Southern California's Most Anticipated IT & CYBERSECURITY SYMPOSIUM

09/19/2024
7:15 AM to 7:00 PM
(GMT-07:00) Pacific Time (US and Canada)
JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort,

Agenda

19
Event Check-In & Continental Breakfast
Event Check-In & Continental Breakfast
Registration Desk
Start
7:15 AM
End
8:15 AM
General Session
General Session

Speaker information at bottom of agenda.


8:15 AM 
Event Welcome

Dwayne Gilliam, EVP, Sales, Nth Generation | Rich Baldwin, Co-founder, Nth Generation | Jan Baldwin, Co-founder, Nth Generation


8:39 AM
Adapt & Adopt - Latest IT & Cybersecurity Trends and Solutions


Keynote: Nth Co-Presidents

Todd Burkhardt, Co-President & CIO, Nth Generation

Dan Molina, Co-President & CTO, Nth Generation


9:00 AM 
GPT-in-a-Box | VMware hypervisor alternative

Fireside Chat: Nth + Nutanix

Mike McLean, Channel Director, West Region, Nutanix

Todd Burkhardt, Co-President & CIO, Nth Generation

Dan Molina, Co-President & CTO, Nth Generation



9:08 AM
AI Demo - How to Make a Chatbot More Intelligent

Lee Solomonson, Director, Advanced Technologies, Nth Generation

Todd Burkhardt, Co-President & CIO

Dan Molina, Co-President & CTO



9:23 AM 
Evolving the AI Ready Enterprise


Keynote: Hewlett Packard Enterprise

AI in State and Local Government has a massive potential to revolutionize Agency Operations and Citizen Services, but it needs to be done right. It needs to be done securely and in an explainable manner where everyone knows how decisions are being made, and access to the generated insights are controlled. In five years, AI will be the primary workloads in the enterprise which means our traditional three-tiered enterprise architecture will need to evolve.  What does it take to evolve to an AI ready enterprise?  


Bill Burnham, CTO Public Sector, USA, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

 


9:52 AM
Using AI for community safety and helping combat human trafficking – navigating through Board approval

Fireside Chat: Client Testimonial


HPE + Grossmont Union High School District

Rick Roberts, CIO, Grossmont Union High School District 

Bill Burnham, CTO Public Sector, USA, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

 


10:03 AM
Leadership Panel

Qualcomm + Nth

Learn how Qualcomm is balancing the organizational benefits and risk of AI for competitive edge

 

Julie Leon, Facilitator, Nth Generation

Tong Huang, Chief of Staff, Infrastructure & End User IT, Qualcomm

Joe Vaughn, Senior Director, Cybersecurity, Qualcomm



10:45 AM
Edge-to-Cloud Zero Trust Platform for Security-First, AI-Powered Networking

Fireside Chat: HPE Aruba Networks

The race against a dissolving perimeter has begun. Work is done from anywhere. Learn how Aruba delivers edge-to-cloud Zero Trust platform for Security-First, AI-Powered Networking.


John Spiegel, Field CTO, HPE Aruba

Jeromie Jackson, Director, Security & Analytics, Nth Generation


10:56 AM 
Quantum Computing - How to Guard Your Data Against QC-Powered Encryption Hacking 

Fireside Chat + Demo: Quantum Computing


Nth + Quantum Encryption Defense

José R. Rosas-Bustos, Chief Science Officer, Quantum Encyption Defense

Yale Fishman, Chairman of Board, Quantum Encryption Defense

Jeromie Jackson, Director, Security & Analytics, Nth Generation



11:14 AM
AI & Data Security

Keynote: Varonis

Generative AI has introduced a new challenge for security teams: protecting against the misuse of large language model (LLM) applications. Now businesses are striving to foster innovation while also safeguarding sensitive data, but what’s the best approach? Advancing cloud security strategies to address the gaps caused by evolving LLM applications. Join us to learn the most common LLM security vulnerabilities and how you can protect against them with proven strategies from Varonis cloud security experts.


David Gibson, SVP of Strategic Programs, Varonis


11:30 AM
Next-Gen Defense: The Power of AI in Cybersecurity

Keynote: Arctic Wolf

AI trends caught early, but the major impact is still to come. What does this mean for your business and how can you prepare for what’s next? 


