• Clark Rainer - Chief Information Officer, Georgia's Attorney General
• Major General (Retired) Thomas F. Grabowski - Former Commander of the Georgia Air National Guard
• Kartavya Trivedi - Lead Penetration Tester, STN, Inc.
• Ryan Bennett - Digital Forensic Investigator, Georgia Bureau of Investigation
• Megan England - Digital Forensic Investigator, Georgia Bureau of Investigation
• Adam Ham - Chief Technical Officer, Georgia Public Safety Training Center
• Medi Jaafari - Engineer, Cisco Systems
• Neil Lovering - Engineer, Cisco Systems
• Tim St. Laurent - Engineer, Cisco Systems
• Todd Davenport - Senior Director, External Compliance
• Eli Fripp
• Nathan Langmack - Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Moeiini "Moi" Reilly - Research Technologist, Electronic Systems Laboratory at Georgia Tech Research Institute
• Blake Southerland - Research Scientist, Electronic Systems Laboratory at Georgia Tech Research Institute
• Will Toussaint Jr. - Research Technologist, Electronic Systems Laboratory at Georgia Tech Research Institute
• Robert LaBuda - Information Systems Security Manager, Georgia Tech Research Institute

Clark Rainer

Chief Information Officer, Georgia's Attorney General

Clark Rainer is an IT Executive with over 25 years of experience in leading IT operations for public and private organizations. Currently serving as the CIO for Georgia’s Attorney General, Chris Carr. Clark holds his CGCIO, and LGCIO certification from University of Georgia - Carl Vinson Institute for Government, BBA in General Business Administration from Georgia College and State University, and Associate of Arts from Oxford College of Emory University.

Author – How to Build an IT Department from Chaos to Continual System Improvement, copyright © 2018.

Recently, Clark has been a change agent driving digital transformation of City, County, and State Government Agencies serving in the roles of IT Director and CIO. He has developed cyber security programs for the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office and Georgia Office of Attorney General, implementing proven methodologies and frameworks in maturing cyber security posture.

Currently serving his ninth consecutive term as GMIS International Director www.gmis.org, Clark has worked closely with International partners in the formation of LOLA (Linked Organization of Local Authorities – www.lola-ict.org), and includes executives representing Australia, Belgium, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States. In addition, Clark served on the Board of Georgia GMIS (president in 2010) for fifteen years.

Clark is the past President of “HTTP” (Henry Telecommunications and Technology Partnership), and was awarded the GMIS International Outstanding Professional Award (previously MISAPA) in 2001.

Outside of work, Clark enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, fishing, horseback riding, and menagerie of animals on his “hobby farm” in rural Butts County, GA.

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Major General (Retired) Thomas F. Grabowski

Former Commander of the Georgia Air National Guard

Major General (Retired) Thomas F. Grabowski was the former Commander of the Georgia Air National Guard. His duties and responsibilities included direct supervision of the Georgia State Air Guard staff, and command of 2,900 Georgia Air National Guard members serving in two flying wings, six geographically separated units and the Air Dominance Center.

Prior to this assignment he served as the Air National Guard Deputy of Total Force Integration, Office of the Air Force Director of Staff, Pentagon. In this role he was responsible for identifying the appropriate force mix of active and reserve components across USAF missions and platforms.

General Grabowski joined the Georgia Air National Guard in 1985 as an enlisted Telecommunications Specialist. He has held command, staff and supervisory positions to include commander of the 116th Air Control Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, where he was responsible for the worldwide employment of the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS). His aviation career includes more than 2,700 flying hours; including more than 1,700 combat hours in the E-8C. He is a Master Air Battle Management Instructor/Evaluator.

He has held positions on the Air Reserve Forces Policy Board and National Guard Strategic Planning System, Steering Committee.

Gen Grabowski currently operates Stardust Consulting and resides with his wife Angela in Fort Valley, GA.

Kartavya Trivedi

Lead Penetration Tester, STN Inc.

Kartavya Trivedi, a Lead Penetration Tester at STN Inc., made a career transition from Mechanical Engineering to Information Technology with a focus on cybersecurity following the state-sponsored hack of the US election. He now seeks to assist companies and individuals in mitigating the risks of Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and black-hat attacks. Kartavya has successfully provided security consulting services to various entities such as school districts, private companies, hospitals, and credit unions. During his tenure as vice-president of the Cyberknights club at MGA, he participated in multiple cybersecurity competitions, which enhanced his skillset. His achievements in the field have earned him a rank among the top 700 hackers in the US, with a ProHacker rating on HackTheBox. Kartavya is also known for his rare skill set and expertise in Active Directory Hacking and Assume Breach Scenarios, making him one of the few individuals in the country with this level of proficiency. Although his expertise lies predominantly in offensive security, he has also led Security Operations Center (SOC) teams and aided organizations in responding to active ransomware attacks. In addition to LEGALLY hacking his clients, Kartavya actively mentors cybersecurity professionals and is an avid supporter of Lewis Hamilton's pursuit of an 8th Championship title.

