Helping Vets In InfoSec
As the third all-virtual convention hosted by VetSec, Inc., our goal is to continue to further the vision statement of our company; “A world where no veteran pursuing information security goes unemployed.” To this end, VetSec, Inc. is proud and excited to announce VetSecCon 2021. Featuring key speakers from across the information security industry as …
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VetSecCon Junior started as a convention by veteran members of VetSec, Inc. to teach newer members about topics ranging from mental health to job hunting and, of course, topics on information security. Our first convention was in April of 2020 and was a resounding success with our members.
We'll continue to feature our three tracks - Humanity, Transition, and InfoSec Skills, but we're taking it a step further this year. For 2021, we're seeking to grow even bigger and better. In addition to our three tracks from last fall, we're seeking to run break-outs with recruiters and industry experts, as well as more activities to keep our audience engaged!
Robert M. Lee is the founder and CEO at Dragos Inc., an industrial (ICS/OT/IIoT) cybersecurity company on a mission to safeguard civilization.
He obtained his start in cyber security in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a Cyber Warfare Operations Officer tasked to the National Security Agency.
Robert M. Lee is the founder and CEO at Dragos Inc., an industrial (ICS/OT/IIoT) cybersecurity company on a mission to safeguard civilization.
He obtained his start in cyber security in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a Cyber Warfare Operations Officer tasked to the National Security Agency.
Tom Marsland is an active duty US Navy Master Chief Petty Officer and the Board Chair at VetSec, Inc. He has been on active duty for 19 years and has travelled from the Equator to the North Pole. He has a passion for cybersecurity and helping to make sure no veteran goes unemployed.
Tom Marsland is an active duty US Navy Master Chief Petty Officer and the Board Chair at VetSec, Inc. He has been on active duty for 19 years and has travelled from the Equator to the North Pole. He has a passion for cybersecurity and helping to make sure no veteran goes unemployed.
I have over 10 years of experience in Recruiting/Training & Education Program Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, Diversity & Inclusion, and Personal & Corporate Branding.
Having a strong passion and experience for causes of community engagement, corporate social responsibility, and total societal impact allows me to connect with everyone I come into contact and create + scale programs, globally.
I also leverage my extensive LinkedIn and public speaking presence in a social media campaign that ensures you are known and recognized as an industry leader.
I have over 10 years of experience in Recruiting/Training & Education Program Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, Diversity & Inclusion, and Personal & Corporate Branding.
Having a strong passion and experience for causes of community engagement, corporate social responsibility, and total societal impact allows me to connect with everyone I come into contact and create + scale programs, globally.
I also leverage my extensive LinkedIn and public speaking presence in a social media campaign that ensures you are known and recognized as an industry leader.
Joe Helle is a former elected Mayor, Airborne Infantry Sergeant, and currently the Senior Penetration Tester at TCM Security. Joe's first professional IT position was as a penetration tester, and he has been an ardent advocate of improving IT hiring practices to reflect changes in the industry and talent pool. Joe has earned 3 CVE's In his less than a year in IT and penetration testing - 2020-28351, 2021-37832, and 2021-37833. Joe has spoken previously at VetSecCon 2020 and is a YouTube and Twitch content creator and known personality in offensive security circles.
Joe Helle is a former elected Mayor, Airborne Infantry Sergeant, and currently the Senior Penetration Tester at TCM Security. Joe's first professional IT position was as a penetration tester, and he has been an ardent advocate of improving IT hiring practices to reflect changes in the industry and talent pool. Joe has earned 3 CVE's In his less than a year in IT and penetration testing - 2020-28351, 2021-37832, and 2021-37833. Joe has spoken previously at VetSecCon 2020 and is a YouTube and Twitch content creator and known personality in offensive security circles.
As a tenured Special Operations Warrant Officer, tech blogger, small business owner and Senior Analyst in Global Intelligence, Jaclyn “Jax” Scott has sought to expand her skills within
cybersecurity. Jax has held positions on boards of nonprofits providing tactical advice to reduce injury to women and children effected by sex trafficking and held executive leadership roles
providing cybersecurity guidance to foreign leaders. She is an expert in military cyber policy and has led global development operations in cyber countermeasures to mitigate near-pear
attacks.
