CIO & CISO Think Tank

Cecilia Li is the Chief Information Officer at Urban Edge Properties, a NYSE-listed REIT managing, acquiring, developing, and redeveloping retail real estate across urban communities from Washington, D.C. to Boston. She serves as a strategic partner to executive management, providing vision, analysis, and recommendations that drive technology strategy and operations. With over 20 years of experience focused on customer service and digital transformation, Cecilia leads initiatives that deliver continuous, impactful solutions across the business. She is a recognized speaker on innovation, business intelligence, cybersecurity, and operational optimization, and actively contributes to the industry as Co-Chair of Realcomm, Board Member of the Real Estate Cyber Consortium (RECC), award recipient, and mentor to aspiring IT professionals.

Rod Aday is the Chief Information Security Officer at Bank of China USA and an Advisory Board Member of the CISO/CIO Governing Body. With over 22 years of executive experience across finance, banking, telecoms, and cybersecurity, he has guided organizations through complex technological transitions, migrations, and business continuity planning. Rod specializes in influencing board-level decisions, implementing data-driven, risk-based approaches, and enabling businesses to navigate digitization while meeting shareholder and board expectations. He leads organization-wide security initiatives, drives cyber intelligence and incident response, and identifies strategic partnerships to strengthen enterprise security. Rod is recognized for his ability to combine technology, processes, and people to deliver sustainable and competitive advantage.

Namrata (Nam) Shah is a global technology and digital transformation executive with 23+ years of experience driving enterprise-scale innovation, finance modernization, and digital platform strategy. Recognized as an AWS Hero, Microsoft MVP, and re:Invent speaker, she partners with Boards, CEOs, and executive teams to align technology, data, and finance strategies, delivering scalable, secure, and future-ready platforms. Namrata specializes in AI/LLMs, cloud modernization, ERP transformation, ESG integration, and enterprise operating model redesign, while building and leading high-performance global engineering organizations. Her leadership balances innovation with accountability, embedding DevSecOps, cloud-native architectures, and governance frameworks to turn transformation vision into measurable business outcomes.

Alaa Moussawi serves as Chief Data Scientist for the New York City Council, where he oversees the operations of the data and web development units. Under his leadership, the data operations unit promotes the utilization of data to shape legislative initiatives aimed at addressing the diverse needs of NYC's residents. Utilizing advanced statistical and technological tools, they analyze a broad spectrum of issues pertinent to the city, ranging from pay equity to school bus delays. Their objective is to empower policymakers with data-driven insights, ensuring transparency and reproducibility in their models and research. Simultaneously, the web development unit designs and implements technologies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of council staff while reducing cognitive load. By leveraging algorithms and natural language processing (NLP) technologies, they streamline user interfaces and automate complex tasks. Their solutions, developed exclusively using open source technology, are customizable and include CRMs, internal websites for streamlined processes like paperless hearings, dashboards, and machine learning models deployed to facilitate daily council operations.

Amit Gupta is the Chief Information Officer at TMRW Life Sciences, Inc., leading technology strategy for ivfOS™, the world’s first automated system for fertility specimen management. With over seven years at TMRW, Amit drives the development of secure, scalable, and fully digital solutions that eliminate human error in the management of eggs, embryos, and sperm. He oversees predictive analytics, RFID-based tracking, and 24/7 monitoring systems, ensuring a 100% digital chain of identity for reproductive tissues. Under his leadership, TMRW’s technology is deployed across U.S. clinics representing approximately 20% of fertility cycles and is expanding into Europe. Amit’s work combines deep technical expertise with innovative problem-solving to advance the safety and efficiency of reproductive healthcare.

Brennan Lodge is the Director of Information Security at the Manhattan Institute, leading the organization’s cybersecurity strategy and safeguarding critical data and infrastructure. He oversees incident response, conducts risk assessments, and implements security policies aligned with NIST standards. Brennan is also founder and CEO of BLodgic Inc., whose Audit CADDIE platform automates GRC gap analysis. Previously, he served as VP of Data Science at Goldman Sachs and R&D Global Lead of Analytics for Cyber Security at HSBC. Brennan teaches AI-driven security at NYU, advises governments, startups, and Fortune 500s on AI policy, cyber defense, and compliance automation, and is recognized internationally for his research in Retrieval-Augmented Generation for cybersecurity.

