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October 7–10, 2023 | Sea Island, GA
The Cipher Brief Threat Conference is the premier forum for a non-partisan discussion of global threats and solutions and creates high-level engagement opportunities focused on understanding national and global security threats.
Join us in Sea Island, GA for this one-of-a-kind, invite-only global threat conference featuring dozens of high-level experts from The Cipher Brief’s Expert Network as well as Executives from some of the world’s leading private sector companies. Reserve your place at the table early before tickets sell out.
2022 Threat Conference
October 9–11, 2022
"It's not about who's on stage. It's about who's in the room."
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See Last Year's Speakers
Leaders from the Government and Private Sector
Chris Inglis
National Cyber Director
Chris Inglis currently serves as the first Senate-confirmed National Cyber Director and advisor to the President of the United States Joe Biden on cybersecurity. He previously worked as a U.S. Naval Academy Looker Distinguished Visiting Professor for Cyber Studies, as a managing director at Paladin Capital, a member of the boards of several public and private corporations, and as a Commissioner on the U.S. Cyberspace Solarium Commission. He retired from the Department of Defense in January 2014 after 41 years of federal service, including 28 years at the National Security Agency and seven and a half years as its Deputy Director. He served as a member of the Department of Defense Science Board and as a National Intelligence University trustee until early 2021.
A 1976 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Inglis holds advanced degrees in engineering and computer science from Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, and the George Washington University. Inglis’ military career includes 30 years of service in the US Air Force and Air National Guard — from which he retired as a command pilot at the rank of Brigadier General. He and his wife Anna have three grown children and reside in Annapolis, MD.
Chris Inglis currently serves as the first Senate-confirmed National Cyber Director and advisor to the President of the United States Joe Biden on cybersecurity. He previously worked as a U.S. Naval Academy Looker Distinguished Visiting Professor for Cyber Studies, as a managing director at Paladin Capital, a member of the boards of several public and private corporations, and as a Commissioner on the U.S. Cyberspace Solarium Commission. He retired from the Department of Defense in January 2014 after 41 years of federal service, including 28 years at the National Security Agency and seven and a half years as its Deputy Director. He served as a member of the Department of Defense Science Board and as a National Intelligence University trustee until early 2021.
A 1976 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Inglis holds advanced degrees in engineering and computer science from Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, and the George Washington University. Inglis’ military career includes 30 years of service in the US Air Force and Air National Guard — from which he retired as a command pilot at the rank of Brigadier General. He and his wife Anna have three grown children and reside in Annapolis, MD.
Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth
Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth is the eighth Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. He leads and directs NGA under the authorities of the Secretary of Defense and Director of National Intelligence. He became NGA’s director on June 3, 2022.
Whitworth is a 1989 graduate of Duke University Durham, North Carolina, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, as well as a diploma from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.
Whitworth’s command tours included commander, Joint Intelligence Center Central; commanding officer, Navy Element of U.S. Central Command; and commanding officer, Kennedy Irregular Warfare Center.
Whitworth’s operational tours included director of intelligence for U.S. Africa Command, director of Intelligence for Joint Special Operations Command, director of Intelligence and deputy director of Maritime Operations Center for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet; director of Intelligence for a Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan during three deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom; director of Intelligence for Naval Special Warfare Development Group; special assistant for Political-Military Affairs at U.S. Sixth Fleet during Operation Allied Force; indications and warning officer at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet, in support of Operation Desert Storm; and intelligence officer for Fighter squadron 31 during USS Forrestal’s deployment in support of Operation Provide Comfort. Whitworth’s shore-based tours included the National Security Agency, chief of targets for the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility; Navy federal executive fellow to
American Enterprise Institute; senior duty officer at the White House Situation Room; intelligence briefer for the Chief of Naval Operations and Secretary of the Navy; and intelligence watch analyst at the Office of Naval Intelligence and the National Military
Joint Intelligence Center.
Whitworth is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (three awards), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (four awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), as well as the Edwin T. Layton Leadership Award, Vice Admiral Rufus L. Taylor Leadership Award, the Army’s Knowlton Award for excellence in intelligence, the Republic of France’s Médaille de la Défense nationale (Gold), and the Defense Intelligence Agency Director's Award.
Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth is the eighth Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. He leads and directs NGA under the authorities of the Secretary of Defense and Director of National Intelligence. He became NGA’s director on June 3, 2022.
Whitworth is a 1989 graduate of Duke University Durham, North Carolina, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, as well as a diploma from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.
Whitworth’s command tours included commander, Joint Intelligence Center Central; commanding officer, Navy Element of U.S. Central Command; and commanding officer, Kennedy Irregular Warfare Center.
Whitworth’s operational tours included director of intelligence for U.S. Africa Command, director of Intelligence for Joint Special Operations Command, director of Intelligence and deputy director of Maritime Operations Center for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet; director of Intelligence for a Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan during three deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom; director of Intelligence for Naval Special Warfare Development Group; special assistant for Political-Military Affairs at U.S. Sixth Fleet during Operation Allied Force; indications and warning officer at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet, in support of Operation Desert Storm; and intelligence officer for Fighter squadron 31 during USS Forrestal’s deployment in support of Operation Provide Comfort. Whitworth’s shore-based tours included the National Security Agency, chief of targets for the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility; Navy federal executive fellow to
American Enterprise Institute; senior duty officer at the White House Situation Room; intelligence briefer for the Chief of Naval Operations and Secretary of the Navy; and intelligence watch analyst at the Office of Naval Intelligence and the National Military
Joint Intelligence Center.
Whitworth is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (three awards), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (four awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), as well as the Edwin T. Layton Leadership Award, Vice Admiral Rufus L. Taylor Leadership Award, the Army’s Knowlton Award for excellence in intelligence, the Republic of France’s Médaille de la Défense nationale (Gold), and the Defense Intelligence Agency Director's Award.
Jennifer Ewbank
Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation
Jennifer Ewbank is the Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation, responsible for accelerating the development and integration of digital and cyber capabilities across all of CIA’s mission areas, to include enterprise information technology, cyber security, cyber operations and analysis, data strategy and artificial intelligence, open source collection and reporting, as well as building the digital acumen of the CIA workforce through training and education. As the Agency’s de facto Chief Digital Officer, Ms. Ewbank oversees the Digital C-Suite roles of Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and Chief Data Officer.
Jennifer Ewbank is the Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation, responsible for accelerating the development and integration of digital and cyber capabilities across all of CIA’s mission areas, to include enterprise information technology, cyber security, cyber operations and analysis, data strategy and artificial intelligence, open source collection and reporting, as well as building the digital acumen of the CIA workforce through training and education. As the Agency’s de facto Chief Digital Officer, Ms. Ewbank oversees the Digital C-Suite roles of Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and Chief Data Officer.
Rich Baich
Chief Information Security Officer and Director of the Office of Cyber Security, CIA
Joseph “Rich” Baich serves as CIA’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Director of the Office of Cyber Security (OCS).
Mr. Baich brings with him a wealth of technical leadership experience and cybersecurity expertise, including his most recent role as American Insurance Group’s (AIG) Global Chief Information Security Officer. At AIG, he was responsible for developing, implementing, and operating an information security strategy to address their global cyber risks. Previously, Mr. Baich was the CISO for Wells Fargo and a principal at Deloitte. His prior government experience includes retiring as an Information Warfare Officer in the US Navy for NSA and serving as Special Assistant to the Deputy Director for the National Infrastructure Protection Center at the FBI. As a member of our Digital C-Suite, he partners with the Chief Information Officer and Chief Data Officer to further integrate our approaches to cybersecurity, enterprise information technology, and data management.
Mr. Baich holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Financial Management from the University of Maryland University College, a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy, and is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College and Naval War College. During his military service, he qualified not only in surface warfare, but in a range of technical fields, including space, cryptology, and information warfare, all while maintaining numerous security industry certifications. He is the author of Winning as a CISO, a leadership sourcebook for security executives. In 2021, Mr. Baich was honored as one of the top 100 CISOs by CISO Connect and was selected by the Executive Women’s Forum (EWF) to receive their inaugural 2021 EWF Catalyst award. The EWF Catalyst award was presented to five outstanding male executives that have been exemplary in their engagement, commitment, and support of gender equality.