Dean Teffer, VP of Artificial Intelligence, Arctic Wolf

11:47 AM 
Exploring Cybersecurity Strategies to Mitigate Quantum Computing, AI and 2024 Elections-Related Threats

Cybersecurity Panel

FBI, CISA, Nth CISOs

As we approach the 2024 election, the convergence of quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and evolving cybersecurity threats presents unprecedented challenges for national security and public and private organizations. This panel discussion, featuring experts from the FBI, CISA, and Nth VCISO's, will explore the implications of these emerging technologies and threats on cybersecurity.


Bryan Willett, Supervisory Special Agent/Cyber Task Force Leader, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Jake Aguiar, Cybersecurity Advisor, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Joseph Smith, Sr. Information Security Consultant, Nth Generation

Mark Burton, Sr. Security Consultant, Nth Generation

Cameron Matthews, Sr. Security Consultant, Nth Generation

Moderator: James Makil, Sr. Security Consultant, Nth Generation



Times are approximate & PT. Subject to change.

 

Bill Burnham
Dan Molina
David Gibson
Dean Teffer, PhD
Todd Burkhardt
Start
8:15 AM
End
12:20 PM
Speakers
Bill Burnham
Bill Burnham
Dan Molina
Dan Molina
David Gibson
David Gibson
Dean Teffer, PhD
Dean Teffer, PhD
Todd Burkhardt
Todd Burkhardt
Lunch & Demo Hall
Lunch & Demo Hall
Start
12:20 PM
End
2:00 PM
Breakout Sessions 1A
Breakout Sessions 1A

TRACK 1A 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM


Top Use Cases & How to Start Your AI Initiative + Private Cloud AI:
Don't Leak Your AI Data! (36 min)

Nth Generation + IronYun

Demo:

Today’s most practical example of Generative AI is the Intelligent Chatbot. In this demo, we will show how we can create a Private Intelligent Chatbot to answer questions specific to Nth Generation.

 

Breakout:

Top Use Cases & How to Start Your AI Initiative

 

Join us in exploring the different deployment options that you have for your AI workloads. We will be using a Private Intelligent Chatbot as the example application. We will also introduce some of the emerging techniques that go beyond RAG.

 

Lee Solomonson, Director, Advanced Technologies | Nth Generation

Maria Larsen, Solutions Manager, SoCal | IronYun

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Private Cloud AI Showcase (18 min)
Hewlett Packard Enterprise

 

We are excited to showcase HPE Private Cloud AI (PCAI), our first-of-its-kind turnkey, private-cloud AI solution that includes sustainable accelerated computing with full lifecycle services to streamline time to value with AI.


Part of our NVIDIA AI Computing by HPE portfolio, PCAI enables enterprises of every size to gain an energy-efficient, fast, and flexible path for developing and deploying generative AI applications. PCAI includes a self-service cloud experience with full lifecycle management and is available in four right-sized configurations to support a broad range of AI workloads and use cases. Please join us for a demo and informative session.

 

Hang Tan, SVP Hybrid Cloud COO | Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)


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Radically rethink and simplify how you manage your compute servers (18 min)
Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Compute has evolved into a distributed service that enables workloads deployed at edge and remote locations and in data centers. But legacy management tools are complex and updating is error prone and time consuming. It’s time to secure your server infrastructure and automate management tasks. Hear how organizations are avoiding 4 hours of server downtime per year per server, 50% management time savings and up to $50K in travel cost savings.

Scott Wood, VP and GM, Compute NA | Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

 

 

Arbor C&D
Start
2:00 PM
End
3:15 PM
Breakout Sessions 2A
Breakout Sessions 2A

TRACK 2A

2:00 PM - 3:15 PM

 

Reducing AI’s Blast Radius: How to Prevent Your First AI Breach (12 min)
Varonis

 

Generative AI has taken the world by storm, but how can you control the data AI can access? And how can you ensure sensitive information isn’t used in gen AI training? This session will teach you how to ensure AI tools don't accidentally expose data. We'll show real-world examples of exposures & what to avoid as you adopt AI — so you can reduce AI’s blast radius & keep your crown jewel data safe.