Jax has nearly 17 years’ experience working in military operations where she worked on a special unit that offered gender specific intelligence and security solutions. She is committed to
her growth as a leader and is currently finishing her Master’s in Cybersecurity Risk Management at Georgetown University.
As a tenured Special Operations Warrant Officer, tech blogger, small business owner and Senior Analyst in Global Intelligence, Jaclyn “Jax” Scott has sought to expand her skills within
cybersecurity. Jax has held positions on boards of nonprofits providing tactical advice to reduce injury to women and children effected by sex trafficking and held executive leadership roles
providing cybersecurity guidance to foreign leaders. She is an expert in military cyber policy and has led global development operations in cyber countermeasures to mitigate near-pear
attacks.
Jax has nearly 17 years’ experience working in military operations where she worked on a special unit that offered gender specific intelligence and security solutions. She is committed to
her growth as a leader and is currently finishing her Master’s in Cybersecurity Risk Management at Georgetown University.
John Stoner served for 10 ½ years in the Army as a SIGINT analyst, receiving an honorable discharge in
2010. He has over 21 years of experience in the national security, intelligence industry, and defense
sector, with 11 in cybersecurity. He has worked as a CTI analyst, cyber CI analyst, chief of analytics,
deputy director and as a cyber instructor. He holds A+, Net+, CEH, CHFI, CEI, CISD, CASP, FITSP-M-NG
and CISSP certifications. He enjoys giving back to the community and volunteers at career villages and is
active in VetSec, The Diana Initiative, and WiCyS groups.
John Stoner served for 10 ½ years in the Army as a SIGINT analyst, receiving an honorable discharge in
2010. He has over 21 years of experience in the national security, intelligence industry, and defense
sector, with 11 in cybersecurity. He has worked as a CTI analyst, cyber CI analyst, chief of analytics,
deputy director and as a cyber instructor. He holds A+, Net+, CEH, CHFI, CEI, CISD, CASP, FITSP-M-NG
and CISSP certifications. He enjoys giving back to the community and volunteers at career villages and is
active in VetSec, The Diana Initiative, and WiCyS groups.
Lesley Carhart is a Principal Incident Responder at the industrial cyber security company Dragos, Inc. She has spent the last 13 years of her 20+ year IT career specializing in information security, with a heavy focus on incident response to nation-state adversary attacks. Prior to Dragos, she was the incident response team lead at Motorola Solutions, performing digital forensics and incident handling services for both enterprise and public safety customers. Her focus at Dragos is developing forensics and incident response tools and processes for uncharted areas of industrial systems. She is also a curriculum developer and instructor for the Dragos “Assessing, Hunting and Monitoring Industrial Control System Networks” course.
Lesley Carhart is a Principal Incident Responder at the industrial cyber security company Dragos, Inc. She has spent the last 13 years of her 20+ year IT career specializing in information security, with a heavy focus on incident response to nation-state adversary attacks. Prior to Dragos, she was the incident response team lead at Motorola Solutions, performing digital forensics and incident handling services for both enterprise and public safety customers. Her focus at Dragos is developing forensics and incident response tools and processes for uncharted areas of industrial systems. She is also a curriculum developer and instructor for the Dragos “Assessing, Hunting and Monitoring Industrial Control System Networks” course.