Ryan Bennett

Digital Forensic Investigator, Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Ryan Bennett is currently a Digital Forensic Investigator in the CEACC Unit (Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes) at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, where Ryan performs forensic analysis and investigation of digital media and devices. Ryan also assists Special Agents and police officers with the execution of search warrants, prepares official reports, testifies in court when required, and has assisted in several undercover Operations.

Prior to joining the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Ryan worked as a Network Technician for the Houston County Board of Education in Perry, Georgia.

Ryan is a Certified Computer Forensic Examiner (CFCE) as certified by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS), has over 200 hours of classroom training related to Digital Forensics, and holds a Bachelor of Information Technology from Middle Georgia State University.

Megan England

Digital Forensic Investigator, Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Megan England has been a Digital Forensic Investigator (DFI) with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit since May 2022. Previously, Megan was the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Coordinator for GBI CEACC since August 2020. In her current role, Megan performs forensic analysis of digital evidence submitted by CEACC Special Agents, federal and local law enforcement. Megan is responsible for assisting investigators and agents in the execution of search warrants, previewing digital evidence on scene, preparing reports and documentation, and providing technical assistance.

Megan is in the process of obtaining her Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) certification through IACIS. Megan has received over 100 hours of training from Griffeye, The National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), Cellebrite, Amped FIVE, and IACIS. Megan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with minors in Cyber Security and Psychology from the University of North Georgia.

Adam Ham

Chief Technical Officer, Georgia Public Safety Training Center

Adam Ham is the Chief Technical Officer at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. With nearly two decades of experience, Adam has worn many hats, starting as a database administrator and working his way up to his current role. Leading a team of 11 IT professionals, Adam focuses on the smooth operation of various technical aspects, including applications, infrastructure, audio-visual systems, and printing services. His journey from the ground up reflects his dedication to the Training Center's mission. Adam's strategic vision and hands-on experience enable him to guide his team in effectively supporting the diverse technological needs of public safety.

Medi Jaafari

Engineer, Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems Engineer Medi Jaafari has 27 years of experience in networking, data centers, and cybersecurity. As an engineer, Jaafari's career focuses on multi-fabric distributed cybersecurity integrations along with Zero Trust and Micro segmentation designs. Over the past seven years, Jaafari orientated his workload on Cisco's product design teams. Jaafari will discuss the importance of Multi Fabric Security Integrations and Automation for distributed security and zero trust.

Neil Lovering

Engineer, Cisco Systems

Neil Lovering is currently a Security Multi-Domain Architect for Cisco.  Currently, he assists State, Local and Educational customers deploy security solutions in today’s complex hybrid world.  Previously, he helped U.S. Federal customers design and deploy security solutions into diverse network environments, from small missions to enormous enterprises.  He has helped develop, maintain and improve hundreds of government networks within the DoD, Intelligence Community and throughout dozens of Federal Civilian agencies.

He has focused primarily on network security for more than 15 years and worked directly with government customers during his entire 20-year career at Cisco.  He still has an active CCIE (#1772) after more than 27 years.

He has been a speaker at Cisco Live for more than eight years and was recently a Distinguished Speaker at the event.  Prior to Cisco, he was a network instructor and taught various Cisco technologies to thousands of students around the world. 

He currently enjoys living in Northern Virginia with his wife of 29 years.

Tim St. Laurent

Engineer, Cisco Systems

Tim St. Laurent is a Cybersecurity Sales Specialist for Cisco and has been in the Cybersecurity field for approximately 25 years.   Tim has worked for Cisco for the past 17 years and has covered government customers for most of that time.  To include Federal Intelligence Community and Department of Defense customers.  He currently works with State, Local Governments, Higher Education and K-12 customers in the states of South Carolina and Georgia.  He helps customers with meeting their Cybersecurity initiatives and ensuring their mission success. 

He holds, or has held, several industry certifications throughout his career, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Red Hate Certified Engineer (RHCE) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE). 

Tim currently lives in Greenville, SC with his wife and is enjoying being “empty nesters”. 