 

Gerry Olmedo, Manager of Sales Engineering | Varonis

__


Revolutionizing Cybersecurity: Leveraging AI for Enhanced Penetration Testing and Reporting Efficiency (12 min)
Nth Generation

 

Staying ahead of potential threats requires innovation and efficiency in today's rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. In this presentation, we will explore the cutting-edge capabilities of Nth Generation’s AI-powered penetration testing, a field where our company is leading the charge. I will introduce you to the custom-built AI program, named Baldwin, designed to enhance the penetration testing process.

 

Our AI-driven approach amplifies the accuracy and depth of security assessments and streamlines the entire process from data consumption to reporting. By leveraging AI, we can perform more thorough testing, generate actionable insights faster, and deliver comprehensive reports.

 

Key takeaways from this session will include how AI enhances our ability to identify vulnerabilities, the significant efficiencies gained in reporting, and how our commitment to innovation positions us as thought leaders in AI-powered pentesting. Join us to see firsthand how AI is transforming cybersecurity practices and helping us protect your assets more effectively than ever before.

 

Jerry Craft, Sr. Security Consultant | Nth Generation

 


__



Disrupting the Industry: An Operations Focused Approach to AI (12 min)
Arctic Wolf

 

As tailored AI solutions for sectors have sparked, there is still a missing element in the security landscape – the human side of AI. With the major impact on cybersecurity still to come, the risks are escalating.

 

Dean Teffer, VP of AI | Arctic Wolf


__


AI in the Crosshairs: Mastering the Art of the Attack and Defense in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (12 min)
Nth Generation

We will explore the complex role of AI in enhancing and challenging cybersecurity. This presentation highlights the differences among AI models, the implications of government regulations, and the inherent risks in AI systems. It covers key strategies in AI-powered security testing and countermeasures, with a focus on tools like Microsoft Copilot, audio and video fakes, and PentestGPT. The talk is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how AI technologies are reshaping security frameworks in modern organizations.

Jeromie Jackson, Directory of Security & Analytics | Nth Generation



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Optimizing Your Defenses: A Practical Approach to Ransomware Preparedness 
(12 min)
Nth Generation

 

As ransomware continues to evolve, so must our defenses. In 2024, small to mid-sized businesses and government agencies face increasingly sophisticated attacks, making it imperative to not just deploy security tools but to ensure they are finely tuned to meet today’s challenges. This presentation focuses on practical steps to enhance your existing security infrastructure, minimizing the damage caused by ransomware through rigorous testing and optimization. We’ll discuss the latest trends in ransomware, why proactive defense measures are essential, and how our Ransomware Readiness Assessment can help you make the most of your current cybersecurity investments

 

Todd Cope, Cybersecurity Engineer | Nth Generation

 

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Proactive AI-Powered Cybersecurity Across the Enterprise (12 min)
Darktrace

Nicole Carignan, VP, Strategic Cyber AI at Darktrace will dive into how defenders look to stay one step ahead of the rising tide of unknown AI-powered threats. Integrating defensive AI approaches in security operations has become critical in being able to proactively harden defenses, identify and respond to threats in machine speed, and uplift stretched teams. Nicole will explore different AI techniques and their unique applications in cybersecurity, emphasizing that not all AI is created equal and that the right types of AI, trained on the right data, must be applied to the right security problem. Leveraging Darktrace's learnings from over a decade of applying AI to the challenge of cybersecurity, Nicole will help to demystify the new AI reality in cyber.

Nicole Carignan, Vice President of Strategic Cyber AI | Darktrace




Arbor A&B
Start
2:00 PM
End
3:15 PM
Breakout Sessions 1B
Breakout Sessions 1B

TRACK 1B
3:24 PM - 5:00 PM

 


Centralizing Resilience: A Unified Approach to Business Impact Analysis, Continuity, Incident Response, and Disaster Recovery

Nth Generation Security + Preparis

In an increasingly complex digital landscape, resilience is no longer just an option—it's a necessity. In this breakout session we explore the critical importance of centralizing your approach to Business Impact Analysis (BIA), Business Continuity Planning (BCP), Incident Response Planning (IRP), and Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP). We’ll delve into how organizations can adapt to evolving threats by adopting a cohesive strategy that enhances resilience across all business functions, including IT and cybersecurity operations. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for unifying these essential frameworks to ensure seamless protection, rapid response, and robust recovery in the face of any disruption.

