The ability of an organization to prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber threats. A cyber-resilient organization can adapt to known and unknown crises, threats, adversities, and challenges.
In today's dynamic digital landscape, fostering a cyber-resilient culture is paramount. It involves not only fortifying defenses against current threats but also anticipating and preparing for tomorrow's uncertainties. To achieve this, organizations must prioritize both technical measures and cultivate a workforce that is informed, vigilant, and adept at responding effectively. This holistic approach extends beyond individual organizations, requiring collaborative efforts, information sharing, and awareness of emerging threat landscapes to create a network of resilience in the face of evolving cyber challenges.
The Future of IT & Cybersecurity
CIO & CISO Think Tank
September 19, 2025 - Chicago, IL
Visionaries


Richard Rushing
CISO
Motorola Mobility Inc
Think Tank Speaker
Mr. Richard Rushing is the Chief Information Security Officer for Motorola Mobility LLC.; Richard participates in several corporate, community, private, and government Security Council’s and working groups setting standards, policies, and solutions to current and emerging security issues. As Chief Information Security Officer for Motorola Mobility, he has led the security effort by developing an international team to tackle the emerging threats of mobile devices, targeted attacks, and cyber-crime. He organized developed and deployed practices, tools and techniques to protect the intellectual property across the worldwide enterprise. A much-in-demand international speaker on information security Richard has presented at many leading security conferences and seminars around the world.


Mike Blake
CTO
American Hotel & Lodging Association


Saqib E. Awan
Founder & Managing Director
GTM Capital

Devin Rudnicki
CISO
Fitch Ratings
Think Tank Speaker
Devin Rudnicki is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Fitch Group, and oversees information security for all of Fitch Group's business units. Prior to assuming this position, Devin was the Head of Application Security at Fitch Group. She joined Fitch in 2021 to build the Application Security program and team. Prior to joining Fitch, Devin was at Options Clearing Corporation, where she had multiple roles in Application Security and Security Governance.


Katie Hanahan
Former Deputy CISO
Ingredion


Cole Sinkford
Global CISO
GlobalFoundries
Think Tank Speaker
Cole Sinkford the Global CISO at Globalfoundries Inc. Prior to this he was GE Renewable Energy’s Global Chief Information and Product Cyber Security Officer, responsible for cybersecurity across the organization. In this role, he is responsible for all aspects of cybersecurity strategy and operations for Renewable Energy products and enterprise. Prior to his current role, Cole served as the Deputy Chief Information Security officer of Renewable Energy, establishing Renewables’ standalone Cybersecurity capabilities. Prior to that, Cole spent 3 years as part of GE’s Corporate Audit Staff, leading numerous projects and audits across the Digital Technology and business environments. Cole began his career as an Aviation DTLP located in Cincinnati, OH and now resides in Chicago, IL. Cole holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.

Ebenezer Arumai
Chief Information Security Director
Oldcastle Building Envelope


Brent Deterding
CISO
Afni, Inc.


Abhay Shah
Head of Technology, Infosec Risk & Compliance
DoorDash
Think Tank Speaker
Dynamic and results-driven IT and Cybersecurity professional with a proven track record in risk management, compliance assurance, third-party security, and governance. Adept at building high-performing teams and implementing innovative technology compliance programs. Experienced in leading audits for global organizations, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations such as PCI DSS, SOC1, SOC2, ISO 27001, ITSOX, and GDPR. Skilled in developing information security policies, risk management, third-party security, and driving positive change. Holds certifications including CISA, CDPSE, and PCI Internal Self Assessor. Currently serving as Head of Technology & Cybersecurity Risk and Compliance Assurance at DoorDash, driving impactful decision-making and building scalable programs.


Kenneth Townsend
Global CISO
Ingredion
Think Tank Speaker
Founded in 1906, Ingredion together with its subsidiaries, refines corn and produces sweeteners and starches. The company also provides animal feed products; edible corn oil; refined corn oil to packers of cooking oil and to producers of margarine, salad dressings, shortening, mayonnaise, and other foods; and corn gluten feed used as protein feed for chickens, pet food, and aquaculture. The company is headquartered in Westchester, Illinois.


Lee Painter
Global Head of IS Governance
Zurich Insurance Group
Think Tank Speaker
Lee has 20 years of experience in Cyber and Information Security. In his current role, he serves as the Global Head of Information Security Governance at Zurich Insurance group, a leading multi-line insurer that serves its customers in global and local markets. With about 55,000 employees, it provides a wide range of property and casualty, life insurance products and services in more than 215 countries and territories. Prior to Zurich Lee worked in various IT, Security, Governance, and Leadership roles including penetration testing, security consultant, network/domain administrator, and Director of Threat Analysis and Network Forensics for the US Navy’s enterprise environment. Lee has a significant amount of experience in Governance Risk and Compliance and works to maintain a current level of understanding on emerging threats as well as strategies to prepare, defend, and respond from an organizational standpoint.