Joseph “Rich” Baich serves as CIA’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Director of the Office of Cyber Security (OCS).
Mr. Baich brings with him a wealth of technical leadership experience and cybersecurity expertise, including his most recent role as American Insurance Group’s (AIG) Global Chief Information Security Officer. At AIG, he was responsible for developing, implementing, and operating an information security strategy to address their global cyber risks. Previously, Mr. Baich was the CISO for Wells Fargo and a principal at Deloitte. His prior government experience includes retiring as an Information Warfare Officer in the US Navy for NSA and serving as Special Assistant to the Deputy Director for the National Infrastructure Protection Center at the FBI. As a member of our Digital C-Suite, he partners with the Chief Information Officer and Chief Data Officer to further integrate our approaches to cybersecurity, enterprise information technology, and data management.
Mr. Baich holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Financial Management from the University of Maryland University College, a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy, and is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College and Naval War College. During his military service, he qualified not only in surface warfare, but in a range of technical fields, including space, cryptology, and information warfare, all while maintaining numerous security industry certifications. He is the author of Winning as a CISO, a leadership sourcebook for security executives. In 2021, Mr. Baich was honored as one of the top 100 CISOs by CISO Connect and was selected by the Executive Women’s Forum (EWF) to receive their inaugural 2021 EWF Catalyst award. The EWF Catalyst award was presented to five outstanding male executives that have been exemplary in their engagement, commitment, and support of gender equality.
Matt Olsen
Assistant Attorney General for National Security
Matthew Olsen is the Assistant Attorney General for National Security. He is also the former Chief Trust and Security Officer at Uber. Olsen spent over twenty years working for the U.S. government and served as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) and as the General Counsel for the National Security Agency and former Special Counsel to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Matthew Olsen is the Assistant Attorney General for National Security. He is also the former Chief Trust and Security Officer at Uber. Olsen spent over twenty years working for the U.S. government and served as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) and as the General Counsel for the National Security Agency and former Special Counsel to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Tonya Ugoretz
Assistant Director, FBI Directorate of Intelligence
Tonya Ugoretz is Assistant Director of the FBI's Directorate of Intelligence. She previously served as a Deputy Assistant Director in FBI's Cyber Division where she oversaw national-level cyber policy, analysis of cybercriminal and national security threats, and partner engagement. Prior to this position, she spent three years at the Office of the Director for National Intelligence as the first Director of the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center (CTIIC), for which she received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal. Ugoretz began government service in 2001 as a Presidential Management Fellow. In 2003, she became the first analyst to serve as the FBI Director’s daily briefer and thereafter served in various roles at FBI and other agencies, including assignments with CIA, Customs and Border Protection, and the National Intelligence Council.
Tonya Ugoretz is Assistant Director of the FBI's Directorate of Intelligence. She previously served as a Deputy Assistant Director in FBI's Cyber Division where she oversaw national-level cyber policy, analysis of cybercriminal and national security threats, and partner engagement. Prior to this position, she spent three years at the Office of the Director for National Intelligence as the first Director of the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center (CTIIC), for which she received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal. Ugoretz began government service in 2001 as a Presidential Management Fellow. In 2003, she became the first analyst to serve as the FBI Director’s daily briefer and thereafter served in various roles at FBI and other agencies, including assignments with CIA, Customs and Border Protection, and the National Intelligence Council.
Mark Munsell
Deputy Director of the Data and Digital Innovation Directorate, NGA
Mark Munsell is the Deputy Director of the Data and Digital Innovation Directorate at NGA.
Formerly, he was the Chief Technology Officer for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Deputy Director of the Chief Information Officer – IT Services Directorate.
Mark began his career in 1990 with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, where he was awarded the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal for software engineering work that transformed the nation’s nautical charting production system. In 1996, he joined the Defense Mapping Agency – an NGA predecessor agency – where he led the update of the agency’s aeronautical production systems.
