New Jersey Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit 2025 Banner

Overview

The 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

Robert Bruder

Robert Bruder

Deputy Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Operations Officer, New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell

Rob Bruder is the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for the State of New Jersey and the Bureau Chief for the Security Engineering and Cyber Operations bureau of the NJCCIC where he provides recommendations and improvements intended to enhance the State's cybersecurity posture. The NJCCIC is the State's one-stop shop for cybersecurity information sharing, threat analysis, and incident reporting. A component organization within the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), the NJCCIC works to make the State of NJ more resilient to cyber-attacks, to promote statewide awareness of local cyber threats and widespread adoption of best practices.

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Michael Geraghty

Michael Geraghty

Director, New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell and Chief Information Security Officer, State of New Jersey

Michael Geraghty is the State of New Jersey’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Director of the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC). In these roles Director Geraghty is responsible for the development and execution of the State’s cybersecurity strategy. He is responsible for leading and coordinating New Jersey’s cybersecurity efforts while building resiliency throughout the State and has direct responsibility for all aspects of statewide cybersecurity operations; governance, risk and compliance; and incident response.
Mr. Geraghty is an accomplished cybersecurity executive with a history of building innovative and model programs in private and public sector enterprises including roles as CISO of the Hudson’s Bay Company, Chief Information Officer of the National and International Centers for Missing and Exploited Children, Vice President of High Technology Investigations at Prudential Financial, and Network Intrusion Detection Manager, Lucent Technologies/Bell Labs. Mr. Geraghty began his career with the New Jersey State Police, where he served 12 years and led the formation and development of its High Technology Crimes Investigations Unit.
He has provided expert testimony before the United States Congress and in federal, state, and international courts on computer crime investigations and forensics. Geraghty is a past president of the Northeast Chapter of the High Technology Crimes Investigation Association and has held leadership roles in the National Strategic Policy Council on Cyber and Electronic Crime.

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Edward Cooney

Edward Cooney

Conner Strong NJ MEL/JIF

Prior to joining Conner Strong & Buckelew’s Public Entity team in 2016, Edward was dedicated to account management within the Life Science & Technology Practice for six years. In such role, Edward focused on complex Property and Products Liability issues for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other life science organizations, as well as Products and Professional Liability issues for technology organizations.Before working for Conner Strong & Buckelew, Edward interned with the firm and other insurance brokerages. Rounding out his work experience, Edward was the team leader in the Executive-in-Residence Program at St. John’s University as a graduate student. The program placed students in a business consulting role for actual business and non-profit organizations with the purpose of developing strategic objectives and plans for the organizations.

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Kevin Dolan, esq.

Kevin Dolan, esq.

Mullen Coughlin LLC

Kevin E. Dolan is a Partner at Mullen Coughlin and Co-Chair of the Firm’s Advisory Compliance practice group. As Co-Chair, he leads a team of attorneys in counseling organizations of all sizes and across all industry groups in proactive data privacy and information security risk management planning. He is also an experienced data privacy and security incident response attorney.

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Micah Hassinger

IT Director, Passaic County

Micah Hassinger has more than 25 years of experience in IT, spanning roles in sales, support, training, engineering, project management, and leadership. He began his career working with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems in mission-critical public safety environments and advanced through senior technical and engineering roles before moving into IT leadership. Since 2018, Micah has served as Director of IT for the County of Passaic, where he reports directly to the CIO and County Administrator. In this role, he applies his broad expertise with a strong security-first mindset to ensure county technology systems are efficient, resilient, and aligned with organizational goals.

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Robert McQueen

Robert McQueen

IT Director, Hamilton Township

Robert McQueen is the Director of Technology for the Hamilton Township in Mercer County, NJ. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and security, McQueen offers dynamic leadership in shaping the Township's technological landscape.
In his role, McQueen oversees a spectrum of strategic technology initiatives, including governance, policy development, resource allocation, network infrastructure, security protocols, and project planning and implementation. His daily responsibilities entail ensuring the seamless operation of technology support services, contributing to the Township's robust IT infrastructure, and upholding stringent information security standards.
Under McQueen's guidance, Hamilton Township's Information Technology division provides comprehensive support encompassing IT infrastructure delivery, information security systems, compliance management, administrative systems, and client support services.
McQueen extends his expertise beyond the Township, actively engaging with regional and international organizations to represent Hamilton's technology interests. Noteworthy affiliations include his past presidency roles in GMIS International and NJ GMIS, as well as involvement in the NJ League of Municipalities Legislative Committee, NJ Digital Summit Advisory Board, and The-Atlas.
Beyond his professional endeavors, McQueen dedicates his time to community service as a volunteer for the Nottingham Volunteer Ambulance Squad in Hamilton, NJ, where he currently serves as Vice President.
With a rich background spanning 29 years in local government IT roles, McQueen brings invaluable experience to his current position. Previously, he served as the Technology Director for Franklin Township, Somerset County, and Chief Information Officer for the town of Princeton. McQueen holds a Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) certification from the University of North Carolina School of Government in Chapel Hill.

