With our campus partners, the Whole of Government Center of Excellence is hosting the 4th Annual National Security Conference on March 22, 2024 at William & Mary. This year, we are bringing together expertise across the university, government, and the military to address “Data & Democracy, AI, Cyber Defense, & National Security.”

Due to tremendous early interest, our in-person registration has closed, and we are offering a waitlist and livestream option.

Speaker Agenda

 All times are Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Additional speakers will be added when confirmed.

Thurs. March 21

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Fireside Chat: “Data Revolution and National Security Evolution”   

• Shane Harris, Intelligence and National Security Correspondent, The Washington Post
• Stephanie Pell, Fellow in Governance Studies, Brookings Institution, and Senior Editor, Lawfare

Friday, March 22

8:30 – 8:45 a.m. Introduction & Welcome Remarks

• Peggy Agouris, Provost, William & Mary
• Kathryn H. Floyd, Director, Whole of Government Center of Excellence, William & Mary

8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Senior Leadership Panel: “Future of Data, AI, & Cyber Defense”

Senior leaders will provide a thought-provoking fireside chat that will delve into the dynamic landscape of data management, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, exploring their pivotal roles in shaping the future of national defense strategies. The discussion will include cutting-edge technologies, emerging threats, and innovative solutions poised to redefine how nations safeguard their interests in an increasingly digital world. Gain invaluable insights into the intersection of data analytics, AI-driven decision-making, and robust cyber defense measures, ensuring readiness and resilience in the face of evolving security challenges. 

Panelists:

• Chon Abraham, Mansfield Professor of Business/Information Systems, Raymond A. Mason School of Business, William & Mary
• Lashon Booker, PhD, Senior Principal Scientist, Acting Chief Engineer, Artifical Intelligence & Autonomy Innovation Center
• Piret Pernik, Cybersecurity Researcher, NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence
• Eileen Vidrine, Chief Data and AI Officer, U.S. Air Force

9:45 – 10:45 a.m.   Panel #1: “Compliance vs. Security vs. Privacy”

Distinguished experts will convene to dissect the complex challenges and opportunities inherent in reconciling regulatory compliance requirements, robust security protocols, and the imperative of safeguarding individual privacy rights. Through dynamic dialogue, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the delicate balance required to navigate these critical domains effectively, offering invaluable insights for business, defense, and policymakers alike. 

Panelists:

• Rob Cochran, Co-founder, Bawn, former Cyber Crimes Investigations Supervisor, Federal Bureau of Investigation (ret.)
• Andrea Matwyshyn, Professor of Law and Engineering Policy/Professor of Engineering Design, Penn State Law/Penn State Engineering
• Przemek Praszczalek, Director, Identity Products & Innovation, Cybersecurity & Intelligence division, Mastercard Inc.
• Anthony Stefanidis, Professor of Computer Science, Director, William & Mary Data Science
• Edward Tuorinsky, Founder & Managing Principal, DTS

10:45 – 11:00 a.m. Networking Break

11:00 – 11:35 a.m.  Keynote Address

• Eric Goldstein, Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity (CSD), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

11:35 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Working Lunch

• Presentations by Project on International Peace and Security fellows, William & Mary Global Innovation Challenge leaders, and more

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Panel #2: Securing Critical Infrastructure in the Age of AI and other Emerging

Technologies

Subject matter experts will dissect the evolving landscape of safeguarding essential infrastructure against emerging threats in an era defined by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. The panel will explore the intricate challenges and innovative strategies aimed at fortifying critical assets against cyber-attacks and disruptions. Join us for a dynamic exchange of insights and best practices, as we collectively navigate the intersection of AI, emerging technology, cybersecurity, and national defense in ensuring the resilience and integrity of vital infrastructure networks. 

Panelists:

• Glenn Ballard, President/CEO, Founder, Dragonfli Group
• Dan Bowden, CISO, Marsh Global
• David Burg, Americas Cyber Leader, EY
• Iria Giuffrida, Assistant Dean for Academic & Faculty Affairs, Professor of the Practice of Law, William & Mary Law School
• Tracy Gregorio, CEO, G2 Ops, Inc.