Amir Sternhell is the Chief Strategy Officer at Sertainty Corporation, driving corporate strategy, business development, and global adoption of the company’s Core UXP Technology and intelligent data solutions. With over 30 years in IT, corporate learning, and high-tech industries, he has guided Sertainty’s expansion into critical infrastructure, DoD, and enterprise markets. Amir previously served as Chief Learning Officer for a multinational IT firm representing Harvard Business Publishing, managed learning services for 250+ global clients, and held leadership roles in Israel’s high-tech ecosystem and the Israel Defense Forces. He serves on multiple advisory boards, including GuardDog AI and OLB.com, and holds degrees from Tel Aviv University, Columbia University, and EDHEC Business School.

Avishan Bodjnoud is the Chief of Information Management (IMU) at the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Department of Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). She leads a team of data and information management specialists, providing innovative and strategic support to peacekeeping and political missions worldwide. Avishan drives the use of data, AI, and information management to promote more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable outcomes. With over four years at the UN, she has shaped advanced information strategies to enhance mission effectiveness and operational decision-making. Passionate about leveraging technology for global impact, Avishan champions AI-driven solutions, data governance, and cross-mission collaboration to strengthen the UN’s peacekeeping and political initiatives.

Melissa Ouari is the Information Security and Business Continuity Officer for Money Management International. She has been I the world of technology and accounting for more than 25 years and has served in leadership positions while in her role at public accounting firms in New York City and Boston. Melissa has an array of cyber risk experience and worked across virtually all industry sectors. In her role at Money Management International, she is establishing collaborative relationships with key business and IT stakeholders to strengthen security protocols across the enterprise and finding balanced solutions to achieve productivity, efficiency and internal controls.

Griffen Thomas is the Director of AI Solutions and Programs at NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. In his role, Griffen leads initiatives focused on leveraging AI across NBCUniversal’s portfolio of film, television, streaming, and consumer experiences. With over four years at NBCUniversal, he has held progressive roles in operations, including Director of Operations and Senior Manager of Operations, contributing to the company’s mission of delivering world-class content through leading entertainment and news brands such as NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, Bravo, and Peacock. Griffen holds a degree from Indiana University Bloomington and brings a strong operational and strategic perspective to AI-driven programs at NBCUniversal.

Louie Celiberti is the Managing Director and Head of Software Engineering – Shared Services at Guggenheim Partners, with over 17 years at the firm. He leads enterprise software engineering, cloud transformation, and AI initiatives, establishing a culture of cross-functional collaboration and innovation. Louie has developed forward-looking technology roadmaps and built a comprehensive enterprise application ecosystem integrating proprietary systems, legacy platforms, and modern SaaS solutions. He spearheaded the alignment of Workday, SharePoint, and ServiceNow with proprietary applications, streamlining processes organization-wide, and established firm-wide SDLC policies across diverse engineering teams. With deep expertise in cybersecurity and evolving architectures, Louie ensures technology strategies are secure, scalable, and aligned with business priorities.

Anusha Anantharaman is the Chief Innovation Officer at the NYC Department of Education, where she leads high-profile initiatives focused on service delivery, performance improvement, and organizational transformation. With over a decade at NYC DOE, Anusha drives change in areas including demand management, cost efficiency, capacity planning, emergency preparedness, safety, and sustainability. She specializes in government administration, operations management, procurement, and full-cycle product development, applying entrepreneurial and transformational leadership to create measurable value. Known for building high-performing teams and optimizing complex processes, Anusha leverages strategic problem-solving and risk management to enhance service outcomes and drive innovation across the Department.

Kevin Walsh is the Chief Information Security Officer at Party City, bringing over 15 years of experience delivering business-enabling security programs across industries including Media, Manufacturing, Real Estate, SaaS startups, Defense, Retail, and Consumer Products. He leads collaborative, consensus-driven teams that empower ownership and autonomy, while advising security and privacy startups and enterprises. Kevin specializes in enterprise security, agentic AI enablement, cloud security, threat intelligence, and data privacy, with deep expertise in NIST CSF, ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, CPRA, HIPAA, and financial compliance frameworks. He has extensive experience in board reporting, security M&A due diligence, and risk management, and is recognized for implementing forward-looking security strategies that balance business enablement with robust risk mitigation.

