The inaugural Southern Maryland Cyber Summit took place on June 20 in Calvert County, setting a precedent for an annual event aimed at enhancing cybersecurity collaboration and innovation across the state. Organized by ePlus and hosted by Calvert County Government at the College of Southern Maryland’s Prince Frederick campus, the summit gathered cybersecurity leaders from various sectors for a day of discussions and insights into the latest trends and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on cybersecurity.
The Southern Maryland Cyber Summit underscores Calvert County Government’s commitment to cybersecurity and collaborative efforts among local leaders and experts. By convening leaders from multiple sectors, the county aims to bolster cybersecurity resilience and foster innovation. Initiatives like this are vital for protecting critical infrastructure, safeguarding data, and promoting economic growth through a secure digital environment.
“Calvert County Government is proud to have hosted this significant event and looks forward to the continued success of the Southern Maryland Cyber Summit as it evolves and expands to other locations across the state,” said Technology Services Director Stephen Pereira. “The collaboration and discussions initiated today are crucial for strengthening cybersecurity strategies and embracing the future of AI in protecting our digital infrastructure.”
The summit featured a fireside chat with Maryland State Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Greg Rogers and Calvert County Technology Services Deputy Director and CISO Kathryn Poff. Their discussion focused on cybersecurity strategies and challenges at both state and local levels.
Another highlight was a discussion on the future of AI and cybersecurity, featuring Oki Mek, CISO for Microsoft Federal and Civilian, and Tim Gilday, senior director of emerging technology at GDIT. They explored how emerging technologies are shaping the cybersecurity landscape.
Panel discussions emphasized local government cooperation and security trends in AI, with insights from experts across various counties and academic institutions. The keynote address by Matthew Radolec from Varonis, titled “Preventing Your First AI Breach,” was particularly well-received by attendees.
Panelists included:
- Stephen Pereira, Calvert County CIO
- George Jenkins, Charles County CISO
- TJ Mayotte, Howard County CIO
- Mark Van Pelt, UMES CIO
- Gene Ikner, Cecil County CISO
- Chris Houseknecht, Comptroller of Maryland CISO
- Mark Ripper, Carroll County CIO
The event was attended by executives, senior IT and cybersecurity professionals, as well as representatives from government and educational sectors. The summit provided a valuable platform for networking and knowledge sharing among industry leaders and peers.
The success of the Southern Maryland Cyber Summit reflects a growing recognition of the need for robust cybersecurity measures and collaboration in an increasingly digital world. By bringing together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders, the summit aimed to address the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies and the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
As the summit concluded, participants expressed optimism about the future of cybersecurity in Southern Maryland and beyond. The event highlighted the region’s commitment to staying ahead of cybersecurity threats and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. The summit’s organizers plan to build on this success and continue to expand the event to other locations across the state, ensuring that the lessons learned and connections made continue to benefit the broader community.