Meredyth is a Digital Marketing specialist and former Reservist, deploying twice to Iraq as the first female Combat Camera Team Officer Commanding and Arabic Linguist, as well as serving in Afghanistan as a Media Officer with 3 Commando Brigade. After Afghanistan, she spent six months volunteers in a monastery in Nepal and visiting Gurkha Welfare Trust initiatives in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Meredyth has a wealth of experience in journalism working at ITV London
Meredyth is a Digital Marketing specialist and former Reservist, deploying twice to Iraq as the first female Combat Camera Team Officer Commanding and Arabic Linguist, as well as serving in Afghanistan as a Media Officer with 3 Commando Brigade. After Afghanistan, she spent six months volunteers in a monastery in Nepal and visiting Gurkha Welfare Trust initiatives in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Meredyth has a wealth of experience in journalism working at ITV London
Jon Helmus is a U.S.Navy Veteran and has authored 2 books, appeared on various cyber streams and podcasts, and created and taught copious college-level courses that vary in red teaming, exploit development and cyber warfare. In addition, he has also been professionals red teaming and pentesting for the 4 years, and has been working in technology and information security for over 10 years.
Jon has a bachelor’s degree in information technology, a master’s degree in cybersecurity focusing on ethical hacking & penetration testing, and is currently a Ph.D. student in the Dakota State University Cyber Operations program. He also holds various certifications such as CompTIA Security + and Pentest +, EC-Councils C|EH (Master), and the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
Jon Helmus is a U.S.Navy Veteran and has authored 2 books, appeared on various cyber streams and podcasts, and created and taught copious college-level courses that vary in red teaming, exploit development and cyber warfare. In addition, he has also been professionals red teaming and pentesting for the 4 years, and has been working in technology and information security for over 10 years.
Jon has a bachelor’s degree in information technology, a master’s degree in cybersecurity focusing on ethical hacking & penetration testing, and is currently a Ph.D. student in the Dakota State University Cyber Operations program. He also holds various certifications such as CompTIA Security + and Pentest +, EC-Councils C|EH (Master), and the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
Jeff Tomkiewicz is a recent U.S. Air Force retiree who worked in the military police field. Currently Jeff works Threat and Vulnerability Management within the healthcare industry. He has a bachelor’s degree in cyber security, holds a CompTIA Security + certification and currently working towards his Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
In his spare time, Jeff works within his local communities and provides cyber security training and education for ISSA and AFA Cyber Patriot. Additionally, he volunteers conducting OSINT work for groups such as Trace Labs and local law enforcement agencies.
Jeff Tomkiewicz is a recent U.S. Air Force retiree who worked in the military police field. Currently Jeff works Threat and Vulnerability Management within the healthcare industry. He has a bachelor’s degree in cyber security, holds a CompTIA Security + certification and currently working towards his Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
In his spare time, Jeff works within his local communities and provides cyber security training and education for ISSA and AFA Cyber Patriot. Additionally, he volunteers conducting OSINT work for groups such as Trace Labs and local law enforcement agencies.
Edward Hartmann is a graduate of Evolve Security Academy’s September 2020 remote bootcamp and currently works for the same academy as a Cybersecurity Analyst. From a background in culinary, Edward was able to leverage the fast paced and flexible nature of Evolve’s bootcamp to transition during the pandemic to the career he has always belonged in. Edward works daily with students to help them succeed in their own transitions and education while helping improve the academy as a whole. On his own time, Edward still cooks for his wife daily and pursues certifications in cybersecurity, specifically related to the Cloud.
Edward Hartmann is a graduate of Evolve Security Academy’s September 2020 remote bootcamp and currently works for the same academy as a Cybersecurity Analyst. From a background in culinary, Edward was able to leverage the fast paced and flexible nature of Evolve’s bootcamp to transition during the pandemic to the career he has always belonged in. Edward works daily with students to help them succeed in their own transitions and education while helping improve the academy as a whole. On his own time, Edward still cooks for his wife daily and pursues certifications in cybersecurity, specifically related to the Cloud.
Brandon Benjamin is a graduate of Evolve Academy’s first OSCP bootcamp and is currently working as an Assistant Instructor with the bootcamp. Brandon is an Iraqi War veteran, serving on deployments in 2006 and 2009 as a United States Marine. He spent over 14 years in law enforcement & corrections before transitioning into cybersecurity. During his free time away from raising his two children he enjoys officiating high school football and is an avid video gamer.