 

Joseph Smith, Sr. Information Security Consultant | Nth Generation 

Maxx Blason, Project Manager | Nth Generation

Will Minkoff, Enterprise Account Manager | Preparis

 

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Flexibility - The Often Forgotten Enabler to Cyber Resiliency 
(12 min)
11:11 Systems

 

No two organizations are the exact same, so why should recovery plans be? Once you've defined your application resiliency and protection levels, identifying the right approach to delivering the business what it needs is the next step. Join this session to learn how people, process, platforms and tools come together to provide the right solution for your organization in a simplified, reliable and economical solution, regardless of your needs.

 

Moosa Matariyeh, Vice President, Global Channels & Solutions | 11:11 Systems

 

__


Unlocking the Power of Nutanix GPT-in-a-Box (12 min)
Nutanix

 

Join us for a breakout session on Nutanix GPT-in-a-Box, a revolutionary solution designed to simplify the deployment and management of generative AI applications. This session will explore how Nutanix GPT-in-a-Box provides a secure, full-stack enterprise AI platform that enables organizations to deploy large language models (LLMs), ML Operations (MLOps), and generative AI (GenAI) applications seamlessly from core to edge to cloud.

 

Matt Baran, Sr. Channel Systems Engineer | Nutanix

 

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RAISING YOUR BEST DEFENSE: You can't hack, what you can't see! 
(12 min)
Extreme Networks

 

In today's intricate security environment, IT professionals face numerous obstacles. Identity protection and vulnerabilities at the human layer rank among the top issues.

 

This discussion will highlight how Universal ZTNA simplifies network security and meets the many demands of distant and hybrid users, making it a crucial tool for striking a balance between security and digital experiences. These virtualized networks are intrinsically safe thanks to our secure Fabric automated provisioning, which reduces the need for manual configuration and the possibility of network mistakes.

Keith Cotterman, SLED West SE Manager | Extreme Networks

Stephanie Zmroczek, Director SLED West | Extreme Networks


__



ExaGrid Tiered Backup Storage: Comprehensive Security
with Ransomware Recovery (12 min)

ExaGrid

 

Traditionally, backup applications have strong security, but backup storage typically has little to none. ExaGrid is unique in its approach to backup storage security. In addition to our comprehensive security with ransomware recovery, ExaGrid is the only solution with a non-network-facing tier (tiered air gap), a delayed delete policy, and immutable data objects. Learn about all of ExaGrid’s security features and how we can help you recover after a ransomware attack.

 

Greg Sanner, Senior System Engineer | ExaGrid

__

 

 

Black Hat and DEFCON: Hacker breeding ground or defender training camp? 
(12 min)
Nth Generation

 

Two of the world’s largest cybersecurity conferences are held every year in Las Vegas.  Hackers, cybersecurity professionals, and the curious public flock to these conferences to learn about cybersecurity offensive techniques and defensive safeguards as well as to network with like-minded professionals or experience the hacker community.  In this talk, I'll give you a 30,000 ft overview of Black Hat, its security briefings, and its Business Hall, as well as present a bird's eye view of DEFCON, its villages, and its denizens.

 

Cameron Matthews, Sr. Security Consultant | Nth Generation

 

 

Arbor C&D
Start
3:24 PM
End
5:00 PM
Breakout Sessions 2B
Breakout Sessions 2B

TRACK 2B
3:24 PM - 5:00 PM


Quantum Encryption Defense Demo (12 min)
Nth + Quantum Encryption Defense

 

Jeromie Jackson, Director, Security & Analytics | Nth Generation

José R. Rosas-Bustos, QED CSO, | Quantum Encryption Defense

 

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Delivering AI-Powered Unified SASE with HPE Aruba Networking 
(12 min)
Aruba

 

Join our breakout session to learn how to apply zero trust security controls to protect users and applications, no matter where they connect.

 

John Spiegel, SASE Field CTO & HPE Distinquished Technologist - Security | HPE Aruba Networking

 

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HPE Storage: Journey to One (12 min)
Hewlett Packard Enterprise 

 

Come learn about HPE’s latest storage platform and how it is powering the next generation of storage AI.

Kyle Sweetland, Channel Sales Manager, Storage US VAR | HPE

 

__



Navigating the Cloud Continuum (36 min)
Nth Solution Architect Panel

The Cloud Continuum: You have options!

