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Join Policy and Industry Leaders Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity

April 25, 2023

Emerging technologies have become a dominant force in our society — driving economics, policy and culture, and accounting for more than US$40 trillion in global nominal GDP.

This coming spring, those driving forces will be the focus of global leaders from both the private and public sectors as they come together at The George Washington University for the first annual GW Business & Policy Forum.

The theme for this inaugural forum will be Attacking Cybersecurity Risks. Participants will gain invaluable insights and opportunities for interaction as we address the most significant issues related to this ever-evolving landscape and the profound implications they have for global business, markets and regulation.

The GW Business & Policy Forum is launched with support from the George Washington University School of Business Advisory Council. 

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Speakers

Michael Atkinson

Partner, Crowell & Moring
 

Read Mr. Atkinson's Bio

Michael K. Atkinson is a partner at Crowell & Moring, LLP in Washington, D.C., where he co-leads the firm’s National Security Practice Group. Previously, Michael was the presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed inspector general of the U.S. Intelligence Community. Michael also served in senior roles at the U.S. Department of Justice spanning two decades. He is currently a professorial lecturer in law at the George Washington University Law School on Artificial Intelligence Law & Policy.

Nicolás Ávila

Chief Technology Officer, Globant North America

Read Mr. Ávila's Bio

As the chief technology officer for Globant North America, Nicolás Ávila leverages Globant's technical expertise to find the most innovative solutions for the world’s leading companies. Nicolás is a software engineer by training, and his experience with Globant has led him to live and work in seven cities on transformational projects for some of the company’s top clients, from entertainment and ed-tech to life sciences and financial services.

Tom Burt

Corporate Vice President, Microsoft
 

Read Mr. Burt's Bio

Tom Burt leads a cross-disciplinary team that works to improve customer trust in the safety and security of the digital ecosystem by advocating for global cybersecurity policy, partnering with public agencies and private enterprises to disrupt nation-state cyberattacks and support deterrence efforts, and combatting cybercrime.

Valerie M. Cofield

Chief Strategy Officer, The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Read Ms. Cofield's Bio

Valerie M. Cofield serves as the chief strategy officer of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Ms. Cofield serves as the principal policy and strategic adviser to CISA leadership and senior management, integrating strategy across all the organization’s mission areas and ensuring policy, strategy, and operational consistency throughout the agency.

Chris Cummiskey

CEO, Cummiskey Strategic Solutions, LLC
 

Read Mr. Cummiskey's Bio

Chris Cummiskey is the chief executive officer of Cummiskey Strategic Solutions, a firm that specializes in cyber, homeland security, government technology and acquisition consulting. Mr. Cummiskey serves as a strategic advisor to federal agencies, private sector companies and boards of directors. Mr. Cummiskey has 24 years of government experience in senior leadership positions at both the federal and state levels, including as an Under Secretary at DHS, a state senator, and a state CIO.

Robert Cunningham

Vice Chancellor of Research Infrastructure, University of Pittsburgh

Read Dr. Cunningham's Bio

Robert Cunningham serves as vice chancellor for research infrastructure at the University of Pittsburgh. He is responsible for the strategic leadership of the research infrastructure and also serves as deputy director of special initiatives, including as executive director of the Pittsburgh Quantum Institute. His research has explored machine learning, image processing and understanding, computer intrusion detection, systems security and privacy, and software engineering. Cunningham has patented security-related technology, presented and published widely, and chaired the IEEE Cybersecurity Initiative.

Dominic Delmolino

Vice President of Field Technology and Engineering, Amazon Web Services

Read Mr. Delmolino's Bio

Dominic Delmolino is the vice president of Field Technology and Engineering for Amazon Web Services (AWS) Worldwide Public Sector. He is responsible for the oversight, strategy and definition of AWS field technical offerings and activities supporting public sector customers while advocating on their behalf for AWS feature development. In his career, Delmolino has assisted government and commercial clients in the application of leading edge data management, analysis, and software engineering solutions. In addition to a B.S. in Computer Science from Cornell University, Delmolino has a Master in Information and Data Science from the University of California, Berkeley. He currently oversees AWS public sector efforts in the cloud and emerging technology space, including the deployment and configuration of responsible artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and large-scale cloud-based DevOps architectures.

