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
Lt Gen Thomas Hensley
Commander | 16th Air Force (AFCYBER), Joint Base San Antonio-LacklandLt. Gen. Thomas K. Hensley is the Commander, Sixteenth Air Force; Commander,
Dr. Keith Hardiman
Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Department of the Air ForceDr. Keith L. Hardiman, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is
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
Dr. Wanda Jones-Heath
Principal Cyber Advisor for the Department of the Air ForceDr. Wanda T. Jones-Heath, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is
Col Asan Q. Bui
Director of Cyberspace and Technology | Headquarters Air Force Reserve CommandCol. Asan Q. Bui is the Director of Cyberspace and Technology at
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
Mr. Kenneth McNeill
Senior Executive Service | National Guard Chief Information Officer and Director of the Command, Control, Communications Computers (C4) Systems DirectorateKenneth C. McNeill, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the
Lt Gen Paul T. Stanton
Commander, Department of Defense Cyber Defense Command |Director, Defense Information Systems AgencyAs 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
Taylor Herron
Account Executive (USAF), PalantirSince joining Palantir in 2023, Bingo has led the company’s Air Force
Lt Gen Bradford J. “B.J.” Shwedo
USAF RetiredLt. Gen. Bradford J. “B.J.” Shwedo is the Director for Command, Control,
Michael Black
Vice President for Defense AFCEA InternationalMichael “Mike” B. Black, vice president for Defense, joined AFCEA International in
Lauren Knausenberger
Board Member | EnerSys; Advisor | Numerour Private Capital and Private Sector FirmsLauren Knausenberger is a technology executive and corporate board director with experience
Gaine Nazareth
CTO, ServiceNowGaine Nazareth is a trusted advisor to senior leaders across the Department
Brad Pyburn
Managing Director, Deloitte & ToucheBrad Pyburn is a seasoned leader in cybersecurity and national security with
Jason Prow
CTO | IBM FederalMr. Jason Prow has spent 16 years serving Public Service clients globally.
William Marion
CEO and Founder | Mission Digital DefenseWilliam E. “Bill” Marion II is a recognized leader in digital transformation
Henrik Ohlsson
Group Vice President and Chief Data Scientist, C3 AIHenrik Ohlsson is the Group Vice President and Chief Data Scientist at
Admiral Michael Rogers (ret.)
United States Navy RetiredAdmiral Rogers is a member of the Board of Directors or Advisory
Wendi Whitmore
Chief Security Intelligence Officer | Palo Alto NetworksWendi Whitmore is the Chief Security Intelligence Officer at Palo Alto Networks,