Benefits + Risks + Concerns of varied models

Develop strategies & initiatives

 

ASSESS before You Adopt and Adapt

Assessment Tools & Methodologies

Establishing a Baseline

Identify + Analyze + Evaluate + Report



Mouis Yafeh, Sr. Solutions Architect |  Nth Generation

Nisarg Shah, Enterprise Solutions Architect | Nth Generation

Fernando Molina, Solutions Architect | Nth Generation

Jim Westover, Enterprise Solutions Architect | Nth Generation

Vuong Pham, Sr. Solutions Architect, Virtualization Specialist | Nth Generation (Moderator)

Darin Back, Sr. Networking Consultant |  Nth Generation

Richard Tengdin, Enterprise Solutions Architect | Nth Generation 


Arbor A&B
Start
3:24 PM
End
5:00 PM
Cocktail Reception & Demo Hall
Cocktail Reception & Demo Hall
Start
4:45 PM
End
7:00 PM

Speakers

General Session
Bill Burnham Speaker image

Bill Burnham

CTO Public Sector, USA @ Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Bill Burnham is a technical expert and leader with global experience, specializing in end-to-end systems design and engineering, from remote satellite terminals to data centers and the cloud. He is a proven senior executive, team builder, and change agent with a strategic vision. Bill is an engaging public speaker and articulate writer, able to simplify and convey complex technical solutions. He is also a skilled problem solver with a relentless focus on customer satisfaction.
Bryan Willett Speaker image

Bryan Willett

Supervisory Special Agent/Cyber Task Force Leader @ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Cameron Matthews Speaker image

Cameron Matthews

Sr. Security Consultant @ Nth Generation

Cameron Matthews is an accomplished technology and cybersecurity leader with over 32 years of experience.

Cameron specializes in the areas of threat intelligence exchange, rapid vulnerability notification, and situational security awareness across verticals including the U.S. Department of Defense, healthcare, e-commerce, telecommunications, transportation, education, and cybersecurity. Cameron has proven business acumen gained from key positions in organizations ranging from ground floor Internet startups to multi-billion dollar organizations. Mr. Matthews’ vast knowledge of corporate security strategy, risk and threat management, corporate security culture, secure software, systems engineering, and systems integration empower him to be a key advisor for Nth Generation. His tenured portfolio of cutting-edge architected and managed security systems provide a competitive edge for clients.
Dan Molina Speaker image

Dan Molina

Co-President, CTO, Security & Marketing @ Nth Generation

Dan Molina has worked in the IT industry since 1989 and joined Nth Generation in November 2000. In addition to his role as Co-President, as CTO, he is responsible for researching and incorporating leading-edge IT and Cybersecurity technologies and services into Nth’s solutions and services portfolio, and overseeing Nth’s Security and Marketing divisions.

Dan completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at UCSD in 1992 and a Master of Science Degree in Executive Leadership at USD in 2009.  Dan brings consulting experience in the areas of Hybrid Cloud, Data Protection, Business Continuity, Security, AI, and other related Enterprise IT solutions. Dan is a multi-year finalist for the San Diego Tech Executive of the Year Award.

David Gibson Speaker image

David Gibson

SVP of Strategic Programs @ Varonis

David Gibson has more than 20 years of technology and marketing experience. He is responsible for building brand awareness, aligning product innovations with market demand, and driving sales through marketing, communications and educational initiatives.

David joined Varonis in 2006. Prior to Varonis, David was a systems engineer for Tripwire, and worked as a network management and security engineer at International Integrated Solutions. David is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and speaks on topics related to cybersecurity and technology best practices. He frequently speaks at industry conferences and has been quoted in The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post and numerous security news sources.
Dean Teffer, PhD Speaker image