Mark left DMA in 1997, and – after a stint with a government contractor – founded Internet Marine and Aviation Planning Services, or IMAPS, in 2000 to offer flight and maritime planning services to individuals, industry, and government via the Internet. He returned to government service with NGA in 2006, and has since served as the Chief of the Precision Engagement Division, Office of Targeting and Transnational Issues; as the Senior Officer for Targeting Issues; as the Deputy Director, Aeronautical Navigation Office; and as Director, Office of Targeting and Transnational Issues.
Mark is the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award and NGA’s Distinguished Civilian Medal, and – for the record – is not a member of the Flat Earth Society.
Mark Munsell is the Deputy Director of the Data and Digital Innovation Directorate at NGA.
Formerly, he was the Chief Technology Officer for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Deputy Director of the Chief Information Officer – IT Services Directorate.
Mark began his career in 1990 with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, where he was awarded the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal for software engineering work that transformed the nation’s nautical charting production system. In 1996, he joined the Defense Mapping Agency – an NGA predecessor agency – where he led the update of the agency’s aeronautical production systems.
Mark left DMA in 1997, and – after a stint with a government contractor – founded Internet Marine and Aviation Planning Services, or IMAPS, in 2000 to offer flight and maritime planning services to individuals, industry, and government via the Internet. He returned to government service with NGA in 2006, and has since served as the Chief of the Precision Engagement Division, Office of Targeting and Transnational Issues; as the Senior Officer for Targeting Issues; as the Deputy Director, Aeronautical Navigation Office; and as Director, Office of Targeting and Transnational Issues.
Mark is the recipient of the Presidential Rank Award and NGA’s Distinguished Civilian Medal, and – for the record – is not a member of the Flat Earth Society.
Lt. Gen. Michael Groen (Ret.)
Former Director, Joint Artificial Intelligence Center
Lieutenant General Michael Groen (US Marine Corps, Ret.) served over 36 years in the U.S. military, culminating his career as the senior executive for AI in the Department. Groen also served in the National Security Agency overseeing Computer Network Operations, and as the Director of Joint Staff Intelligence, working closely with the Chairman and Senior Leaders across the Department. He is an experienced Marine commander and multi-tour combat veteran. Groen earned Masters Degrees in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is an experienced change-agent - modernizing capabilities, organizations and cultures. He informs transformational change in military capabilities against the backdrop of an accelerating pace of digitally enabled warfare and rapidly modernizing opponents.
Lieutenant General Michael Groen (US Marine Corps, Ret.) served over 36 years in the U.S. military, culminating his career as the senior executive for AI in the Department. Groen also served in the National Security Agency overseeing Computer Network Operations, and as the Director of Joint Staff Intelligence, working closely with the Chairman and Senior Leaders across the Department. He is an experienced Marine commander and multi-tour combat veteran. Groen earned Masters Degrees in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is an experienced change-agent - modernizing capabilities, organizations and cultures. He informs transformational change in military capabilities against the backdrop of an accelerating pace of digitally enabled warfare and rapidly modernizing opponents.
Laura Galante
Director, Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center, Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Laura currently serves as the US Intelligence Community's Cyber Executive and Director of the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Recognized as a leading authority on state cyber operations, Laura founded Galante Strategies in 2017 to equip governments and corporations to respond effectively to cyber and information threats. Her recent work includes directing analysis for the Ukrainian Election Task Force, developing a security framework for the Ukrainian government, and serving as an expert witness for cyber warfare and espionage claims.
A Senior Fellow in the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, Laura previously served as the Director of Global Intelligence at cybersecurity company, FireEye Inc. (formerly Mandiant). Her teams exposed Russian and Chinese military operations and authored numerous public intelligence reports. Prior to FireEye, she led a team analyzing state cyber capabilities for the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency.
Laura currently serves as the US Intelligence Community's Cyber Executive and Director of the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Recognized as a leading authority on state cyber operations, Laura founded Galante Strategies in 2017 to equip governments and corporations to respond effectively to cyber and information threats. Her recent work includes directing analysis for the Ukrainian Election Task Force, developing a security framework for the Ukrainian government, and serving as an expert witness for cyber warfare and espionage claims.
A Senior Fellow in the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, Laura previously served as the Director of Global Intelligence at cybersecurity company, FireEye Inc. (formerly Mandiant). Her teams exposed Russian and Chinese military operations and authored numerous public intelligence reports. Prior to FireEye, she led a team analyzing state cyber capabilities for the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency.