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Christopher Rein

Christopher Rein

Chief Technology Officer, State of New Jersey

Chris Rein is the chief technology officer for the State of New Jersey. In this position, he leads the state’s Office of Information Technology — a 700-person team charged with operating the technology infrastructure for more than 50 state departments, agencies and offices. Rein was the former deputy director of the state’s Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell. In this role, he also served as the deputy state chief information security officer. Rein’s background includes 37 years developing, integrating and managing software, as well as holding leadership roles with large and complex information technology projects. Prior to joining the NJ Office of Homeland Security, Rein was the vice president and chief information officer for CSI Technology, a New Jersey software development company serving law enforcement, regulatory and judiciary markets.

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Agenda

Tuesday, October 7

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

George Washington Ballroom

9:00 am Eastern

Pledge of Allegiance

Patriots Theater

Corine Normandin, Master of Ceremonies, Cybersecurity Analyst, New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, State of New Jersey

9:02 am Eastern

Welcome

Patriots Theater

Laurie Doran, Director, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness

9:05 am Eastern

Opening Remarks and State of the State

Patriots Theater

Michael Geraghty, Director, New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell and Chief Information Security Officer, State of New Jersey

9:30 am Eastern

Navigating the Future of Public Sector Cybersecurity: A Practitioner's Vision

Patriots Theater

In an era defined by rapid digital transformation and escalating cyber threats, the public sector faces unprecedented challenges in securing its critical assets and services. This keynote, delivered by Dr. Ed Amoroso, a distinguished veteran of the cybersecurity field and former CISO of AT&T, will offer a practitioner's perspective on the evolving threat landscape and the strategic imperatives for future defense. Drawing on his extensive experience in enterprise security, research, and advising multiple Presidential administrations, Dr. Amoroso will delve into emerging areas such as the impact of artificial intelligence on both offensive and defensive capabilities, the complexities of securing multi-cloud environments, and the critical need for advanced vulnerability management. He will share insights into anticipating future attack patterns, including the rise of "narrative attacks," and articulate a proactive vision for public sector cybersecurity that emphasizes innovation, strategic collaboration, and a continuous adaptation to the dynamic digital frontier. Attendees will gain actionable foresight into building resilient and forward-looking cybersecurity programs.

Dr. Edward Amoroso, CEO TAG Cyber and former Chief Information Security Officer, AT&T

10:00 am Eastern

Cybersecurity Has an IT Problem

Patriots Theater

Strong cybersecurity begins with strong information technology. This session will explore the foundational relationship between cybersecurity and IT architecture, emphasizing that effective security cannot exist in isolation from well-managed, modern, and resilient IT systems. From asset inventory and network visibility to patch management and access controls, cybersecurity outcomes are only as strong as the IT environments in which they operate. Public sector organizations often struggle with legacy infrastructure, fragmented systems, and under-resourced IT teams—all of which create systemic vulnerabilities. This session will offer practical strategies for aligning cybersecurity goals with IT modernization efforts, highlight real-world examples from government environments, and make the case that investing in sound IT practices is not just a technical necessity, but a security imperative.

Moderator: Robert Bruder, Deputy State Chief Information Security Officer, New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell

Micah Hassinger, IT Director, Passaic County

Robert McQueen, IT Director, Hamilton Township

John Seith, Director of Cloud Operations, Office of Information Technology, State of New Jersey

10:45 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

George Washington Ballroom

11:00 am Eastern

Zero Trust Starts with Who

Patriots Theater

Zero Trust has become a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity strategies, emphasizing never trust, always verify. While much of the conversation focuses on technology and network architecture, successful Zero Trust implementation truly begins with people - understanding who is requesting access to systems, data, and services.

This session explores the critical role of identity in building a defensible Zero Trust architecture. We’ll examine how compromised credentials fuel today’s most damaging cyber incidents and why robust identity governance, adaptive authentication, and continuous monitoring of user behavior are essential to preventing breaches. Attendees will gain insights into:

  • Defining and enforcing identity as the new perimeter
  • Implementing strong identity proofing and lifecycle management
  • Leveraging behavioral analytics to verify “who” in real time
  • Accounting for non-human identities in an era of AI Agents and APIs
  • Aligning organizational culture and workforce training with Zero Trust principles
  • By focusing first on who is accessing resources, SLT organizations can establish the foundation for effective Zero Trust security, mitigating insider and external threats while enabling secure digital transformation.