Dean Teffer, PhD

Vice President of Artificial Intelligence @ Arctic Wolf

Dean Teffer, PhD Vice President of Artificial Intelligence Arctic Wolf Dean is an executive, manager, and individual contributor in cybersecurity, data engineering, and applied machine learning / AI. He has expertise in executing product vision, building and leading teams, and developing and deploying analytic systems to customers. He serves on the Texas Private Sector Advisory Council and the Texas AI Advisory Council, and he is active with IEEE for policy and standards related to AI and cybersecurity. At Arctic Wolf, Dean leads Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning driven innovation and deployment. Dean has over 25 years of experience building innovative products, including 18 years as a DoD and Intelligence Community contractor, where he worked on projects in tactical sonar, countermeasure deployment for aircraft, and cybersecurity. He also worked at several cybersecurity companies prior to Arctic Wolf, where he served as head of data science, engineering, and various other technical leadership roles. Prior to that, Dean was Principal Investigator for over 8 years for the data exploitation division of a multi-agency (DoD / IC) cyberdefense task force focused on nation-state attacks. Dean has a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from UT Austin and a Masters in Physics also from UT Austin, and he currently lives in Austin, TX with his wife and two children.
Dwayne Gilliam Speaker image

Dwayne Gilliam

EVP, Sales @ Nth Generation

Dwayne Gilliam began his career in the printing industry with Xerox Corporation in Los Angeles after attending the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Finance. He later attended BIOLA University, earning a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership. Dwayne has worked as a Sales, Operations, and Channel leader in various roles at EMC/Dell, Veritas, and HPE.

Dwayne joined Nth Generation in March 2015, and under his leadership, Nth Generation has grown by 300% over the last nine years. He is a motivational and servant leader who believes in always serving and prioritizing both his internal and external customers. He currently serves as the Executive VP of Sales & GM at Nth Generation Computing."
Jake Aquiar Speaker image

Jake Aquiar

Cybersecurity Advisor @ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

James Makil Speaker image

James Makil

vCISO & Sr. Security Consultant @ Nth Generation

James Makil is a seasoned technology professional with extensive experience in cybersecurity, network architecture, and infrastructure design. James specializes in Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessments, Information Security, Security Auditing, PCI, FFIEC, OWASP, HIPAA, SOX, Linux, Unix, Windows Servers, Active Directory.

Throughout James' career, he has been committed to helping organizations protect their assets and data from cyber threats, and he is passionate about staying ahead of emerging threats and trends in the cybersecurity landscape. He has an MBA in Information Assurance and Security from the University of Dallas.

Jan Baldwin Speaker image

Jan Baldwin

Chief Executive Officer

Jan Baldwin founded Nth Generation Consulting in 1994, leading the organization for ten successful years through 2006 when it merged with Nth Generation. Formerly, she was the Executive Vice President of Nth Generation and in 2011 she was named CEO.

She earned a Master of Science Degree in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego, where she researched the business value and strategy of cloud computing. Her work is instrumental in charting Nth Generation’s business strategy. For instance, in 2008, Nth committed to becoming a leader and trusted advisor to clients in the global shift toward cloud computing. Since then, Nth Generation has become one of HPE’s first “Cloud Centers of Excellence” in the United States, and has received similar recognition from other industry giants including VMware and CommVault.

Jan serves as Nth Generation’s leader and primary advocate. She works with Nth’s Board of Directors and Executive Team creating strategies to ensure the company fulfills its mission paving the road for a bright future for the company and its clients.

Jeromie Jackson Speaker image

Jeromie Jackson

Director, Security & Analytics @ Nth Generation

Mr. Jeromie Jackson is a seasoned security expert with over 30 years of experience leading security consultancies providing information security services for Fortune 500, large enterprise, and mid-sized organizations. A well-known speaker, Founder of the San Diego OWASP Chapter, SANS Mentor, and previous Vice President of the San Diego ISACA Chapter, Mr. Jackson is well networked. Covered on Forbes Magazine, Mr. Jackson is a frequent speaker, author, and interviewee for many industry and technology related media outlets.
Joe Vaughn Speaker image

Joe Vaughn

Senior Director, Cybersecurity @ Qualcomm

John Spiegel Speaker image

John Spiegel

SASE Field CTO and HPE Distinguished Technologist - Security @ HPE Aruba Networking