Nora Osman is the Founder & CEO of Norvana, a boutique Customer Experience Optimization company helping organizations reimagine customer and employee experiences through a human-centered, service-driven approach. She is a transformational leader, coach, keynote speaker, and Fellow at the Institute for Digital Transformation. With more than 25 years of experience leading complex IT and service transformations, Nora specializes in turning friction into fuel, aligning people, process, and technology to create world-class experiences that work simply and beautifully.

Feras Tappuni is the CEO and founder of SecurityHQ and is responsible for overseeing all the technical and financial aspects of the company. With over 25 years’ experience, he has dedicated his life to cyber security and is driven by the desire to offer his clients the highest degree of protection against today’s cyber threats. Feras has delivered complex security and engineering projects to prestigious clients globally. From harnessing the right technology, processes, and people, he ensures that SecurityHQ delivers a truly enterprise grade experience. Founded in 2003, SecurityHQ has evolved into a leading global cybersecurity business, headquartered in London with operations spanning Dubai, New York, Pune, Johannesburg, and Brisbane, supported by a team of over 480 full-time employees. Feras holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and continues to play an active role in shaping the global cybersecurity landscape, helping organisations navigate an increasingly complex digital world.

Rahil Parikh is a Senior Manager of Security Engineering and Architecture at Zinnia, where he has built and leads robust security operations, engineering, and architecture programs. With over a decade of experience in the information security space and a strong focus on fostering a culture of trust and security without impeding business, Rahil has dedicated his career to effectively managing security risk while enabling business growth. He holds a master’s degree in Information Assurance from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Gujarat University.

Eugene Kogan is the Global IT Director and Head of IT and Security at Population Council, leading IT strategy, cybersecurity, and enterprise technology operations across multiple continents. He has driven cloud modernization, reducing costs by 30%, implemented cybersecurity and data governance programs aligned with NIST and ISO 27001, and led enterprise ERP and systems integration initiatives. Eugene oversees global IT operations and engineering teams, champions AI-driven innovation and cloud adoption, and serves on the Risk Management Committee. He has been recognized with FutureEdge50 and AWS Awards for excellence in AI and digital transformation.

Derrick A. Butts is the CEO/Founder of Continuums Strategies LLC. Derrick helps organizations develop enterprise cyber-resilience and risk management strategies to secure their business culture before the AI driven cyber-attacks. With 20+ years of strategic enterprise resilience experiences, he’s digitally transformed enterprise environments with up to 700,000 employees and supported winning contracts up to $3.2B. As an Enterprise Cyber-Resilience Advisor |SME, and former CIO/CISO, he’s been entrusted by CEOs, boards of directors, C-Level executives, financial directors, Navy Captains/Directors, federal/state technology directors, university CIOs/CTOs, and non-profits. He’s proactively addressed the adoption/integration of enterprise innovations through IT/security challenges while aligning cyber-resilience strategies with operational survivability requirements to meet mission compliance objectives. Additionally, he’s worked with business cultures to logistically embrace enterprise digital transformations and necessary vendor services to support their eco-system's resilience strategy. Recognized as a Top Cybersecurity Leader - 2021/2020.

Demond Waters is a highly accomplished and visionary leader serving as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the New York City Public Schools, the largest school district in the United States. With a career marked by a deep commitment to safeguarding sensitive information, securing critical systems, and dedication to building the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. His extensive experience spans over 15 years in the field of information security. As the CISO of NYC Public Schools, Demond has established himself as a forward-thinking leader who embraces innovation while preserving a strong commitment to the safety of students, staff, and sensitive data. He has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity framework tailored to the unique requirements of the school district, prioritizing both proactive threat mitigation and responsive incident management. With Demond Waters at the helm as CISO, the New York City Public Schools are setting the benchmark for cybersecurity in the educational sector. His dedication to creating a safe and secure environment for students to learn and thrive ensures the continued success of the largest school district in the United States.