Kiersten Todt
Chief of Staff, CISA
Kiersten E. Todt is the Chief of Staff at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). As the Chief of Staff, she is responsible for the planning, allocation of resources, and development of long-range objectives in support of the department's goals and milestones; she provides strategic vision, guidance, and direction to ensure CISA's Director is prepared to interdict or respond to threats to the homeland.
Prior to her role at CISA, Kiersten served as the Managing Director of the Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI), a non-profit initiative that convenes senior executives of global companies to develop free cybersecurity tools and resources for small businesses, worldwide. She co-founded CRI in 2017 with the CEOs of Mastercard, Microsoft, PSP Partners, and the retired CEO of IBM. She was also the non-resident scholar at the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security.
Prior to her CRI role, Ms. Todt was the CEO of Liberty Group Ventures, LLC (LGV), where she developed risk and crisis management solutions for cybersecurity, infrastructure, homeland security, emergency management, and higher education clients in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Ms. Todt advised senior executives and Boards on cyber risk management, including the development and execution of tabletop exercises and senior-level education and training programs. She also provided strategic advice and counsel to senior leaders in industry and government. Ms. Todt was a member of the team supporting the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the development of the Voluntary Cybersecurity Framework called for in President Obama's 2013 Executive Order 13636 on cybersecurity.
She most recently served in the federal government in 2016 as the Executive Director of President Obama's independent, bipartisan Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity. In this role, she led the twelve commissioners, who were leaders from industry, government, academia, and law enforcement, to develop a consensus document of cybersecurity recommendations for the incoming Administration.
Kiersten E. Todt is the Chief of Staff at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). As the Chief of Staff, she is responsible for the planning, allocation of resources, and development of long-range objectives in support of the department's goals and milestones; she provides strategic vision, guidance, and direction to ensure CISA's Director is prepared to interdict or respond to threats to the homeland.
Prior to her role at CISA, Kiersten served as the Managing Director of the Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI), a non-profit initiative that convenes senior executives of global companies to develop free cybersecurity tools and resources for small businesses, worldwide. She co-founded CRI in 2017 with the CEOs of Mastercard, Microsoft, PSP Partners, and the retired CEO of IBM. She was also the non-resident scholar at the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security.
Prior to her CRI role, Ms. Todt was the CEO of Liberty Group Ventures, LLC (LGV), where she developed risk and crisis management solutions for cybersecurity, infrastructure, homeland security, emergency management, and higher education clients in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Ms. Todt advised senior executives and Boards on cyber risk management, including the development and execution of tabletop exercises and senior-level education and training programs. She also provided strategic advice and counsel to senior leaders in industry and government. Ms. Todt was a member of the team supporting the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the development of the Voluntary Cybersecurity Framework called for in President Obama's 2013 Executive Order 13636 on cybersecurity.
She most recently served in the federal government in 2016 as the Executive Director of President Obama's independent, bipartisan Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity. In this role, she led the twelve commissioners, who were leaders from industry, government, academia, and law enforcement, to develop a consensus document of cybersecurity recommendations for the incoming Administration.
Cynthia Kaiser
Section Chief for Cyber National Security Intelligence, FBI
Cynthia Kaiser is an acting Deputy Assistant Director with FBI Cyber Division. She has covered cyber, technology, and counterintelligence issues for over 16 years for the FBI and has led FBI cyber threat analysis since 2017. In this role, she serves as an FBI lead for cyber threats to elections, meets regularly with the private sector and state and local government officials, promotes information sharing across all levels of government, and collaborates with partners to help place the FBI in the best position possible to impose risks and consequences on malicious cyber actors. Cynthia holds a Master’s degree in security policy focused on science and technology, and an Executive Master’s degree in leadership.
Cynthia Kaiser is an acting Deputy Assistant Director with FBI Cyber Division. She has covered cyber, technology, and counterintelligence issues for over 16 years for the FBI and has led FBI cyber threat analysis since 2017. In this role, she serves as an FBI lead for cyber threats to elections, meets regularly with the private sector and state and local government officials, promotes information sharing across all levels of government, and collaborates with partners to help place the FBI in the best position possible to impose risks and consequences on malicious cyber actors. Cynthia holds a Master’s degree in security policy focused on science and technology, and an Executive Master’s degree in leadership.