John Spiegel, Field CTO, HPE Aruba Networking John has 25 years of experience running high performance engineering teams primarily in the retail space. He is an industry pioneer in software defined networking (SDN) and software defined WANs (SD-WAN). John has spoken on the topic network transformation at industry conferences such as Gartner, InterOp, VMWorld, Palo Alto Networks Ignite as well as executive roundtable discussions. He’s been a customer advisor to companies such as VMware, Palo Alto Networks and Cisco Systems. Disruptive startups like Cloudgenix (now Palo Alto Prisma Access), Axis Security (now HPE/Aruba Networking SSE) and Arkin (now VMware Realize Network Insight) have also leveraged his knowledge to bring products to market resulting in successful exits. John currently hosts a podcast called "The Edge" on the topics of cybersecurity, the role of the CISO, SASE, SSE and Zero Trust. He is currently the Field CTO for HPE Aruba Networking SASE Business Unit and an HPE Distinguished Technologist. When not helping companies on their journey to modernize and secure their networks, you can find him cycling on the backroads of Oregon.
José R. Rosas-Bustos Speaker image

José R. Rosas-Bustos

QED CSO @ Quantum Computing

An innovative leader in Decentralized Technologies, Quantum Computing (QC), and Cybersecurity, with over two decades in IT, he specializes in National Security and Defense while holding significant IT and Quantum Computing Intellectual Property, including patents and industrial secrets.

Currently doing Ph.D. research in Post-Quantum Cryptography and QC at the University of Waterloo, Canada, he is actively contributing to projects such as QRNG Networks, Decentralized Quantum Networks (DQN), and Quantum Adaptive Multifrequency Defense Systems (QAMDS).
Joseph Smith Speaker image

Joseph Smith

Sr. Information Security Consultant @ Nth Generation

Joseph Smith is a Senior Information Security professional with over 20 years of experience in IT. He has a diverse background working with verticals in the private sector, banking, medical, financial, the U.S. Department of Defense, and Federal Government. Mr. Smith is a Security Advocate, guiding management to security development through the education and training of risk management, tailoring solutions to fit each company’s unique landscape. His personable approach to training and testing have produced significant improvements to those he has helped across multiple industries, bringing compelling IT solutions to the table.

Joseph is well-regarded with his experience in the the creation and deployment of security solutions protecting networks, systems, and information assets for diverse companies and organizations. He works in partnership with clients to implement security controls in pragmatic ways that deliver investment value and support business perations. Joseph also presents and provides security trainings at Nth Generation and has conducted numerous Security Training presentations for internal use at various companies.
Julie León Speaker image

Julie León

Enterprise Account Executive @ Nth Generation

Julie Leon recently celebrated 17 years with Nth Generation. As a Strategic Advisor, she enjoys helping her clients accelerate business transformation. She leverages innovation, proven methodologies, and expert resources to achieve sustainable success.

Julie develops effective strategies for embracing change and adapting to rapidly evolving markets. She understands the importance of balancing technology adoption, such as AI, with proper governance guidelines. Julie actively engages stakeholders in developing organizational resiliency to meet emerging challenges. Her collaborative approach, positive outlook, and unique insights foster long-lasting business relationships."
Lee Solomonson Speaker image

Lee Solomonson

Director, Advanced Technologies @ Nth Generation

Lee Solomonson joined Nth over 20 years ago as a Systems Engineer, focusing on storage, UNIX, and data protection. Five years later, Lee was promoted to Nth Labs Manager, and added specializations in server virtualization and performance benchmarking. Lately, he has been pulling together all of his experience in the data center and applying it to the field of Artificial Intelligence (and vice-versa)

Mark Burton Speaker image

Mark Burton

Sr. Security Consultant @ Nth Generation

Mark Burton is a Cyber Security leader with talent for delivering strategic plans to successfully navigate businesses through periods growth, change and security challenges. He is a solutions and goal-oriented professional with expertise in developing and streamlining process and procedures to optimize productivity and profitability. He is an articulate communicator capable of securing and strengthening security posture and facilitating reliable cyber security outcomes.

Mark has over 20 years of experience across the IT industry and holds CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CEH certifications. He is passionate about helping businesses of all sizes harness the power of technology to achieve their goals, and he is committed to building strong, lasting relationships with clients based on trust and collaboration.

Mike McLean Speaker image

Mike McLean

Channel Director, West Region @ Nutanix

Mike McLean brings over 25 years of experience in technology sales and channel leadership to his role as Channel Director for the West Region at Nutanix. His career is distinguished by a deep commitment to excellence and a proven track record in building and leading high-performing teams.