Jason Kaley
VP & Chief Enterprise Architect
Medline
Think Tank Speaker
As the Vice President and Chief Enterprise Architect with twenty plus years of service at Medline Industries he has contributed to process improvement and developed integration strategies that have supported Medline’s growth to become the largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies providing products, education, clinical programs and services across the continuum of care with offices in 20 countries


Wei Manfredi
VP of Global Architecture, Data & Generative AI
McDonalds


Adriana Guzman
CIO
Loretto Hospital


Russ Felker
CTO
Trinity Logistics


Hannah Johnson
SVP, Strategy & Market Development
CompTIA

Grant Ecker
Founder and Chairman
Chief Architect Network
Think Tank Speaker
Grant Ecker is the Founder and Chairman of the Chief Architect Network, and most recently the Vice President Chief Enterprise Architect at Danaher where he partnered closely with the architects across the company to lead strategy development, establish technology standards and to identify opportunities for modernization and transformation. Prior to Danaher, Grant was the VP, Global Head of Architecture at Walgreens Boots Alliance, and he held a similar role at Medtronic. Earlier in Grant’s career he held architecture and management roles with expanding responsibility at Lowe’s and General Mills. Grant is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, he received an MBA from University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, and his BS in Computer Science from Washington University in St. Louis. Grant is a board member of the Women in Architecture initiative and he holds various board advisory roles out of Chicago, Illinois. Please connect with Grant at


Yael Gomez
Fractional CIO/CTO Former VP, Global IT Integration
Walgreens
Think Tank Speaker
Yaël Gomez is a fractional CIO/CTO and former Vice President, Global IT, Integration & Intelligent Automation at Walgreens Boots Alliance. As an accomplished technology executive, technologist, and strategic business partner across large-scale enterprise organizations, Yaël has proven expertise in successfully developing technology delivery centers, delivering complex technology strategies and transformations generating business growth. He is skilled at driving global strategies whilst meeting business specific local requirements, with the goal of enabling business innovation, agility and performance with the right technologies. Yael finds his energy at the intersection of people, business and technology, and taps into 25 years of experience in small and large organizations such as Walgreens, in aligning business and technology, and in bringing clarity to complex problems to drive growth, operational excellence and product/service leadership for the businesses he serves.
September 19, 2025
Attend this event
Agenda
All times Central Time
8:30 AM-9:00 AM
Registration
9:00 AM-9:30 AM
Morning Networking
9:30 AM-9:40 AM
Opening Remarks
9:40 AM-10:05 AM
Vision Voices Keynote
Building a Cyber Resilient Culture
10:10 AM-10:35 AM
Keynote
Fortifying Cyber Security Together: A CISO's Call to Increase Cyber Transparency
In the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the imperative to increase transparency takes center stage, driven by new laws and regulations mandating prompt reporting of cyber breaches. A notable example is the SEC's cyber disclosure rule, necessitating companies to report incidents within 72 hours. This shift from voluntary to mandatory information-sharing not only presents challenges but also opportunities. Compliance empowers organizations to construct more comprehensive defenses and actions against cyber risks. Regulatory guardrails provide confidence, allowing companies to explore, experiment, and compete securely. To stay ahead, a tech-enabled approach embedding cybersecurity across the enterprise is crucial. Looking forward, collaboration with the C-suite, particularly the Chief Risk Officer and General Counsel, is vital. Crafting a consistent narrative, setting priorities, and adapting to new cyber risk management practices become essential. Moreover, understanding board expectations, simplifying complex cyber regulations, and extending cybersecurity measures to external reporting teams are key considerations for navigating the regulatory landscape effectively.
10:35 AM-10:55 AM
Coffee Break
10:55 AM-11:40 AM
Keynote Panel
CIO Leadership Evolution: Embracing Emerging Technologies and Strengthening Business Partnerships
In today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, the roles of CIOs and CTOs are evolving at an unprecedented pace. This panel will explore how IT leaders can navigate the integration of emerging technologies like AI and Generative AI while fostering strong relationships with business leadership. Our discussion will cover strategies for bridging the talent gap, ensuring that organizations are equipped with the skills needed to leverage new technologies effectively. Gain insights into how modern IT leaders can drive innovation, align technology initiatives with business goals, and cultivate a dynamic workforce to meet future challenges.
11:45 AM-12:00 PM
Vision Voices
The Future of Generative AI: Transforming Business and Technology
Explore the transformative potential of Generative AI in this forward-looking session, where we will delve into how this cutting-edge technology is set to revolutionize business and technology landscapes. We will discuss emerging trends, anticipated advancements in the next 12-24 months, and their impact on various industries. Learn about practical applications of Generative AI, from enhancing customer experiences to driving innovation and operational efficiency. Our experts will also address the ethical considerations, regulatory challenges, and best practices for successful AI integration. Join us to gain insights into how Generative AI can unlock new opportunities and shape the future of your organization.


