Explore the transformative potential of Generative AI in this forward-looking session, where we will delve into how this cutting-edge technology is set to revolutionize business and technology landscapes. We will discuss emerging trends, anticipated advancements in the next 12-24 months, and their impact on various industries. Learn about practical applications of Generative AI, from enhancing customer experiences to driving innovation and operational efficiency. Our experts will also address the ethical considerations, regulatory challenges, and best practices for successful AI integration. Join us to gain insights into how Generative AI can unlock new opportunities and shape the future of your organization.
The Future of IT & Cybersecurity
CIO & CISO Think Tank
September 23, 2025 - Chicago, IL
Past and Present Visionaries


Michael Myint
CISO
AdaptHealth


Sean McCormack
CIO
First Group


Robert Pace
VP/CISO
Invitation Homes
Think Tank Speaker
Robert is the Vice President, Information Security and CISO for Invitation Homes. He is responsible for leading the Information Security program for Invitation Homes. Responsibilities include establishing a sound security strategy, governance, operations, service delivery, business integration and end-user awareness training. Robert’s career spans over 20 years in leading global teams in the delivery of IT Security operations. Robert has been influential in the leadership, design of security operations and delivery at First American Payment Systems, Dell Services, Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co., Bell Helicopter, Textron and Ameritech. Robert also has significant consulting experience obtained while working at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Robert has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Science Degree from Walsh College of Business and Accountancy. Robert has completed the Executive Leadership Program at Thunderbird - Gavin School of International Management. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO), ITILv3 and a Certified Six-Sigma Green Belt.


Wei Manfredi
VP of Global Architecture, Data & Generative AI
McDonalds


Sugato Bose
Chief Enterprise Architect
Medline Industries


Rajeev Khanna
Global CTO
Aon


Richard Rushing
CISO
Motorola Mobility a Lenovo Company
Think Tank Speaker
Mr. Richard Rushing is the Chief Information Security Officer for Motorola Mobility LLC.; Richard participates in several corporate, community, private, and government Security Council’s and working groups setting standards, policies, and solutions to current and emerging security issues. As Chief Information Security Officer for Motorola Mobility, he has led the security effort by developing an international team to tackle the emerging threats of mobile devices, targeted attacks, and cyber-crime. He organized developed and deployed practices, tools and techniques to protect the intellectual property across the worldwide enterprise. A much-in-demand international speaker on information security Richard has presented at many leading security conferences and seminars around the world.


Ravi Vemuri
EVP Data & Analytics
TriMark USA


Erik Hart
CISO
Cushman & Wakefield
Think Tank Speaker
Erik Hart oversees global information security for Cushman & Wakefield, one of the world’s largest commercial real estate services firms. A recognized thought leader with more than 20 years of experience in providing information security services to various industries and organizations, he also serves in an advisory role for numerous companies and organizations in the information security field, including Mimecast, CrowdStrike, InfraGard Chicago Members Alliance and Western Illinois University. Before joining Cushman & Wakefield in 2018, he served as CISO and Director of IT Risk Management for Zebra Technologies, a provider of mobile, logistics and point-of-sale technology and systems to retail, health care, transportation, manufacturing and other industries. Erik earned his Bachelors from Western Illinois University and Masters from Western Governors University.


Shirley Mui-Lyles
MD, Technology & Innovation
CIBC


Katie Hanahan
Deputy CISO
AMA

Jeff Wolniakowski
CIO
Sage Equity Partners


George Wang
CMO
Peterson Technology Partners

Grant Ecker
Founder Chief Architect Network / VP of Enterprise Architecture
Ecolab
Think Tank Speaker
Grant Ecker is the Founder and Chairman of the Chief Architect Network, and most recently the Vice President Chief Enterprise Architect at Danaher where he partnered closely with the architects across the company to lead strategy development, establish technology standards and to identify opportunities for modernization and transformation. Prior to Danaher, Grant was the VP, Global Head of Architecture at Walgreens Boots Alliance, and he held a similar role at Medtronic. Earlier in Grant’s career he held architecture and management roles with expanding responsibility at Lowe’s and General Mills. Grant is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, he received an MBA from University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, and his BS in Computer Science from Washington University in St. Louis. Grant is a board member of the Women in Architecture initiative and he holds various board advisory roles out of Chicago, Illinois. Please connect with Grant at