Throughout his professional journey, Mike has held significant positions at industry leaders such as EMC, NetApp, and Nutanix. He excels in channel sales, leveraging his expertise to develop strategic partnerships and drive revenue growth. Known for his strengths-based leadership, Mike focuses on fostering diverse and productive teams that align with organizational objectives.

A graduate of Washington State University’s School of International Business, Mike’s educational background has equipped him with a global perspective and a strategic approach to business. His career is marked by a dedication to achieving exceptional results and cultivating strong relationships within the technology sector.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Mike is an avid outdoor enthusiast with a passion for skiing, fly fishing, and camping. His personal interests reflect his appreciation for adventure and his belief in maintaining a well-rounded, balanced lifestyle
Rich Baldwin Speaker image

Rich Baldwin

Executive Board Member and Strategic Advisor

Richard Baldwin began his technology career in 1968, programming business applications for IBM System 360 mainframe computers. After working for San Diego Trust-Savings Bank’s IT department, and for GE Software International, he spent 14 years building UserWare.

In the late 1980’s, Rich started and successfully managed three companies, including Nth Generation Computing, which he founded in 1991. Nth developed a focus on StorageWorks in the early 1990’s and has since become the leading Hewlett Packard Enterprise server, storage, software, networking, and desktop virtualization specialist in the Western United States. Nth is also an elite business partner with VMware, Commvault, Intel, Microsoft, and other leading suppliers. Rich’s vision, fueled by his commitment to cutting-edge technology, client education, service and support, and technical excellence, was the key to taking Nth from a one-man start-up to the multi-million dollar enterprise it is today.

Rick Roberts Speaker image

Rick Roberts

CIO @ Grossmont Union High School District

Rick Roberts serves as the Executive Director of Educational Technology Services for the San Diego County-area Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD).

Rick and his team have led a digital transformation effort that successfully changed the learning environment for teachers and students districtwide and has carried this same level of transformation to all non-instructional areas of the organization. Most recently the team moved into two new data centers and is currently deploying modern student safety systems districtwide.
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Todd Burkhardt

Co-President, Client Engagement & CIO @ Nth Generation

Todd Burkhardt has been with Nth Generation since 1993, and has the dubious distinction of being Nth’s first hired employee. He oversees Nth’s pre-sales engineering team, systems integration, project management, and internal IT. During his time with Nth Generation, Todd has developed the engineering team into a full-service IT organization.

Todd attended Coleman University, where he earned a Degree in Computer Programming. Prior to narrowing his scope to engineering and IT at Nth Generation, Todd was responsible for shipping, receiving, integration, data center build-outs and moves, phones, internet, facilities, security, technical team management, and customer support. As a result, he has a strong understanding of the people and processes required to run the company efficiently.


Todd is a pivotal member of the Strategic Team that charted Nth Generation’s Mission, Vision, Values and Strategy. He currently sits on the Corporate E-team and continues to help drive the strategic direction of the company, while also bringing a “Customer First” approach to our decision-making processes.

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Tong Huang

Chief of Staff, Infrastructure & End User IT @ Qualcomm

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Vuong Pham

Sr. Solutions Architect, Virtualization Specialist @ Nth Generation

Vuong Pham is a Senior Solutions Architect who has been in IT for 20 years in many aspects of IT. Pre-sales, Design, Implementation, and Operations of small, medium and enterprise environments across multiple industries. He is SME in virtualization, data protection and storage solutions for multiple vendors. His current focus is HCI solutions, DevOps and CNA. VCP 3,4,5,6, VCP DTM 7, VCAP Design, VCAP Administration, EMCIE. VxRail Xpert, Nutanix NPP, SimpliVity Certified, VMware vExpert 2015-2018, You can follow Vuong on Twitter as: @Digital_kungfu

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Yale Fishman

Chairman of Board @ Quantum Encryption Defense

Yale Fishman is the Vice-Chairman of the Prosperity Fund, which invests in Private Equity and Venture Capital. The Prosperity Fund focuses on cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing, AI, Climate Initiatives, and Health Care.

Yale has over 30 years of experience leading and advising funds, institutions, & high-net-worth investors on tax-advantaged investment structures and sophisticated estate & income tax vehicles. CEOs and Fortune 500 executives from the nation’s most prestigious firms seek his expertise in structuring their business tax strategies, and he has counseled clients on Billion dollars transactions.