DAFITC Keynote Speakers and Panelists
DAFITC speakers represent a diverse expertise across a broad spectrum of subjects. From in-depth discussions on cutting-edge cyber threats to innovative strategies driving technological advancements, our event features seasoned IT professionals and specialists sharing their unique insights and experiences. Attendees can expect a dynamic blend of perspectives from leaders and decision-makers hailing from both public and private sectors, offering invaluable perspectives on the ever-changing landscape of IT and cybersecurity technologies.
Below are the current keynote speakers you can expect to hear from at DAFITC 2026. Check back frequently to see the latest additions to this year’s packed line up!
Public Sector Keynotes & Panelists
Ms. Ashley Devoto
Chief Information Officer for the Department of the Air ForceMs. Ashley Devoto is the Chief Information Officer for the Department of
Gen Adrian Spain
Commander | Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-EustisGen. Adrian L. Spain is the Commander, Air Combat Command, Joint Base
Mr. Kenneth C. McNeill
CIO | National Guard, Director | C4 Systems DirectorateKenneth C. McNeill, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the
Ms. Charleen Laughlin
DCSO | Cyber and Data (SF/S6) at United States Space ForceMs. Charleen Laughlin, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the
Brig Gen Jeffrey A. Phillips
Deputy Chief of Staff for Warfighter Communications and Cyber SystemsBrig. Gen. Jeffrey A. Phillips is the Air Force Deputy Chief of
Lt Gen Paul T. Stanton
Commander, DoD Cyber Defense Command | Director, DISAAs the DISA director, Stanton manages a global network of more than
Private Sector Keynotes & Panelists
Lt Gen William Bender
Security & Defense Exec | Board Member | USAF CIO | Innovation & Growth | Transformation Leader | Relationship BuilderBill Bender is a seasoned board member, tech industry executive, former USAF
Alexis Bonnell
Head of AI Adoption and Deployment at OpenAI for GovernmentAlexis Bonnell is the Head of AI Adoption and Deployment at OpenAI
Dr. William Chappell
VP and CTO for the Strategic Missions and Technologies Division, MicrosoftDr. William Chappell is the Vice President and CTO for the Strategic
Dave DeWalt
Founder and CEO, NightDragonDave DeWalt is the founder and CEO of NightDragon, a venture capital
Michael Gerstenhaber
VP of Product Management for Agents, APIs, and Vertex, Google Cloud AIMichael Gerstenhaber is the Vice President of Product Management for Agents, APIs,
Taylor Herron
Account Executive (USAF), PalantirSince joining Palantir in 2023, Bingo has led the company’s Air Force
Dr. Nikhil Krishnan
Chief Technology Officer and Chief AI OfficerDr. Nikhil Krishnan is Chief Technology Officer and Chief AI Officer at
Gaine Nazareth
CTO, ServiceNowGaine Nazareth is a trusted advisor to senior leaders across the Department
Jason Prow
Senior Partner, Service Line Leader, Data & Tech Transformation, Federal Market, IBM ConsultingMr. Jason Prow has spent 16 years serving Public Service clients globally.
Wendi Whitmore
Chief Security Intelligence Officer | Palo Alto NetworksWendi Whitmore is the Chief Security Intelligence Officer at Palo Alto Networks,