Nanji Chandrasekhar
CIO
Ascend Together
September 23, 2025
Attend this event
Agenda
All times Central Time
8:30 AM-9:00 AM
Registration
9:00 AM-9:30 AM
Morning Networking
9:30 AM-9:40 AM
Opening Remarks
9:40 AM-10:05 AM
Vision Voices Keynote
The Future of Generative AI: Transforming Business and Technology


Wei Manfredi
VP of Global Architecture, Data & Generative AI
McDonalds
10:10 AM-10:55 AM
Keynote Panel
Rearchitecting the Enterprise for Agentic AI: Control, Collaboration, and the Next Frontier of Automation
Agentic AI, autonomous systems that perceive, reason, and act with minimal human intervention is poised to redefine how work gets done. As these intelligent agents move beyond experimentation into enterprise-scale deployments, organizations must prepare to fundamentally rearchitect their digital environments.
This panel will explore how leaders can operationalize agentic AI to drive efficiency, creativity, and strategic advantage while preserving oversight, governance, and trust. Discussion topics will include designing workflows around autonomous decision-making, managing human-agent collaboration, and navigating emerging risks such as bias, security, and operational drift. Join us as we unpack what it truly means to lead in an era of intelligent, action-oriented AI and how to ensure these agents serve both your innovation goals and core business values.


Sugato Bose
Chief Enterprise Architect
Medline Industries
10:55 AM-11:15 AM
Coffee Break
11:15 AM-12:00 PM
Panel
Bridging Strategy and Systems: Aligning Business Goals with IT Innovation
In a world of rapid digital disruption, the most successful organizations are those where business strategy and IT execution move in lockstep. This panel brings together business and IT leaders to explore how to align long-term growth objectives with the right mix of emerging technologies—from AI and cloud platforms to data-driven decision-making and modern application architectures.
Panelists will discuss how to break down silos between departments, drive innovation through collaborative planning, and build agile digital infrastructures that scale with evolving business needs. Expect insights on joint KPIs, governance frameworks, and the cultural shifts required to turn IT from a support function into a strategic growth enabler.
12:05 PM-12:40 PM
Fireside Chat
Unleashing Innovation: CIOs Driving New Business Models through Scalable GenAI
12:45 PM-1:00 PM
Disruptor
Blueprint to Cloud Success: Unifying Infrastructure and Security for Digital Transformation
In the race to achieve digital transformation, cloud adoption is no longer a competitive advantage - it’s a business imperative. But rapid cloud expansion often leads to fragmented infrastructure, siloed security strategies, and increased operational complexity, putting transformation goals at risk. This session will explore how organisations can break down these barriers by taking a unified approach to cloud infrastructure and security.
Join us to uncover practical strategies for building a resilient, scalable cloud foundation that accelerates innovation while keeping security at the core. We’ll dive into how to simplify operations, enhance visibility, and ensure consistent security policies across hybrid and multi-cloud environments - empowering IT leaders to drive transformation faster and with confidence. Whether you’re just starting your cloud journey or optimising an existing environment, this session will provide a clear blueprint to do cloud right.
1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
2:00 PM-2:45 PM
Panel
The Future of Cyber Resilience: Winning in a World of Constant Threats
In an era of escalating cyber threats, evolving attack surfaces, and accelerated digital transformation, traditional security models are no longer enough. This keynote will explore what it means to build cyber resilience in today’s complex environment—where speed, adaptability, and business alignment are paramount. From securing hybrid and multi-cloud environments to integrating AI-driven threat intelligence, we’ll examine how leaders can future-proof their security strategies while enabling innovation. Learn how to shift from reactive defense to proactive resilience, ensuring your organization can not only withstand but thrive amid disruption.
2:50 PM-3:25 PM
Fireside Chat
Cybersecurity Leadership in the Era of AI and ML: Navigating Innovation and Responsibility
In the dynamic realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), CISOs play a pivotal role in leveraging these advancements for enhanced cybersecurity. Strategic integration of AI and ML is essential for bolstering security measures, optimizing decision-making, and driving innovation. CISOs must adopt a comprehensive approach, considering the entire lifecycle of these technologies to ensure both efficiency and ethical use. Establishing robust governance frameworks becomes paramount, addressing biases, ensuring transparency, and minimizing unintended consequences.
Looking ahead, as AI and ML continue to advance, CISOs face evolving challenges and regulatory considerations. Proactive engagement involves staying informed about changing regulations, particularly in areas such as data privacy and ethical AI practices. CISOs should strive for a tech-enabled understanding of AI and ML systems, encompassing deployment, impact, and security measures. This approach positions organizations to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively, ensuring responsible and competitive integration of AI and ML into cybersecurity strategies.