2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Special Address by Major General Ring, 29th Adjutant General of Virginia

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Networking Break

2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Panel #3: Cyber Attacks, AI Weaponry, & the Future of National

Security Policy

This panel will explore how cyber conflict and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are impacting national security strategies, and a transformation of military modernization and intelligence approaches. Contemporary threats, including information warfare and cyber attacks, require a reexamination of governance frameworks surrounding AI oversight, and strengthening cybersecurity and data privacy. The national security implications of AI, therefore, involves a close interrogation of the role of domestic and international law in regulating AI tools to mitigate a growing body of threats that are technologically-driven and rely upon AI weaponry. 

Panelists:

• Jocelyn Aqua, Principal of Data, risk, Privacy, & AI Governance, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
• Merritt Baer, Merritt Baer, CISO; Advisor, Expanso; Board of Advisors, BlackGirlsHack; Co-Founder, Tech and Roses; former Deputy CISO, AWS
• Ashley Deeks, Class of 1948 Professor of Scholarly Research in Law, University of Virginia Law School
• Trenton Ford, Assistant Professor of Data Science, William & Mary
• Margaret Hu, Taylor Reveley Research Professor, Professor of Law, William & Mary Law School
• Davi Ottenheimer, Vice President of Trust and Digital Ethics, Inrupt
• Russ Travers, Senior Advisor, DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis, former Acting Director and Deputy Director, National Counterterrorism Center

Panelists:

• Glenn Ballard, President/CEO, Founder, Dragonfli Group
• Dan Bowden, CISO, Marsh Global
• David Burg, Americas Cyber Leader, EY
• Iria Giuffrida, Assistant Dean for Academic & Faculty Affairs, Professor of the Practice of Law, William & Mary Law School
• Tracy Gregorio, CEO, G2 Ops, Inc.

2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Special Address by Major General Ring, 29th Adjutant General of Virginia

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Networking Break

2:45 – 3:45 p.m. Panel #3: Cyber Attacks, AI Weaponry, & the Future of National

Security Policy

This panel will explore how cyber conflict and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are impacting national security strategies, and a transformation of military modernization and intelligence approaches. Contemporary threats, including information warfare and cyber attacks, require a reexamination of governance frameworks surrounding AI oversight, and strengthening cybersecurity and data privacy. The national security implications of AI, therefore, involves a close interrogation of the role of domestic and international law in regulating AI tools to mitigate a growing body of threats that are technologically-driven and rely upon AI weaponry. 

Panelists:

• Jocelyn Aqua, Principal of Data, risk, Privacy, & AI Governance, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
• Merritt Baer, Merritt Baer, CISO; Advisor, Expanso; Board of Advisors, BlackGirlsHack; Co-Founder, Tech and Roses; former Deputy CISO, AWS
• Ashley Deeks, Class of 1948 Professor of Scholarly Research in Law, University of Virginia Law School
• Trenton Ford, Assistant Professor of Data Science, William & Mary
• Margaret Hu, Taylor Reveley Research Professor, Professor of Law, William & Mary Law School
• Davi Ottenheimer, Vice President of Trust and Digital Ethics, Inrupt
• Russ Travers, Senior Advisor, DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis, former Acting Director and Deputy Director, National Counterterrorism Center

W&M Global Innovation Challenge

April 12-13, 2024

The internationally recognized W&M Global Innovation Challenge (WMGIC) will host their spring competition on April 12 & 13. WMGIC is a hack-a-thon style international and sustainable development case competition that encourages and facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration and applied learning opportunities among students, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers by bringing innovative and sustainable perspectives to solve complex global issues. They are recruiting participants, judges, and mentors to guide young minds from across the globe. Registration is now open!

Contact wmgic@wm.edu with questions. Click here for more Infromation.