CIO & CISO Think Tank

Conan Sandberg is Senior Director of Cyber Security at Platform Science, building scalable security programs and leading enterprise cyber strategy across AWS, endpoint, and network environments. A USAF veteran, he specializes in SOC development, Zero Trust, API security, and regulatory compliance (HIPAA, HITRUST, SOC 2, ISO 27001), aligning cybersecurity with business growth, digital transformation, and M&A. Conan is recognized for executive influence, cross-functional collaboration, and embedding security as a strategic advantage.

Arin Brown is Chief Technology Officer at SeaChange Print Innovations, leading digital transformation, AI-driven automation, and enterprise data platforms. He has grown the company from a $10M print operation into a $40M technology-enabled marketing and data services organization, aligning technology strategy with business outcomes, revenue growth, and competitive advantage. Arin specializes in platform modernization, cybersecurity compliance (HITRUST, SOC2, PCI-DSS, HIPAA), and building high-performance technology organizations.

Wells Larsen is an enterprise technology executive with dual expertise in platform engineering and cybersecurity, recognized as a DC100 Top 100 Deputy CISO (2025). He has led large-scale cloud, platform, and security transformations across healthcare systems, including post-breach modernization at INTEGRIS Health, driving Zero Trust adoption, AI governance, and enterprise-wide security resilience. Wells is also Founder of Mufasa Security, providing fractional CIO/CTO/CISO services to align architecture, governance, and risk with business priorities. He specializes in cloud platforms, enterprise architecture, identity and access management, security operations, and translating complex technology and risk challenges into actionable business outcomes.

Allison Miller serves as the Chief Information Security Officer and Senior Vice President for Optum. As SVP & CISO at Optum, Miller has accountability for the Enterprise Information Security Officers and the Global Cyber Regulatory Programs. In addition, she has developed a global security framework focusing on patient safety, the security of clinical operations, and a global cyber crisis response plan Prior to her role with the Global Enterprise Information Security Office, Allison was the Director of National Healthcare Compliance for UnitedHealthcare, Chief Privacy Officer for OptumHealth, and Deputy Chief Privacy Officer, National Privacy Director for UnitedHealthcare. In addition to global cybersecurity, Allison has over 20 years of experience in health information systems and crisis management. During her tenure at UnitedHealth Group, Allison has developed methods to identify gaps in care and predict health outcomes for individuals with chronic conditions. Additionally, Allison is a volunteer EMT and First Responder in Louisiana, serving residents during Hurricanes Katrina and Isaac. Most recently, Allison was privileged to serve refugees in Greece, providing healthcare support to front-line clinicians. Allison has earned various degrees and certificates from Upsala College, the Wharton School, Kellogg Executive Education, ISC2, and MIT Sloan School of Management. She holds certifications from GIAC, ISACA, HCCS, and other technology areas of focus beyond security. She is also involved with several groups, including UHCL Cyber Security Institute, Health Care Compliance Association, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and HIPAA Security Officers. Allison continues to volunteer her time across organizations to help raise awareness regarding the emerging cybersecurity landscape and the global threats they present to patient care. Allison is passionate about diversity and inclusion. She serves on the Board of Directors for Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) and speaks publicly at schools and colleges around the globe.

A rare C-suite digitally native executive with deep operational and advisory leadership experience, passionate about helping clients envision and execute aggressive transformation agendas while ensuring operational resilience. Expert in leading consensus-rooted change to automate and streamline legacy operations, digitally transform the customer experience, and create a security-first, data-centric mindset, no matter the industry involved. Adept at working with CEO’s, Boards, and Investors to envision, launch, and successfully implement multi-billion-dollar technology transformations, merger integrations and divestitures, and new products. Demonstrated ability to view business portfolios (legacy, existing or acquisition targets) dispassionately, and to transform, reposition, integrate, or divest as needed to accomplish strategic aims while preserving essential culture.

Kenny Vargas is Managing Director and Head of Software and Data Engineering at Piper Sandler, leading the modernization of software and data platforms through AI, RPA, analytics, and full-stack development. With 20+ years of experience, he delivers scalable solutions that enhance firm performance while mentoring teams to foster innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.

Jason Trunk serves as Vice President and Field CTO at Island bringing over 25 years experience with emerging end-user compute technologies, application performance, server side code optimization, network decryption, and virtualization. Jason has held prior leadership roles at Amazon Web Services, BigPanda, JPMorganChase, AppDynamics, Mercury Interactive and Quest Software. Jason resides in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, is a father of two, loves squash, sailing, island-hopping, and riding his OneWheel electric skateboard around the world.

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

Mike Jackson is the Senior Director for the consulting group known as Concierge for North America at Arctic Wolf. He leads a team of hundreds of information security professionals throughout the United States and Canada. Mike also is the Executive Sponsor for Arctic Wolf’s Proud Wolves group; a DEI group focused on LGBTQIA+. Additionally, Mike has been in information security for over 20 years, with career arcs in security testing, computer forensics and investigations, threat intelligence, security audit, and security research. He has lead teams at Target and Best Buy, and was the head of security for SmartThings, a subsidiary of Samsung focusing on smart home technology before securing his position at Arctic Wolf.

