When Gregory Nelson, Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer at the California Department of Social Services, spoke at last year’s event, his message struck a chord: cybersecurity success isn’t just about technology — it’s about people.
“We give people opportunities to learn and to contribute to how our organization functions,” Gregory shared.
That people-first approach has shaped his leadership philosophy — one grounded in inclusion, trust, and growth. Gregory believes that when people feel valued as whole individuals, they bring their best ideas forward, collaborate more effectively, and strengthen the entire organization.
His department’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts have been a major part of that success. “Creating a team with diverse backgrounds and experiences — and valuing people who don’t necessarily think like I do — has made us a high-functioning team,” he said. The result? Teams that are collaborative, respected, and ready to tackle complex challenges together.
Gregory also encourages leaders to lean into self-awareness — to see unconscious bias training not as a checkbox, but as an opportunity for growth. “Sometimes we get stuck in our own thinking — in our own box,” he said. “Events like this help us see how other industries are tackling similar challenges in new ways.”
Coming Up in 2026: Retaining Critical Cyber Knowledge in a Shifting Workforce
We’re thrilled to welcome Gregory Nelson back for the 2026 event, where he’ll join Douglas Leone (CISO, Employment Development Department) and Ian Sanford (Technology Integration Services Branch Chief, CDPH) for this exciting session:
Retaining Critical Cyber Knowledge in a Shifting Workforce
As agencies navigate retirements, career transitions, and new talent entering the field, how can leaders preserve decades of cybersecurity expertise while building a workforce for the future?
Gregory and his co-panelists will explore practical strategies for:
- Strengthening knowledge transfer through documentation and mentorship
- Keeping experts engaged through flexible and advisory roles
- Accelerating onboarding for new professionals through peer learning
- Embedding resilience into succession plans to ensure long-term readiness
Why You’ll Want to Be in the Room
Gregory’s sessions are never just about policy - they’re about people, leadership, and the culture that makes cybersecurity thrive.
If you’re focused on building teams that are adaptable, inclusive, and ready for the future, this is one session you won’t want to miss.
Join us as Gregory Nelson returns to share how leaders can safeguard critical knowledge — and build the next generation of cyber professionals.
Register here: https://publicsectornetwork.com/events/government-innovation-showcase-california/
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