Georgeo Pulikkathara is a seasoned technology and cybersecurity executive with over 20 years of leadership experience across the defense, financial services, healthcare, and tech sectors. He currently serves as the CIO & CISO (G-6) and Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army Reserve’s 81st Readiness Division, overseeing IT services and cybersecurity for over 50,000 personnel across nine states. 

A combat-decorated U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and two-time Bronze Star Medal recipient, Georgeo brings unmatched discipline and insight to enterprise security and cloud transformation. His civilian experience includes executive cybersecurity roles at DataStax, Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Avanade (Accenture), and Bank of the West. At Microsoft, he spent over 15 years, culminating in a leadership role at the Microsoft Security Response Center. 

Georgeo also provides interim CIO & CISO advisory services through GXP Security, helping U.S.-based clients complete mission-critical cybersecurity initiatives. He holds an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill, a BBA in Finance from the University of Houston, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Cybersecurity at National University. He maintains a Top Secret SCI clearance, held by less than 1% of U.S. citizens. 

Melissa Kraft is a seasoned public sector technology leader with over two decades of experience driving digital transformation, innovation, and operational excellence across municipal and county governments. She currently serves as the Chief Information Officer for the City of Frisco, Texas, following impactful tenures as CIO for Dallas County and CTO for the City of Denton.

Throughout her career, Melissa has led multimillion-dollar IT modernization efforts, overhauled project governance structures, and introduced enterprise data-driven strategies that significantly improved service delivery and cost efficiency. Under her leadership, Dallas County saved over $2 million annually by transitioning from legacy software and was recognized as a finalist for the HIMSS Davies Public Health Award.

Melissa holds numerous certifications including Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and CISM, and is a graduate of prestigious programs from the Harvard Kennedy School, the University of North Carolina, and the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center.

A passionate advocate for talent development and inclusive leadership, she has designed city-wide mentorship programs, IT career ladders, and leadership certification initiatives that empower teams and build sustainable public sector innovation.

Deepak Sachdeva has served as the chief information and technology officer in various companies. He directs and executes technology strategy and decisions, builds technology products, and manages technology operations, cybersecurity, and data-driven products ecosystem to bring accelerated growth rate, increase revenue, and improve customer base. Mr. Sachdeva has supervised globally distributed teams of more than 200 people and completed 12 M&A and 6 Private Equity transactions representing more than $4 billion in aggregate transaction value, including Due Diligence, Valuation, Restructuring, and post-deal Integrations.

An engineer first, an innovator, and a technology executive who reports to the CEOs and the Board of Directors. Deepak has been responsible for building strategy, technology, products, roadmap, and budgets, prioritizing technology investments linked to the company’s growth. He has established OKRs and health metrics for Digital Transformation, Data Analytics, Data Products, Machine Learning, Product Engineering, IT Infrastructure, Data Centers, Cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP), Data Accuracy, QA, APIs, DevOps, DevSecOps, Corporate Systems, ERPs, Warehouse Management Systems, Device Management, End-User technologies, Cybersecurity, and IT Compliance. Built, hosted, and maintained Software as a service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), DaaS, B2B, and B2C products for Financial Services, FinTech, Real Estate, Lending, Home Equity, Investment Portfolios, Banking, Risk Assessment, Insurance, Airlines, Merchandising, Ecommerce, Retail, and FMCG industries. He managed over 100+ enterprise systems distributed in over 50 countries.

Regulatory experience with SEC, SOX, US GAAP, PCI DSS, SOC II, FAA, HIPPA, GLBA, FTC, CCPA, EU GDPR, and FCA UK.

Trusted advisor to CEOs and Investors on IT investments and evaluated Opportunity Costs, Revenue Potential, ROICs, IRRs, NPVs, TCOs, Payback Periods, and Value Creation. He specializes in IT and Financial due diligence, company valuations, tech platforms integrations, cost management, revenue/expense synergies, and operational efficiencies.

An engineering graduate from Delhi College of Engineering and an MBA in Finance at the Unversity of Texas, Deepak has attended the leadership and management program at Wharton Business School.

Worked for behemoths like GE, PepsiCo, Sabre, and Cisco, mid-size companies like MrCooper, Clear Capital, and Fujitsu Network, PE Funded companies and Startups with various funding stages from Series A to D

Cheryl Nifong is the Chief Information Security Officer at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she oversees the Information Security Office and the University’s security program. A strategic leader with more than 20 years in the Information Security field, Cheryl has served in multiple industries including private sector, government, healthcare, and higher ed.

Cheryl is passionate about training the next generation of Cyber Security leaders and enjoys being a mentor for staff and students. In 2024, Cheryl became a DallasCISO Orbie award recipient and serves on the Inspire Leadership DallasCISO Advisory Board.

