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 Force

Ms. Ashley Devoto

Chief Information Officer for the Department of the Air Force

Ms. Ashley Devoto is the Chief Information Officer for the Department of

Gen Adrian Spain | Commander, Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis

Gen Adrian Spain

Commander | Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis

Gen. Adrian L. Spain is the Commander, Air Combat Command, Joint Base

Lt Gen Luke Cropsey | Military Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics

Lt Gen Luke Cropsey

Military Deputy | Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics

Lt. Gen. Luke C. G. Cropsey is the Military Deputy, Office of

Mr. Kenneth C. McNeill | CIO/J6

Mr. Kenneth C. McNeill

CIO | National Guard, Director | C4 Systems Directorate

Kenneth C. McNeill, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the

Ms. Charleen Laughlin | Senior Executive Service, Deputy Chief of Space Operations (DCSO) for Cyber and Data (SF/S6) at United States Space Force

Ms. Charleen Laughlin

DCSO | Cyber and Data (SF/S6) at United States Space Force

Ms. Charleen Laughlin, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the

Brig Gen Jeffrey A. Phillips | Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Warfighter Communications and Cyber Systems

Brig Gen Jeffrey A. Phillips

Deputy Chief of Staff for Warfighter Communications and Cyber Systems

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey A. Phillips is the Air Force Deputy Chief of

Lt Gen Paul T. Stanton | Commander, Department of Defense Cyber Defense Command |Director, Defense Information Systems Agency

Lt Gen Paul T. Stanton

Commander, DoD Cyber Defense Command | Director, DISA

As the DISA director, Stanton manages a global network of more than

Private Sector Keynotes & Panelists

Alexis Bonnell | Head of AI Adoption and Deployment at OpenAI for Government

Alexis Bonnell

Head of AI Adoption and Deployment at OpenAI for Government

Alexis Bonnell is the Head of AI Adoption and Deployment at OpenAI

Dave DeWalt | Founder and CEO, NightDragon

Dave DeWalt

Founder and CEO, NightDragon

Dave DeWalt is the founder and CEO of NightDragon, a venture capital

Gaine Nazareth | CTO, ServiceNow

Gaine Nazareth

CTO, ServiceNow

Gaine Nazareth is a trusted advisor to senior leaders across the Department

Wendi Whitmore | Chief Security Intelligence Officer, Palo Alto Networks

Wendi Whitmore

Chief Security Intelligence Officer | Palo Alto Networks

Wendi Whitmore is the Chief Security Intelligence Officer at Palo Alto Networks,