Brandon Benjamin is a graduate of Evolve Academy’s first OSCP bootcamp and is currently working as an Assistant Instructor with the bootcamp. Brandon is an Iraqi War veteran, serving on deployments in 2006 and 2009 as a United States Marine. He spent over 14 years in law enforcement & corrections before transitioning into cybersecurity. During his free time away from raising his two children he enjoys officiating high school football and is an avid video gamer.
Ron Woerner, CISSP, CISM is a noted consultant, speaker and writer in the security industry. Ron established the Cybersecurity Studies program at Bellevue University, an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense where he still teaches. He has been a featured speaker for TED, (ISC)2, ISACA, B-Sides, QuBit Prague, ONE Conference The Hague, and RSA conferences and numerous industry podcasts and webinars. As President and Chief Security Evangelist at Cyber-AAA, LLC (https://www.cyber-aaa.com/), he works as a Security Consultant delivering awareness, performing security risk assessments and advising small, medium, and large organizations. Ron is a former US Air Force Intelligence Officer, has numerous technology degrees and is passionate about building the next generation of cyber professionals.
Ron Woerner, CISSP, CISM is a noted consultant, speaker and writer in the security industry. Ron established the Cybersecurity Studies program at Bellevue University, an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense where he still teaches. He has been a featured speaker for TED, (ISC)2, ISACA, B-Sides, QuBit Prague, ONE Conference The Hague, and RSA conferences and numerous industry podcasts and webinars. As President and Chief Security Evangelist at Cyber-AAA, LLC (https://www.cyber-aaa.com/), he works as a Security Consultant delivering awareness, performing security risk assessments and advising small, medium, and large organizations. Ron is a former US Air Force Intelligence Officer, has numerous technology degrees and is passionate about building the next generation of cyber professionals.
Senior information security manager and technologist with 25+ years experience in the IT security and intelligence fields performing roles in management, engineering, software development, auditing, incident response, and threat intelligence.
Senior information security manager and technologist with 25+ years experience in the IT security and intelligence fields performing roles in management, engineering, software development, auditing, incident response, and threat intelligence.
Paul is currently the Department Head for Applied Technology and Assistant Professor of Practice for the University of Arizona’s Cyber Operations Program. Additionally, he provides virtual Chief Information Security Officer consulting services to multiple companies.
Prior to working with the University of Arizona, Paul spent 20 years in the Army
including time as Infantry and Recruiting during his 12 years of enlisted time and a Signal Officer for his remaining 8 years.
Paul’s educational background includes BS in Social Psychology and Business
Management and Marking, MBA, MS in Cyber Security, and is pursuing his PhD in Cyber Defense from Dakota State University. He holds numerous certifications from SANS,
ISC2, EC-Council, and CompTIA.
Paul is currently the Department Head for Applied Technology and Assistant Professor of Practice for the University of Arizona’s Cyber Operations Program. Additionally, he provides virtual Chief Information Security Officer consulting services to multiple companies.
Prior to working with the University of Arizona, Paul spent 20 years in the Army
including time as Infantry and Recruiting during his 12 years of enlisted time and a Signal Officer for his remaining 8 years.
Paul’s educational background includes BS in Social Psychology and Business
Management and Marking, MBA, MS in Cyber Security, and is pursuing his PhD in Cyber Defense from Dakota State University. He holds numerous certifications from SANS,
ISC2, EC-Council, and CompTIA.
Samuel Cameron, is the Team Lead for Cisco System’s Managed Security Services for their United States based Secure Operations Center (SOC). He has an experienced background in security operations, network engineering, threat intelligence, and automating the boring stuff.
He is the Technology Advisory Board (TAB) Vice Chairman for the Town of Wake Forest in North Carolina, where he lives with his wife and daughter.
Samuel Cameron, is the Team Lead for Cisco System’s Managed Security Services for their United States based Secure Operations Center (SOC). He has an experienced background in security operations, network engineering, threat intelligence, and automating the boring stuff.
He is the Technology Advisory Board (TAB) Vice Chairman for the Town of Wake Forest in North Carolina, where he lives with his wife and daughter.
