Interim CISO
Georgia Tech

Jennifer Rhodes serves as interim chief information security officer (CISO) at Georgia Tech.  Prior to her interim appointment, she served as the Office of Information Technology’s director of Cyber Security Programs.  Rhodes has several years of experience in cyber security, specializing in governance, risk, and compliance, audit, training and awareness, business continuity, program management, and risk management. 

Founder and Managing Director
Cyber Leadership and Strategy Solutions

Keyaan J. Williams has been deploying programs to support enterprise risk management and privacy for more than two decades. After serving in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps and leading cybersecurity programs for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, he started a global consulting firm focused on executive education, strategy, and enterprise risk management. Williams actively serves as a board member for commercial and non-profit companies and mentor.

Deloitte

Matthew “Tri Star” Lamanna is a retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant. He spent 15 years as a Signals Intelligence analyst and five years as an offensive cyber operator and intelligence analyst. Lamanna is a site lead for federal government business development in New Mexico. He’s deputy program manager for a USSF SPICES (cyber threat intel and DCO analysts) contract, as well as a defensive cyber operations integrations specialist supporting Space Force Delta 6, Space Systems Command, on Kirtland Air Force Base. Lamanna is also a PMO for the Cyber Capture the Flag investment and activities across the country.

Business Information Security Officer
Kimberly-Clark

Tara Smith is the Corporate Functions business information security officer for Kimberly-Clark (K-C), with experience in cybersecurity, information assurance, and project management. She began her career with the U.S. Department of Defense, leading government contracts and projects. Smith holds CompTIA Security+ and ISACA CISM certifications and has a master’s of public administration (MPA) degree.

Information Security Operations I
Office of Information Technology – Cyber Security
Georgia Tech

Carol Tran is an operation analyst with the Office of Information Technology Cyber Security team. Tran has experience in risk management, compliance, and security awareness training, currently specializing in data protection and cybersecurity investigations. She holds CompTIA Security+ and GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner certifications.

Information Security Operations I
Office of Information Technology – Cyber Security
Georgia Tech

Inaugural Director, Information and Cybersecurity Department
Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI)

Eric R. Scott is the inaugural director of the Information and Cybersecurity Department at GTRI where he has the overall responsibility to provide vision and leadership for the cybersecurity and compliance programs of unclassified systems, data, and networks. Before joining GTRI, Scott led the enterprise cybersecurity efforts at the National Cancer Institute and the Defense Advance Projects Agency. He also previously served as the MAJCOM CISO for the Air National Guard (ANG) overseeing cybersecurity ANG intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems and assets. He’s also supported cyber efforts for the U.S. Navy, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Department of Energy. Scott is combat veteran, retiring after 20 years of honorable service in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. He holds a master’s of science degree from George Mason University and is also a certified Project Management Professional and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional.

Director of Operational IT
Atlanta International School

Charles Allen, Sr. is a balanced and versatile technology director with more than 12 years of experience in education and 28 years of corporate IT experience. He has expertise in designing, implementing, and managing technology solutions that support teaching, learning, and administrative operations. Prior to education, Allen held key IT positions in various industries, gaining a strong foundation in technology infrastructure, systems, and processes.

CISO and Director of Cybersecurity and IT Compliance
Spelman College

Kerry Hixon holds more than 30 years of experience in information technology, information security, solutions engineering and process improvement. Prior to joining Atlanta’s Spelman College, Hixon was a cyber risk consultant for Deloitte, where he led the deployment of complex technical cyber security solutions.  He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he maintained tactical data systems and cryptographic communications equipment. 

Acting CISO
Georgia State University

Cybersecurity Architect
Savannah State University

Maxwell R. Smith has over 20 years of diverse experience across the fields of information technology, cybersecurity, and criminal justice. Smith’s career background includes pivotal roles in network design, system implementation, and hands-on security management, with extensive knowledge of security tools such as Palo Alto Networks, SIEMs, and ethical hacking. He has managed complex server environments, providing critical IT services for academic institutions and is known for his leadership in cybersecurity education.