Panel 1: AI-Driven Cybersecurity – Defending Against Emerging Threats

This panel will examine how AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity by enhancing threat detection, prevention, and response. Experts will discuss the evolving role of AI in automating security operations, analyzing vast amounts of threat intelligence, and identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Key topics include:

• The intersection of AI and cybersecurity: opportunities and risks
• How AI is transforming threat detection and response strategies
• The skills and training required for security professionals to effectively leverage AI
• Balancing automation with human oversight in cybersecurity decision-making

Moderator: Kameran Evans, Enterprise Cyber Security, RTX

Panelists:

• Jose Fernandez, President, CompSec Direct
• Tina Williams-Koroma, Founder/CEO, CyDeploy and TCecure
• Christopher Barber, Chief Nerd, Cheaper Than a Geek
• Aida Keehner, Founder/CEO, Atruent
• Richard Roe, Director of Cyber Inititiatives - Project Spectrum, Eccalon

Panel 2: The Future & AI Workforce: Building Skills, Careers, and Opportunities: 

The panel will explore the evolving talent landscapes in cybersecurity and AI, examining how federal workforce shifts, career pathways, and industry demands are shaping the future workforce. Discussions may highlight:

• The role of apprenticeships, certifications, and degree programs in workforce development.
• How organizations can upskill and reskill existing employees to meet evolving cybersecurity and AI needs.
• Emerging job roles and skill sets critical for staying competitive
• Strategies for engaging underrepresented talent pools and broadening workforce pipelines

Moderator: Donte Lewis, Founder & Principal, Vine Technology Solutions

Panelists:

• Tasha Cornish, Executive Director, Cybersecurity Association, Inc.
• Kirkland Murray, President & CEO, AAWDC
• Tim O’Ferrall, General Manager, Fort Meade Alliance
• Seeyew Mo, Senior Advisor, Cyber Maryland Program, TEDCO
• Kelly Schulz, CEO, Maryland Tech Council

Panel 3: AI, Compliance, and CMMC – Navigating the Future of Cyber Regulations

As AI reshapes cybersecurity, it is also playing a growing role in regulatory compliance. This panel will focus on how AI is streamlining compliance processes within the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework and beyond. Discussion points include:

• The role of AI in automating compliance tasks and reducing manual effort
• How organizations can align AI-driven security measures with evolving CMMC requirements
• Workforce implications: training and certifying professionals in AI-enhanced compliance
• The balance between regulatory adherence and operational efficiency

Moderator: Gregg Smith, CEO, TAC

Panelists:

• Kelly Hood, EVP & Cybersecurity Engineer, Optic Cyber Solutions
• Dr. Timothy Schilbach, CEO, Penacity
• TJ Greenier, President, Clarity Business Solutions, Inc.
• Toby Musser, CEO, MNS Group
• James Goepel, CEO & General Counsel, Fathom Cyber

This summit represents a unified front addressing the critical challenges and opportunities in the evolving cybersecurity and AI landscape. It has been brought together by the collaborative efforts of GDG Annapolis, Anne Arundel Community College, Anne Arundel Economic Development, Anne Arundel Workforce Corporation, Cybersecurity Association Inc., Maryland Department of Commerce, Maryland Tech Council-CRC.