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Strategic planning is only half the battle—real protection comes from how well you execute. This session will show you how to apply new approaches to turn your cybersecurity strategy into practical, measurable outcomes that stop threat actors before damage is done

• Adapt your cyber framework to shifting threat landscapes
• Improve coordination between policy, operations, and IT teams
• Increase visibility and control over critical digital assets
• Optimize resource allocation for rapid, resilient response
• Transform plans into frontline-ready protocols with clear accountability

Holly Drake

State Chief Information Security Officer & Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Administrative Services, State of Ohio

Kirk Herath

Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor, Office of the Governor, State of Ohio

Ryan Sherstobitoff Moderator

Field Chief Threat Intelligence Officer, SecurityScorecard

Extended Reality (XR) is an all-encompassing term that groups three similar technologies: virtual (VR), augmented (AR), and mixed reality (MR).  While XR is a field that has been in development in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) since the late 1960s, it has continued to see major advancements in recent years. XR is a transformative technology that offers a powerful solution to modernize workflows and enhance operational performance, by reducing costs, improving efficiency, and minimizing risks. This session will explore the current XR landscape and share strategies of integrating XR into maintenance programs for impactful results.

• Optimize maintenance training with immersive XR technologies
• Reduce operational downtime and costs using XR-driven solutions
• Enhance skills retention and readiness through interactive learning
• Address challenges in deploying XR within defense environments

Effective cybersecurity requires more than finding risks - it demands prioritized action that reduces exposure. Faced with limited resources and rising cyber mandates, state and local governments can’t afford multiple point tools, technical debt, or audit fatigue. In this session, we will explore how agencies can shift from reactive security to a risk-centric approach - turning overwhelming volumes of alerts into prioritized, actionable insights. Learn how Qualys - now FedRAMP High Authorized, the only full-spectrum risk management platform validated at this level - empowers governments to embedding mission context, unify visibility by consolidating siloed tools, prioritize with TruRisk™ and automate compliance. Discover how a holistic, risk-centric approach empowers state and local government teams to optimize resources, protect critical services, and measurably reduces cyber risk at scale.

Split into specialized conversation areas and join engaging discussions to dive deeper into your innovation priorities.

Roundtable 1: Ditch the Password, Not the Protection: A Passwordless Future for Government IT Moderated by: Mac Bechard, Sr. Solutions Engineer, Imprivata

Roundtable 2: Building Resilient Cyber Defenses for State & Local Governments: Harnessing AI-Driven Risk Prioritization and Automated Response. Moderated by: Nate Cain, Major Accounts Solution Architect, Public Sector Sales, Qualys.

Roundtable 3: How is your Cybersecurity Program Mapping to House Bill 96 Moderated by: Brian Adair and Armin Smailhodzic, SentinelOne

Roundtable 4: Enhancing Supply Chain Security Through Actionable Threat Intelligence and Improved Visibility Moderated by SecurityScorecard.

Roundtable 5: Securing the Future: Navigating the Intersection of GenAI and Cybersecurity in the Public Sector Moderated by Check Point

Creating and implementing a cyber security strategy is more critical than ever as the number of security-related breaches rises. Cybersecurity strategy is the big picture that gives us the chance to begin solving that puzzle, rather than just being experts on a few items. Therefore, it is imperative to have a well thought out plan for execution.

This panel of industry thought experts will share insights and knowledge. From this session you will have a better understanding of:

• What are the most important considerations when developing a cybersecurity incident response plan?
• Identify External Data Security Resources.
• Learn how different leaders are building a culture comprised of the right systems, processes, and people to support their strategy.

Steve Whipkey

Chief Information Security Officer, Franklin County Data Center

Kimberly Roy Wilson

Director of the Office of Information Technology & Services, City of Cleveland

Rich Gazza

Director, Sales, Imprivata

Ryan Sherstobitoff Moderator

Field Chief Threat Intelligence Officer, SecurityScorecard