Yosha DeLong

Global Head of Cyber, Mosaic Insurance
 

Read Ms. DeLong's Bio

Yosha R. DeLong is the global head of cyber at Mosaic Insurance, where she is responsible for the coordination, development and oversight of the cyber line of business on a global basis.

She has more than 26 years of experience in the insurance industry, having worked as both an underwriter and broker in the U.S. and London, England marketplaces.

Candice Frost

Commander of the Joint Intelligence Operations Center, US Cyber Command

Read Col. Frost's Bio

Colonel Candice E. Frost is a U.S. Army officer serving as a commander in the United States Cyber Command. She has served in leadership positions across the military and intelligence community. A graduate of the United States Military Academy and veteran who led in Afghanistan, she teaches cyber and military strategy as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University.

Mark Gerencser

Chairman of the Board, Business Executives for National Security

Read Mr. Gerencser's Bio

Mark J. Gerencser is chairman of the board of Business Executives for National Security (BENS). Previously, he spent more than 30 years with Booz Allen Hamilton. Consulting Magazine named him among the Top 25 Most Influential Consultants in the World and ExecutiveBiz named him among the Top 10 Game Changers in Washington, D.C. Gerencser earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University and an MS in Technology Management from UMUC.

Dan Helfrich

Chairman and CEO, Deloitte Consulting, LLP

Read Mr. Helfrich's Bio

Dan Helfrich leads a growing team of 80,000+ professionals who help clients innovatively face today's most complex issues. A pioneer in purpose-driven leadership, Dan harnesses the collective, diversified power of his team to create lasting value for clients and society. He is an advocate for inclusive culture and continuous innovation and empowers his teams to challenge orthodoxies, collaborate across borders, and take a modern and nimble approach to problem-solving.

Margaret Martonosi

Assistant Director, CISE, The U.S. National Science Foundation

Read Dr. Martonosi's Bio

Margaret Martonosi is the U.S. National Science Foundation’s (NSF) assistant director for computer and information science and engineering (CISE). With an annual budget of more than $1B, the CISE directorate at NSF has the mission to uphold the nation’s leadership in scientific discovery and engineering innovation through its support of fundamental research and education in computer and information science and engineering as well as transformative advances in research cyberinfrastructure.

Joseph Nemec

Managing Director, Morgan Stanley
 

Read Dr. Nemec's Bio

Dr. Joseph Nemec is a managing director and the current head of Cyber, Technology and Information Security Risk Management for Morgan Stanley's U.S. banks. Past roles at Morgan Stanley include EMEA head of Cyber, Technology and Information Security Risk Management and executive director of Technology and Information Risk.

David Sanger

White House & National Security Correspondent, The New York Times

Read Mr. Sanger's Bio

David E. Sanger is a White House and national security correspondent, and a senior writer. In a four-decade-long reporting career for The New York Times, he has been on three teams that have won Pulitzer Prizes, most recently in 2017 for international reporting. His newest book, “The Perfect Weapon: War, Sabotage and Fear in the Cyber Age,’’ and an HBO documentary by the same title, examine the emergence of cyberconflict and its role in changing the nature of global power.

Phyllis Schneck

Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, Northrop Grumman

Read Dr. Schneck's Bio

Dr. Phyllis Schneck is vice president and chief information security officer for Northrop Grumman, where she oversees the company’s global cybersecurity strategy and policies and is responsible for the digital security of the company’s products, services and infrastructures. Schneck has 20 years of government and private-sector experience in senior cybersecurity positions, including deputy undersecretary for cybersecurity and communications for the Department of Homeland Security, and she holds several information-security and technology patents.

Amanda Suárez

Sr. Strategy and Research Advisor, White House Office of the National Cyber Dir.