Peter Cline joined the Army in August, 2017 as an Infantryman and held a variety of different roles including Team Leader and Instructor. He won the Fort Benning Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year competition (fastest winner of all time), alongside one of his Soldiers who won Soldier of the Year for 2020. He was honorably discharged in December of 2020. After being discharged, Peter founded Boots to Books, a non-profit assisting Veterans in their education and employment that has covered over $10,000 in training and assisted hundreds. Outside of his non-profit, Peter has studied Political Science and Economics at Chapman University, concurrently led multiple successful teams on a Congressional Campaign and now works at a Financial Planning practice. He regularly speaks for Veterans and is an advocate for Veterans in higher education and competitive employment.
Peter Cline joined the Army in August, 2017 as an Infantryman and held a variety of different roles including Team Leader and Instructor. He won the Fort Benning Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year competition (fastest winner of all time), alongside one of his Soldiers who won Soldier of the Year for 2020. He was honorably discharged in December of 2020. After being discharged, Peter founded Boots to Books, a non-profit assisting Veterans in their education and employment that has covered over $10,000 in training and assisted hundreds. Outside of his non-profit, Peter has studied Political Science and Economics at Chapman University, concurrently led multiple successful teams on a Congressional Campaign and now works at a Financial Planning practice. He regularly speaks for Veterans and is an advocate for Veterans in higher education and competitive employment.
Stephen responded to his first cyber incident in 2001, led a couple military cyber teams, founded a company, sold it, and now works as a vCISO and executive advisor. He mentors a couple hundred people every year trying to get in to cybersecurity or take their game to the next level.
Stephen responded to his first cyber incident in 2001, led a couple military cyber teams, founded a company, sold it, and now works as a vCISO and executive advisor. He mentors a couple hundred people every year trying to get in to cybersecurity or take their game to the next level.
Brad Rhodes, Head of Cybersecurity for zvelo in Greenwood Village, CO,
holds numerous professional certifications and he has 24+ years
experience in the military, government, and private sectors. Brad is a
Veteran who continues to serve in the US Army Reserve as the G6/Chief
Information Officer for the 76th Operational Response Command delivering
communications for the Nation’s CBRNE response mission. Brad's major
research includes utilizing Open Source capabilities to help organizations
close security gaps, characterize their cyber operating environments, and
gain visibility to stacks of data. He's been known to drown Lego people
illustrating the reality of cyber effects.
Brad Rhodes, Head of Cybersecurity for zvelo in Greenwood Village, CO,
holds numerous professional certifications and he has 24+ years
experience in the military, government, and private sectors. Brad is a
Veteran who continues to serve in the US Army Reserve as the G6/Chief
Information Officer for the 76th Operational Response Command delivering
communications for the Nation’s CBRNE response mission. Brad's major
research includes utilizing Open Source capabilities to help organizations
close security gaps, characterize their cyber operating environments, and
gain visibility to stacks of data. He's been known to drown Lego people
illustrating the reality of cyber effects.
Bill is President & Chief Advisor of Kieffer & Associates Limited, an advisory firm specializing in Military Veteran Career Transition, Leadership Coaching, Strategic Talent Management, and Professional Speaking and Facilitation services.
He is the author of “Military Career Transition: Insights From the Employer Side of the Desk”, which released in July 2021 as the #1 New Release in Amazon’s Job Hunting category.
Bill has coached, advised, mentored and worked with hundreds of service members, veterans and others around the globe regarding career transition, leadership development and performance improvement throughout his career.
He also serves as a coach and coach advisory board member for “The Honor Foundation”, a non-profit group providing career transition services to the special operations community.
Bill is a senior human resources executive with over 23 years professional experience in multiple large, complex, global companies. His broad-ranging work includes full spectrum HR and talent management, and coaching/advising individual
leaders and teams from the c-suite to the shop floor.
Prior to these experiences, Bill served nearly 12 years active duty as a U.S Army Officer in a variety of command and staff positions.