In her spare time, she loves taking long walks with her fluffy dog, writing music and spending time with her husband of 27 years and her two daughters.

Russell Scott is an accomplished IT leader with nearly 30 years of global experience across 40+ countries. He currently serves as Chief Information Security Officer for Tarrant County, Texas, where he champions a security-first culture and spearheads cybersecurity strategy. His leadership earned Tarrant County a key role in shaping state cybersecurity legislation—highlighting his commitment to innovation and public sector excellence.

Previously, Russell served as Deputy Chief Information Officer, overseeing a team of 200+ professionals supporting 63 distinct business units. Under his direction, the department embraced an enterprise mindset, leading to improved financial performance, enhanced governance, and revitalized team morale. His modernization efforts included deploying low-code development platforms, hyper-converged infrastructure, and a bold cloud-first strategy to drive long-term resilience.

A visionary strategist, Russell designs outcome-based IT roadmaps by deeply understanding business operations and long-term goals. He has successfully led complex digital transformations, global acquisitions and divestitures, and major infrastructure deployments in widely dispersed and fast-paced environments. With a background spanning government, construction, and enterprise IT, he consistently delivers technology solutions that reduce costs, increase agility, and create tangible business value.

Russell is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He also serves as a leader in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District’s Leadership Academy and Campus Level Improvement Committee—reflecting his dedication to mentorship and community engagement.

Corrina Taylor is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at SMU’s Office of Information Technology, bringing nearly a decade of hands-on experience in cybersecurity. With a strong foundation in information assurance and a track record of building global security programs from the ground up, Corrina specializes in aligning cybersecurity with business strategy, regulatory compliance, and risk management. She holds a Master’s in Information Security Engineering from the SANS Technology Institute and multiple industry certifications, including CISSP and SANS GIAC. Corrina is passionate about fostering resilient security cultures, leveraging emerging technologies, and empowering teams to stay ahead of evolving threats.

As a seasoned Chief Information Security Officer, I specialize in driving cybersecurity strategies that protect enterprise ecosystems while enabling business growth. With expertise in financial tech, healthcare, and government verticals, I have built and led robust security frameworks tailored to the unique challenges of these industries.

My approach combines strategic vision with technical insight, encompassing risk management, threat intelligence, incident response, and regulatory compliance. I excel at collaborating with stakeholders at all levels, translating complex security challenges into actionable solutions that align with organizational objectives.

Whether navigating stringent regulatory landscapes or safeguarding sensitive data, I thrive in dynamic environments where innovation, resilience, and leadership converge to ensure secure, sustainable success.

Rameshwar Balanagu is a visionary enterprise technology leader with a proven track record of transforming IT into a strategic growth engine for Fortune 500 companies, private equity-backed firms, and high-growth startups. As Chief Enterprise Architect in the CTO Office at UNFI, Rameshwar spearheads large-scale digital transformation initiatives focused on AI-enabled automation, enterprise cloud modernization, and operational excellence.

With his proprietary five-step framework for redefining IT’s value, Rameshwar has helped organizations unlock over $15 million in benefits through optimized infrastructure, AI at scale, zero-trust cybersecurity, and data-driven governance. His leadership ensures IT not only supports business goals—but actively drives innovation, growth, and competitive advantage.

A recognized thought leader, Rameshwar shares his insights through global keynotes, executive roundtables, and contributions to the Forbes Technology Council. He also serves in advisory roles for AI startups and digital-first enterprises, helping shape the future of enterprise technology.

Mayank Kumar is an AI and data science leader with over a decade of experience delivering transformative analytics solutions in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. As Director of AI Strategy at UnitedHealth Group, Mayank leads enterprise-wide initiatives that leverage cutting-edge machine learning, deep learning, and big data technologies to drive innovation across payment integrity, provider operations, and benefit platforms.

Throughout his 13+ year tenure at UHG, Mayank has played a pivotal role in accelerating the organization’s AI-driven technology transformation. From spearheading strategic analytics engagements to building scalable platforms for operational efficiency, his work supports better outcomes for patients and providers across the U.S. healthcare marketplace.

Mayank is known for his hands-on expertise, cross-functional leadership, and deep understanding of both the technical and business dimensions of healthcare analytics. His experience spans global teams, hybrid delivery models, and the full spectrum of AI implementation, from concept to impact.

Mike has spent almost 30 years in the Information Security space, with a focus in Identity and Access Management in the last 25 years.  Since 2019, he’s been leading the IAM practice at Mr. Cooper through several implementation projects including IDM governance, provisioning, and Privileged Access Management.  Hobbies include fishing, photography, and finding good food of all kinds.