Michael Orlando
Acting Director, National Counterintelligence and Security Center
Michael J. Orlando is a Senior Executive Service leader with more than 25 years of law enforcement, Intelligence Community, and military experience, including counterintelligence and counterterrorism investigations. Mr. Orlando joined the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) in November 2020 as the Deputy Director and is currently the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director of NCSC.
Mr. Orlando brings extensive counterintelligence experience to his post at NCSC, having received the FBI Director's Award for Outstanding Counterintelligence Investigation and three Director of National Intelligence Awards for Counterintelligence Operations.
Mr. Orlando entered on duty as an FBI Special Agent in 2003 and was assigned to the Pittsburgh Division where he investigated counterintelligence matters. In his follow-on field assignment to the Washington Field Office, he worked on high-priority counterintelligence special projects with multiple deployments to the People's Republic of China. In 2009, Mr. Orlando was the program manager assigned to an FBI task force where he coordinated counterintelligence operations in the Western Pacific and East Asia and led an interagency and foreign partner effort to disrupt foreign influence in the region.
In 2011, Mr. Orlando returned to the field and was assigned to the Honolulu Field Office where he oversaw the successful espionage investigation and conviction of a DOD contractor for passing national defense secrets to China. In 2013, Michael served as the principal deputy for the East Asia Section in the Counterintelligence Division, and in 2017 he served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office, Counterintelligence Division, where he oversaw the successful disruption of Russian clandestine foreign agent Maria Butina. In 2018, he helped create the Counterterrorism Division’s Iran Threat Task Force, now the Iran Mission Center, as its first Acting Section Chief.
Immediately before joining NCSC, Mr. Orlando served as a Deputy Assistant Director in the Counterterrorism Division at the FBI. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the business administration and operational support for the division, which included technology development, human resource matters, financial management, and private-sector partner engagements. Mr. Orlando also served as the acting head of the Counterterrorism Division and successfully managed several interagency crisis incident responses, including the attack at Pensacola Naval Air Station; Manda Airstrip, Kenya; as well as the domestic terrorism attacks in Jersey City, NJ, and Monsey, NY.
Prior to working for the FBI, Mr. Orlando was an officer in the U.S. Army and was employed by the Central Intelligence Agency.
Michael J. Orlando is a Senior Executive Service leader with more than 25 years of law enforcement, Intelligence Community, and military experience, including counterintelligence and counterterrorism investigations. Mr. Orlando joined the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) in November 2020 as the Deputy Director and is currently the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director of NCSC.
Mr. Orlando brings extensive counterintelligence experience to his post at NCSC, having received the FBI Director's Award for Outstanding Counterintelligence Investigation and three Director of National Intelligence Awards for Counterintelligence Operations.
Mr. Orlando entered on duty as an FBI Special Agent in 2003 and was assigned to the Pittsburgh Division where he investigated counterintelligence matters. In his follow-on field assignment to the Washington Field Office, he worked on high-priority counterintelligence special projects with multiple deployments to the People's Republic of China. In 2009, Mr. Orlando was the program manager assigned to an FBI task force where he coordinated counterintelligence operations in the Western Pacific and East Asia and led an interagency and foreign partner effort to disrupt foreign influence in the region.
In 2011, Mr. Orlando returned to the field and was assigned to the Honolulu Field Office where he oversaw the successful espionage investigation and conviction of a DOD contractor for passing national defense secrets to China. In 2013, Michael served as the principal deputy for the East Asia Section in the Counterintelligence Division, and in 2017 he served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office, Counterintelligence Division, where he oversaw the successful disruption of Russian clandestine foreign agent Maria Butina. In 2018, he helped create the Counterterrorism Division’s Iran Threat Task Force, now the Iran Mission Center, as its first Acting Section Chief.