    Moderator: Christopher Rein, Chief Technology Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of New Jersey

    Jessica Buremi, Cybersecurity Analyst, New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell

    Austin McGuire, Chief Information Officer, New Jersey Youth Justice Commission, State of New Jersey

    Lee Micai, Senior Systems Analyst, Mercer County Board of Social Services

    11:45 am Eastern

    Defending Critical Infrastructure: Cybersecurity Threats and Best Practices for OT Security

    Patriots Theater

    This presentation will focus on the evolving cybersecurity threats targeting operational technology (OT) environments within critical infrastructure sectors. Drawing on real-world attack scenarios and lessons learned from high-profile incidents impacting energy, water, transportation, and other essential services, the session will highlight emerging adversary tactics and common vulnerabilities in OT systems. Attendees will gain actionable best practices to strengthen defenses, enhance visibility and monitoring, and build resilience against disruptive cyberattacks. Designed for public sector cybersecurity professionals in New Jersey, this session provides practical insights to better protect critical infrastructure and ensure the continuity of essential public services.

    Taylor Grin, Senior OT Cybersecurity Analyst, Dragos, Inc.

    12:30 pm Eastern

    Lunch

    Box lunches in George Washington Ballroom. Additional seating available in Delaware River Room.

    1:30 pm Eastern

    Threat Rich/Resource Poor

    Patriots Theater

    In a time of rising demands and fixed budgets, public sector leaders are being challenged to do more—with less. How can SLT organizations prioritize cybersecurity effectively, drive efficiency, and still deliver meaningful results? This session explores how to identify and make the most of available resources by streamlining operations, optimizing existing tools, and fostering cross-functional collaboration and sharing services. Expect real-world insights around high-impact priorities and selecting the right people, tools, technologies, and services to move forward.

    Moderator: Krista Valenzuela, Deputy State Chief Information Security Officer, New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, State of New Jersey

    Stacey Carswell, Government Engagement Director, GovRAMP

    CSA Stan Field, CISA

    2:15 pm Eastern

    The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Cybersecurity: A Public Sector Perspective

    Patriots Theater

    The landscape of cyber threats is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with artificial intelligence emerging as the most powerful new tool for both defenders and adversaries. This presentation will provide an essential, clear-eyed overview for New Jersey's public sector professionals by peeling back the hype to reveal the practical realities of AI on both sides of the digital battlefield. We will explore how cyber defenders are harnessing AI for proactive threat hunting, automated incident response, and enhanced data analysis, while also exposing how sophisticated threat actors are using the very same technology to craft more convincing social engineering attacks, automate reconnaissance, and create polymorphic malware that evades traditional defenses. By understanding the full scope of AI's dual role, you can better prepare your organization's defenses, justify strategic technology investments, and stay one step ahead of the adversary.

    Enrique Alvarez, Public Sector Advisor, Office of the CISO, Google

    3:00 pm Eastern

    NJ Cyber Strong: Effective Incident Response and Recovery

    Patriots Theater

    This panel will equip NJ SLT organizations with actionable strategies for navigating the complexities of cybersecurity incidents. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage external support, mitigate financial risks, and manage the legal ramifications of a cyberattack. The discussion will provide insights into building a robust incident response strategy, effectively utilizing available resources, and ensuring resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats. By highlighting best practices and real-world considerations, the panel aims to empower New Jersey public sector entities to strengthen their defenses and recover efficiently from security breaches.

    Moderator: Michael Geraghty, Director, New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell and Chief Information Security Officer, State of New Jersey

    Edward Cooney, Conner Strong NJ MEL/JIF

    Kevin Dolan, esq., Mullen Coughlin LLC

    CSC Chris Kay, CISA

    SSA Michelle Liu, FBI

    3:55 pm Eastern

    End of Conference

    Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change

    The War Memorial

    1 Memorial Drive
    Trenton, NJ 08608
    (609) 984-8484

    Get Directions To
    The War Memorial

    Registration Information / Contact Us

    Event Date: October 7, 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:

    Lee Vang
    Government Technology
    A division of e.Republic
    Phone: (916) 932-1407
    E-mail: lvang@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

    The War Memorial

    1 Memorial Drive
    Trenton, NJ 08608
    (609) 984-8484

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    Room Block

    There is no room block set up for this event.

    Map and Directions

    https://www.nj.gov/state/memorial/wm-directions.shtml

    Event Parking

    Self-parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The following are parking garages/lots located near the War Memorial.
    For rates, additional information and updates, visit the Trenton Parking Authority link.
    Lafayette Garage: 1 West Lafayette Street
    Liberty Commons Garage: 16 East Front Street
    Warren Street Garage: 110 North Warren Street
    Merchant Street Lot: 24 Merchant Street

    Parking fees and information subject to change without notice.