Charlotte Edwards is the Vice President of Operations at Cyberwolf, a boutique cybersecurity firm protecting the personal digital lives of high‑profile individuals. With seven years of experience in cybersecurity and three years at Cyberwolf, she has helped Fortune 500 leaders, nobility, elite athletes, and wealthy families stay safe online in an increasingly hostile threat landscape. Charlotte played a key role in establishing Cyberwolf’s U.S. presence and brings deep expertise in the risks facing executives and VIPs. Before joining Cyberwolf, she served as Chief of Staff for the B2B division of one of Europe’s leading ICT companies.

Guardian Life Insurance Company of America provides insurance and wealth management products and services including life, disability, and dental benefits. Guardian was founded in 1860 and is headquartered in New York City, New York.

Kamal Syal is the Vice President and Chief Enterprise Architect at Eaton, leading the Global Enterprise Architecture organization and overseeing the enterprise technology portfolio. With extensive experience in transformational initiatives, Kamal provides thought leadership, architecture guidance, and governance across the enterprise. He created and leads Eaton’s Enterprise AI Strategy, governing AI/ML, GenAI, and agentic AI capabilities, and defined the Enterprise Agentic AI Architecture integrating SaaS and custom-built AI agents. Kamal has deployed and matured the Business Capability Model to enable capability-based planning, investment prioritization, and strategic decision-making. He also leads DevSecOps teams, standardizing software release automation and driving enterprise-wide technology innovation across cloud adoption, digital manufacturing, ERP standardization, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Ilya Alper is a technology leader with 20 years of experience in financial services, currently a member of the Chief Architect Network. He is known for driving enterprise-scale strategy and execution across complex, multi-stakeholder environments, designing and implementing platforms, systems, and operating models that enhance business growth, efficiency, and customer experience. Ilya excels at aligning executives, engineering teams, and business partners around clear priorities, translating strategy into delivery through pragmatic decision-making, strong communication, and stakeholder management. A trusted connector across functions and industries, he builds relationships that accelerate execution and elevate organizational outcomes.

Jeff Lattal is a Product Evangelist at Wisdom AI, where he leverages domain expertise to help organizations transform raw data into a competitive advantage. With 18 years of experience at ConocoPhillips and Halliburton, he has been at the forefront of the energy sector’s digital evolution, specializing in the deployment of large-scale AI, BI, and digital solutions. Throughout his career, Jeff has focused on bridging the gap between legacy industrial operations and cutting-edge technology. His background in implementing complex analytics solutions in one of the world's most data-intensive industries—Oil and Gas—allows him to provide unique, high-level guidance to Wisdom AI. He is dedicated to helping enterprises move beyond static reporting to embrace a future of proactive, agentic analytics that drives real-time decision-making.

Jason Sansone is the Global Head of Sales at Straiker, an AI security company focused on protecting enterprise AI applications and autonomous agents. He has spent his career helping build and scale category-defining cybersecurity companies, including NetScreen, Varonis, Tanium, SentinelOne, and Apiiro. Joining several of these organizations early as a founding GTM member, Jason helped expand enterprise markets and support major growth milestones, including three cybersecurity IPOs. Today he works with enterprise leaders securing the next generation of technology as organizations rapidly deploy AI. At Straiker, his focus is helping companies on the safety and security of AI Agents through red teaming, runtime guardrails and their Star Research Team

Bryan Head is the VP of Sales at Scrunch, where he leads revenue strategy and sales execution, focused on helping brands win in AI-driven discovery and digital experiences. Over the course of his career, Bryan has held senior sales leadership roles at leading SaaS and technology companies, including Salesforce and Evergage, with a track record of building high-performing teams and driving growth in dynamic markets. He brings a practical, frontline perspective on how emerging technologies are reshaping customer engagement, go-to-market strategy, and competitive advantage.

A cybersecurity leader with extensive experience across product and application security, cloud security, enterprise security architecture, and risk management. She specializes in secure software development, identity and access management, regulatory compliance, and large-scale security integrations, leading initiatives that strengthen governance, data protection, and enterprise risk frameworks. An international speaker and active leader in the cybersecurity community, Cindy is known for mentoring emerging talent and contributing to industry associations. Her work spans threat modeling, security testing, cryptography, compliance frameworks such as GDPR, NIST, and ISO 2700x, as well as applying data analytics and machine learning to advance modern security programs.