Immediately before joining NCSC, Mr. Orlando served as a Deputy Assistant Director in the Counterterrorism Division at the FBI. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the business administration and operational support for the division, which included technology development, human resource matters, financial management, and private-sector partner engagements. Mr. Orlando also served as the acting head of the Counterterrorism Division and successfully managed several interagency crisis incident responses, including the attack at Pensacola Naval Air Station; Manda Airstrip, Kenya; as well as the domestic terrorism attacks in Jersey City, NJ, and Monsey, NY.
Prior to working for the FBI, Mr. Orlando was an officer in the U.S. Army and was employed by the Central Intelligence Agency.
Laura Dehmlow
Section Chief, Foreign Influence Task Force, FBI
Laura Dehmlow joined the FBI in 2007 as an intelligence analyst working national security issues and providing strategic perspective to FBI executives and policymakers, tactical support to FBI investigations, and threat awareness to private sector and other USG partners. In 2010, Laura served in Kabul, Afghanistan as an embedded analyst with the FBI's Counterterrorism program. In 2013 she promoted to Supervisory Intelligence Analyst and led a team that developed strategic national security analysis to inform US policymakers in Congress and at the White House.
In 2015, Laura served in Los Angeles as an acting Senior Supervisory Intelligence Analyst for national security issues. From 2017-2019, Laura served in a joint duty assignment at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence as the National Counterintelligence Officer for Economic Security and Threat Finance, driving counterintelligence efforts protecting emerging technologies and critical infrastructure and improving supply chain risk management.
In 2019, she returned to FBI Headquarters as a Unit Chief in the Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF). In 2021, Laura was promoted to the Senior Executive Service as Section Chief of the FITF, leading the FBI’s cross programmatic efforts to counter foreign malign influence targeting US democratic processes. She has a BA in Political Science from Colorado State University and an MA in Public Administration from the University of Florida.
Laura Dehmlow joined the FBI in 2007 as an intelligence analyst working national security issues and providing strategic perspective to FBI executives and policymakers, tactical support to FBI investigations, and threat awareness to private sector and other USG partners. In 2010, Laura served in Kabul, Afghanistan as an embedded analyst with the FBI's Counterterrorism program. In 2013 she promoted to Supervisory Intelligence Analyst and led a team that developed strategic national security analysis to inform US policymakers in Congress and at the White House.
In 2015, Laura served in Los Angeles as an acting Senior Supervisory Intelligence Analyst for national security issues. From 2017-2019, Laura served in a joint duty assignment at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence as the National Counterintelligence Officer for Economic Security and Threat Finance, driving counterintelligence efforts protecting emerging technologies and critical infrastructure and improving supply chain risk management.
In 2019, she returned to FBI Headquarters as a Unit Chief in the Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF). In 2021, Laura was promoted to the Senior Executive Service as Section Chief of the FITF, leading the FBI’s cross programmatic efforts to counter foreign malign influence targeting US democratic processes. She has a BA in Political Science from Colorado State University and an MA in Public Administration from the University of Florida.
Mark Montgomery
Former Executive Director, U.S. Cyberspace Solarium Commission
Mark Montgomery formerly served as the Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. Before this position, he served as Policy Director for the Senate Armed Services Committee under the leadership of Senator John S. McCain. In this position he coordinated policy efforts on national defense strategy, capabilities and requirements, defense policy and cyber issues. Mark served for 32 years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear trained surface warfare officer, retiring as a Rear Admiral in 2017. His flag officer assignments included Director of Operations (J3) at U. S. Pacific Command; Commander of Carrier Strike Group 5 embarked on the USS George Washington stationed in Japan; and Deputy Director, Plans, Policy and Strategy (J5), at U. S. European Command. He was selected as a White House Fellow and assigned to the National Security Council, serving as Director for Transnational Threats from 1998-2000. Mark graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history. He subsequently earned a master’s degree in history from Oxford University, and completed the U.S. Navy’s nuclear power training program.