Meet Lawrence Wells – Director, Enterprise Security GRC | U.S. Navy Veteran | Family Man
Lawrence brings over three decades of experience in technology, defense, and security leadership. Currently serving as Director of Threat & Exposure Management at Optum, Lawrence leads the charge in research & analysis, Attack Surface Management, and Critical Response – helping safeguard critical systems and data across the enterprise.

His journey began in 1991 during Desert Storm, where he served as a senior technician (Sonar Systems) in the U.S. Navy. After six years of forward-deployed service, including WestPac 94–95, USS Constellation Battle Group, during Desert Shield, Lawrence transitioned into research and development as a government contractor, followed by roles in network administration and cybersecurity engineering. Since joining Optum over ten years ago, he has helped build the company’s Security Operations Center (SOC), led enterprise database security monitoring, and the Threat Intelligence team.

But Lawrence is more than his title or technical experience. He identifies as human, Christian, African American, a veteran, and an INFP – driven by curiosity and purpose. He and his wife are proud parents of four adult daughters and one spirited 7-pound Chorkie “Tippy”. Whether volunteering together, attending sporting events, or battling it out over Uno or Monopoly, family time is always a highlight.

Lawrence’s leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and a deep commitment to continuous learning and leadership. He’s here not just to talk about cybersecurity—but to connect, collaborate, and inspire.

With over 20 years in Information Technology and cybersecurity, I have honed my expertise in digital risk, data privacy, and IT infrastructure. My career spans leadership roles in enterprise security, regulatory compliance, and risk management across multiple industries. As the Executive Director of IT Security & IT Compliance (CISO) at Academy Sports + Outdoors, I lead a global team in developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies that protect corporate assets, ensure compliance, and enhance operational efficiencies.

My expertise includes cybersecurity management, risk assessment, incident response, and regulatory compliance with frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. I have a strong track record of building security programs, driving strategic initiatives, and mitigating cyber threats through innovative solutions. My leadership has contributed to major advancements in vulnerability management, AI-driven security automation, and enterprise risk frameworks.

With advanced degrees in Cybersecurity, IT, Business Management, and Cyber Law, I remain committed to continuous learning and professional excellence. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Global CISOs, I actively serve on advisory boards and industry groups, shaping the future of cybersecurity and digital risk management.

Jon Garza is an accomplished cybersecurity executive with deep expertise in global IT security leadership, compliance, and risk management. As CISO and Global Director of IT Security & Compliance at PSA BDP, a leading global logistics and supply chain company, Jon leads enterprise security strategy across cloud, network, and application environments, ensuring resilience in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

With a career spanning over two decades, Jon has built and managed robust cybersecurity programs that align with business goals and regulatory frameworks. His technical proficiency spans cloud security (Azure, Oracle CI), network and firewall management, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and cybersecurity operations—backed by extensive experience in IT leadership, Cisco IOS, and enterprise infrastructure.

A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Jon is known for translating complex security challenges into actionable strategies. He brings a practical, business-first mindset to IT risk management and compliance, making him a trusted advisor to global teams navigating digital transformation.

With an illustrious career spanning over a decade in high-impact roles including Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Global Digital & Innovation, I specialize in steering large-scale digital transformations that align IT with core business strategies. My expertise lies in transforming technology departments into strategic entities that not only support but drive business objectives, evidenced by a track record of delivering substantial cost savings and efficiency improvements across multinational corporations.

As a seasoned leader, I have successfully led the integration of cutting-edge technologies and strategies such as ERP systems, cloud solutions, and AI across various industries. My strategic approach to IT management has consistently resulted in enhanced customer engagement, revenue growth, and a strong competitive edge through technological innovation.

My tenure at companies like RS, Gates Corporation, and Eaton has been marked by my ability to lead transformative initiatives, from cloud strategy implementation and global digital transformations to initiating AI programs and leading enterprise-wide migrations to global leading practice ERP templates. My leadership style is characterized by a strong focus on collaboration and building relationships with all stakeholders to ensure IT alignment with business goals. I have efficiently led diverse teams of professionals, including FTEs and contingent workers, in dynamic environments, emphasizing talent development and team building to drive organizational success.

I am driven by challenges and the opportunity to use technology to solve complex business problems, always with an eye towards future-proofing organizations and driving sustainable growth.

Justine Tran is a dynamic and forward-thinking technology executive with a proven track record of leading digital and organizational transformation across complex, global environments. As Chief Information Officer for Dallas County, she brings deep expertise in product innovation, enterprise IT strategy, and building high-performing teams that deliver secure, high-impact solutions.

Her career spans diverse industries, where she has driven initiatives ranging from reimagining customer and dealership experiences to modernizing financial systems that manage billions in assets. Justine is passionate about aligning technology with business goals, fostering agile practices, and enabling seamless cross-functional collaboration.