Wei Manfredi
VP of Global Architecture, Data & Generative AI
McDonalds
12:05 PM-12:20 PM
Disruptor
2024 Data-Driven Cloud Strategies: Technology Evolution for Future Success
Let's dive into strategic approaches for leveraging the combined power of data and cloud technologies to drive business innovation and operational efficiency. We will discuss best practices for cloud adoption, data management, and optimization, including hybrid and multi-cloud strategies. Explore how to navigate challenges related to cloud security, data governance, and cost management while maximizing the scalability and flexibility of cloud solutions. Gain insights into aligning data and cloud initiatives with business objectives, ensuring seamless integration, and fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. Join us to discover how to harness the synergies between data and cloud technology to position your organization for long-term success.
12:20 PM-1:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
1:00 PM-1:45 PM
Panel
Embracing Innovation: Best-of-Breed Emerging Technologies from Silicon Valley ... and Beyond!
This panel discussion will take you on a journey through the forefront of technological innovation, featuring three visionary solutions poised to revolutionize the digital landscape. These pioneering solutions address pressing challenges faced by organizations worldwide, ranging from permissions management to troubleshooting live applications and system observability.
In today's dynamic digital landscape, managing permissions effectively poses a significant challenge for organizations. However, a pioneering solution emerges to address these pressing concerns by automating permissions management based on risk and usage patterns, ensuring alignment with business needs while minimizing security risks. Moreover, a revolutionary toolset empowers developers and SREs to troubleshoot live applications swiftly and efficiently, slashing mean time to resolution and delivering substantial cost savings. Dive deeper into how these groundbreaking approaches drive productivity gains and cost efficiencies for organizations worldwide.


Saqib E. Awan
Founder & Managing Director
GTM Capital
1:50 PM-2:35 PM
Panel
Gen AI - The Hype, The Story & Cybersecurity
GenAI, a revolutionary innovation in the world of artificial intelligence, has garnered immense attention and hype in recent years. Its story is one of rapid evolution and limitless potential, as it promises to transform industries, enhance decision-making processes, and revolutionize the way we interact with technology. However, amid the excitement, the role of cybersecurity becomes paramount. With GenAI's ever-expanding capabilities, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is essential to safeguard against potential risks and vulnerabilities. As we continue to unlock the possibilities of GenAI, the fusion of its incredible power with stringent cybersecurity practices will be the key to a safer and more promising future.

Devin Rudnicki
CISO
Fitch Ratings


Jason Kaley
VP & Chief Enterprise Architect
Medline
2:40 PM-2:55 PM
Vision Voices
Strengthening Security Governance: Call for Transparency
In the dynamic realm of AI security, the imperative to increase transparency is crucial, driven by new regulations like the SEC's cyber disclosure rule. This shift mandates swift reporting of breaches, presenting challenges and opportunities in the evolving landscape of AI risk and governance. Compliance empowers organizations to fortify AI security comprehensively, collaborating with the C-suite, including the Chief Risk Officer and General Counsel. Crafting a consistent narrative, setting priorities, and adapting to new AI risk practices are essential. Understanding board expectations, simplifying regulations, and extending AI security measures to external reporting teams are key considerations for effective risk governance in the dynamic regulatory landscape of AI security.
2:55 PM-3:15 PM
Networking Break
3:15 PM-3:30 PM
Vision Voices
Navigating the Upcoming CCPA Cybersecurity Audit Regulations: Key Requirements and Best Practices for Compliance
3:35 PM-3:50 PM
Disruptor
Cybersecurity Leadership in the Era of AI and ML: Navigating Innovation and Responsibility
In the dynamic realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), CISOs play a pivotal role in leveraging these advancements for enhanced cybersecurity. Strategic integration of AI and ML is essential for bolstering security measures, optimizing decision-making, and driving innovation. CISOs must adopt a comprehensive approach, considering the entire lifecycle of these technologies to ensure both efficiency and ethical use. Establishing robust governance frameworks becomes paramount, addressing biases, ensuring transparency, and minimizing unintended consequences.
Looking ahead, as AI and ML continue to advance, CISOs face evolving challenges and regulatory considerations. Proactive engagement involves staying informed about changing regulations, particularly in areas such as data privacy and ethical AI practices. CISOs should strive for a tech-enabled understanding of AI and ML systems, encompassing deployment, impact, and security measures. This approach positions organizations to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively, ensuring responsible and competitive integration of AI and ML into cybersecurity strategies.
3:55 PM-4:40 PM
Panel
Cyber Arms Race: Fortifying Cyber Readiness Against Ransomware Attacks
Let's dive into the intersection of AI, the cyber arms race, and ransomware resilience. Ransomware attacks continue to escalate, inflicting substantial financial losses, data breaches, and tarnished reputations across sectors. As we navigate through 2024, businesses must comprehend the true implications of these attacks within their operational context. Despite achieving cybersecurity compliance, vulnerabilities persist, necessitating a deeper understanding of ransomware's impact and broader strategies for mitigating overall cyber risk exposure. Advanced AI technologies are shaping both offensive and defensive cyber strategies, offering proactive threat detection, comprehensive risk management frameworks, and insights to fortify cybersecurity posture against ransomware and beyond. Don't miss this opportunity to fortify your defenses and stay ahead in the AI-powered cyber landscape.