Mark Montgomery formerly served as the Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. Before this position, he served as Policy Director for the Senate Armed Services Committee under the leadership of Senator John S. McCain. In this position he coordinated policy efforts on national defense strategy, capabilities and requirements, defense policy and cyber issues. Mark served for 32 years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear trained surface warfare officer, retiring as a Rear Admiral in 2017. His flag officer assignments included Director of Operations (J3) at U. S. Pacific Command; Commander of Carrier Strike Group 5 embarked on the USS George Washington stationed in Japan; and Deputy Director, Plans, Policy and Strategy (J5), at U. S. European Command. He was selected as a White House Fellow and assigned to the National Security Council, serving as Director for Transnational Threats from 1998-2000. Mark graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history. He subsequently earned a master’s degree in history from Oxford University, and completed the U.S. Navy’s nuclear power training program.
The Honorable Susan Gordon
Former PDDNI / Partner, Gordon Ventures
Susan M. Gordon was sworn in as the fifth Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI) on August 7, 2017. As PDDNI, Ms. Gordon assisted the DNI in leading the Intelligence Community (IC) and managing the ODNI. In particular, she focused on advancing intelligence integration across the IC, expanding outreach and partnerships, and driving innovation across the Community.
With nearly three decades of experience in the IC, Ms. Gordon has served in a variety of leadership roles spanning numerous intelligence organizations and disciplines. Most recently, Ms. Gordon served as the Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) from 2015 to 2017. In this role, she helped the director lead the agency and manage the National System of Geospatial Intelligence. She drove NGA’s transformation to meet the challenges of a 21st century intelligence agency. She also championed agile governance, recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce, and expansion of geospatial intelligence services to the open marketplace. She is known for her commitment to diversity and inclusion and, to the women and men of the IC.
Prior to her assignment with NGA, Ms. Gordon served for 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), rising to senior executive positions in each of the Agency’s four directorates: operations, analysis, science and technology, and support. She joined the CIA in 1980 as an analyst in the Office of Scientific and Weapons Research, and went on to serve as the Director of the Office of Advanced Analytic Tools, Director of Special Activities in the Directorate of Science and Technology, Director for Support, and ultimately in concurrent roles as Director of the Information Operations Center and the CIA Director’s senior advisor on cyber. In 1998, she designed and drove the formation of In-Q-Tel, a private, non-profit company whose primary purpose is to deliver innovative technology solutions for the agency and the IC. Ms. Gordon has been recognized for her creative executive leadership through numerous awards, including the Presidential Rank Award at the distinguished level.
Susan M. Gordon was sworn in as the fifth Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI) on August 7, 2017. As PDDNI, Ms. Gordon assisted the DNI in leading the Intelligence Community (IC) and managing the ODNI. In particular, she focused on advancing intelligence integration across the IC, expanding outreach and partnerships, and driving innovation across the Community.
With nearly three decades of experience in the IC, Ms. Gordon has served in a variety of leadership roles spanning numerous intelligence organizations and disciplines. Most recently, Ms. Gordon served as the Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) from 2015 to 2017. In this role, she helped the director lead the agency and manage the National System of Geospatial Intelligence. She drove NGA’s transformation to meet the challenges of a 21st century intelligence agency. She also championed agile governance, recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce, and expansion of geospatial intelligence services to the open marketplace. She is known for her commitment to diversity and inclusion and, to the women and men of the IC.
Prior to her assignment with NGA, Ms. Gordon served for 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), rising to senior executive positions in each of the Agency’s four directorates: operations, analysis, science and technology, and support. She joined the CIA in 1980 as an analyst in the Office of Scientific and Weapons Research, and went on to serve as the Director of the Office of Advanced Analytic Tools, Director of Special Activities in the Directorate of Science and Technology, Director for Support, and ultimately in concurrent roles as Director of the Information Operations Center and the CIA Director’s senior advisor on cyber. In 1998, she designed and drove the formation of In-Q-Tel, a private, non-profit company whose primary purpose is to deliver innovative technology solutions for the agency and the IC. Ms. Gordon has been recognized for her creative executive leadership through numerous awards, including the Presidential Rank Award at the distinguished level.
Gen. Michael Hayden (Ret.)
Former Director, CIA and NSA
General Michael V. Hayden is a retired four-star General in the United States Air Force; he served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2006-2009 and as Director of the National Security Agency from 1999-2005.
General Michael V. Hayden is a retired four-star General in the United States Air Force; he served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2006-2009 and as Director of the National Security Agency from 1999-2005.
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