Todd Davenport

Senior Director, External Compliance

Todd is the Senior Director, External Compliance for Global Payments. He has 30 years of Information Security and Compliance experience in the public and private sectors; the past eight years have been focused on the financial industry.

Eli Fripp

Eli Fripp embarked on his IT journey as a child, learning to read on a TI-99 during the emerging days of computing in our homes and lives. After gaining hands-on experience and in IT throughout high school, Eli spent the next 20-plus years deepening his expertise across various IT domains, including Windows, Linux, virtual infrastructures, databases, network security, and both private and public cloud technologies. Beyond tactical roles, Eli’s leadership experience includes serving in both manager and director roles while leading multi-disciplinary teams for the past decade. Eli's understanding of IT, combined with his leadership roles, has enabled him to helped shape the world of DevOps, especially in the realms of automation and security. Today, with DevOps, security, and AI driving the next technological wave, Eli brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to help guide through these dynamic shifts.

Nathan Langmack

Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation

Special Agent Nate Langmack began duty with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2005 and has served in a multitude of leadership and investigative roles throughout his 18 years with the FBI. Special Agent Langmack has been working complex computer intrusion cases since 2012 and has been at FBI Atlanta since 2017 where he also serves as the Team Leader for the FBI Atlanta Crisis Negotiation Team.

Prior to FBI Atlanta, Special Agent Langmack worked on high-profile national security and criminal cases at FBI Washington Field Office, FBI Mobile Division, and FBI Headquarters/Cyber Division in support of criminal, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, and cyber initiatives.

Prior to joining the FBI, Special Agent Langmack served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked in the private sector in commercial sales and engineering roles. Special Agent Langmack holds a BS from the U.S. Naval Academy, an MBA from the University of Georgia, and various cybersecurity certifications.

Moeiini "Moi" Reilly

Research Technologist, Electronic Systems Laboratory at Georgia Tech Research Institute

Moeiini “Moi” Reilly is a Research Technologist with the Test Engineering Division in the Electronic Systems Laboratory at Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). Joining in 2021, Moi develops cybersecurity engineering efforts for a variety of GTRI customers, as well as leads STEM outreach initiatives at the Warner Robins Field Office. Before joining GTRI, Moi developed a robust skillset spanning network engineering, systems security administration, and helpdesk roles at Central Georgia Technical College, and at Robins Air Force Base. Moi holds both a Bachelor of Science, and Master of Science in Information Technology from Middle Georgia State University, as well as two Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Electronics and Information Technology from Central Georgia Technical College.

Blake Southerland

Research Scientist, Electronic Systems Laboratory at Georgia Tech Research Institute

Blake Southerland is a Research Scientist with the Test Engineering Division in the Systems Laboratory at Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). Joining in 2019, Blake is currently the Branch Head for the Systems Security and Program Protection Branch and cybersecurity engineer for multiple projects supporting GTRI customers. Prior to joining GTRI, Blake developed a diverse skillset as an Intelligence Analyst in the Marine Corps, Help Desk technician, systems administrator, information systems security officer, and security analyst in both the public and private sectors. Blake holds both a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Master of Business Administration and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and CompTIA Security + certified.

Will Toussaint Jr.

Research Technologist, Electronic Systems Laboratory at Georgia Tech Research Institute

Will Toussaint Jr., CISSP is a Research Technologist with the Test Engineering Division in the Electronic Systems Laboratory at Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). Joining GTRI in 2022, Will leverages his experience gained over with a previous government contractor, to ensure the robust cybersecurity posture of DoD systems at Robins Air Force Base through the utilization of the Risk Management Framework (RMF). Will also serves in the Air Force Reserves and has four years of Combat Communications experience and six years of working in a Major Command Coordination Center (MCCC) monitoring all the continental reserve bases secure and non-secure data and voice communications. Will holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology and Communications from Mercer University and MBA from Georgia College and State University.

Robert LaBuda

Information Systems Security Manager, Georgia Tech Research Institute

Robert LaBuda is the Information Systems Security Manager for the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) Warner Robins Field Office. Joining in 2020, Robert is in charge of all accredited networks at the site, performs cybersecurity engineering for a variety of GTRI customers, and serves as the assistant facility security officer. Before joining GTRI, Robert spent 5.5 years as a federal law enforcement officer with DHS, 3.5 years in healthcare governance, risk and compliance and 2 years as a scrum master/security lead/program manager for Datum software supporting software development at Robins Air Force Base. Robert holds both a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Saint Joseph’s University and a Master’s in Management information systems from Georgia College & State University. Robert also holds the CISSP and Security + certifications.