Mitch Maxwell is a Systems Engineer at Fortinet with over 25 years of experience in networking and cybersecurity. He works with enterprise organizations to design secure, scalable architectures across on premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. Prior to Fortinet, Mitch spent more than a decade at UnitedHealth Group, where he served as both a technical contributor and a leader, supporting large scale, mission critical environments. He brings a practical, experience-driven perspective focused on simplifying complexity, improving security outcomes, and aligning technology with business goals.

Frank Ross is Director of Cybersecurity at Andersen Corporation, with previous experience leading Enterprise Information Security and Enterprise Architecture. He specializes in business enablement, data protection, and defensible architecture while empowering teams to deliver secure and effective technology solutions. Frank brings a strong focus on aligning security strategy with organizational goals and operational excellence.

Manu Goyal is CTO at SmartStory, leading product and technology strategy for AI-powered platforms in regulated healthcare and fintech. He has scaled global teams of 350+, managed $70M+ budgets, and delivered $500M+ in new revenue through AI/ML innovation, cloud modernization, and platform engineering. Manu specializes in healthcare interoperability, SaaS architecture, regulatory compliance, and building people-centric engineering and product organizations that connect strategy to execution.

Daniel May is Senior Director of Information Security at Choice Hotels International, serving as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on technology risk management. He specializes in optimizing IT-related risk, developing operational capabilities, and fostering organizational accountability and risk awareness to ensure secure and efficient technology operations.

Manisha Datye is a visionary technology executive driving business transformation and operational excellence. Currently serving as Strategic Technology Advisor at Ecolab, she leads the strategy to unify and modernize platforms, enabling customer-centric capabilities across Field, Sales, and Corporate functions. She partners cross-functionally to align technology strategy with business outcomes, focusing on unified customer support, enterprise intranet modernization, and digital subscription and self-service capabilities. Manisha has a proven track record of steering large-scale digital transformations, modernizing legacy systems, and delivering measurable business results. She specializes in scalable, cloud-native solutions, leveraging AI, fostering high-performing global teams, and advancing operational efficiency while cultivating a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Linda Finley is a global digital enterprise leader, consultant, and advisor with extensive experience in strategy, business architecture, and organizational transformation. She leverages coaching, education, and practical frameworks to help executives and organizations achieve desired maturity, drive high-value results, and improve organizational health. Linda is also the Founder and Board Chair of the Twin Cities Business Architecture Forum (TCBAF), promoting business architecture best practices and connecting professionals since 2010.

Steven Peterson is Chief Architect at AON Reinsurance, with extensive experience building technology solutions in healthcare and life sciences. He specializes in enterprise architecture, large-scale transformation initiatives, and aligning technology strategy with broader business objectives. Steven has led high-profile projects at Fortune 5 companies, contributed to government and defense programs, and mentors youth in technology and AI initiatives.

Alexander Àkàndé is a cybersecurity and GRC leader with 20+ years of experience translating cyber risk into actionable business decisions. As Business Information Security Officer at Xpeed Resources, he advises organizations on governance, compliance, and security program maturity, reducing attack exposure while improving executive confidence. Alexander specializes in regulatory alignment (NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, NYDFS), risk reduction, incident response governance, and bridging technical cybersecurity with strategic business outcomes.

Caleb Anderson is Chief Operating Officer at O'Rourke Media Group, leading operations and sales strategy to drive revenue growth and market share. With 6+ years in the media industry, he specializes in sales management, key account development, customer relationship management, and contract negotiation, building high-performing teams and long-term client partnerships.

Bill Kloster is Chief Information Officer and Principal at SEH, responsible for delivering reliable IT services, managing security risks, and executing the company’s technology strategy. He specializes in large program delivery, infrastructure operations, distributed and cloud computing, and technology leadership for financial services, HR, marketing, sales, and engineering teams. Bill combines strategic planning with hands-on execution to align IT capabilities with business objectives.

Saima Gonsalves is Chief Information Officer at TyMe Institute, leading healthcare IT and AI-driven digital transformation initiatives. With 24+ years of experience in PMO, project management, and business leadership, she drives strategic growth, operational efficiency, and customer-focused technology solutions. Saima specializes in cross-functional team leadership, change management, process improvement, and delivering measurable business impact through innovative healthcare technologies.

Jamshid Vayghan is a global technology executive, enterprise architect, and AI expert with a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence. As CTO and Distinguished Engineer at Kyndryl, he advises strategic markets worldwide, helping organizations modernize, transform, and leverage AI, ML, cloud, and emerging technologies for tangible business outcomes. Jamshid combines hands-on expertise in AI, data, and enterprise architecture with global leadership, mentoring, and a focus on building scalable, future-ready solutions.