Read Ms. Suárez's Bio

Amanda Suárez is a senior strategy and research advisor at the White House Office of the National Cyber Director. Previously, she served as a Russia-Ukraine country director and cyber policy advisor at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Amanda also worked as a cybersecurity researcher at CrowdStrike and as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mozambique. She holds a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, and a B.A. in Political Science and Hispanic Studies from Columbia University.

Hans Vestberg

Chairman and CEO, Verizon
 

Read Mr. Vestberg's Bio

Hans Vestberg is chairman and chief executive officer of Verizon, the world’s largest wireless, fiber-optic and global information networks and services company. In 2017, Hans served as Verizon’s chief technology officer and president of Global Networks, responsible for developing the architecture for Verizon’s fiber-centric networks. He was appointed CEO in August 2018 and Chairman of Verizon’s Board of Directors in March 2019.

Sudha Vyas

Chief Cybersecurity Architect, DOD CIO for Cybersecurity

Read Ms. Vyas's Bio

Ms. Sudha Vyas assumed the position of chief cybersecurity architect for the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer for Cybersecurity in December 2020. She is responsible for the department’s Cybersecurity Reference Architecture and strengthening the collaboration and partnership across government and industry.

Kent Walker

President, Global Affairs, Google/Alphabet
 

Read Mr. Walker's Bio

Kent Walker is the president of global affairs at Google and Alphabet, where he oversees the teams responsible for legal matters, government affairs, content policy and philanthropy.

Jason Witty

Chief Security Officer, USAA
 

Read Mr. Witty's Bio

Jason Witty serves as the chief security officer (CSO) accountable for information security, physical security, privacy, operational resiliency, crisis management and corporate investigations across USAA, which provides insurance, investing and banking solutions to members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served, and their families. Jason is an award-winning CIO/CISO and a certified Information Systems Security Management Professional (ISSMP) with more than 28 years of experience in technology and information risk management.

Julian Zottl

Chief Technology Officer for Cyber Protection Solutions, Raytheon

Read Mr. Zottl's Bio

Julian Zottl is the chief technology officer for cyber protection solutions within Raytheon Intelligence & Space, a Raytheon Technologies business. He is also a Cyber and Information Operations (IO) Subject Matter Expert (SME) and is considered a world expert in large-scale Computer Network Defense (CND).

Registration

Register to participate in the GW Business & Policy Forum on April 25 in Washington, D.C. Attendees will learn from leaders across plenary sessions, panel discussions and networking. Share your intended participation by selecting all the sessions that align with your interests. Early Bird registration extends through March 13. Student and regular registration will be open March 14 through April 25 (or until registration reaches event venue capacity). Journalists, for participation please email Cate Douglass at GW Media Relations.

Participant, Guest & Alumni Registration  Faculty & Staff Registration  Student Registration

Plan Your Visit

The 2023 Business & Policy Forum will take place on GW's Foggy Bottom campus in the Jack Morton Auditorium at 805 21^st Street NW.

Our Foggy Bottom campus is conveniently located in the heart of Washington, D.C., close to three major airports — Ronald Reagan Washington National, Washington Dulles International, and Baltimore Washington International — as well as Union Station, from which you can take the bus or train. The Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro stop is located right on campus, with service to the the Orange, Blue and Silver Metro lines. Taxis and rideshare programs are available throughout the city, and attendees can also take advantage of more than 4,000 bikes and 500+ bike stations around the District to ride a bicycle to the forum; visit Capital Bikeshare for maps and details on how to access a bike.

Take a Virtual Tour of GW's Foggy Bottom Campus

Directions & Accomodations

From Ronald Reagan National Airport

Located in downtown Washington, D.C., the George Washington University School of Business is easily accessible by taxi, rideshare, bus or subway (Metrorail) from the region's airports.

From Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), take the Blue Line of the Metrorail from the Ronald Reagan National Airport Station to the Foggy Bottom-GWU Station.

From Dulles International Airport (IAD), take the Silver Line Express bus to the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station, and then take the Silver Line to the Foggy Bottom-GWU Station. You may also take the Washington Flyer private bus service directly to many downtown hotels.

From Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), take the Super Shuttle or Amtrak train directly to Union Station in downtown Washington, D.C., then take the Metrorail Red Line from Union Station to the Metro Center Station and transfer to the Blue, Silver or Orange Lines to go to the Foggy Bottom-GWU Station.

By MetroRail (Subway)

The Foggy Bottom-GWU Metrorail Station is located on campus. It offers access to Metrorail’s Blue, Orange and Silver lines. For more information on Metrorail, visit the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

The GW School of Business is located in Duquès Hall, just two blocks from the Foggy Bottom-GWU Station. Upon exiting the station, you will find yourself on 23rd Street NW. Walk directly across 23rd Street NW onto I Street NW. Take a right onto 22nd Street NW and walk South approximately two-and-a-half blocks. The main entrance to Duquès Hall will be on your right on 22nd Street NW halfway between H Street and G Street NW.

By Car

From North:

• Take Interstate 95 South to Interstate 495 North toward Silver Spring/Northern Virginia
• Take Exit 33, heading south on Connecticut Avenue for about nine miles
• Turn right onto Florida Avenue (just past the Washington Hilton) and then turn left immediately onto 21st Street NW
• The visitor entrance to the G Street Garage is on the left between G and F Streets NW

From Northwest:

• Take Interstate 270 to Interstate 495 North toward Silver Spring/Northern Virginia
• Follow directions as shown above in “From North”

From West:

• Take Interstate 66 or Route 50 to the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge
• Cross the bridge and exit left at E Street NW, then again at Virginia Avenue NW
• Stay to the left, following signs for 23rd Street NW
• Turn left onto 23rd Street NW and continue a few blocks to campus
• Turn right onto H Street
• The visitor entrance to the University Parking Garage is on the left on H Street between 23rd and 22nd Streets

From South:

• Interstate 95 to Interstate 395, Arlington Memorial Bridge Exit
• Cross the bridge and stay to the left at the Lincoln Memorial
• Turn left onto 23rd Street NW
• Turn right on H Street
• The visitor entrance to the University Parking Garage is on the left on H Street between 23rd and 22nd Streets

Where to Park

University Parking Garage

Access on H Street NW between 22nd and 23rd Streets NW. Located under the Science and Engineering Hall.

Hours: Open 24 hours a day

This is a self-service garage for visitors. This garage only accepts MasterCard, American Express, and Visa for payment. Rates:

• 1 hour: $10
• Up to 2 hours $16
• Daily Maximum: $22
• Weekend Daily Maximum: $12
• Evening Maximum Rate (after 5 p.m. until midnight): $10

G Street Garage

Access from both 20th Street NW and 21st Street NW between F and G Streets NW.

Hours: Open 24 hours a day

This is a self-service garage for visitors. This garage only accepts MasterCard, American Express, and Visa for payment. Rates: see University Parking Garage rates.

University Student Center Garage

Access on H Street NW between 21st and 22nd Streets NW.

Hours: Open Monday–Friday from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. Closed on weekends and holidays.

This is a self-service garage for visitors. This garage only accepts MasterCard, American Express, and Visa for payment. Rates: see University Parking Garage rates.

Elliott School Garage

Access on 19th Street NW near E Street NW.

Hours: Open Monday–Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Closed on holidays and weekends.

This is a self-service garage for visitors. This garage only accepts MasterCard, American Express, and Visa for payment. Rates:

• Up to 1 hour: $10
• Up to 2 hours: $17
• Daily Maximum: $26
• Evening Maximum Rate (5 p.m.-11 p.m.): $14

Ambulatory Care Center Garage

Patients and visitors of the George Washington University Hospital and of the Ambulatory Care Center are welcome to park at the Ambulatory Care Center Garage. In the event that this garage is full, patients may park at the other university visitor parking locations.

For more information, visit GW’s transportation website.

Discounted Hotels and Lodging

There are many options for accomodations across the D.C. area.