Menold, Chief Technology Officer, Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget
9:40 am Eastern	Keynote – High School, Cybersecurity, and You! How to Stay a Step Ahead of Cybercriminals in Our Digital Age Diamond Ballroom Today’s high school students live in a digital-centric world that previous generations never grew up with. Cybercriminals are using this new world as a means to steal, manipulate, or even threaten others. Join thought leader Bryce Austin on a journey around today’s digital landscape, how to keep yourself and your family safe from cybercriminals, and how to use cybersecurity skills to your own competitive advantage. Bryce Austin, CEO, TCE Strategy
10:20 am Eastern	What’s Next Diamond Ballroom Rex Menold, Chief Technology Officer, Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget
10:30 am Eastern	Crack the Code: Build Your Own Enigma Machine Diamond Ballroom Step back in time to World War II, when secret codes and clever machines determined the course of history. In this interactive session, students will explore the fascinating story of the Enigma machine—how it worked, how it was broken, and why it changed the world of cryptography forever. After a short history lesson, participants will roll up their sleeves and build their own simple version of an Enigma machine, experiencing firsthand the thrill of creating and cracking codes. By the end, students will not only understand one of the greatest cybersecurity challenges of the past but also see how it connects to the digital security world of today. Joshua Niemi, Technical Staff, Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute, Northern Michigan University Michael Sauer, Director, Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute, Northern Michigan University
11:30 am Eastern	From Student to Cyber Pro: What I Wish I Knew in High School Diamond Ballroom Cybersecurity isn’t just a career for the future - it’s a path you can start on right now. In this session, pros share the lessons they wish they knew back in high school - from the many paths into the field to the power of curiosity and persistence. Age doesn’t matter, and with AI and other tools at your fingertips, you already have the ability to learn, contribute, and make a real impact. Get ready to see how your journey could begin today and shape the future of cybersecurity tomorrow! Vikas Lohia, Cybersecurity Professional
12:00 pm Eastern	Buffet Lunch + Networking Break Diamond Ballroom
1:00 pm Eastern	Cybersecurity PSA Challenge: Design, Create, Protect Diamond Ballroom Think you can outsmart the hackers? Here’s your chance to prove it. In this fast-paced, hands-on challenge, students will uncover the tricks cybercriminals use to fool people - and then flip the script by creating eye-catching PSA posters to warn others. Armed with a few insider tips, you’ll put your creativity to work designing bold messages that grab attention and make cybersecurity unforgettable. The session wraps with a showcase of the top posters, where standout PSAs get their moment in the spotlight. Joshua Niemi, Technical Staff, Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute, Northern Michigan University Michael Sauer, Director, Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute, Northern Michigan University Gina Yacone, Regional & Advisory CISO – Mountain States Region, Trace3
2:00 pm Eastern	Tech on Four Legs: Michigan’s Real and Robotic K9 Teams Diamond Ballroom From high-tech training grounds to cutting-edge field operations, Michigan is redefining teamwork between humans and machines. In this session, we’ll explore the world of the Michigan State Police Cyber Dogs, how these highly trained canines are prepared to support digital forensics and public safety missions, and what it takes to get into this specialized role. You’ll also meet Spot, the robotic dog used by Consumers Energy, and learn about the technology, sensors, and software that power its capabilities in the field. Together, these stories highlight a vital lesson: technology and people aren’t here to replace each other, they’re here to enhance each other’s strengths. Allison Cooper, Product Architect for Electric Product Family, Consumer Energy Tpr. Adam Whited, Canine Unit, Michigan State Police
2:30 pm Eastern	Closing Remarks Rex Menold,  Chief Technology Officer, Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget
2:45 pm Eastern	End of Conference Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Suburban Collection Showplace

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

Get Directions To
Suburban Collection Showplace

Planning Committee

Representatives

Dantae Barden
MiSOC
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

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

Roger Blake
Chief Executive Officer
Merit

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

Jayson Cavendish
Director of Performance Management
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Laura Clark
Chief Information Officer
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

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

Michelle McClish
Cybersecurity Local Partnerships
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Sydney Mezy
MiSOC
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Brian Pillar
IT Protect Deliery Officer
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Michael Sauer
Director
Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute at Northern Michigan University

Megan Schrauben
MiSTEM Executive Director
State of Michigan

Tamara Shoemaker
President
Midwest MCISSE Chapter, Cyber Patriot Program

Sarah Tennant
Senior Sector Development Director & Cyber Advisory
Michigan Economic Develompent Corporation
MI Economic Development Corporation

Cheryl Wilson
Computer Science Consultant
Michigan Department of Education
State of Michigan

Laura Wotruba
Communications Director
Department of Technology, Management & Budget
State of Michigan

Larry Wyn
Michigan Statewide Program Manager for Code.org, MiSTEM CS Program Manager
Grand Valley State University

Industry Representatives

Tammie Buehler
Client Director
Trace3

Kerry DeBano
Client Relationship Executive
Deloitte

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: October 22, 2025

Educators: Interested in bringing students from the upcoming 2025/2026 school year? Fill out this interest form to receive more information and be notified when registration opens: https://events.esd.org/mi-hs-cyber-interest/

For general questions on the 2025 event, contact:

Jennifer Caldwell
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1345
E-mail: jcaldwell@govtech.com

Michigan High School Cyber Summit 2025

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Laura Clark

Chief Information Officer, Department of Technology, Management & Budget ("DTMB"), State of Michigan

Rex Menold

Chief Technology Officer, DTMB, State of Michigan

Agenda

Wednesday, October 22

9:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Diamond Ballroom

9:30 am Eastern

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Diamond Ballroom

9:40 am Eastern

Keynote – High School, Cybersecurity, and You! How to Stay a Step Ahead of Cybercriminals in Our Digital Age

Diamond Ballroom

10:20 am Eastern

What’s Next

Diamond Ballroom

10:30 am Eastern

Crack the Code: Build Your Own Enigma Machine

Diamond Ballroom

11:30 am Eastern

From Student to Cyber Pro: What I Wish I Knew in High School

Diamond Ballroom

12:00 pm Eastern

Buffet Lunch + Networking Break

Diamond Ballroom

1:00 pm Eastern

Cybersecurity PSA Challenge: Design, Create, Protect

Diamond Ballroom

2:00 pm Eastern

Tech on Four Legs: Michigan’s Real and Robotic K9 Teams

Diamond Ballroom

2:30 pm Eastern

Closing Remarks

2:45 pm Eastern

End of Conference

Suburban Collection Showplace

Planning Committee

Representatives

Industry Representatives

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: October 22, 2025Educators: Interested in bringing students from the upcoming 2025/2026 school year? Fill out this interest form to receive more information and be notified when registration opens: https://events.esd.org/mi-hs-cyber-interest/

Venue

Suburban Collection Showplace

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Room Block

Map and Directions

Event Parking

Event Date: October 22, 2025

Educators: Interested in bringing students from the upcoming 2025/2026 school year? Fill out this interest form to receive more information and be notified when registration opens: https://events.esd.org/mi-hs-cyber-interest/