Bill is active in his community being twice appointed and three times elected to public office, and serving with a number of veteran-related organizations.
Bill was honored to present “Investing in the Middle” at TEDx Toledo in 2017.
He has worked in / travelled to 32 countries and has set foot on every continent except Antarctica.
He is married with five grown kids and in his free time loves riding his Harley.
Bill is President & Chief Advisor of Kieffer & Associates Limited, an advisory firm specializing in Military Veteran Career Transition, Leadership Coaching, Strategic Talent Management, and Professional Speaking and Facilitation services.
He is the author of “Military Career Transition: Insights From the Employer Side of the Desk”, which released in July 2021 as the #1 New Release in Amazon’s Job Hunting category.
Bill has coached, advised, mentored and worked with hundreds of service members, veterans and others around the globe regarding career transition, leadership development and performance improvement throughout his career.
He also serves as a coach and coach advisory board member for “The Honor Foundation”, a non-profit group providing career transition services to the special operations community.
Bill is a senior human resources executive with over 23 years professional experience in multiple large, complex, global companies. His broad-ranging work includes full spectrum HR and talent management, and coaching/advising individual
leaders and teams from the c-suite to the shop floor.
Prior to these experiences, Bill served nearly 12 years active duty as a U.S Army Officer in a variety of command and staff positions.
Bill is active in his community being twice appointed and three times elected to public office, and serving with a number of veteran-related organizations.
Bill was honored to present “Investing in the Middle” at TEDx Toledo in 2017.
He has worked in / travelled to 32 countries and has set foot on every continent except Antarctica.
He is married with five grown kids and in his free time loves riding his Harley.
Anthony "TonyP" Pillitiere is co-founder and CTO at Horizon3.ai, a company passionate about helping organizations improve their security posture through autonomous pen-testing. He served 21 years in the United States Air Force, where he spent 16 years in highly competitive positions with highly sensitive missions. His twilight position was as Deputy CTO for a USSOCOM organization, where he drove a digital transformation that increased the capability of the national mission force and IC. He is passionate about helping veterans any way he can, though his biggest passion is his amazing wife (veteran) and two beautiful children.
Anthony "TonyP" Pillitiere is co-founder and CTO at Horizon3.ai, a company passionate about helping organizations improve their security posture through autonomous pen-testing. He served 21 years in the United States Air Force, where he spent 16 years in highly competitive positions with highly sensitive missions. His twilight position was as Deputy CTO for a USSOCOM organization, where he drove a digital transformation that increased the capability of the national mission force and IC. He is passionate about helping veterans any way he can, though his biggest passion is his amazing wife (veteran) and two beautiful children.
Bea Zhang is a SIEM Manager at GDIT and a proud member of the VetSec community. She served as a Cyber Operations Officer in the Active Army, and continues service as a Civil Affairs
Officer in the Army Reserve. She lives in Germany and speaks enough German, Chinese as well as French to survive in her world travels. She is seeking to improve both her language and technical skills, learning from the veteran community.
Bea Zhang is a SIEM Manager at GDIT and a proud member of the VetSec community. She served as a Cyber Operations Officer in the Active Army, and continues service as a Civil Affairs
Officer in the Army Reserve. She lives in Germany and speaks enough German, Chinese as well as French to survive in her world travels. She is seeking to improve both her language and technical skills, learning from the veteran community.
David is the Founder and CEO of two global cyber security companies TrustedSec and Binary Defense. David is considered a world-renowned cyber security expert and has testified in front of Congress, is frequently on national news organizations, and enjoys fitness and hacking his own mind and body. David served in the US Marine Corps, working for the intelligence community, and spent several years in the middle east including Iraq.
David is the Founder and CEO of two global cyber security companies TrustedSec and Binary Defense. David is considered a world-renowned cyber security expert and has testified in front of Congress, is frequently on national news organizations, and enjoys fitness and hacking his own mind and body. David served in the US Marine Corps, working for the intelligence community, and spent several years in the middle east including Iraq.
See how we're getting ready for VetSecCon 2021 below!